This post was inspired & sponsored by Princess Cruises. All opinions expressed are my own. Panama Canal Cruise Ports: Aruba & Cartagena, Colombia

Panama Canal Cruise Ports: Aruba & Cartagena, Colombia: The Panama Canal, Costa Rica & Caribbean with Princess Cruises was an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience. 

PANAMA CANAL CRUISE: PORTS ARUBA & CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

Destinations: Aruba | Cartagena, Colombia | Panama Canal (scenic cruising) | Colon, Panama | Limon, Costa Rica | Jamaica. These spots featured tropical settings, zip-lining adventures and brought my college world history class to life.

PANAMA CANAL CRUISE: PORTS ARUBA & CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

If you have been following A Dash of Sanity on social media, you already know I recently returned from a 10-day Panama Canal Cruise with Princess Cruises. I have already shared a couple of inspired recipes from this trip like my Nutella Donuts and Sheet Pan Pizza. Some additional inspired recipes that are coming include Bran Muffins and Strawberry Panna Cotta. Today though, I’m taking a non-foodie, all travel approach, sharing my experiences from the first two ports we stopped at: Aruba and Colombia. While I’ve shared other about other trips I’ve taken, I have usually shared the details of those through the perspective of a foodie. This cruise inspired otherwise. This trip inspired a burning desire to take my family all over the world and to share pieces of world history with them.

During my first two years in college I majored in history. My entire life I wanted to be a history teacher, and it didn’t take long for reality to hit that it was not for me. But I married a teacher, so maybe that’s what my feeling really was. Anyway, even though I didn’t continue my major, my love for history never stopped. And that’s why I loved this cruise so much was – because of all the history I learned and how some of those stories came to life. From exploring a Dutch sunken ship to the Panama Canal, I relived moments that helped form our world and politics.

Today, I will break down port by port, sharing information on the port, excursions I choose to do and my takeaway from that destination.

Don’t forget to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board for later.

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PORT: AURBA | EXCURSION: THE “ANTILLA” SHIPWRECK | TAKEAWAY: STUNNING WATERS

PANAMA CANAL CRUISE: PORTS ARUBA & CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

I was all excited about Aruba because of one of my favorite childhood songs from the Beach Boys. Come on, I’m sure you know the words too. “Aruba, Jamaica, ooo I want to take ya – Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama – Key Largo, Montego, baby why don’t we go” – I pretty much only wanted to go to Aruba because of this. I had grand expectations for Aruba and built it up in my mind for so long that I should’ve anticipated on being a bit disappointed, right? Aruba is more like the Arizona desert – very barren, and I was surprised by this. But what made Aruba special was the water! With clear blue-green waters and soft white sand that goes on for miles, your heart can’t help but skip a beat.

PANAMA CANAL CRUISE: PORTS ARUBA & CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

I had a couple of friends go to shore and head for shopping, which they said was amazing {I may have been a wee-bit jealous}. However, my friend, Erin {Dinner, Dishes and Desserts} and I chose to do the “Antilla” shipwreck. We were lucky our blog bestie and cruising mate, Lynne {365 Days of Baking} chose to do this excursion as well with her daughter Lexi.

NOTE: There were 8 excursions available to choose from in Aruba – click here to check them all out.

PANAMA CANAL CRUISE: PORTS ARUBA & CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

EXCURSION: THE “ANTILLA” SHIPWRECK | DESCRIPTION: The 400-foot “Antilla” is one of the Caribbean’s largest shipwrecks and one of its most popular attractions. It was sunk during World War II and is home to many kinds of exotic sea life.

PANAMA CANAL CRUISE: PORTS ARUBA & CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

Okay, this was the first of many times my history nerdiness came out although I kept my cool, and I don’t think my friends knew how excited I was to learn about the sunken ship we were about to explore. To put it mildly, my heart was racing. Now don’t get me wrong, I completely and utterly loved the gorgeous ocean views, crystal clear water and snorkeling over a sunken ship, but it was the history behind it all that had me blushing. To give you an idea of how close we were, had I dove the 15 feet, I could’ve touched it. Seriously. But due to lifelong ear issues, I had to stay near the surface. But even the parts where the ship was further down, the views were still crystal clear, and we could still see the fish, coral, and ship with such detail. That’s how pristine the water in Aruba is. 

PANAMA CANAL CRUISE: PORTS ARUBA & CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

The crew of this excursion was amazingly hospitable {you had plenty of drinks to choose from, and they made sure you were not thirsty}, knowledgeable and experienced, sharing the history of Aruba along the way and of course the dramatic story of the Antilla. I learned so much about World War II history that I had no idea occurred in this part of the world.

Here’s the brief history of the Antilla and its destiny. Antilla launched in Hamburg on 21 March 1939. After traveling to Curaçao in the Netherlands Antilles, and Galveston, Texas, the ship received radio messages with code words for the captain to open sealed orders. These orders dictated the captain to alter the ship’s name and appearance, to communicate only in code and return to Germany as soon as possible. On her way back, the ship stopped in Cartagena, Colombia and received word to port in a neutral zone.

Heading to Curacao, they changed course and diverted to Aruba. Once in port, the German ship, along with a few others, were blockaded by the Allied powers. While in port, Germany invaded Denmark and Norway, and so the Dutch government ordered the seizure of all German ships in Dutch Antilles {Aruba}. Eventually, the Dutch went aboard and seized the German crew and took them ashore, but only after the German crew {under captains orders} opened the seacocks and set the ship on fire. Because of the blaze, the Dutch couldn’t reach the seacocks and close them, and so they shot a few rounds at the ship and let her sink.

I loved hearing this story, picturing it as we sailed along the ocean taking in the gorgeous views of the pristine blue waters surrounding us. I pictured what war would look like in paradise and how at some point, even “paradise” is affected by world conflicts.

PANAMA CANAL CRUISE: PORTS ARUBA & CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

PORT: CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA | EXCURSION: HIGHLIGHTS OF CARTAGENA, FORTRESS & LAS BOVEDAS | TAKEAWAY: I FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS CITY AND CANNOT WAIT TO RETURN

 PANAMA CANAL CRUISE: PORTS ARUBA & CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

I must be totally upfront here. When I first talked about this cruise and the destinations with my husband, he was very excited except for our stop in Colombia. This worried him. You see, the last time I had was in Cabo, I ended up alone and lost in the city, not to mention the fact he had heard so many things about Colombia. Well let me tell you – it was my favorite destination, a place I will return to. I felt safe the entire time.

Now, I wouldn’t necessarily go out on my own at night, and I would really only tour with someone who knew their way around. The part that was hard about Colombia were the people begging you to buy things. They went to the extreme of following you if eye contact was made. What I learned is that you just keep to yourself and don’t acknowledge what they’re selling and they’ll leave you alone. But as soon as you ask how much – well, they’re hooked in to you. A tip is knowing the conversion of pesos to American dollars. This will help you not have to ask how much something is.

We liked that our friend April {Mama Loves Food} and her husband joined us on this excursion; we had so much fun with them! And April wasn’t afraid to ask about anything, so if Erin and I couldn’t figure out the price, we’d ask April and she’d go for it.

I loved all the shopping, the historical tour, the colorful buildings, decor, and people. I had two highlights from the trip – the Fortress and the “Square” or heart of Cartagena, where there were great shopping and food.

PANAMA CANAL CRUISE: PORTS ARUBA & CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

EXCURSION: HIGHLIGHTS OF CARTAGENA, FORTRESS & LAS BOVEDAS | DESCRIPTION: History unveils itself in this half-day tour. Visit the Old City, the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, and the Historical Museum of Cartagena. Make your way to Las Bóvedas, San Pedro Claver Sanctuary. Cap your day off with shopping and complimentary refreshments.

PANAMA CANAL CRUISE: PORTS ARUBA & CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

This was by far one of the more interesting cities on our itinerary and my favorite. I know I will say this at least two more times. It is steeped in history and that’s what makes it so intriguing.  “This was the transit port for all the wealth Spain derived from South America. The famous “Old City” is comprised of 12 square blocks filled with attractions, boutiques, and restaurants. Throughout Colombia, the Spanish Empire’s influence in the New World is self-evident. Its fortress walls, quaint narrow streets, and balconied houses are all vivid reminders of Spain’s hold on Cartagena and throughout the Caribbean and South America. This is the land of El Dorado and flamboyant adventurers in search of the ever-elusive gold. Cartagena’s well-constructed fortifications defended its borders against seafaring pirates whose attacks lasted for more than 200 years. Today this modern and bustling city, seaport, and commercial center still boasts much of its original colonial architecture. Your journey here will provide you with a significant link to the region’s grand past.”

 

PANAMA CANAL CRUISE: PORTS ARUBA & CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA
These were trinkets for sale at the fortress.

It was hot and humid here, and I was dripping sweat from every part. And my hair – well, that’s a whole story in itself. But I didn’t care. I loved that we got to see the city, walk the streets, go in the fortress and get an entire view of Cartegena. It was also a perk that on this tour, we got to sit in an air-conditioned bus in between sites – A HUGE PERK and another reason I loved the tour.

Cartagena served a key role in the expansion of the Spanish empire, transporting goods like silver, gold, cacao (chocolate) beans, chile peppers, tobacco and other bounties of the New World for over two centuries starting in the 1530’s.

Known as the “crown jewel of the defense network”, Cartagena’s Fortress of Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, sits on top of a 130-foot-high hill looking over the city. Originally built in the mid-1600s, it was rebuilt and enlarged several times over the years, and in 1984, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known to be the greatest fortress Spain ever built in the Americas – simply captivating. More pictures are coming soon of the Fortress {a post all on its own}.

For now, I’ll continue the tour with some images from the rest of the city.

PANAMA CANAL CRUISE: PORTS ARUBA & CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

I loved images like these, a norm for this city. It had such an old-world charm. I saw people picking fruit from trees in their lawns and donkeys pulling vendor wagons, including fresh lime-aid for sale on the street. Cafes were filled with fresh pastries and jewelry, bags and handmade paintings for sale filled the streets. Old churches, and I’m not talking like 100-years-old but centuries old, pockmarked the city with mass still being said in them while tourists walked in and out.

PANAMA CANAL CRUISE: PORTS ARUBA & CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

I couldn’t get over the center of Cartagena – it was stunning. I love the use of the old doors. You see, they don’t knock things down like old homes or doors that were used for carriages; they incorporate everything into the architecture, adding to its richness.

PANAMA CANAL CRUISE: PORTS ARUBA & CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

It was hot and I didn’t get to eat as much as I would’ve liked, but their empanada dough was unreal. Their sausage was a little bland for me, but the dough and cheese were spot on.

PANAMA CANAL CRUISE: PORTS ARUBA & CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

Here is a picture of the market we shopped at. I actually didn’t get much here but purchased most of my stuff as I was walking the streets of Cartagena – I got bags for my girls, a rosary for my parents and couldn’t resist some chocolate-tea, my son Aiden loves this cold {and I do too}.

PANAMA CANAL CRUISE: PORTS ARUBA & CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

This was our longest excursion and worth the entire day of traveling in the humidity and heat. I felt I got a rounded view of Cartagena from churches, street vendors, market square, bakeries, museums, and the fortress. I learned so much about the history, people and culture here in one day. This gave just enough of a taste that I know I will be back.

What I love about Cartagena besides the history and the colors – was that feeling from the people. They work hard and love their country. They talked and visited amongst themselves as though they all knew each other well, something I don’t see in the States.

I posted on Instagram that “Colombia has stolen my heart forever.” And it is so true! See you soon dear friend.

PANAMA CANAL CRUISE: PORTS ARUBA & CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

 

 

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6 Comments

  1. The last time I passed through the Panama canal I was six and on my way from Australia to England – thanks you for pictures to remind me of the places we stopped on the way. Great memories.

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