COLOR, CULTURE AND CARTAGENA

The Norwegian Pearl sailed into Cartagena, Columbia  at 7am on April 15, 2018.  This beautiful port is located on the Northern coast of Columbia and dates back to 1533. As the first Spanish colony on the American continent and one of the first sanctuaries of freed African slaves in the Americas, I was anxious to visit this UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Colors of Old Town Cartagena

Some have described Cartagena as “A fairy-tale city of romance, legends and preserved beauty lying within an impressive 13km of centuries-old colonial stone walls.” The walls surrounding the city were built towards the end of the 16th century after the Battle of Cartagena de Indias, an English attack led by Sir Francis Drake.  

Sir Francis Drake   Photo: PUblic Domain

I had not prearranged a shore excursion but had read several articles about Cartagena. Most notably how safe the city is, listing it as one of the safest in all of Columbia. I felt ready to explore this gem.

As I stepped off the ship and glanced at my clock it was 8:30am.  I found myself gazing down a long row of varied sizes, shapes and colors of buses.

Transportation lines up on the dock

The one that immediately caught my eye was a red double-decker hop on hop off bus. This would be my choice for the days adventure. 

Red double-decker hop on hop off bus in Cartagena

As I boarded and began to make my way to the top deck, I grabbed a route map and a set of earphones for the narration. 

A nice feature allows you to purchase your ticket onboard and charge it to your cabin using your key card.   Note:  If you pre-purchase the ticket online the cost is $23.  If you purchase the ticket once you board the bus and charge it to your cabin, the cost will be $49.

Seated and ready to go

Normally the route includes 11 stops but for cruise ships the route is expanded to 14 to include the port area.  Be sure to get off at stop 3 -  "Torre del Reloj" (the Tower of the Clock). This is also an entrance to the walled city and where you will begin the free 90-min narrated walking tour.  This is included in the cost of your ticket.  Your guide will provide you with a receiver and earphones.  This worked quite nicely and it allowed me to hear all the narration without being right next to her. You can also buy ice cold water here from local vendors for only $1.

Getting our receivers and headsets at entrance to walled city

Old Town is a maze of cobblestone alleys, bougainvillea covered balconies, vivid colored buildings and massive churches. 

 

 As we made our way through the old city we stopped at the air-conditioned Chocolate Museum.  Not a large facility but one wall displayed the history of chocolate.  Upstairs were restrooms. 

Also included is free admission to the Gold Museum.  Opened in 1982, the museum is dedicated to Colombia's indigenous Zenu people and is a miniature version of Bogotá's Museum del Oro,  a world-class gold museum. 
I did not go inside this building.

Instead of taking the bus all the way back to the ship, I got off at the cruise terminal and you will want to do the same.  Don't miss this area.  From here it’s just a short 5 minute walk to the ship or you can take the complimentary shuttle service. 

L to R: Anne Kirkby, Katie Ostheller, Eric Kirkby at entrance to Cruise Terminal

As I strolled through the terminal I was taken back by how beautiful it was.  I encountered parrots, peacocks, flamingos, deer, turtles, ducks, as well as several types of monkeys and birds. 

 

 

There are areas of manicured gardens with ponds, waterfalls and small squares with fountains.  It was absolutely fantastic.

Also in this area you will find open seating areas with coffee shops and kiosks and a good Wi-Fi connection making it a great place to enjoy a cool drink and check your emails before returning to the ship.  The Wi-Fi connection is not complimentary however.  You will pay a $5 fee at a kiosk to obtain a password.

Try out one of the $2-$4 local or imported beers or one of the house cocktail specials.  I ordered the house special and then watched them make it, blending ice with freshly squeezed orange juice and Columbian Rum.  The cost was $5 but well worth the wait.  Very tasty and refreshing.  Perhaps it was the double shot of rum she put in the drink. 

After relaxing, checking emails and having a refreshing drink, I left the terminal.  You can walk to the ship but I opted to board the complimentary shuttle back.  Our appointed boarding time was 1:30pm and I stepped onto the ship at 1:29pm.  Perhaps I did cut that a little close but I wasn't the only one pushing the clock.  It was a great day in Cartagena and I can't wait to return.  

Complimentary Shuttles back to the ship.