AmaWaterways now employs two luxury ships offering 7-night itineraries on the Magdalena River, with departures year-round from Cartagena and Barranquilla

AmaWaterways’ new AmaMelodia is now sailing on Colombia’s Magdalena River.  

Elisabeth Mercado Herrera, the first woman to become a river cruise captain on the Magdalena, serves as godmother and christened the AmaMelodia on April 28, 2026 in Barranquilla. Part of the naming ceremony was done in Spanish, and festivities included a Carnaval performance. Then the AmaMelodia sailed on her inaugural 7- night Magdalena River cruise. 

More about the AmaMelodia 

Accommodating 64 guests, the AmaMelodia has 32 staterooms and suites in five categories. All cabins have twin balconies – both a French balcony and an outside balcony, perfect for enjoying views of the river from the comfort of the room. They have flat-screen TVs, climate control and spacious bathrooms as well as a desk and chair. 

Cruising on the AmaMelodia includes all meals, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, and daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour. Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available in guest rooms and all public areas. This makes it easy to stay connected, whether guests want to share photos or check in with other family members during their journey. Guided excursions are provided in every port.  

The AmaMelodia does not have an elevator, so moving between decks requires using the stairs. The ship, however, has some staterooms that are better suited for guests with mobility needs. And the crew is available to assist on board and during shore excursions. 

The AmaMelodia’s top deck has both indoor and outdoor areas. 

Public Areas on the AmaMelodia 

The AmaMelodia has been designed with Colombia-inspired decor and modern comforts. A curved double staircase adds a luxurious touch to the lobby. Public areas include the following: 

  • The Main Restaurant features locally inspired Latin American cuisine alongside Western favorites. Guests can choose to enjoy an intimate al fresco dining experience. Meals include complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. 
  • The Luna Deck is the top deck and provides both indoor and outdoor venues. The Main Lounge and Bar, with a covering that shields guests from the sun, are located aft and offer nightly entertainment. The pool is located in the forward area.  
  • Fitness room and spa treatment room  

The AmaMelodia’s bar has tropical fruit as part of its decor – pineapples line the shelves. Guests can try fresh local fruits including coconut, dragon fruit and mamoncillo. Mamoncillo, also known as Spanish lime, is about the size of a strawberry. Guests can bite down on the green skin to pierce it and then peel it away. This reveals a flesh that is light-peach in color with a balanced sweet-tart taste. 

Cruise Itineraries on the Magdalena 

The AmaMelodia and her sister ship, the AmaMagdalena, sail on 7-night cruises with the same itineraries. They depart from Cartagena and Barranquilla. An optional post-cruise extension in Panama is available.  There are two different 7-night itineraries: Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia. 

Diverse Ways of Enjoying Colombia 

Bird watching and wildlife opportunities highlight some of the shore excursions. Guests also experience local customs and daily life. On an expedition on a small boat, for example, fishermen demonstrate how they cast nets into the river and show the day’s catches. 

AmaMelodia’s Sister Ship 

On April 12, 2025, the AmaMagdalena became the first-ever luxury cruise ship to sail on the Magdalena River. Rudi Schreiner, AmaWaterways’ co-founder and board chairman, said, “It was a total dream to be on the Magdalena. I had been working on the project in 2018, and it took seven years to bring river cruising to the country.” 

About AmaWaterways 

In addition to offering year-round cruises on the Magdalena River, AmaWaterways’ custom-designed ships sail on Europe’s main rivers, Africa’s Chobe River, Asia’s Mekong River and Egypt’s Nile River.  

AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. The company continues to lead the industry in innovation and to grow with the construction of more river ships.  

Consider a Magdalena River Cruise For Your Group 

AmaWaterways, now with two ships on the Magdalena River, is the only cruise line that offers Magdalena River sailings. Its ships are definitely ones to consider when planning your next group cruise. 

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By Cindy Bertram 

Photos Courtesy of AmaWaterways