AmaWaterways’ First Ship on Colombia’s Magdalena River
Overview
AmaMagdalena is a purpose-built river cruise vessel designed specifically for Colombia’s Magdalena River. Operated by AmaWaterways under long-term charter from Metropolitan Touring, the ship represents the brand’s first entry into South America — and, by its own account, the first major river cruise line to sail this route. The itinerary centers on culture, biodiversity, and access to smaller communities that larger vessels simply cannot reach.
Intimate by design, AmaMagdalena carries a maximum of 60 guests, allowing it to navigate stretches of river that would be inaccessible to larger ships. The onboard atmosphere reflects AmaWaterways’ familiar approach — contemporary interiors, regionally inspired cuisine, and a strong emphasis on guided touring — adapted for a warmer climate and a culturally rich route. The ship entered service in April 2025, with a formal christening ceremony held in the UNESCO-listed city of Mompox on June 17, 2025.
This is not a Danube-style floating hotel. It is a regional exploration vessel built around access and experience.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Passenger Capacity | 60 guests |
| Staterooms | 30 |
| Ship Length | 223 feet |
| Stateroom Size | 237 to 516 sq. ft. |
| Balcony Design | AmaWaterways’ signature twin-balcony (French balcony + outside balcony) in all staterooms |
| Dining | Main Restaurant + al fresco specialty dining venue |
| Sun Deck | Yes, including a pool |
| Fitness | Fitness room |
| Flag | Colombia (registered in Buenaventura) |
| Sister Ship | AmaMelodia (launched summer 2025, 64 guests) |
What Makes AmaMagdalena Different
Itinerary-Led Design
AmaMagdalena was engineered specifically for the Magdalena River’s depth and infrastructure. Unlike European rivers lined with centuries-old port facilities, many Colombian stops involve smaller community landings. The vessel’s scale — just 60 guests, 223 feet in length — makes that flexibility possible. AmaWaterways describes itself as the first major river cruise line to operate on this river.
Colombian Craftsmanship Built In
The ship was custom-designed in collaboration with Colombian architects and craftspeople. Architect Camilo Restrepo led the overall design, while stateroom interiors were created by Marianna Schlegel Donado of Barranquilla-based Casa Schlegel Donado — who also served as the ship’s godmother at the christening ceremony. The result is a vessel that feels genuinely rooted in the region rather than transplanted from Europe.
Cultural Immersion
Shore experiences are built around living culture rather than landmarks. Highlights across the two itineraries include:
- A private Barranquilla Carnival celebration (available year-round as an exclusive onboard event)
- A guided heritage tour and jazz performance in Mompox, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- A visit to San Basilio de Palenque, recognized as the first free town in the Americas and home to a unique Spanish-based creole language
- Birdwatching for rare endemic species in riverine ecosystems
- A cumbia performance dinner in El Banco
Warm-Climate Cruising
The ship is designed for tropical conditions, with open-air viewing areas, a Sun Deck pool, shaded spaces, and interiors that reflect Colombian aesthetic influences. Cuisine in the Main Restaurant emphasizes Latin American flavors alongside international options.
Staterooms
All 30 staterooms feature AmaWaterways’ signature twin-balcony design — a French balcony and an outside balcony within the same cabin. Stateroom sizes range from 237 to 516 square feet, which is competitive even by European river cruise standards. Interiors were crafted by Casa Schlegel Donado of Barranquilla.
Standard amenities include on-demand entertainment, high-speed Wi-Fi, a curated music library, and English-language TV channels. Fresh water is replenished daily.
Dining
AmaMagdalena follows AmaWaterways’ general dining philosophy with some regional adaptations:
- Main Restaurant: Open seating, regionally inspired Latin American cuisine alongside Western favorites
- Al Fresco Specialty Venue: An intimate outdoor dining option
- Included: Wine and beer at meals, 24/7 Colombian coffee and tea station
- Special Experience: One included dinner ashore in El Banco
Expect Colombian ingredients and flavors to feature prominently throughout, given the sourcing opportunities along the river.
Public Spaces & Onboard Life
The Main Lounge functions as lecture space, bar, and social hub, with live music performances in the evenings. On a 60-guest vessel, the atmosphere is naturally social — most guests will know each other by name within a day or two. AmaWaterways includes a dedicated wellness host who leads fitness classes, and massage services are available on the Sun Deck.
The Itineraries
Two seven-night sailings operate between Cartagena and Barranquilla:
- Magic of Colombia (Barranquilla to Cartagena)
- Wonders of Colombia (Cartagena to Barranquilla)
Both itineraries call at Mompox (with an overnight), San Basilio de Palenque, El Banco, Magangué, and the stilt-house village of Nueva Venecia, among others. Optional pre- and post-cruise land packages are available in Medellín, Cartagena, and Panama City. Pricing as of our publication date started at $3,599 per person based on double occupancy.
Who AmaMagdalena Is Best For
AmaMagdalena is a strong fit for:
- Experienced river cruisers who have covered European routes and want something genuinely new
- Culturally curious travelers drawn to living traditions rather than museum itineraries
- Guests comfortable with an emerging destination and a smaller, more intimate ship environment
- Travelers who prioritize guided shore touring over onboard entertainment
It is less suited for guests seeking large-ship amenities, casino options, or the urban port-hopping of a Rhine or Danube itinerary.
How It Compares to European AmaWaterways Ships
Compared to vessels like AmaBella or AmaSerena, AmaMagdalena is smaller and more regionally focused, but stateroom sizes are actually competitive — the 237–516 sq. ft. range holds up well against the European fleet. Where it differs most is in tone: this is an expedition-oriented cultural journey rather than a floating resort. The twin-balcony design, however, is consistent with AmaWaterways’ European standard, so loyal guests will find familiar comforts.
Our Perspective
AmaMagdalena represents a meaningful shift in the river cruise landscape. Rather than adding another ship to an already well-served European corridor, AmaWaterways has invested in a destination with real discovery potential — a river with limited cruise infrastructure, high biodiversity, and communities that have rarely encountered this kind of tourism.
For travelers who have done the Danube and want something different — but still within a structured, well-supported environment — this vessel fills that niche convincingly. The Colombian craftsmanship built into the ship itself, the emphasis on community engagement, and the access to places like Mompox and Palenque set it apart from anything else currently sailing in South America.
AmaMagdalena entered service April 12, 2025. Sister ship AmaMelodia launched summer 2025.
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