AmaWaterways has launched the AmaMagdalena, a river cruise ship operating on Colombia’s Magdalena River, entering service on April 12, 2025.
The ship represents the company’s first foray into South America and has been designed in collaboration with local Colombian architects.
AmaMagdalena will offer two seven-night itineraries, exploring destinations like Cartagena, Barranquilla, Mompox, and Palenque.
The focus of AmaWaterways’ expansion into Colombia includes responsible tourism and building economic opportunities for local communities along the river.
The company plans to introduce a second ship, AmaMelodia, later in the year to further solidify its presence in Colombia.
Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and CEO of AmaWaterways shared “Our expansion into Colombia represents a new chapter for AmaWaterways and for the world of river cruising. We are proud to be the first major river cruise line to explore the Magdalena River, a region that 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 – from our guests to the people who call this river home.”
Kristin Karst, co-founder and chief brand ambassador of AmaWaterways shared “We’ve seen locals lining the riverbanks, waving and cheering with joy as they see AmaMagdalena. It’s a moment of pride, unity, and shared celebration for us and the communities along this majestic river. The launch of AmaMagdalena is more than bringing our guests to a new destination—it’s about creating lasting connections between cultures, celebrating the rich history and natural beauty of the Magdalena River, and offering new opportunities for local communities.”
Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia shared: “The launch of AmaWaterways operations in Colombia marks a new chapter for our tourism. It is not only a sign of trust in our country but also an opportunity to show the world why Colombia is the country of beauty. The Magdalena River will become a showcase of our traditions, biodiversity, and hospitality.”
