Discover the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and untouched natural beauty of Colombia aboard AmaWaterways’ groundbreaking new river cruises on the historic Magdalena River.
Contributed By: AmaWaterways
From Spanish conquistadors to pirate raids and so much more, Colombia has borne witness to many dynamic events throughout time, and signs of that history still stands clearly throughout the destinations visited along AmaWaterways’ new river cruise itineraries.
Family owned and operated, AmaWaterways has always strived to provide the most authentic and immersive travel experiences to their guests. With an exceptional variety of included excursions and delectable regionally inspired cuisine in Europe, Asia, Africa and now, they have begun cruising their newest destination: South American along Colombia’s Magdalena River.
Why Colombia?
When Co-Owners and Co-Founders Rudi Schriener and Kristin Karst visited Colombia and explored the Magdalena River for themselves, they closely identified with how important family is to Colombian society, where multiple generations and extended families often live within the same household and pass down their trade and traditions for centuries. Following their unforgettable experience in Colombia, Rudi and Kristin knew they had to share this country and its unique culture with AmaWaterways’ cherished guests – and your clients will not want to miss the incredible adventures that these itineraries have in store.
AmaWaterways will be the first major river cruise company to welcome guests on the enchanting Magdalena River, cruising through the colorful scenery as your clients take in the natural beauty of a thriving ecosystem untouched by the effects of industrialism. This Colombian river has not hosted an overnight cruise in over 50 years, since the era of steamboats, and now, your clients can be one of the first to rediscover river cruises along this breathtaking waterway.
Magdalena River Itineraries
When planning your client’s Magdalena River cruise, they can choose between AmaWaterways’ 7-night Magic of Colombia itinerary, which River Cruises from Barranquilla to Cartagena, and their 7-night Wonders of Colombia river cruise, cruising from Cartagena to Barranquilla. With the personal touch for which the river cruises line is renowned, your clients will experience the vibrant culture of Colombia aboard one of two stunning ships, the 60-passenger AmaMagdalena or 64-passenger AmaMelodia, while being pampered by the attentive crew, an expert Wellness Host and a dedicated Cruise Manager, locals familiar with the river and the surrounding destinations. Throughout the entire cruise, experienced local guides will accompany your clients, and they will be immersed in the energy of this fascinating country on a wide variety of included and authentic excursions.
AmaWaterways’ Stunning Ships
When designing the stunning ships that will be your client’s home-away-from-home, AmaWaterways drew inspiration from the. unique ecosystem of the Magdalena River. Every design choice was made to reflect and respect this magical environment. They adhered to impressive standards to ensure the river and surrounding landscapes are protected and preserved. Even the ship’s furnishings and interior amenities were carefully selected to enhance the overall guest experience onboard. These thoughtful details help bring the natural beauty and wonder found outdoors into every corner of the ship.
Camilo Restrepo, an award-winning architect and co-founder of AGENdA Agencia de Arquitectura in Medellín, Colombia, envisioned the stunning AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia as integral parts of the storytelling experience along this magnificent river. With this vision in mind, he added vivid elements such as elegant silk curtains along the walls of the lounge that change as you cruise further along the Magdalena. Each day, different curtains adorn the shared interior space, gradually gaining brighter colors and embodying the vibrant wildlife that your clients can see along the river.
Exclusive Experiences
As the only river cruises line sailing the Magdalena River, AmaWaterways provides a wide variety of authentic experiences only offered on these special itineraries – many of which focus on music. Vibrant colors, exciting drumming, and lively folk dancing are all central to the proud heritage of the “Land of a Thousand Rhythms.” Along your client’s AmaWaterways cruise on the Magdalena River, they will have a wide variety of ways to experience this aspect of Colombian culture during many excursions and performances exclusive to the river cruise line.
Mompox is home to an annual international jazz festival that attracts music lovers from around the world. When your clients arrive at this island town, they will be welcomed with open arms and dynamic music during an exclusive jazz performance played by local musicians, which is an experience offered on every sailing year-round.
Cumbia music and dance is at the heart of Colombian culture. Originating centuries ago in the country, cumbia is a unique mix of Spanish, African and indigenous tradition. On your client’s river cruises, they will be treated to a special cumbia performance on board their ship – available during every AmaWaterways journey!
Upselling Optional Land Packages
If your clients want to enhance their river cruises experience through this gorgeous region and take advantage of their international airfare, they can extend their journey with an optional land package! During this special program, your clients will stay in 4- and 5-star hotels and be treated to daily breakfast, excursions, convenient transfers and luggage service between their hotel and river cruises ship. Plus, you will enjoy 12% commission on these experiences as well!
A city known for its rich civic culture, Medellín seamlessly blends urbanity with nature. During your client’s optional 3-night land package before AmaWaterways’ Magic of Colombia itinerary, they will be struck by the stunning mountainous backdrop contrasting Medellín’s colorful urban landscape. While there, they will be immersed in the city’s story of transformation on a guided tour and take an excursion to a coffee farm, where the beans for the rich beverage are grown.
For those embarking on AmaWaterways’ Wonders of Colombia itinerary, they can also enjoy two nights in the Caribbean city of Cartagena before their river cruises. From its fortified city walls to the imposing protection of San Felipe Castle, Cartagena has withstood the test of time and the plundering of pirates. Your clients will dive into the city’s royal history as they explore what it has to offer on a variety of excursions such as city tours, museum visits and so much more!
Visit www.AmaWaterways.com/colombia to learn more about these exciting new river cruises today!