AmaWaterways Makes History with New Ship AmaMagdalena

Last month marked an impressive milestone for AmaWaterways, as their brand-new ship AmaMagdalena officially embarked on her maiden voyage, becoming the first-ever luxury river cruise ship to navigate Colombia’s Magdalena River. This momentous sailing signifies a landmark moment for AmaWaterways, as they extend their already considerable portfolio beyond Africa, Europe, and Asia, into the rather more engimatic South American waterways. 

Passenger cruises have not been a fixture of the Magdalena River for more than 60 years, and in celebration of this long-awaited revival, AmaWaterways aims to provide travellers with an experience that is more than just a cruise. Aboard AmaMagdalena, guests are invited to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant culture, welcoming communities, and passionate festivities of this jewelled nation. 

“This is the first time a major river cruise line is offering a journey of this nature on the Magdalena River,” said AmaWaterways CEO Rudi Schreiner. “Opening a new river to the world is not easy, but it’s exactly these kinds of bold steps that allow us to offer our guests new experiences.”

In 2021, the line announced an innovative partnership with sustainable South American tour operator Metropolitan Touring, before unveiling the names and designs for the two proposed ships in March 2023. 

“Finding the right partner to develop the first ever eco-friendly river cruise experience for Colombia was of utmost importance to our company and me,’ shared Paulina Burbano de Lara, CEO of Metropolitan Touring. “We know that Rudi, Kristin, and all the AmaWaterways team share our passion for the River Magdalena, and we’re delighted that together we will create innovative and enriching experiences for our guests.”

The 60-passenger AmaMagdalena was delivered and launched last month and was thoughtfully designed with input from local Columbian craftspeople and woodwork specialists at every step of the way. The interiors of the staterooms - which range from 237 to 516 square feet - were built by Marianna Schlegel Donado of Casa Schlegel Donado, and each feature AmaWaterways’ hallmark twin-balcony design. 

Amenities aboard AmaMagdalena include a fitness room, sun deck pool, a main dining venue featuring locally inspired Latin American cuisine, as well as a sophisticated al fresco restaurant and inviting public spaces fitted with warm wooden fixtures. 

AmaMagdalena will offer two enchanting seven-night itineraries: Magic of Colombia (Barranquilla to Cartagena) and Wonders of Colombia (Cartagena to Barranquilla). As part of each action-packed schedule, guests are invited to explore a village on stilts in Nueva Venecia, look out for rainbow-hued birds and butterflies in wetlands with more species than Brazil, dance to Vallenato music at an exclusive celebration of the world-renowned Barranquilla Carnival, and enjoy a private jazz performance in Mompox, a town frozen in time. In addition, guests can opt for pre- and post-cruise land packages in Medellín, Panama City, and Cartagena.

“Our expansion into Colombia represents a new chapter for AmaWaterways and for the world of river cruising,” said Schreiner. “We are proud to be the first major river cruise line to explore the Magdalena River, a region that up 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.”

AmaWaterways’ expansion into Colombia has been given the seal of approval by ProColombia and local stakeholders, with their shared commitment to sustainable tourism and community involvement. Placing the culture and heritage of the region at the heart of all activities and training programmes, AmaWaterways is striving to create important economic and ecological opportunities for the people who call the river home. Later this year, AmaWaterways have plans to launch AmaMelodia, a sistership to AmaMagdalena, and the line’s second ship on the Magdalena River, further solidifying the company’s presence in Colombia.

So, whether you’re a river cruising newbie or aficionado, AmaWaterways hold the keys to a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, guaranteed to be utterly like anything you’ve experienced before.

If this sounds like something you may be interested in, you can find out more here!