AmaWaterways, the first major river cruise line to navigate the Magdalena River in Colombia, shared its latest updates in preparation for the inaugural sailing of its first ship in Colombia, AmaMagdalena, set for 2025. The company is focused on enhancing the luxury cruising experience along this river, a new destination for river cruising, ensuring guests enjoy authentic and enriching connections to the region’s culture and heritage.
“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 travellers.
“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 flavours.
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.
AmaWaterways has rescheduled the inaugural sailing of AmaMagdalena to 15 March, 2025, allowing the company to finalise the essential infrastructure for this new 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 with AmaWaterways. The launch of AmaMelodia, the company’s second ship on the Magdalena River, remains on schedule for June 2025.
“This is the first time a major river cruise line is offering a journey of this nature on the Magdalena River. We’ve encountered challenges that are simply part of being pioneers,” said Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and president of AmaWaterways. “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.”
Guests affected by the delay are being offered alternative arrangements, including the option to rebook for another destination or postpone their trip to later in 2025.
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