Here's some excerpts from another interesting page... with a link to see it all, if interested:


ARRIVING BY CRUISE SHIP-TIPS ON HAVING FUN


Discover the truth about personal safety in Cartagena

Each year, hundreds of thousands of tourists arrive at our modern Port for a brief visit to Cartagena. Cartagena de Indias was the most important city on the main sea route, then known as: "The Spanish Main". The city held vaults full of gold, silver, emeralds and other treasures looted from the indigenous peoples of the continent, and Central America. Annually, when good sailing months permitted, the hoards were shipped to the treasury of the King of Spain. Because of her stored wealth, Cartagena was high on the "hit list" for the pirates.


And, from farther down the page:


Some of your shipmates will not get off the ship in Cartagena. Others, who are equally un informed, will venture off the ship, but remain in the port, so they can brag to their friends: "I was in Colombia". The usual response will be: "you were where?…are you crazy?"

Cartagena is not representative of Colombia, and there is little to worry about when it comes to your personal safety. The city, and in particular, the old walled portion called El Centro, is clean, safe, fun and romantic. Those who are not as informed as you, will be the big losers if they miss this golden opportunity to visit one of the greatest cities in South America

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