Pirate cruise with children

Why children like it

The ticket describes the evening as designed for families, couples and friends, and the format shows it. There is a ship, a cannon show, pirate props for photos and a treasure hunt, all within a two-hour cruise. For a child, a pirate ship in a Colombian harbour is a more vivid evening than a plain boat ride. For a parent, the two hours are short enough to keep young attention, and the drinks and the music keep the grown-ups entertained at the same time.

The treasure hunt

The ticket lists an interactive treasure hunt for young pirates. Children follow clues and complete challenges aboard the ship while they search for hidden treasure. The ticket calls the hunt interactive, so it is something children do rather than watch. It gives younger passengers their own story inside the evening, and it lets adults relax and watch the sunset. Check the traveller options on the booking page when you pick a date.

Drinks for young pirates

The ticket lists unlimited refills of fruit punch, coconut lemonade, orange juice and Coke Zero, and alcohol-free options are available throughout the cruise. The pirate cocktails are made with aged rum or vodka and belong to the adults. Because one bar serves both kinds of drink, point your child to the non-alcoholic choices at the start and ask the crew to confirm which is which. A souvenir cup is on the ticket as a keepsake. If your child has a food allergy, ask the local partner through the number on your voucher.

The cannon show

A pirate cannon show is part of the evening, and the ship's crew stages it. It is a performance, and the ticket calls it an entertaining one. Cartagena's real cannon were serious: the batteries of the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas held 68 guns, which makes a cannon show a fitting entertainment in this city. If your child is sensitive to loud sounds, stand away from the front of the group and keep the child close. The show comes with pirate props that guests can use for photographs, which is often the part children remember best.

Rules for young passengers

Unaccompanied minors are not allowed on board, so a child must sail with an adult. High-heeled shoes, oversize luggage, glass objects and pets other than assistance dogs are not allowed, and neither are fishing, feeding animals, explosive substances or making fire, so leave lighters and fireworks at the hotel. Mobility scooters are not allowed either. For children, the practical points are flat shoes and a small bag. Leave glass bottles and oversize bags at the hotel.

A short history for older children

A galleon is a large, multi-decked sailing ship developed in the early 16th century in Portugal and Spain, and used as an armed cargo carrier from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Pirates came for silver: much of the wealth shipped from the Spanish Main to Spain was in pieces of eight, silver coins from the mines near Potosí. The Tierra Firme fleet of galleons sailed to Cartagena to load it. In April 1586 Francis Drake arrived there with 23 ships and 3,000 men. For a curious child, a pirate cruise becomes a story with real dates, and the history guide supplies them.

Read next: Cartagena's pirates and its walls

Who this isn't for

A family with a baby who needs a quiet evening may find a music-led cruise too lively, and a family that wants a sit-down meal will prefer a dinner cruise. The pirate cruise is built around drinks, a show and a treasure hunt. If your children need to be in bed early or to eat a full meal at a fixed time, read the starting time in the calendar first and decide whether the sailing fits.

Read next: Cartagena pirate ship: which to book