Cartagena port braces for cruise boom this spring
Dozens of ships from luxury yachts to mega-liners set to bring thousands of visitors
Cartagena is already preparing for a busy spring, with investments like the high-tech X-ray van for cruise passenger checks introduced last month to smooth operations. The port will welcome an exciting lineup of cruise ships from March through June.Small luxury yachts and some of the world's largest vessels will bring thousands of passengers to explore the city's historic streets, Roman Theatre and vibrant waterfront. Local shops, restaurants and guides are set to benefit from the steady influx, building on the boutique cruise success we saw last December.
The action began last Monday with the Star Legend docking, but things really hot up from mid-March. On March 17, the Sun Princess arrives with over 5,000 passengers, followed by the Silver Spirit the next day and the Aidabella on March 20 carrying 2,700 travellers. The month peaks on March 28 and 30 with Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas, dropping off around 4,000 visitors in just two days. It wraps with the smaller La Belle des Oceans.
April looks set to be the busiest. The AIDACosma leads on April 1 with nearly 6,500 on board, then premium names like Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Voyager follow. A standout double call comes on April 6 with Costa Favolosa and Azamara Journey. Expect luxury stops from Emerald Azzurra, Clio and Nautica, plus big crowds on April 22 and 25. The Norwegian Epic closes the month on April 30 with more than 5,000 passengers, staying into the night.
May brings triple action right away on May 1: the classic Queen Victoria, Ritz-Carlton's sleek Ilma and modern Celebrity Ascent. Highlights include Explorer of the Seas, Mein Schiff 1, Disney Dream (3,500 passengers) and Cunard's elegant Queen Anne. The AIDACosma returns on May 13, underlining Cartagena's growing pull.
June keeps the momentum with Britannia on June 9 and a power duo on June 19: Azamara Journey and Harmony of the Seas. Other calls feature Evrima, Marella Explorer and Arcadia.
With spring weather perfect for sightseeing, it's a great time for locals to spot these floating giants and enjoy the buzz they bring to Cartagena.
Image: wikicommons
Address
Avn. Gran Via de La Manga Calle L, 30. 30380 La Manga del Mar Menor, San JavierTel: +34 711 042 823
The stylish Colina del Emperador is uniquely situated on the shores of the Mar Menor
Situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Mar Menor, Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon, Colina del Emperador is a family-run boutique beach house offering style, a friendly atmosphere and unbeatable views.
Overlooking the pristine waters, the villa has been completely renovated but retains all the classic charm of a Spanish casa. Colina del Emperador offers 5 double bedrooms, including the newly added opulent Emperor Suite (40m2), an intimate and personalised experience for up to 10 guests, as well as a generous breakfast, free tea and coffee facilities and a range of tapas and snacks.
There is also free breakfast offered with every booking made directly via their website, www.colinadelemperador.com.
Lunch and dinner can also be arranged by booking with staff before 12pm on the day.
Getting there
The closest airport is Corvera Airport, Murcia (RMU) or you may use Alicante Airport, Elche (ALC).
By car, drive to Cabo de Palos and enter the La Manga strip from the south. The best way to find Colina del Emperador is by entering the name of the hotel directly into Google Maps and following the directions from here (in-car SatNavs don’t always get it right).
Staff will also be happy to arrange a pick-up service for you but this needs to be arranged in advance.
Go to the Colina del Emperador website to book your next stay in the Mar Menor.
Bookings can be made directly at www.colinadelemperador.com, by email to info@colinadelemperador.com, via the Instagram profile @ColinadelEmperador or by sending a WhatsApp to 0034 711 042 823
