In an exciting new river cruise development, AmaWaterways will become the first major river cruise line to explore Colombia’s Magdalena River in 2024. The company has announced details on two newly designed ships and the itineraries they will offer.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have two beautiful ships joining our growing fleet of 26 award-winning river cruise ships and share details on the new itineraries cruising between Cartagena and Barranquilla along the Magdalena River,” said Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and president of AmaWaterways.

“After visiting and falling in love with this region, we are so excited to now offer our guests the opportunity to discover Colombia’s vibrant culture, unique traditions and natural beauty.”

Co-founder and EVP Kristina Karst also shared her thoughts on bringing the AmaWaterways river cruise experience to a new continent.

“Everything, from the design of our two stunning ships to the immersive curated itineraries, reflects our pioneering spirit and mission to provide our guests with top-of-the-line accommodations, warm and welcoming services, locally inspired cuisine and enriching experiences engaging with local communities along this fascinating river,” said Karst.

“We are extremely grateful for our travel advisor partners and loyal guests who continue to support us and are as excited as we are to discover this new continent for river cruising.”

Two New Ships – AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia

The new ships will be AmaMagdalena, launching March 30th, 2024, and AmaMelodia, which begins sailing June 19th, 2024.

Designed to maximize the picturesque views along the Magdalena River, the intimate AmaMagdalena will host 60 guests, while AmaMelodia will accommodate 64 passengers. Spacious staterooms will range between 237 and 516 sq. ft and all feature AmaWaterways signature twin balcony design, with both a French balcony and an outside balcony. Guests will be able to relax and unwind in the ships’ sun deck pools, enjoy a massage, or work out in the fitness room.

Prices for seven-night cruises start at C$4,841 per person based on double occupancy.

Immersive Itineraries – Magic of Colombia and Wanders of Colombia

Starting in Spring 2024, 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 intriguing excursions.

Highlights of these two itineraries include:

-- Uncovering the soul and spirit of the “Land of a Thousand Rhythms” at a special Carnaval celebration in Barranquilla featuring live performances reserved exclusively for AmaWaterways guests.

-- Exploring the country’s most fascinating cities through historical walking tours in destinations including Mompox, a UNESCO Site preserved in colonial charm, where guests will be welcomed by an exclusive jazz performance.

-- With more than 1,900 bird species in the region, birdwatching tours will offer guests the opportunity to spot rare sights including the Cianeguo hummingbirds and the Chauna chavaria – only found in the Colombia region.

-- Visiting Palenque, historically named the first “free city” in the Americas, where guests will enjoy dancing to indigenous musical styles such as cumbia and vallenato during a Drum Rhythms and Freedom Historical tour.

-- Riding an authentic paola through the town of Calamar.

-- Witnessing the natural beauty of the great Magdalena basin, which harbours many species of flora and fauna not found anywhere else on the planet.

Pre- and Post-Cruise Land Packages – Medellín, Cartagena and Panama City

While in Colombia, travellers will have the opportunity to extend their journey with optional pre-cruise land packages in Medellín and Cartagena, and a post-cruise land package in Panama City.

In Medellín, guests can start their journey with a three-night stay in Colombia’s second largest city. Guests will enjoy indulging in the refined flavors of Medellín’s famous coffee and cuisine during a Coffee Region Tour and Tasting, as well as discover its unique heritage with guides and residents from diverse backgrounds who live beyond the riverbanks. Travellers will witness the transformation that the city has undergone while visiting neighborhoods such as Comuna 13.

A two-night, pre-cruise land package in the thriving city of Cartagena takes guests for a deep dive into the city’s royal history and heritage. Travellers will be inspired by the city that has withstood the test of time and the plundering of pirates through a walled city walking tour, and amazed by excursions to the Gold Museum, Caribbean Naval Museum and San Felipe Castle.

Travellers seeking a post-cruise land package can venture to the isthmus where North and South America meet in Panama City, Panama. The add-on invites guests to extend their experience by three nights while discovering the lively atmosphere of Amador Causeway, the historic buildings of Panama La Vieja and the mesmerizing Panama Canal. Plus, travellers can delve into the tropical rainforest of the Chagres National Park, where they can delight in the breathtaking scenery of the jungle and learn more about the indigenous Emberá people.

"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 travellers their immense beauty and natural and cultural diversity,” said Arturo Bravo, deputy minister of tourism.

Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia, added: “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,” she added.

Exclusive to travel advisors, details about Colombia itineraries can be found on this link to a recent webinar. Travel advisors who wish to share more information about this new destination with their clients can direct them to the Sip & Sail: Experience the Magic of Colombia with AmaWaterways on the line’s YouTube channel.