Call us free on 0800 023 1273
Mobiles / International call 0203 371 7641
30th Jul 2025 | 7 nights | AMAWaterways | AmaMelodia
AmaMelodia is the second ship to debut for AmaWaterways on Colombia's Magdalena River. In 2021, the line announced that it would become the first mainstream river cruise line to offer sailings on the river aboard AmaMagdalena, which launches in March 2024. In February 2023, AmaWaterways revealed that it would launch a second ship -- the 64-passenger and almost identical AmaMelodia -- which will set sail a month after its sibling. The all-new Colombian itineraries on the 'River of a Thousand Rhythms' are being offered in partnership with South American tour operator Metropolitan Touring.
AmaMelodia will launch on April 6, 2024, and sail on the seven-night round-trip Magic of Colombia cruise from Barranquilla to Cartagena.
Like its sister ship AmaMagdalena, the second vessel will offer two seven-night itineraries between Barranquilla and Cartagena, and in reverse. The itineraries will visit Palenque, Calamar, Santa Barbara de Pinto, Mompox, El Banco, Magangué and Nueva Venecia, and include walking and cycling tours, and birdwatching expeditions. A weekly highlight will be an exclusive "carnaval" performance in Barranquilla to provide a taste of the country's colourful annual festival. Pre-cruise packages are offered in Medellin and Cartagena, which can be combined, along with a post-cruise package in Panama City including a visit to the Panama Canal.
The ship measures 223 feet and carries 64 passengers at full occupancy with 30 crew.
The top Luna deck is divided into indoor and outdoor areas and includes the main lounge, a fitness room and a combined massage room and hair and nail salon. The al fresco area has loungers and a small pool. Sailings will include nightly entertainment, a gala dinner and intimate specialty dining experience.
Public areas include a main restaurant located on the Cumbia deck which serves regional and Western-style cuisine.
Custom-built to sail on Colombia's longest river, AmaMelodia has 32 river-facing cabins situated on the lower Salsa deck and main Cumbia deck. Most of the onboard features are exactly the same as AmaMagdalena, with the exception of some tweaks to the cabin categories. The first ship has two Grand Suites and on AmaMelodia these have been replaced to make room for two additional staterooms. Cabins range from 237 to 318 square feet and all of them feature a French balcony and walk-out veranda. Each stateroom has a sitting area, desk, mini-fridge, on-demand entertainment and a safe. Suites also feature a bathtub.
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.
