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Buque Gloria: Colombia's ambassador on the world's seas

Come aboard the Buque Gloria! Learn about its history, voyages, and the marks it has left representing Colombia on the world's seas.

Sails of the Buque Gloria
Courtesy: El País

 

The Buque ARC Gloria has sailed the seas as Colombia’s flagship ambassador, carrying a showcase of the country to every port in the world. This iconic vessel of the National Navy has been a floating exhibition of Colombian culture, biodiversity, and talent. With more than half a century of history and presence in different countries, the Buque Gloria continues to promote the image of the Country of Beauty. Learn about its history, journey, and the Colombian brands that travel aboard this historic ship.

 

Discover the history of the Buque Gloria

Buque Gloria sailing in Colombia

 

Every corner of the Buque ARC Gloria holds stories of sailors and voyages across the oceans under the sun and stars. Among its cabins, bunks, and lockers lie countless maritime adventures, as each space shelters secrets and challenges of those who sail the seas. The ambassador of the Country of Beauty preserves memories of distant ports and anecdotes that remain forever in the crew’s hearts. This vessel is also a true Colombian heritage.

It all began in January 1966, when Vice Admiral Orlando Lemaitare Torres, commander of the National Navy, sought authorization from the Colombian government to acquire a three-masted barque sailing ship to be used as a Training Ship. After becoming the main topic in meetings with military leadership, the Minister of Defense, Gabriel Revéiz Pizarro, approved the project by writing “Good for a Sailing Ship” on a napkin and signing it. Following this agreement, the National Government authorized the construction of the ship through an executive decree in January 1966.

In October, the contract was signed to authorize the construction of the Buque ARC Gloria, which began in April 1967 and was completed on December 2 of the same year, when it touched the waters of the Ría de Bilbao, Spain. On October 9, 1968, the Buque Gloria set sail from Ferrol La Coruña, Spain, bound for Cartagena, Colombia, where it arrived a month later. The ship’s journey has been extensive, visiting countries such as England, Spain, Germany, Denmark, Morocco, New Zealand, Argentina, and the United States. Its story does not end here, and what awaits is even more exciting.

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Discover the Colombian brands aboard the ship

Buque Gloria immersive experience

 

In the 2025 edition, the Buque Gloria becomes a country platform thanks to the strategy led by Marca País, carrying on board an immersive experience to show the world the cultural, touristic, export, and business richness of Colombia. Visitors will walk through a sensory space that highlights the best of our six tourist macroregions, through a journey of landscapes, flavors, and knowledge that make Colombia unique. In addition, the Tienda Colombia will be present, a showcase of Colombian products allied with Marca País.

 

Promotional stand of Colombia, the Country of Beauty with landscapes and culture

 

Furthermore, in every city the Colombian vessel visits, people will witness the imposing sailing ship and discover Colombian flavors, regions, traditions, and landscapes. On board, visitors will taste Colombian products and discover the country’s business richness through brands such as: Frudaqui, Tostaditos Susanita, Agrocolombiaexport, Calao Delicia, Normandy, Biocress, and Macuira.

 

Historic ship of Colombia, Buque Gloria

 

Colombian navigation continues its journey across the oceans as ambassador of the Country of Beauty. After visiting different ports in the United States and Europe in 2024—including cities such as Baltimore, Lisbon, Civitavecchia, Marseille, Barcelona, Antwerp, Stockholm, Kiel, The Hague, London, and Cartagena—the vessel continues to bring a sample of Colombian culture to new horizons. The ARC Gloria has sailed the world’s seas representing the nation, becoming a floating ambassador of the country. Discover how its journey continues in 2025, as well as the ship’s ports and arrival dates:

 

Midshipmen’s Cruise

  • Santa Marta. Departure: July 29, 2025
  • Oranjestad (Aruba). Arrival: August 30, 2025. Departure: August 6, 2025
  • George Town (Cayman Islands). Arrival: August 13, 2025. Departure: August 16, 2025
  • Roatán (Honduras). Arrival: August 21, 2025. Departure: August 24, 2025
  • Barranquilla. Arrival: September 1, 2025
  •  

Cadets’ Cruise

  • Cartagena. Departure: September 8, 2025. Docking: September 19, 2025
  • Acapulco (Mexico). Arrival: September 23, 2025. Departure: September 25, 2025
  • San Francisco (United States). Arrival: October 9, 2025. Departure: October 13, 2025
  • Vancouver (Canada). Arrival: October 22, 2025. Departure: October 25, 2025
  • San Diego (United States). Arrival: November 7, 2025. Departure: November 10, 2025
  • Puerto Vallarta (Mexico). Arrival: November 21, 2025. Departure: November 24, 2025
  • Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala). Arrival: December 4, 2025

You may also be interested in: This is how Colombia’s independence happened

 

This is the immersive experience of the Buque Gloria

 

 

Boarding the Buque ARC Gloria is a true journey through the country’s biodiversity, from its jungles to the richness of its beaches, mountains, deserts, and rivers, with a showcase of the products born in every corner of Colombia. This majestic sailing ship, considered one of the emblematic symbols of the Colombian Navy, is also a floating ambassador of our country. On board, you can live an immersive experience with cultural, gastronomic, artisanal, and business exhibitions that exalt national identity. Step aboard the Buque Gloria and be carried away by the joy, cultural, and natural richness that characterize the Country of Beauty!

 

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