Boutique cruises bring the big bucks to Cartagena
Smaller luxury boutique cruises are making a big difference to Cartagena’s local economy
The big cruise liners usually make the headlines in Cartagena for their size and the number of passengers they bring in. But sometimes less is more, and boutique cruises are proving just how much of an impact they can have on the city’s economy. Unlike the large cruise ships, where passengers often stay onboard for meals and entertainment, visitors from luxury ships tend to head into town spending money in the bars, restaurants, shops, on tours and other local experiences.
This year 31 boutique cruise ships have docked at Cartagena, bringing around 3,600 to 4,000 passengers to the city. Those numbers may not compare with the big cruise liners, but the financial impact is far from small. Estimates suggest that these visitors spend up to €700,000, with crew members contributing an extra €43,000 to €65,000 over the year.
Luxury lines like Ponant, SeaDream Yacht Club and Windstar regularly dock in Cartagena and their passengers enjoy Cartagena’s fine dining options. Ships such as the Corinthian and SeaDream I are among the most frequent visitors and these passengers often spend more time exploring the city rather than staying on board.
Why boutique cruises make a difference
Passengers on these boutique cruises often spend more time in Cartagena. They book guided tours, enjoy meals in local restaurants and spend time shopping. Many also visit cultural and historic sites like the Roman Theatre and other museums in the area. By contrast, passengers on the larger cruise liners opt to stay on board. With a short time in port and plenty of entertainment, dining options and activities available on the ship, it is often more convenient for them to stay onboard.
The smaller boutique cruises also help spread tourism throughout the year. They dock between March and December, not just during the high season. This helps to keep bars, restaurants and shops busy in the quieter months.
Image: Puerto de Cartagena
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La Manga Adventure Golf for a perfect family day out in the Mar Menor.
La Manga Adventure Golf is open from 10.30am... Last tee-off time: 8pm.
Their famous Full English Breakfasts will continue to be served from 10.30am until 1.00pm. Reserving your Tee-off time is still requested please.Call or WhatsApp directly on 0034 693 934 381 to reserve your start time.
Located just behind Playa Honda near to Cabo de Palos and La Manga, with easy access from the RM-12.
La Manga Adventure Golf is a fun and leisure complex located just a short drive from the La Manga Club resort and the southern end of the Mar Menor, close to the beach resorts of Playa Honda and Playa Paraíso, the La Manga camping park and Cabo de Palos.
The complex offers a fun day out for families, couples and visitors of all ages close to the beaches of the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean.
The stand-out attraction at La Manga Adventure Golf is the fun and immaculately maintained mini-golf course, which provides a challenge both for experienced golfers and for those who have never played before. However, other facilities include full-size snooker tables, a pool table, a dart board, table football and table tennis tables, and the bar-lounge offers a range of meals and refreshments from ice-creams for the youngsters to champagne for those celebrating a special occasion!
This is a popular venue not only for families with children but also for groups of friends and couples looking for an entertaining day out, and events such as birthdays, anniversaries and parties can be also be catered for.
The Family Adventure Golf course opens all year round from 10.30 in the morning until after dark and rounds are affordably priced at just 11 euros for adults and 6 euros for children, although many take advantage of the highly recommended Golf Meal Deal. This is available at 19 euros for adults and 12 euros for children, with special rates on offer for groups of over 10, and large groups including golf societies are welcome!
The Meal Deal choices include prime Icelandic cod and chips, Irish burger and chips, curry of the day, lasagne and the healthy tuna salad option (with a choice of dressings) as well as the traditional British ploughman’s lunch. Vegetarian burgers, lasagne and curry are also on the menu, while those arriving earlier in the day are often tempted by the full English breakfast and breakfast baps (on sale until 13.00) as they enjoy the light refreshing breeze on the outdoor terraces or the shade in the large indoor area, where major sports events are shown live on TV.
La Manga Adventure Golf also offers full access for the disabled to both the bar and the toilets and a large private off-road car park ensures there is no added inconvenience for less mobile visitors.
