AmaWaterways plans to pioneer cruises on Colombia’s Magadlena River being pushed back to the end of 2024.
Originally due in April, AmaWaterways CEO and founder Rudi Schreiner told Insider Travel Report that his river cruise line has been forced to postpone the first sailings until November 2024 because of delays in government approvals and infrastructure issues at many of the ports AmaWaterways planned to stop at during the cruise.
“What happens is there’s no infrastructure there and developing ports is not easy,” Schreiner said. “The government process in Colombia can be endless [in the different regions and districts}. We have support from ProColombia…but the process in the country can be extremely slow. In every port you are dealing with different districts with different rules. Everybody is pushing hard, but we could not risk it.”
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
“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, Schreiner says. “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.
AmaWaterways decided to make this announcement now because people who had booked for April and May were starting to book their flights, he explained. “So we been notifying all clients and travel advisors booking the first cruises,” he said. “Now we’ll start our first cruises in AmaMagdalena on Nov. 9, 2024 and AmaMelodia on June 19, 2025.” Kristin Karst, executive vice-president and co-owner, said AmaWaterways has informed its guests and their travel advisors about the delay and they were “very understanding.”
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.
AmaMagdalena launches in Nov. 9, 2024, and AmaMelodia begins sailing June 19th, 2025. Prices for seven-night cruises start at $4,841 Canadian per person based on double occupancy.
Wallace Immen, The Cruisington Times
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