AmaWaterways River Cruise: AmaMagdalena Sets Sail in Colombia

On Saturday, April 12, AmaMagdalena debuted on the Magdalena River, effectively adding a new region to AmaWaterways’ portfolio of luxury river cruises. The new 60-guest ship was designed in partnership with Colombian craftspeople and woodwork specialists, benefiting the people who live there.

AmaWaterways launches AmaMagdalena on the Magdalena River in Colombia

Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of AmaWaterways, said that the expansion into Colombia represents “a new chapter for AmaWaterways and for the world of river cruising,” adding:

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.

The new, 60-guest ship was designed in partnership with Colombian craftspeople and woodwork specialists. Meanwhile, collaborators working on the river cruise ship’s design include architect and interior designer Camilo Restrepo, Marianna Schlegel Donado of Casa Schlegel Donado and Cartagena-based Ocean Projects.

Onboard AmaMagdalena, guests have access to a sun deck with pool, a fitness room, a main restaurant serving Latin-inspired fare, and an al fresco specialty dining venue.

Currently, the ship sails two 7-night itineraries on the Magdalena River, Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia, sailing between Cartagena and Barranquilla. While cruising, guests have an opportunity to enjoy activities such as birdwatching, an exclusive jazz performance in the UNESCO-designated city of Mompox, a guided heritage tour and a musical and historical exploration of Palenque.

The itinerary is listed on AmaWaterways’ website as follows:

Day 1: Cartagena – Embarkation and Getsemani Tour

Day 2: Palenque – Drum Rhythms and Freedom

Calamar – Historic Tour by Paola

Day 3: Santa Barbara de Pinto – Walking Tour

Mompox – Exclusive Jazz Street Performance

Day 4: Mompox – Cienaga Pijiño exploration OR Historic Walking Tour

Day 5: Mompox – Scenic Cruising through the La Mojana Region and Walking Tour

El Banco – Exclusive Cumbia Performance

Day 6: Magangue – Birdwatching tour, Scenic Cruising from Magangue to Nueva Venecia

Day 7: Nueva Venecia – Stilt-House Village Tour

Barranquilla – Exclusive “Carnival” Celebration

Day 8: Barranquilla – Disembarkation

Land Packages from AmaWaterways

Guests who wish to see more of Colombia can choose to extend their stay in South America with AmaWaterways’ optional land packages. Before or after their time cruising the Magdalena River, guests can choose to explore a variety of enthralling destinations, from Panama City to Medellin to Cartagena.

Later this year, AmaWaterways will launch a second ship in the region, AmaMelodia.

‘Creating lasting connections’

Kristin Karst, co-founder and Chief Brand Ambassador of AmaWaterways, said:

The launch of AmaMagdalena is more than bringing our guests to a new destination – it’s about creating lasting connections between cultures, celebrating the rich history and natural beauty of the Magdalena River, and offering new opportunities for local communities.

We’ve seen locals lining the riverbanks, waving and cheering with joy as they see AmaMagdalena. It’s a moment of pride, unity, and shared celebration for us and the communities along this majestic river.

Learn more about AmaMagdalena and its journey on AmaWaterways’ website.