AmaWaterways officially launched AmaMagdalena on 12 April 2025, welcoming the first passengers aboard the sold-out sailing as the first luxury river cruise ship on Colombia’s Magdalena River and the line’s entry into a new region beyond Europe, Asia and Africa.
Hosting only 60 guests on board, AmaMagdalena offers two seven-night itineraries: Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia, sailing between Cartagena and Barranquilla.
Itinerary highlights include a private Barranquilla Carnival celebration, a guided heritage tour and jazz performance in UNESCO-listed Mompox, birdwatching and a musical and historical exploration of Palenque – the first free town in the Americas.
The custom-designed vessel was created in collaboration with Colombia craftspeople and woodwork specialists with staterooms also by a Barranquilla interior designer.
The staterooms feature AmaWaterways’ signature twin-balcony design and ship amenities, including a Sun Deck pool, fitness room, Main Restaurant serving regionally inspired Latin American cuisine and a specialty alfresco dining venue.
Optional pre- and post-cruise land packages are available in Medellín, Cartagena and Panama City.
Later this year, AmaWaterways will launch AmaMelodia, a second ship on the Magdalena River, further expanding the company’s presence in Colombia.
Co-Founder & CEO Rudi Schreiner said AmaWaterways is proud to be the first major river cruise line to explore the previously inaccessible Magdalena River.
“Our expansion into Colombia represents a new chapter for AmaWaterways and for the world of river cruising,” he said.
“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.”
AmaWaterways Managing Director AU/NZ Steve Richards said that after five years of research and development, “we’re incredibly excited to see the first departure of our long-awaited river cruising on Colombia’s Magdalena River.”
“We’ve seen strong bookings for Colombia coming out of Australia and New Zealand this year with travel advisors telling us this has been very appealing to their well-travelled clients who have been everywhere and done everything.”
For more information, visit amawaterways.au
