Cartegena Colombia

[justmestace]

Thanks for your reply! My initial thought when I saw this port listed was wow that would be really neat to see. Then I read the travel warning and was scared. That is why I posted the initial question. I wanted first hand experience from someone who has traveled there. Thank you for your input. I think I might actually think about taking a organized DCL shore excursion to see this beautiful place. I would not venture off the ship any other way though. The travel warning got to me. I might just leave my kids in the kids club too. Just to be extra safe. I didn't mean to offend anyone who loves Colombia by asking if the port was a Dangerous Place. You have to admit the travel warning is pretty frightening. But from reading some of the posts from people who have cruised there on other lines, it doesn't sound as scary and looks like it might be a beautiful new place to visit. Cautiously that is.

You were 100% right in asking......and it does seem scary. I was glad that I just happened to have the CT & L magazine and it had a feature article.

We always need to be cautious no matter where we travel these days!

 

[webray]

Believe me..disney would not take you to a dangerous port.

 

[NYAna]

Cartagena is beautiful. I hope to plan a trip there again in about a year or so. My DH is from Colombia. I spend a month in Colombia when I was younger. A beautiful country with beautiful people indeed! Do more research and if you feel more comfortable sticking to DCL excursions then by all means please do so. Do what makes you feel comfortable though. Enjoy!

 

[crzy4magic]

The State Department Reports cover the entire country and may narrow down areas of greater concern. Before we took the 2005 Eastbound Repo I looked up the Reports on Mexico and Panama - those were pretty scary too - espescially for the areas in Southern Mexico.

If you go ashore, you have to be aware to your surroundings, don't get separated from your group and make sure people know where you are going.

As far as armed guards go, this has happened in Europe for at least 20 years. In the 1980's I saw machine gun armed police guarding police stations in Paris, soldiers in full combat gear guarding the Brussels airport, South Korean soldiers in full combat gear guarding the bridges in Seoul and had an armored car escort our plane from the runway to the gate in Munich. We in the United States have led a charmed life compared to other parts of the world. I was actually happy to see the soldiers near the ship in Manzanillo and Acapulco.

 

[Stinasmom]

Regarding the "military type" security in foreign ports...
when we were in Cabo San Lucas in 6/05 on the Magic, we were amused by the gun ships circling around the ship the whole time. We anchored out and tendered in at this port, but the heavily armed boats certainly "had our back!"

I was a bit surprised at this because we have traveled to Cabo on 4 other occasions for a week at a time and felt safer there than in Downtown LA. Cabo hardly even compares to the rest of Mexico when it comes to danger---even the water and ice there are OK for most!

 

[wide awake]

Thanks for all who have posted positive experiences. Maybe I'm a ding-dong, but I'm never afraid of any "what possibly might happen"...have had way toooo many "it happened and you weren't even thinking of that possibility"...sooo, can we all say we're going to give this port a chance ? I was on the EB 2005 repo...way too many sea days, and I love sea days...they're too fattening !

 

[dawngee]

did anyone forget that we won't be in the US anymore? Most countries when you visit either at airports or regular ports will have their military as guards. whether you are in london, rome, paris, milan, or any caribbean port the military is posted somewhere. I remember the guards in Costa Maya.

Also, if there is any concern or risk, the cruise would be rerouted to a different port if need be. no matter the cruise the risk of potential danger to their passengers certainly is taken into consideration. i can't imagine there is a cruise line out there who feels the port stop is more important than any potential "negative press" or lawsuits which could evolve as a result of "civil unrest".

As for the emeralds, this would be the one reason I would book this cruise. Emeralds will always have some inclusions it's the nature of the stone. However, the opportunity to purchase from the "source" is very enticing. Just remember you get what you pay for.

Lastly, the mediterranian is another area that can be "iffy" at times. Consider you are in waters that border the northern African countries such as Morocco and others. Also, don't forget Turkey.

Besides, staying on board in a port isn't such a bad thing--especially if it's Disney.

dawn g

 

[tap & dap]

I for one was glad to see Cartagena on the itinerary. The more foreign ports we stop at the better always love to see different cultures. Yes there is some risks but no more so than any other country in the world.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

did anyone forget that we won't be in the US anymore? Most countries when you visit either at airports or regular ports will have their military as guards. whether you are in london, rome, paris, milan, or any caribbean port the military is posted somewhere. I remember the guards in Costa Maya.

Also, if there is any concern or risk, the cruise would be rerouted to a different port if need be. no matter the cruise the risk of potential danger to their passengers certainly is taken into consideration. i can't imagine there is a cruise line out there who feels the port stop is more important than any potential "negative press" or lawsuits which could evolve as a result of "civil unrest".

As for the emeralds, this would be the one reason I would book this cruise. Emeralds will always have some inclusions it's the nature of the stone. However, the opportunity to purchase from the "source" is very enticing. Just remember you get what you pay for.

Lastly, the mediterranian is another area that can be "iffy" at times. Consider you are in waters that border the northern African countries such as Morocco and others. Also, don't forget Turkey.

Besides, staying on board in a port isn't such a bad thing--especially if it's Disney.

dawn g

First I agree on security I see it leaving London and I see it on arrival at all USA Airports

Next Emeralds are the thing to buy their but take care although this is the place to buy them, it isnt guranteed they are a better deal.

This is one place to go only to the shops recommended by the cruise line and not do it yourself.

 

[catwoman25]

In 2001 my family spent a week at the Hilton in Cartegena. We had a fabulous time. All those armed solidiers are just like our armed police officers, they are there to protect and serve. Our daughter is from Colombia, so we actually spent another 3 weeks in Bogota. I felt very safe walking to and from the stores and resturants. We are looking forward to visiting Colombia when our daughter is a teenager, so she can see her country of birth.

 

[scubarn]

found some info on the Cruisecritic site...
here is what one person posted:
"As an American married to a Colombian/American, I feel safer walking the street of Cartagena then i do walking the street of some American cities. We own real estate in Cartagena, I will walk with my ipod in the mornings, and am not bothered or harrased by anyone.
I would suggest renting a taxi for the day for a private tour. This last summer we rented a mini van for 6 people for a guided full day tour for $40.00/US total.
Suggested highlights..
San Felipe Fort.. very historical, but alot of walking
La Popa.. the monastery overlooking the city
Plaza Bolivar.. very pretty area in the old city that has both the Gold Museum and the Museum of Inquisition, you will be able to find english speaking guides at both of these museums.
Las Bovedas.. in the old city, area for souvenir shopping
Pierino Gallo in Laguito has great prices for gold and emeralds
Chiva tour of the city, tour on open air bus
Boat ride to the Rosario Islands.. islands off the coast of Cartagena, crystal clear blue water and white sand beaches, great diving and snorkling."

I am definitely looking for lots of positive stuff from RECENT visits before I get off the ship there.

Hey that was my post from the cruisecritic board!! Just found out about the summer 2008 cruise today! too bad the kids will be back in school, I would love to be on that repro cruise. Cartagena is a very beautiful and culturally rich city. It is like any other urban area, you will see very rich areas and also very poor areas with people begging on the street corners and yes the police will be dresses in fatigues and carry rifles. Cartagena is where the Colombian Navel Base is located so there is a big military presence in the city.Cartagena is in the mist of a big building boom, real estate is skyrocketing and lots of money is being poured into the city for upgraded infrastructure. Having the Magic in port will probably be a big deal for the Colombian people, the kids all love Mickey Mouse and anything Disney!

feel free to look at my pictures from last summer
http://community.webshots.com/user/lmosos

 

[AdamEfimoff]

Very old thread
but you could do this https://www.blueparallel.com/colombia-tours-luxury-travel/
there are two very good hotels in bogota ran by a certain chain