AmaWaterways recently brought a new vessel, AmaMagdalena, into service with a formal christening held on Tuesday, June 17, in the UNESCO‑listed town of Mompox, Colombia. Recognized as the first luxury river cruise ship to traverse the famed Magdalena River, AmaMagdalena inaugurates a new chapter in sustainable tourism development for the region.
The ceremony took place alongside dignitaries from the Bolívar Department and the Municipality of Mompox, in addition to representatives from Colombia’s Ministries of Tourism, Transport, and Defense, as well as officials from ProColombia, Fontur, and Cormagdalena. Their attendance underscored the collaborative efforts between AmaWaterways and both public and private stakeholders in Colombia, whose support over the previous three years proved fundamental to the project's realization.
Citizens gathered along the riverbanks to witness the ship's blessing, reflecting the community’s connection to this maritime milestone.
The ship accommodates 60 passengers and was devised in partnership with local designers and artisans. Under the creative direction of architect Camilo Restrepo, its interiors incorporate handcrafted woodwork from Cartagena’s Ocean Projects and furniture by Barranquilla’s Casa Schlegel Donado, spearheaded by Marianna Schlegel Donado. The vessel features amenities suited to an intimate, upscale river voyage, including a Sun Deck pool, fitness room, a Main Restaurant serving Latin American‑inspired dishes alongside familiar Western fare, and an al‑fresco specialty dining outlet.
Among AmaMagdalena’s offerings are two immersive, seven‑night itineraries—the “Magic of Colombia” and “Wonders of Colombia”—operating between Cartagena and Barranquilla. These itineraries feature cultural highlights that include a private celebration of the Barranquilla Carnival, a guided heritage tour and exclusive jazz performance in Mompox, birdwatching excursions, and visits to Palenque, noted as the Americas’ first free town. Optional land extensions are available in Medellín, Cartagena, and Panama City.
In remarks at the event, co‑founder and CEO Rudi Schreiner emphasized that the ship’s launch opens access to a region long inaccessible by luxury cruise, and credited coordinated local engagement for ensuring the project would benefit both guests and riverside communities.
AmaWaterways’ co‑founder and Chief Brand Ambassador Kristin Karst observed that residents greeted the arrival of AmaMagdalena with visible pride, lining the banks in a spontaneous gesture of welcome. She characterized the launch as the realization of a long‑held vision—integrating cultural discovery with economic opportunity for local populations.
Further affirming the initiative’s regional importance, ProColombia's leadership underscored their proactive backing, noting that the initiative enhances high‑end tourism and highlights Colombia’s cultural richness and natural heritage.
AmaWaterways intends to deepen this investment later in the year with the introduction of a sister ship, AmaMelodia, thus reinforcing its long‑term commitment to Colombian river cruising.