Santa Marta announced that it has welcomed over 8,600 visitors on 11 cruise ships this season, and the port achieved a milestone by welcoming the AIDAluna and Volendam on the same day.

The city said in a press release that on Jan. 30 the AIDAluna docked at 6:30 a.m., followed by the Volendam at 7:00 a.m., making its inaugural visit to Santa Marta. The two ships brought 2,858 cruise passengers and 1,157 crew members.

“With 11 cruise ships received during the 2024/25 season and over 8,600 international visitors exploring our destination, we continue to establish ourselves as a country of unforgettable experiences and unparalleled hospitality,” said Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia, the country’s tourism promotion agency.

“This unprecedented growth results from the joint efforts between the public and private sectors to position Colombia as a world-class destination. Santa Marta is now a must-visit stop on cruise routes; this is just the beginning of an even more promising future for our tourism,” added Cabellero.

Domingo Chinea, president of the Port of Santa Marta, said: “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.”

According to the press release, Colombia is seeing record-breaking numbers of international visitors in its tourism sector.

In 2024, the country welcomed over 6.6 million travelers, an 8.5 percent increase compared to 2023. The U.S., Mexico, Ecuador, Chile and Peru remain the primary sources of international tourists.

Twenty-four cruise ships are expected during the 2024/25 season, bringing more than 14,800 cruise passengers to the city.