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7th Jun 2025 | 7 nights | AMAWaterways | AmaMagdalena
When AmaMagdalena launches in 2024, AmaWaterways will become the first mainstream river cruise line to offer sailings on Colombia's Magdalena River. In 2021, the line announced a ground-breaking partnership with South American tour operator Metropolitan Touring to offer the all-new river cruise experience on an eco-friendly river ship. The all-suite ship is expected to carry around 80 passengers.
Although the ship is in the early stages of development and details are still under wraps, passengers can expect to experience modern comforts and luxurious touches found on the line's current river vessels. Custom-built for the so-called 'River of a Thousand Rhythms', AmaWaterways says the all-suite AmaMagdalena will provide "unparalleled service" and "exclusive experiences" on Colombia's longest which flows 950 miles from the Andes Mountains to the Caribbean Sea. Cruises along the river renowned for its biodiversity will be accompanied by an expert team, including nature and wildlife experts, and activities will include kayaking, hiking and birdwatching. There will also be an onboard wellness host. When plans for the ship and new destination were first announced AmaWaterways' President and Co-founder Rudi Schreiner said: "Not since my early university days of exploring the Amazon River have I felt the excitement of discovering a new destination that is so rich in biodiversity and culture, as I found on the Magdalena River in Colombia. I'm absolutely captivated by the rich history, wildlife and friendly welcome that awaits our guests when our intimate, all-suite ship sets sail."
The vessel is slated to enter service in early 2024 and the exact date has not yet been announced.
Passengers will be able to choose between two seven-night itineraries along with optional pre- and post-cruise land programs that will explore Colombia's cultural and natural heritage. The cruise itineraries are currently being developed with more details will be announced at a later date.
The ship is expected to accommodate around 80 passengers. Other details will be announced at a later date.
Wine-lovers, foodies, wellness enthusiasts and families
Travellers with limited mobility
Most passengers are North Americans, though a good share come from Australia and the U.K. Most are in the 50-plus range, and are well-educated and active. AmaWaterways attracts solo travellers and couples, and recent ships draw families and multigenerational groups with stateroom designs accommodating multiple passengers.
A little bit, particularly in Europe where, in general, the dress code is country club casual, with cruisers turning up the notch a bit for the captain's night and farewell dinner, showing up dressed as they would be for a fine restaurant. In Southeast Asia, the line urges cruisers to travel lighter with smart casual clothing for the welcome and farewell dinners, and in Africa the rule is casual throughout.
In all destinations, AmaWaterways offers free Wi-Fi, coffee, tea and bottled water, and in Europe, Vietnam and Cambodia, a complimentary shore excursion is provided in each port. In Africa all excursions are included in the fare. On all European river cruises (except Portugal), there is complimentary sparkling wine and juices at breakfast, and beer, soft drinks and unlimited wines at lunch and dinner, plus a cocktail hour with complimentary wine, beer and spirits. These same cruises provide free bikes and helmets for independent use in port. In Vietnam and Cambodia, cruisers have complimentary soft drinks, juices, house brand spirits, local beers, filtered coffee and tea during the cruise, with free flowing wine with lunch and dinner onboard and bottled water, replenished daily. In Africa complimentary wine and beer is served with all lunch and dinners onboard. Gratuities, laundry, spa and beauty services and some shore excursions carry an additional fee, as do premium alcoholic beverages and drinks outside of meal times.
The destinations visited are the main draw for cruises on an Ama sailing, and passengers take advantage of shore excursions that range from Gentle to Active Walker groups; there's even a concentrated Late Starter option for people who want to sleep in but still see key tour highlights. In Europe there are also guided bicycle and hiking tours in some cities along the way. While sailing, wine tastings and lectures draw a crowd, and when nothing is on the schedule, cruisers are just as happy to relax on deck or in the lounge and watch the scenery go by or read. Some afternoons local cultural groups come onboard to perform and share their heritage. AmaWaterways has found that many of its passengers want active pursuits onboard, so the line established a wellness program onboard. Passengers do relax in the lounges, but they also show up for stretch sessions, yoga, cardio/core strengthening, resistance band workouts and circuit training. There are quite a few reasons to be in your stateroom, too; the line's Entertainment-On-Demand system not only provides high-speed internet access but also movies, music and English language TV stations.
Inclusions may differ depending on region. Please check with our team.
