Do you enjoy river cruising? Or perhaps you’d love to try it and are just waiting for the right option? Well, it’s good to know that AmaWaterways river cruises are now sailing within a new South American river region.
Drum roll, please! This past week, the upscale river line christened its new, 66-passenger AmaMagdalena on Colombia’s Magdalena River. That’s just south of the Caribbean Sea in the far northern part of South America.
These new AmaWaterways river cruises provide an enticing option for people eager to try something different on vacation. Another perk?
“For some North American travelers, this region is also easier to reach than traveling to Europe, Africa or Southeast Asia,” says Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel.
“So, give us a call and we’ll answer all your questions, and discuss this new AmaWaterways river cruising opportunity,” she adds. To get you started, here’s a snapshot look at the ship and its itineraries.
(Shown above, the new 60-passenger AmaMagdalena sails on Colombia’s Magdalena River. Photo by AmaWaterways.)
AmaWaterways River Cruises: AmaMagdalena
AmaMagdalena‘s interiors have been custom designed in collaboration with Colombian craftspeople and artisans. For instance, Cartagena-based Ocean Projects designed the lovely hand-crafted woodwork, while Casa Schlegel Donado created the furniture.
Public spaces? Travelers can expect an inviting Sun Deck pool and a fitness room. The river vessel’s Main Restaurant serves both locally inspired Latin American cuisine and western favorites. “Plus, there’s an al fresco specialty dining venue on board — the Bolivar Restaurant,” says Pavlus’ Steudle.
Two New River Itineraries
In 2025 and beyond, AmaWaterways river cruises on the Magdalena will offer two immersive, seven-night itineraries. Both operate between the coastal Colombian cities of Cartagena and Barranquilla.
One itinerary is “Magic of Colombia,” another is the “Wonders of Colombia.” Click on those links to see the complete itineraries. Then give your personal travel planner a call to ask any questions and discuss accommodations.
What’s appealing for guests to see and do ashore? Let’s just say that AmaWaterways is offering some unique shore excursions. “For example, we can’t wait to experience the line’s private celebration of the Barranquilla Carnival,” says Pavlus’ Steudle.
Another appealing shoreside option is an exclusive jazz performance in Mompox. That’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Did you know that Colombia has the most bird species — 1,900 — on Earth? That’s true. Birders and those who love eco-adventure can head out on AmaWaterways’ curated birdwatching expeditions.
Also, they can visit Palenque, the first free town for former African slaves in the Americas.
AmaWaterways River Cruises: Parting Thoughts
The new AmaMagdalena offers guests much that’s new — from the ship’s purpose-built size and spaces to the river region itself. For those who’ve “been there, done that” on the Rhine, Danube, Nile or Mekong and are seeking something new, this is an enticing option.
Guests will discover a culturally immersive Latin America itinerary, and they’ll be pampered in style while sailing aboard. For example, one of the ship’s many comfortable accommodations, a Luxury Suite, is shown above.
A skilled personal travel planner can assist guests in selecting the perfect stateroom or suite for their needs. At press time, pricing for both weeklong Magdalena River journeys started at $3,939 per person, double occupancy.
Good to know? If guests desire to extend their vacation, AmaWaterways is also offering optional pre- and post-cruise land packages. These are perfect for guests to explore more extensively in Medellin and Cartagena, Colombia, as well as Panama City, Panama.
Look for AmaWaterways river cruises to expand further. Later this year, a second sister ship, AmaMelodia, will begin sailing the Magdalena River. And the line has added many more new options as Kristin Karst, the line’s brand ambassador, told us in a previous blog.
“For those seeking a pampering river cruise in a new river region, these voyages are great to consider,” says Pavlus’ Steudle.
Important Information from Pavlus Travel
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