The Best Southern Caribbean Cruises From Colombia

The Royal Caribbean lineup of the best Southern Caribbean cruises departing from Colombia offers exciting itineraries filled with memorable moments amid tropical oases. Think palm-blanketed coastlines, turquoise waters and vibrant food! And, the access to less-crowded ports is both ideal for global guests and convenient for South American travelers who are already nearby.

Royal Caribbean’s seven-night Southern Caribbean cruise adventures are diverse. The brand’s cruises from Cartagena, Colombia, ports visit sites with ornate colonial architecture, glittering Caribbean beaches, national parks and other traveler-favorite offerings. As the best cruise line for the Southern Caribbean, Royal Caribbean packages all of this via each Jewel of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas itinerary. Expect island-hopping, great nightlife and outdoor adventures.

Let's cover the best ways to cruise from Colombia and enjoy an eight-day Southern Caribbean getaway. Here’s what you need to know before you cruise Royal Caribbean style. 

1. Southern Caribbean Cruise From Colombia: Benefits Unpacked

The benefits of Royal Caribbean cruises from Colombia are plentiful. In fact, I think Colombian departures are the best South American cruises, offering a vibrant jumping-off point thanks to colorful culture and scenery. Get there early and consider it a vacation before your vacation.

If you take a cruise from Colombia, indulge in the world-renowned street food, such as arepas. These cornmeal pockets are very popular among vendors along the country’s Caribbean region. If you take one of the cruises from Cartagena, Colombia, be sure to try out the fried egg-filled treats with ají as a snack or for breakfast. 

Other culinary highlights include almojábanas, patacones pisao, calentado and oblea con arequipe. In between bites of these mouth-watering treats, take in the tunes from the busking musicians, swaying tropical plants, endless markets and historic buildings. These cultural gems are what place Colombia among the best South American countries to visit. 

Cruises from Cartagena, Colombia, including Royal Caribbean’s seven-night Southern Caribbean cruise options, include less-crowded ports. Kralendijk, Bonaire, for example, boasts the best of the ABC islands. With windsurfing-friendly beaches, nearby national parks and loads of dive sites, Bonaire is a must-visit jewel. However, it largely feels like a secret island to visitors who note the lack of crowds. It seems that word has not yet spread about this stop on the eight-day Serenade of the Seas itinerary.   

Another benefit of taking a seven-night Southern Caribbean cruise from Colombia is that it’s a direct and convenient route. Compared to, say, Port Canaveral, this is a closer place to sail out of to see the region. Cruises from Cartagena, Colombia, are well-positioned for South American travelers who don’t have to journey as far to their departure port. Cartagena is situated near Rafael Núñez International Airport, so it’s also easy to get to if you’re traveling from overseas.

2. Ship Shape: Best Southern Caribbean Cruises From Colombia

Royal Caribbean has plenty of Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries that depart from Colombia. Choosing one just depends on priorities. If you cruise Royal Caribbean style via the range of eight-day Southern Caribbean trips, get ready for options. But, you’ll enjoy vibrant culinary scenes, gorgeous beaches and fun-filled island hopping across far-flung destinations that could impress even the harshest cruise critic.

Here are the five best Southern Caribbean cruises from Colombia:

3. Southern Caribbean Cruise Serenade Of The Seas (Sr07d431)

4. Southern Caribbean Cruise Serenade Of The Seas (Sr07d438)

5. Southern Caribbean Cruise Jewel Of The Seas (Jw07d474)

6. Southern Caribbean Cruise Jewel Of The Seas (Jw07d483)

7. Southern Caribbean Cruise Jewel Of The Seas (Jw07d481)

8. How To Plan Your Southern Caribbean Cruise From Colombia

9. Time Of Year

The Southern Caribbean has its own unique seasons. Depending on what you’re interested in doing, the best Southern Caribbean cruises for you will either be in the dry season, wet season or hurricane season.

• Dry season: From December to April, it’s the dry season. During this time, the climate is characterized by low humidity and rainfall, sunny weather and moderately warm temperatures.


• Wet season: Running from May to November, the wet season is when the Southern Caribbean sees higher humidity and rainfall levels, frequent showers and warm temperatures.


• Hurricane season: If you come from June to November, you’ll be there for hurricane season. These are the most common from August to October.

10. Ports Of Interest

Before you choose a trip, take a glance at the various seven-night Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries’ ports. Make sure you pick the trip that includes the ports you’re most excited about. Take into account the sites, attractions and landscapes along the Caribbean Sea you want to see, and ensure you select the itinerary that includes them.

For example, if you're itching to visit the Panama Canal, check out the Royal Caribbean itineraries that include a stop in Panama or end there so you can easily visit after your cruise.

11. Round-trip Or One-way

Some seven-night Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries departing from Colombia end back in the country. Others conclude in other places, like Panama. If you want more time in the likes of Cartagena, book a round-trip cruise. If getting to explore another cruise destination appeals to you, though, consider a one-way voyage. 

Cruises from Cartagena, Colombia, that end in another country enable guests to enjoy another vacation after their vacation — once your cruise is complete, take an extra day or two to see the area before you head home. 

12. Ship Preference

Royal Caribbean International’s seven-night Southern Caribbean cruise ships sailing from Colombia are part of the Radiance Class. Guests can enjoy sunlit glass-covered spaces, glass elevators, a solarium with tropical foliage, self-leveling pool tables, an outdoor movie screen and diverse restaurants that range from classics like Windjammer Buffet to sleek picks like Izumi.  

There are two ships included in the Radiance Class that sail from Colombia. You should consider which one you’d like best before you book your seven-night Southern Caribbean cruise. The Serenade of the Seas features warm and classic interiors and the Safari Club music venue. The Jewel of the Seas has modern and open interiors and the Vortex Lounge music venue. The former first set sail in August 2003, while the latter’s maiden voyage was in May 2004. You can pick your Southern Caribbean itinerary based on which ship’s vibe and entertainment you prefer.

13. Sail With Royal Caribbean From Colombia For The Win