- The AmaMagdalena is due to launch next month.
- The cruise line has faced obstacles from building the ships in Colombia.
- The Colombian Government is supporting the ship launch with a boost to local trades.
AmaWaterways has revealed that the debut of AmaMagdalena, set to sail on the Magdalena River in Colombia, will now take place in April as the pioneering line continues to build infrastructure and create new destinations.
The ship was initially set to launch in spring this year, but because AmaWaterways is creating an entire industry from scratch – the ships are being built in Columbia and landings and piers are also being constructed – a spokesperson for the line says they anticipated obstacles with this debut.
Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice-president of AmaWaterways, said that “Until now, exploring the Magdalena River region with comfort and ease was complicated, if not impossible.”
AmaMagdalena will be on the water in April while AmaMelodia will launch in September.
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 Columbia, 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 that 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!”
AmaWaterways has flown European engineers and welders to help develop a local skill set. The government of Colombia is also helping.
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.
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.
Onboard the ships, the community engagement continues 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.
The launch of the company’s second ship on the Magdalena River, the AmaMelodia, remains scheduled.
