With a forecast of approximately 15 million cruise passengers worldwide in 2010 (Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association [FCCA] 2011; see also Douglas 2011), the cruise industry experiences a remarkable growth. Like the worldwide market trend, cruise tourism in Cartagena de Indias has been rapidly growing and has become a significant element of the local economy. Located in the northern coast of Colombia, Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its majestic walled city and fortresses. This historic heritage, together with its modern infrastructure, has helped this port to become a strategic destination for the main cruise companies. Being also

a part of the most preferred region for cruising (the Caribbean), this port of call has been recently included in the worldwide cruises’ itineraries.