AmaWaterways postpones launch of Colombia program to March 2025

AmaWaterways has postponed the launch of its new Colombia itineraries once again, moving the start to March 15, 2025.

According to a press release issued Wednesday (Oct. 2), the decision to delay the new cruise program, which navigates Colombia’s Magdalena River, has to do with finalizing the essential infrastructure that’s required for a new river cruise destination.

“This extended timeline will enable the river cruise line to refine the experience to meet the high standards guests have come to expect with AmaWaterways,” the luxury cruise line company said, noting that the launch of AmaMelodia, its second ship on the Magdalena River, remains on schedule for June 2025.

AmaWaterways is set to become the first major company to offer cruises on the Magdalena, sailing between Cartagena and Barranquilla, with two seven-night itineraries.

The line’s AmaMagdalena ship was originally supposed to launch on the Magdalena in November 2023, but that inaugural sailing was pushed to January 2025.

Now, guests will have to wait another three months, but if the company’s updates mean anything, it sounds like it will be worth the wait.

Ama says it is focused on enhancing the luxury cruising experience along the Magdalena, a new destination for river cruising, ensuring guests enjoy authentic and enriching connections to the region's culture and heritage.

“We’re offering our guests the chance to experience Colombia like never before,” said Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice-president of AmaWaterways, in a statement. “Until now, exploring the Magdalena River region with comfort and ease was complicated, if not impossible. Our cruises are changing that, offering the seamless experience AmaWaterways is known for, while also providing exclusive access to culturally significant and often inaccessible destinations.”

The cruise line says it is collaborating closely with local communities and officials to develop the necessary infrastructure along the river.

Nine custom-designed excursion boats will allow guests to explore secluded areas along the river that are rich in biodiversity, “opening up parts of Colombia rarely seen by travellers.”

“Our journey here isn't just about exploration; it's about forging new paths for our guests while contributing to the growth and development of the region,” said Karst. “Economic growth, infrastructure development and community empowerment are at the heart of what we do in Colombia.”

Good things come to those who wait.

On board, guests will receive tropical fruit tastings, artisanal chocolate and rum samplings, and Colombian coffee tastings, all designed to offer a deeper connection to Colombia’s traditions, the company said.

The culinary highlight of the experience will be an intimate restaurant, with just 16 seats, featuring a Colombian chef who will guide guests on a curated journey through the country’s flavours.

Shore excursions are designed to allow guests to interact with indigenous communities, explore secluded natural wonders, and visit areas that are often out of reach.

Each itinerary is guided by experienced locals who not only enhance the cultural experience but also provide valuable employment opportunities for communities along the river, the company says.

“This is the first time a major river cruise line is offering a journey of this nature on the Magdalena River. We’ve encountered challenges that are simply part of being pioneers,” stated Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and president of AmaWaterways. “Opening a new river to the world is not easy, but it's exactly these kinds of bold steps that allow us to offer our guests new experiences.”

Guests affected by the delay are being offered alternative arrangements, including the option to rebook for another destination or postpone their trip to later in 2025.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.