AmaWaterways has updated details of its pioneering cruises on Colombia’s Magadlena River.
AmaWaterways rescheduled the inaugural sailing of AmaMagdalena to March 15, 2025, to finalize the essential infrastructure for this new and unique river cruise destination. This extended timeline will enable the river cruise line to refine the experience to meet the high standards guests have come to expect, the company said. The launch of AmaMelodia, the company’s second ship on the Magdalena River, remains on schedule for June, 2025.
Specially designed to maximize the picturesque views along the Magdalena River, The 60-guest AmaMagdalena and the 64-guest AmaMelodia are both designed to maximize sweeping views and luxury accommodations. The staterooms are between 237 and 516 square feet and feature AmaWaterways’ signature twin -balcony design, with both a French balcony and an outside balcony
“We’re offering our guests the chance to experience Colombia like never before,” said Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice-president of AmaWaterways. “Until now, exploring the Magdalena River region with comfort and ease was complicated, if not impossible. Our cruises are changing that, offering the seamless experience AmaWaterways is known for, while also providing exclusive access to culturally significant and often inaccessible destinations.”
AmaWaterways has been collaborating closely with local communities and officials to develop the necessary infrastructure along the Magdalena River. Nine custom-designed excursion boats will allow guests to explore secluded areas rich in biodiversity, opening up parts of Colombia rarely seen by travelers.
“Our journey here isn’t just about exploration; it’s about forging new paths for our guests while contributing to the growth and development of the region,” added Karst. “Economic growth, infrastructure development and community empowerment are at the heart of what we do in Colombia.”
Onboard, guests will enjoy tropical fruit tastings, artisanal chocolate and rum samplings, and Colombian coffee tastings, all designed to offer a deeper connection to Colombia’s traditions. The culinary highlight of the experience will be an intimate restaurant, with just 16 seats, featuring a Colombian chef who will guide guests on a curated journey through the country’s flavors.
Shore excursions are designed to allow guests to interact with indigenous communities, explore secluded natural wonders, and visit areas that are often out of reach. Each itinerary is guided by experienced locals who not only enhance the cultural experience but also provide valuable employment opportunities for communities along the river.
“Not since my early university days of exploring the Amazon River have I felt the excitement of discovering a new destination that is so rich in biodiversity and culture, as I found on the Magdalena River in Colombia,” that flows 949 miles through western Colombia to the Caribbean Sea, says AmaWaterways president and founder Rudi Schreiner. “I’m absolutely captivated by the rich history, wildlife and friendly welcome that awaits our guests.”
The vessels are built in Colombia by local craftspeople and will have local crew. Schreiner emphasized that the delay next year is not due to late delivery of the two river ships. But now that the sailings are delayed, AmaWaterways will take more time to finish the vessels as well as get a couple of months for trial runs.
Guests will have the choice between two seven-night itineraries, Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia. Sailing between Cartagena and Barranquilla, both itineraries provide curated experiences and unforgettable excursions. Highlights on these two itineraries include:
Discovering the soul and spirit of the Land of a Thousand Rhythms at a special Carnaval celebration in Barranquilla featuring vibrant live performances reserved exclusively for AmaWaterways guests.
Exploring historic colonial cities with walking tours in destinations including Mompox, a UNESCO Site preserved in colonial charm, where guests will be welcomed by an exclusive jazz performance.
Birdwatching tours will captivate guests with more than 1,900 species of birds including the Cianeguo hummingbirds and the Chauna chavaria – only found in the Colombia region.
Colombia has a colorful culture–Metropolitan Touring
Whether travelers arrive in Cartagena for the Wonders of Colombia itinerary or Barranquilla for the Magic of Colombia, they will be warmly welcomed by AmaWaterways’ extraordinary crew and a dedicated cruise manager, the company promises.
“We celebrate that AmaWaterways chose the Magdalena River to launch a river cruise, the first of this kind in the history of Colombia’s tourism industry. Once the trips start in 2024, little towns across the watercourse will be able to show international travelers their immense beauty and natural and cultural diversity,” said Arturo Bravo, Colombia’s deputy minister of tourism.
“Besides the immediate benefits these meaningful trips will have in our territories’ social and economic development, it is worth mentioning that AmaWaterways is looking to source their ships with products made in Colombia. This means that we also have an opportunity to match our diversified exportable offer and make it part of the productive tourist chain. In short, great news for Colombia,” added Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia.
Wallace Immen, The Cruisington Times
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