Introducing AmaMagdalena: AmaWaterways’ Stunning New River Cruise Ship Exploring Colombia 

Cruise Specialists Blog - Cruise Reviews, Updates & Inspiration

Introducing AmaMagdalena: AmaWaterways’ Stunning New River Cruise Ship Exploring Colombia

By Lisa Vongphachanh




If you've ever dreamed of exploring South America in style, the wait is over. Launching in March 2025, AmaWaterways' AmaMagdalena offers a luxurious new way to experience the culture, flavor, and spirit of Colombia, along the breathtaking Magdalena River. Be among the first to sail aboard this intimate, 60-guest river ship and discover a region rich with history and rhythm on one of two unforgettable itineraries: Wonders of Colombia and Magic of Colombia.

A Ship Like No Other

Custom-built to navigate the majestic Magdalena River, the brand-new AmaMagdalena blends modern comfort with local charm in a way only AmaWaterways can deliver.

Onboard, you’ll find:

  • 30 twin-balcony staterooms, each with both a French and outside balcony for panoramic river views
  • Main Restaurant serving regional Latin American specialties and Western favorites
  • Al fresco dining experience: intimate, open-air meals under the Colombian sky
  • Spacious fitness room and a Sun Deck pool for rejuvenation between ports
  • Personalized service from a dedicated crew, ensuring a truly intimate journey

Travel Leaders Image
Main lounge on AmaMagdalena

Travel Leaders Image
AmaMagdalena stateroom

Every detail, from the warm onboard ambiance to the regionally inspired cuisine, invites you to relax, indulge, and connect with Colombia in style. You'll wake to a new scene unfolding outside your window every day, from quaint villages to lush riverbanks bursting with life.

Travel Leaders Image
AmaMagdalena on the Magdalena River

Two Unforgettable Itineraries Through the Land of a Thousand Rhythms

Colombia’s Magdalena River is more than a route, it’s a cultural thread that ties together vibrant towns, rich traditions, and untold stories. Cruise from Cartagena to Barranquilla or reverse to experience it all firsthand.

Highlights include:

  • Cartagena – Explore the famed “Walled City” and its Spanish fortifications
  • Calamar – Gateway to stunning river landscapes and biodiversity
  • Santa Barbara de Pinto – A charming village along the Magdalena
  • Mompox – Known for its filigree jewelry and colonial architecture
  • El Banco – A musical town brimming with local rhythm and tradition
  • Magangue – A vibrant river town with thriving markets
  • Nueva Venecia – A floating village only accessible by water
  • Barranquilla – Colombia’s carnival capital and cultural hub

With each stop, AmaMagdalena brings you face-to-face with Colombia’s diverse heritage. From birdwatching excursions to culinary tastings and expert-led shore tours, these cruises offer much more than sightseeing—they’re deep, curated experiences.

Travel Leaders Image
Cartagena
Travel Leaders Image
Mompox
Travel Leaders Image
El Banco

Travel Leaders Image
Toucan
Travel Leaders Image
Hummingbird

Savor local flavors like posta negra cartagenera, butifarra sausage, and sweet treats from the iconic palenqueras. Spot rare birds like the sapphire-bellied hummingbird, and step into centuries of preserved history in towns like Mompox and Palenque.

Book with Cruise Specialists

As your river cruise experts, we know how to match your travel style to the perfect itinerary. Let us take care of every detail—from pre- and post-cruise options to personalized tips on how to make the most of your Colombian adventure.

Cruise Specialists today to reserve your stateroom on this groundbreaking new river cruise.

See Colombia River Cruises with AmaWaterways >>

SEE ALL CLASSIC BLOGS →
                              
SEARCH ARTICLES
                              

                           
ARTICLE TOPICS
                           
Cruise Destinations ▼
Cruise Lines ▼
Tours, Train, and Resorts ▼

                                    
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
                                    
Guest Contributor
READ MY ARTICLES →
Steve and Wendy Bodenheimer
READ MY ARTICLES →
Lisa Vongphachanh
READ MY ARTICLES →
John Bell
READ MY ARTICLES →
Kirsten Ulmer and Alex Tokar
READ MY ARTICLES →
Georgina Cruz
READ MY ARTICLES →
Keith and Susie Boyland
READ MY ARTICLES →
Kim Jackson
READ MY ARTICLES →
Kevin LaGraff and Susan Atkins
READ MY ARTICLES →

MORE REVIEWS
Cruising Europe in Winter: A Growing Trend Travelers Should Know About

Cruising Europe in Winter: A Growing Trend Travelers Should Know About

For decades, the cruise calendar followed a predictable rhythm. Ships spent summer exploring Europe and the Mediterranean, then repositioned to the Caribbean or other warm-weather destinations for winter. But that rhythm is changing. More cruise lines are extending their European seasons — and in some cases operating there year-round — creating exciting new opportunities for travelers willing to experience Europe in the quieter winter months.

READ MORE →

HX Expedition on MS Fridtjof Nansen

HX Expedition on MS Fridtjof Nansen

November 9-20, 2025 | Roundtrip Buenos Aires | Highlights of Antarctica Last November, I had the opportunity to embark on an incredible expedition to Antarctica. My expedition cruise aboard the MS Fridtjof Nansen was an unforgettable adventure that blended breathtaking landscapes, thrilling wildlife encounters, and unique small-ship travel. Sailing with roughly 300 passengers, the experience felt intimate, well organized, and thoughtfully paced.

READ MORE →

2029 Regent Seven Seas World Cruise

2029 Regent Seven Seas World Cruise

A journey spanning centuries, continents, and some of the world’s most storied civilizations is on the horizon. Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced that details for its 2029 World Cruise—Eras of Exploration—will open to the public on April 1st, 2026.

READ MORE →

TRUSTED BY:
Conde Nast Traveler
Travel + Leisure
Wall Street Journal
CLIA - Official Travel Agency for the Cruise Industry
Forbes