- The brand new AmaMagdalena launches in Colombia.
- AmaWaterways plans to launch its sister ship AmaMelodia in September.
- Itineraries are available now from $5956 per person.
AmaWaterways has successfully launched its first river cruise ship, the Ama Magdalena, in Colombia’s Amazon on the Magdalena River. She is the first-ever luxury river cruise ship to navigate these waters and marks a historic moment for the region which is expected to benefit from the introduction of river cruise tourism. In addition, AmaWaterways is celebrating the expansion of the company’s portfolio, adding this new region to its offerings outside of Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and CEO of AmaWaterways says, “Our expansion into Colombia represents a new chapter for AmaWaterways and for the world of river cruising.”
“We are proud to be the first major river cruise line to explore the Magdalena River, a region that until now has been largely inaccessible. AmaMagdalena opens the door to a culturally rich destination, and we’ve worked closely with local communities to ensure our presence benefits everyone involved – from our guests to the people who call this river home,” he said.
Meet the AmaMagdalena
The new AmaMagdalena is described the line as “an intimate 60-passenger river cruise ship offering the luxury of space and sweeping views.”
Custom-designed in collaboration with Colombian craftspeople and woodwork specialists, she is modern with a traditional nod to the region. The creative vision was led by architect and interior designer Camilo Restrepo.
Staterooms range from 22 to 48 square metres and were built by interior designer Mariana Schlegel Donado of Casa Schlegel Donado from Barranquilla and feature AmaWaterways’ signature twin-balcony design. Cartagena-based Ocean Projects brought their expert craftsmanship to river cruising, handcrafting the ship’s woodwork.
Onboard amenities include a Sun Deck pool with whirlpool, a spacious fitness room, a Main Restaurant offering regionally inspired Latin American cuisine alongside Western favourites, and an intimate al fresco specialty dining venue. And the amenity-filled staterooms each feature an outside balcony.
Onboard the ship, community engagement plays an important role in terms of cultural immersion and experiences with local tropical fruit tastings, artisanal chocolate and rum samplings, and Colombian coffee tastings. The highlight is expected to be the 16-seater onboard restaurant, featuring a Colombian chef who will utilise local ingredients and recipes to showcase the best of Colombian cuisine.
What this means for the region
AmaWaterways’ expansion into Colombia has been supported by ProColombia and local stakeholders, with a shared commitment to responsible tourism and community engagement. Through training initiatives and collaboration with local leaders, the program aims to create meaningful economic opportunities for riverside communities while preserving the cultural and ecological integrity of the region.
The launch was not without obstacles. She was originally forecast to launch earlier this year, but due to operational setbacks from being built in Colombia, AmaWaterways announced she would launch this month as the landings and piers were also being constructed from scratch. AmaWaterways says they did anticipate obstacles with the launch due to the remote pioneering efforts involved with such a venture.
Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice-president of AmaWaterways, said, “Until now, exploring the Magdalena River region with comfort and ease was complicated, if not impossible.
Colombia is not known for having the infrastructure available for this new project and as such, AmaWaterways flew European engineers and welders to help develop a local skill set. The government of Colombia is also helping,” Karst said.
Local communities have been working with AmaWaterways to develop nine custom-designed excursion boats that will provide access for guests to secluded areas of the river, boasting rich biodiversity and still largely unexplored by holiday-makers.
Once operational, however, these remote excursions are anticipated to allow guests to interact with the local communities, journey through natural wonders and access regions that are considered untouched.
AmaWaterways is confident of the news dates. Karst added that “The company is focused on enhancing the luxury cruising experience along this river, a new destination for river cruising, ensuring guests enjoy authentic and enriching connections to the region’s culture and heritage.”
Co-owner and VP of Sales Gary Murphy told Rivercruisepassenger he is excited about opening up Colombia, and that locals are now swinging behind the first river cruise ships.
“It wasn’t until we started building the docks that the local towns started getting really excited and saying: ‘When you come, this is what we’re going to do for you’.
“Like the little town of Baho, which is known for its jazz. They have a jazz festival, and they’re really excited to perform for people other than the local community. They’re gonna put a jazz show on every time we show up.
“Each little town has a wonderful history, starting from the colonial period. The Spanish would bring their gold and silver up into the river to hide it from pirates and they developed these local communities and then they stopped operating paddle wheelers in 1962. No one has come by to visit them since, so here we come!”
The Itineraries:
The itineraries have been curated by AmaWaterways in conjunction with the Colombian indigenous communities, providing a benefit for all. Each shore excursion will be guided by experienced locals who aim to enhance the cultural experience while boosting employment opportunities for communities along the river.
The two immersive seven-night itineraries, Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia, sail between Cartagena and Barranquilla and include unique cultural highlights such as a private celebration of the world-famous Barranquilla Carnival, a guided heritage tour and exclusive jazz performance in the UNESCO-designated city of Mompox, birdwatching of rare endemic species and a musical and historical exploration of Palenque—the first free town in the Americas. Optional pre- and post-cruise land packages are available in Medellín, Cartagena, and Panama City.
The current itineraries with the lowest price starting point include a seven-night cruise, departing from Cartagena to Barranquilla, from $5956 per person, departing April 26, 2025.
Later this year, AmaWaterways will launch AmaMelodia, its second ship on the Magdalena River, further expanding the company’s presence in Colombia. AmaMagdalena will be on the water in April while AmaMelodia will launch in September.
