Colombia Welcomes First Call from Virgin Voyages – Cruise Industry News

The port of Cartagena recently celebrated the first call of the Resilient Lady as part of an itinerary that also marked Virgin Voyages’ first visit to Colombia.

According to ProColombia, the country’s promotion agency, the inaugural arrival is a significant event, underscoring Colombia’s growing prominence in the global cruise industry.

“This is a key moment for Colombia. It is the result of years of collaboration with Virgin Voyages and other industry stakeholders,” said Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia.

“At ProColombia, we have tirelessly promoted the country’s maritime connectivity with the goal of solidifying Colombia as an attractive destination for cruise tourism. This achievement reinforces our position as a regional leader and is a victory for all Colombians,” she added.

The Resilient Lady arrived in Cartagena on Jan. 24, 2025, bringing nearly 2,500 guests to the port as part of an 11-night cruise that departed from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Passengers were able to explore the city’s rich culture and historic sites during the visit, ProColombia said, while enjoying immersive experiences that included culinary excursions and cultural activities.

In addition to Cartagena, the itinerary of the Resilient Lady also included visits to Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten.

“We are thrilled to bring Virgin Voyages to Colombia for the first time. Cartagena’s unique blend of history, culture, and vibrant atmosphere offers an incredible experience for our sailors. We look forward to fostering a lasting relationship with this beautiful destination,” said Virgin Voyages’ Manager of Shore Excursions, Lee Kayley.

In addition to the Resilient Lady, Cartagena welcomed three additional ships on Jan. 24: Cunard’s Queen Anne, the Norwegian Pearl and the Norwegian Joy.

“With four ships from three major cruise lines docked in our port and hosting nearly 23,000 tourists, Cartagena reaffirms its capacity, administrative commitment, and the synergy that defines our tourism ecosystem,” said Liliana Rodríguez, executive president of Corpoturismo, the tourism board of Cartagena.

“The arrival of Virgin Voyages further solidifies our position as Colombia’s leading cruise destination,” she added.