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Cartagena heads to Miami cruise fair with record passenger numbers for 2026
Alongside record forecasts for 2026, Cartagena is also presenting plans for a new cruise terminal and ongoing work along the waterfront
The port of Cartagena is once again in Miami to promote itself at one of the most important events in the global cruise calendar. The focus is on meeting cruise companies, strengthening existing relationships, and keeping Cartagena firmly on the map for Mediterranean cruise routes.
The Port Authority of Cartagena is attending Seatrade Cruise Global, which runs until April 16 2026 and brings together ports, cruise lines and tourism organisations from around the world. It is where future cruise schedules are created and where destinations try to secure new calls for the seasons ahead.
Cartagena is joining other Spanish ports under the 'Ports of Spain' banner, alongside other Spanish ports, but with a clear focus on its own growth, recent investment and plans for future infrastructure linked to cruise traffic.
Cruise traffic in Cartagena has been growing steadily over the last few years, and the outlook for 2026 points to another record year. After more than 257,000 passengers in 2025, the port is expecting to pass 285,000 in 2026, with close to 200 cruise ship calls.
If confirmed, it would be the strongest year yet for the city's cruise sector. The growth is being linked to long-term planning, investment in port facilities, and closer work with cruise operators to keep Cartagena on regular itineraries.
They are also looking to bring in more visitors from the United States and Canada, as Cartagena is still relatively unknown there as a cruise stop.
New terminal and changes along the waterfront
An important part of the discussions in Miami is the planned new cruise terminal. The idea is to improve how passengers move through the port, making arrivals and departures smoother and allowing space for larger cruise ships.
This forms part of a major transformation along the waterfront known as 'De Faro a Faro', which is gradually changing the look and use of the port area. They want to open it up more, improve public spaces, and create a better link between the port and the city, without losing its working role.
One of Cartagena's strengths is how close everything is to the port. The historic centre is only a short walk from where cruise ships dock, which makes it easy for visitors to explore without needing transport or long transfers. Roman heritage, museums, the seafront and local food spots are all within a short distance.
The combination of history, size and accessibility is one of the reasons it continues to do well with cruise lines looking for easy, walkable destinations.
At the same time, there is a focus on managing growth, including shore power systems so ships can plug into electricity in port instead of running their engines.
At Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, Cartagena looks to build on an already strong year and keep the momentum going.
Images: Puerto de Cartagena
Address
Punic Wall Interpretation Centre, Calle de San Diego, s/n 30202 CARTAGENATel: 968 128 955
Oficina de turismo de Cartagena
Cartagena tourism information
Where to find basic tourism information and information about historical sites and places to visit in Cartagena, Spain.
Cartagena has a wealth of historical sites, including the Roman Theatre Museum, Archaeological Museum, ARQUA Subaquatic Archaeology Museum, Panoramic lift, Civil War Air raid Shelter and Military and Naval Museums, as well as Tourist Bus and Tourist Boat which ferries visitors across to the Fuerte de Navidad.
There is one main Tourist Information Office and 2 tourist information points, the main one being in the Muralla Púnica Interpretation centre in Calle de san Diego and the other next to the Civil War Air Raid Shelter and Panoramic lift.
The office in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento is the easiest place to pick up a map if you've come into the port from a cruise ship, and has a few basic 
leaflets, but not a lot else.
The information point for the Puerto de Culturas attractions is by the Panoramic lift and Civil War Air Raid shelter in Calle Gisbert, although maps and leaflets are available at any of 3 information points.
There is plenty of in depth information about Cartagena in the dedicated Cartagena section, accessed via the map box at the bottom of every article page or by using the town search box at the top of the page. the introduction gives basic information about the city and then readers can select from the subjects below for information about the city, or the rest of the municipality.
Tourist Offices:
Oficina Municipal de Turismo Puertas de San José
Plaza Almirante Bastarreche s/n
Opening hours: weekdays 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.00 to 18.00, Saturdays 10.00 to 13.00.
Oficina Municipal de Turismo Muralla Púnica
Calle de San Diego, 25
30202, Cartagena
Telephone 968 52 14 27
Click for map, Tourist information office Muralla Púnica.
Opening hours.
31st July to 15th September, Monday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm
31st March to 30th June, Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 7pm.
16th September to 4th November, Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 7pm.
5th November to 30th March, Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5.30pm.
Punto de Informacion Turistica
This is on the side of the Palacio Consistorial in Cartagena ( The Town Hall)
Plaza del Ayuntamiento S/N
Cartagena, Spain
Tel 968 128 955
Click for map, Tourist Information point, Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Cartagena
Opening hours
May to September: Monday-Saturday 10am-1.30pm and 5pm-7pm
Sunday 10.30am-1.30pm.
October to April: Monday-Saturday 10am-2pm and 4pm-6pm
Sunday 10.30am-1.30pm.
Cartagena - Punto de Información Turística Ascensor Panorámico
Calle Gisbert, 10
30202 CARTAGENA
Opening hours:
From 31st March to 30th June, Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 7pm
Semana Santa, Monday to Sunday 10am to 7pm
From 16th to 30th September (Cartagineses y Romanos) Tuesday to Sunday: 10am to 7pm.
From1st October to 4th November , Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 7pm
From 5th November to 30th March, Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5.30pm.
From 1st July to 15th September, Monday to sunday 10am to 8pm
Click for map, Panoramic Lift, Cartagena
