TWO CRUISE SHIPS VISIT THE CITY OF SANTA MARTA, COLOMBIA, SIMULTANEOUSLY

On January 30, 2025, AIDALUNA from AIDA Cruises docked at 6:30 a.m., followed closely by VOLENDAM from Holland America Line at 7:00 a.m., making its inaugural visit to Santa Marta. The two ships brought 2,858 eager cruise passengers and 1,157 crew members ready to explore the city’s charm until sunset.

The simultaneous arrival of the AIDALUNA and VOLENDAM cruise ships in Santa Marta is a testament to the extraordinary growth Colombia’s tourism industry is experiencing.

Colombia is, in fact, living a historic moment in its tourism sector, with record-breaking numbers of international visitors. In 2024, the country welcomed over 6.6 million travelers—a remarkable 8.5% increase compared to 2023. The U.S., Mexico, Ecuador, Chile, and Peru continue to be the main sources of international tourists.

“With eleven cruise ships received during the 2024-2025 season and over 8,600 international visitors exploring our destination, we continue to establish ourselves as a country of unforgettable experiences and unparalleled hospitality. This unprecedented growth is the result of the joint efforts between the public and private sectors to position Colombia, The Country of Beauty, as a world-class destination. Santa Marta, with its 500 years of history and its rich cultural and natural heritage, is now a must-visit stop on cruise routes—this is just the beginning of an even more promising future for our tourism," said Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia, the country’s tourism promotion agency.

“The Port of Santa Marta is delighted to be the gateway for cruise passengers who come to admire the history and culture of one of the oldest cities in Latin America. At the disposal of tourists are the artisans and tour services that will take them on a tour full of experiences that will become an invitation for more people in the world to get to know the city of Santa Marta,” stated Domingo Chinea, President of the Port of Santa Marta.

The Port of Santa Marta and local entities have actively participated in key international industry conferences such as Seatrade Cruise Global and the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show, boosting the city’s visibility as an attractive destination for the international cruise market.

A total of 24 cruise ships are expected during the 2024-2025 season, bringing more than 14,800 cruise passengers to the city. The Port of Santa Marta is fully equipped to provide the necessary berthing positions for visiting cruise ships and will continue working hand in hand with local entities to ensure the city and country’s development and progress. Together, we do more.