According to ProColombia, the first arrival of Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady to Colombia was a historic event for the country.

In a press release, the promotion agency highlighted the vessel’s maiden visit to Cartagena, which took place on Jan. 24, 2025.

The milestone is part of a vision for a long-term partnership, ProColombia said, which strengthens Colombia’s presence in the cruise industry.

Sailing from Puerto Rico, the Resilient Lady brought nearly 2,500 North Americans to Cartagena for a transit call to the city as part of an 11-night cruise to the Southern Caribbean.

“The arrival today of over two thousand tourists from the United States to Cartagena reflects the robust and dynamic tourism between our countries,” said Daniel García-Peña, Colombian ambassador to the United States.

“Year on year, Colombia stands out as a top destination for American travelers, welcoming over 1.4 million visitors annually. This milestone also highlights the confidence of U.S. and global tour operators in Colombia’s diverse offerings, further strengthening the connections that drive our economic and cultural exchange,” he added.

According to ProColombia, Virgin Voyages chose Cartagena as one of its key destinations due to an array of reasons, including the city’s rich cultural heritage.

With visits to the port scheduled through 2026, the company is also planning extended stays in the port, which will allow guests to enjoy the local nightlife.

The promotion agency also highlighted Virgin’s sustainability focus, which includes free training for local suppliers to align with global environmental standards.

“This milestone not only elevates the cruise industry but also bolsters Colombia’s tourism sector, a rapidly emerging powerhouse earning global recognition and acclaim,” ProColombia said.

In 2024, the country welcomed over 6.6 million international travelers, reflecting an 8.5% growth compared to record-breaking numbers in 2023.

The steady upward trajectory has positioned Colombia as the number one destination for U.S. travelers in South America, the agency added.