AmaWaterways Launches Its New Luxury River Cruise Ship on Colombia’s Magdalena River
The new river ship AmaMagdalena carries up to 60 passengers and offers seven-night itineraries between Cartagena and Barranquilla. (Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways)
The Magdalena River serves as Colombia’s main waterway and owns a legacy as a vital connection to the South American country’s commerce and history.
The river has been a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, and culture for centuries. It stretches more than 930 miles from the Andes Mountains to the Caribbean Sea.
Now, AmaWaterways is taking travelers along this stunning waterway on immersive trips.
The line launched AmaMagdalena, the first luxury river cruise ship to navigate Colombia’s Magdalena River. The historic launch, which took place April 12, 2025, marks a significant milestone for the company and a transformative breakthrough for tourism in the country. AmaWaterways adds to its impressive cruise itineraries, which also include voyages in Europe, Asia and Africa.
“Our expansion into Colombia represents a new chapter for AmaWaterways and for the world of river cruising,” said Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and CEO of AmaWaterways. “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.”
The new ship is small, carrying just 60 cruisers. It was custom-designed in collaboration with Colombian craftspeople and woodwork specialists to bring the heart and soul of the region onboard. The ship’s creative vision, led by architect and interior designer Camilo Restrepo, was inspired by the region’s natural beauty to offer an intimate, upscale experience. The interiors of the staterooms, which range from 237 to 516 square feet, were built by Marianna Schlegel Donado of Casa Schlegel Donado from Barranquilla, Colombia, and feature AmaWaterways’ signature twin-balcony design. Cartagena-based Ocean Projects handcrafted the ship’s woodwork.
Amenities on AmaMagdalena include a Sun Deck pool, fitness room, a Main Restaurant offering Latin American cuisine alongside Western favorites, and an intimate al fresco specialty dining venue.
The two immersive seven-night itineraries, Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia, sail between Cartagena and Barranquilla and include highlights like a private celebration of the world-famous Barranquilla Carnival, a guided heritage tour and exclusive jazz performance in the UNESCO-designated city of Mompox, birdwatching of rare endemic species and a musical and historical exploration of Palenque — the first free town in the Americas. Optional pre- and post-cruise land packages are available in Medellín and Cartagena, Colombia, and Panama City, Panama.
“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,” said Kristin Karst, co-founder and chief brand ambassador of AmaWaterways. “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.”
Later in 2025, AmaWaterways will launch AmaMelodia, its second ship on the Magdalena River, further expanding the company’s presence in Colombia.
The charms of this fascinating destination are obvious, and I’m glad that AmaWaterways is developing travel opportunities for river cruise lovers here.
Pre-Columbian indigenous groups, such as the Muisca and Carib, relied on the river for fishing, transportation, and trade, establishing settlements along its banks. With the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, the river became a vital artery for exploration and conquest. Conquistadors like Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada navigated its waters to reach the interior, facilitating the establishment of cities like Cartagena and Santa Fé de Bogotá. The river enabled the transport of gold, silver and agricultural goods, linking Colombia to global trade networks.
During the 19th-century independence wars, the Magdalena was a strategic corridor for Simón Bolívar’s campaigns, allowing troop movements and supply transport. In the steamship era, it became Colombia’s economic lifeline, carrying coffee, tobacco and bananas to international markets. Towns like Barranquilla flourished as bustling ports.
In the 20th century, the river’s significance waned with the rise of railroads and highways, but it remained critical for rural communities. Today, it supports agriculture, fishing, and hydroelectric power, though pollution and deforestation threaten its ecosystem.
The Magdalena River, often called the “artery of Colombia,” remains a symbol of national identity, immortalized in literature, music, and art, reflecting its enduring role in shaping Colombia’s past and present.