The Magdalena River continues to establish itself as a new axis for river tourism in Latin America. With the christening of the AmaMelodia in Barranquilla on April 28, AmaWaterways confirms the expansion of its cruises in Colombia, following the launch of its first ship on the river, the AmaMagdalena.
The American company, specialized in high-end river cruises, is continuing to roll out an offering that is still rare in the country, focusing on navigation close to local territories.
A second ship to support growing demand
“As we continue to expand beyond our European roots, destinations such as Colombia represent an important part of our future,” says Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways.
After the AmaMagdalena, launched in March 2025, the arrival of the AmaMelodia increases capacity while strengthening the company’s presence on the river.
Designed specifically for this navigation, the ship offers five categories of cabins across 32 units, accommodating up to 64 passengers. This intentionally limited capacity reflects a high-end cruise model, with a focus on comfort, service, and proximity to destinations.
On board, the experience follows European river cruise standards, while incorporating elements specific to the Colombian context, particularly through gastronomy, excursions, and guiding.
The christening ceremony took place in the presence of local stakeholders, with Captain Elisabeth Mercado Herrera—an important figure in Colombia’s river sector and originally from the region—as the ship’s godmother. This choice reflects the company’s intention to anchor itself in local dynamics.
Sailing the Magdalena: between heritage and lesser-known territories
The two itineraries follow the river between Cartagena and Barranquilla, with stops in Mompox, Magangué, Calamar, Santa Bárbara de Pinto, and Sabanagrande.
These stops offer the opportunity to discover a different side of Colombia, away from the most frequented routes, combining colonial towns, cultural villages, and ecosystems still largely outside international tourism flows.
Long associated with trade and transport, the river is now becoming a guiding thread to understand the country’s history and local dynamics.
“With AmaMelodia, we are delivering on our commitment to offer more varied and immersive experiences in new regions, while continuing to provide the high-quality journeys our guests expect,” adds Catherine Powell.
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A pioneering presence in Colombia
With its two ships, AmaWaterways positions itself as the first international operator to structure a river cruise offering in the country.
This development is part of a broader strategy led by Colombia to diversify its tourism offer and better distribute visitor flows beyond established destinations.
Pre- and post-cruise extensions are available, allowing travelers to explore Medellín and Cartagena before embarkation, or Panama after the river journey.
A market still under construction
While the Magdalena is beginning to appear on the river cruise map, the offering remains limited and the destination is still developing.
This is precisely what makes it attractive for professionals: a differentiated product capable of meeting demand for more exclusive and less standardized experiences.
With the arrival of this second ship, the Magdalena reaches a new milestone. Beyond increased capacity, it confirms the river’s gradual emergence as a destination in its own right, with further development expected in the coming years.
Photos: AmaWaterways
