Virgin Voyages is among new arrivals calling on the destination
Colombia says it’s making inroads in the cruise market, attracting growing numbers of people who enjoy sailing on salt water and catching the attention of those interested in traveling on fresh water as well.
The country participated in recent Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, a presence that followed two decades of sustained growth in its cruise industry and developing what tourism board ProColombia says is a booming tourism sector.
In 2024, the country welcomed a record 6.8 million international visitors, an estimated 8.5% increase over the previous year.
“With our participation at every event and with each new arrival – whether it’s a luxury river cruise on the Magdalena or a first call from Virgin Voyages – Colombia, the Country of Beauty, continues to redefine what is possible in cruise tourism,” said Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia.
“With an eye on sustainability, cultural immersion and long-term partnerships, Colombia is cruising into a future full of promise.”
Tourism authorities are praising the cruise industry for having played a transformative role in Colombia’s tourism growth, driving economic development, encouraging infrastructure investment, and fostering cultural exchange across the country’s coastal regions. “With its stunning dual coastlines along the Pacific Ocean and the Greater Caribbean Region, Colombia offers an unparalleled variety of cruise destinations. These range from well-established ports like Cartagena and Santa Marta to emerging gems such as San Andrés, La Guajira and the Gulf of Morrosquillo – each rich in natural beauty, history, music, and culture,” ProColombia says.
Colombia offers the Caribbean destinations of Cartagena, Santa Marta and San Andrés, and Bahía Solano on the Pacific.
Last year saw 38 cruise lines call at 11 Colombian ports.
ProColombia says the country’s dedication to the cruise industry is reflected not only in rising port calls, but in its continued investment in sustainable tourism, local community engagement, and port infrastructure. “As a result, Colombia is no longer just a stopover, it’s becoming a destination in itself.”
ProColombia used Seatrade to highlight new developments, including Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady making its first call in Cartagena in January, marking the company’s debut in Colombia. With nearly 2,500 passengers aboard, this milestone underscored Cartagena’s status as a key player in the Caribbean cruise circuit and sets the stage for ongoing collaboration through 2026, according to authorities .
AmaWaterways will soon begin its first luxury river cruise operations on the Magdalena River, making Colombia home to the first-ever luxury river cruise in South America. This marks a new chapter in experiential travel, blending Colombia’s inland beauty with elevated cruise experiences, authorities add.
Meanwhile, the San Andrés Islands have emerged as a destination, having ramped up efforts to improve visitor experiences through sustainability initiatives, cultural programming, and new partnerships with airlines, resulting in hotel occupancy rates above the national average. San Andrés is known for crystal-clear waters and expanding port readiness, but what truly sets it apart is the unique Raizal culture, almost 40 world-class scuba diving sites, and one of the Caribbean’s most stunning beaches. With the neighboring islands of Providencia and Santa Catalina, San Andrés forms part of the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-designated site that encompasses not only the archipelago but also 10% of the Caribbean Sea — over 300,000 square kilometers of protected marine richness.
