Are You Ready To Experience The Magic Of Colombia?

The countdown is on! It’s time to start planning all those little details that will make our OUTbound Magic of Colombia Cruise even more amazing! Below are a few things to help you make the most of our vacation together. As always, if you have any questions that we haven’t covered, or have a special request, hit us up… either by phone at 916.683.1000 or email us at info@iamOUTbound.com.

Let’s get started!

Flights

Flight Ideas

Since our Magic of Colombia Cruise starts in Barranquilla and ends in Cartagena, flights can be a little tricky. Our advice is to log onto your favorite airline’s website and look for a ‘multi-city’ ticket arriving in Barranquilla (BAQ) and departing from Cartagena (CTG). This way all of your flights will be under one reservation number, and the fares will typically be less expensive than purchasing two one-way ticket separately.

If you are joining us early for our Medellín pre-program before we start our Magdalena River cruise, you’ll want to look for flights arriving in Medellín (MDE). Make sure that you use the Medellín airport code MDE, which is the José María Córdova International Airport that handles most international traffic flights.

The airline you choose is completely up to you. While your flights to and from Colombia are not included, we’re always happy to help narrow down the best flight options with you. Simply give us a call or send us an email, letting us know where you’ll be flying from, if you have a preferred airline (based on frequent flyer miles or credit card points), and what class of service you typically like to book.

Boarding Our Ship

Getting to the Ship

Our ship will be docked at Sociedad Portuaria Riomar, Pier 1.

The exact address of the Sociedad Portuaria Riomar Terminal is Cl. 106 #1111, Riomar, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia.

By Taxi or Uber: Taxis or Ubers from the Barranquilla International Airport to the Sociedad Portuaria Riomar Terminal typically take about 45 minutes, depending on traffic, and will cost between $40 and $50.

Remember, if you are joining us early in Medellín, your transfers from the airport to our ship are included in your package.

Medellín Pre-Cruise Option

Come Explore Medellín With Us!

For those of you who want to experience even more of Colombia, join us for our pre-cruise Medellín extension! Begin your journey with a vibrant visit to Medellín, a city known for its perfect spring-like climate and dynamic cultural revival. Explore colorful neighborhoods like Comuna 13, ride the innovative Metrocable for breathtaking views, and discover the works of local artist Fernando Botero in Plaza Botero. From lively nightlife to world-class cuisine, Medellín offers an unforgettable start to your OUTbound cruise adventure.

Get all the details about our Medellín extension by clicking HERE.

Cartagena Post-Cruise Option

Extend Your Stay In Cartagena!

It doesn’t have to be over! Take a few extra days and explore Cartagena with us, where centuries of history meet vibrant Caribbean charm. Wander the cobblestone streets of Old Town, admire colonial architecture, and visit some of the iconic local islands on a private catamaran tour through the crystal blue waters. From lively plazas to seaside sunsets, Cartagena provides a colorful and unforgettable finale to your Colombian adventure.

Get all the details about our Cartagena extension by clicking HERE.

Theme Nights

Theme Nights & Parties

Nothing makes an OUTbound event more fun than our THEME NIGHTS! This is your chance to express yourself with a fun t-shirt, wild wig or full blown costume. Feel free to show us what you’ve got! As always with OUTbound, you are welcome to participate as much or as little as you like, it’s up to you!

Be sure to check back as we get a little closer to our sail date to see the full list of our Theme Nights! We’ll announce these about three months before we sail… plenty of time to plan and get creative!

Visas

Visa Requirements

Colombia does not require a visa to visit for US, EU, Canadian or Australian citizens.

However, all travelers entering Colombia are strongly encouraged to fill out the CheckMig immigration registration form prior to arrival. Filling out this form speeds up the immigration control process, ensuring a more seamless journey.

The CheckMig immigration registration form must be filled out between 72 hours prior to your arrival in Colombia, or at least one hour prior to your arrival.

There is no cost associated with filling out this form. To access the CheckMig website and fill out the form for your OUTbound Magdalena River cruise through Colombia, click HERE.

Travel Tips

Take A Picture!

Before heading out on a big trip, most travelers focus on packing the right clothes, confirming reservations, and making sure your passports are in hand. But seasoned OUTbounders know there’s another small step that can make a big difference in a pinch… snapping a few key photos before you leave home.

These quick snapshots take less than two minutes to capture but can save hours of stress if luggage gets lost, travel apps glitch, or important documents go missing.

Passport and Visas
A clear photo of the main passport page can make it faster to get a replacement at an embassy or consulate if your passport is lost. It’s best to keep this image in a secure, password-protected file or cloud app.

Prescription Medications & Labels
OUTbounders who take medication should take a picture of both your pills and the prescription labels. If your medications get lost or you run out, having the generic drug name on hand can make it much easier to refill while traveling.

Boarding Pass & Travel Documents
Travel apps sometimes glitch, and wifi isn’t always reliable at the airport. A screenshot of your boarding pass ensures it’s available offline when needed. The same goes for any hotel confirmations, train tickets, or tour reservations booked outside of your OUTbound trip.

Luggage Contents
Snapping a photo of everything packed in your suitcase before zipping it shut can be invaluable if your bags are delayed or lost. Airlines and insurance companies often ask for detailed lists of contents when processing a claim. A quick image can serve as proof of what was inside your bags and speed up any claims you might need to make.

As we all know, travel can be unpredictable, but your smartphone camera (something that’s already in your pocket and doesn’t require any extra cost) offers one of the easiest safeguards. Taking a few extra photos before you depart is a small habit that can prevent big headaches… and help you stay calm when plans don’t go exactly as expected.

Weather

The best time to visit Colombia is typically during the winter and early spring, from October to May. This period offers pleasant, comfortable temperatures, making sightseeing and outdoor activities more enjoyable. Keep in mind that the days can be humid, so pack accordingly.

What To Pack

The weather in Colombia and along the Magdalena is most suited for comfortable and lightweight clothing, particularly natural fabrics such as cotton.
A light waterproof jacket for occasional rainy weather.
Good walking shoes or sandals. Keep in mind that you will be visiting lots of remote areas with uneven surfaces.
A hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent.

Onboard Services

Laundry

Laundry services are available for an extra fee. The prices and instructions will be found in your cabin. Generally, laundry deposited in the morning will be returned to you that evening. Dry-cleaning services are not available.

Massage Services

Our ship has a treatment room with an onboard massage therapist who provides different types of massages for an extra fee.

All treatments can be booked once you are onboard, depending on availability.

Drinking Water

On board our ship, bottled water is provided in your staterooms, at the bar and at the reception desk. Bottled water is used for making all the ice cubes onboard, and our chefs use bottled water when preparing our meals.

Tipping

Tipping Our Hosts

Tipping is the ONLY thing not included with your OUTbound vacation. We never want to dictate anyone’s generosity or decide how much you think YOUR experience with a crew member, waitstaff or tour guide was worth. How much to tip depends on the type of service you receive and your personal experience.

For the ship’s staff, you’ll have the opportunity to use a credit card at the end of our cruise for your gratuities. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and AmEx are all accepted. You’ll be able to add tips for the staff, and any extra gratuities for individuals onboard, at the same time as you close out your bill for any onboard services or purchases you’ve made during the cruise portion of our trip.

During our trip together, you’ll come into contact with many different servers and hosts. At the end of each day’s guided tour, you’ll have the chance to tip our guide and driver whatever you feel your experience was worth. Feel free at any point during your cruise to tip whoever you’d like, be it a bartender who goes the extra mile, your stateroom attendants who not only clean your room but provide nightly turn down service, or a tour guide who’s insight and knowledge makes your visit even more memorable than expected.

If you feel that any individual in particular has gone above and beyond in making your experience something extra special, then we encourage you to reach out to them directly and let them know how much you appreciated their service during our time together.

Currency

What Money Should You Bring?

Colombia

The official currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso. In larger cities like Cartagena, Barranquilla and Medellín most stores, restaurants and businesses will only accept Colombia Pesos. However, most establishments accept credit card payments in all forms… Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx and even ApplePay.

In the more rural towns we visit, both Colombian Pesos and US Dollars are widely accepted. In small towns, the US Dollar is actually preferable since the local currency’s value can fluctuate wildly. Just make sure the dollar bills are in good condition as many locals and vendors may refuse to accept worn out banknotes.

You’ll find that even local vendors will barter in US Dollars instead of Colombia Pesos, but they won’t make change, so be sure to bring plenty of smaller bills… $1s and $5s so that you can pay the exact amount without the worry of trying to make change.

Acquiring US Dollars in Colombia can be tricky, so it’s best to bring adequate cash from home before you leave.

One thing to remember… It’s a good idea to carry cash, especially if you want to buy crafts or textiles directly from the local artisans we will visit. We’ll be traveling to some of the more remote destinations in Colombia, so credit cards won’t always be accepted.

Power Outlets

What Power Converters Will I Need?

Colombia uses the same Type B power outlets as the United States and Canada, so most of you won’t need a power converter for our trip!

Our ship, the Ama Melodia, has universal power outlets as well as European Union 220v Type C standard outlets in each stateroom.

Feel free to bring a USB adapter with multiple outlets so that you can charge several of your devices at once.

Travel Insurance

If we’ve learned anything over these last couple of years, it’s that the world can be an uncertain place at times. While you’re never required to buy travel insurance, it’s a good idea and we recommend all OUTbounders consider protecting your hard-earned vacation money. The price of your coverage will depend on a few factors, including the cost of the trip, what state you live in, how long before the trip departs, and if you have any pre-existing or underlying health conditions, to name a few.

Some reasons why you might buy travel insurance include:

Cancel for Any Reason
Unexpected Work Requirements
Personal or Family Illness

OUTbound does not provide travel insurance. However, we always recommend using a third-party insurance carrier to provide your coverage.

Get Ready Colombia