Luxury River Cruise Line Shares Developments as it Prepares to Set Sail on the Lesser-Known Magdalena River
Calabasas, CA, October 2024 – 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 travelers.
“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 flavors.
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 March 15, 2025, allowing the company to finalize 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.
For more information or to reserve an AmaWaterways river cruise and land package, contact your preferred Travel Advisor, call 1.800.626.0126 or visit AmaWaterways.com.
About AmaWaterways
Family-owned and operated for 22 years, AmaWaterways offers unparalleled river cruise experiences with 31 custom-designed ships sailing Europe’s major rivers; Southeast Asia’s Mekong River; Africa’s Chobe River; Egypt’s Nile River and Colombia’s Magdalena River (2025). Co-founded by pioneering river cruise executives Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy, the company is renowned for its warm and welcoming crew; innovative and sustainable ship design; wellness activities (including a wide choice of included small group shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options); and award-winning, locally sourced cuisine paired with complimentary fine wine.
Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, most AmaWaterways ships welcome an average of just 150 guests and feature onboard amenities such as a stunning Main Lounge, specialty Chef’s Table restaurant, hair and massage salons, Sun Deck walking track and heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars. AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry in innovation, highlighted by the launch of the revolutionary AmaMagna. The company also offers a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, with sailings geared towards active travelers and families, as well as group and charter options.