AmaWaterways adds three 2026 'Latin Touch' dates
AmaWaterways will expand its Spanish-language "Latin Touch" program in 2026 with three new departures: "Melodies of the Danube" from June 21 to 28, "Wonders of Colombia" from October 21 to 28, and "Magic of Colombia" from October 31 to November 7. The line says the added dates respond to growing demand from Spanish-speaking travelers for river cruises in Europe and Colombia. Each sailing layers Spanish-forward hosting, tours, menus, and entertainment onto AmaWaterways' standard inclusions.
Key points
- Why it matters: Adds capacity for Spanish-speaking travelers on popular Europe and Colombia routes.
- Travel impact: Easier to find Spanish-language river cruise options during peak fall and summer weeks.
- What's next: More specialty-language departures could follow if demand stays strong.
- Spanish-language cruise director, daily tour in Spanish, and two nights of Latin entertainment.
- Colombia itineraries run the Magdalena River aboard AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia.
Snapshot
"Latin Touch" is AmaWaterways' specialty program designed for Spanish-speaking guests. On these departures, a Spanish-speaking cruise director leads the onboard experience, at least one guided tour in Spanish operates in every port, daily programs and dining menus are in Spanish, and select entertainment and events celebrate Latin culture. The June 21 to 28 "Melodies of the Danube" date brings the concept to Central Europe, while the October 21 to 28 "Wonders of Colombia" and October 31 to November 7 "Magic of Colombia" dates spotlight the newly launched Magdalena River program between Cartagena and Barranquilla. Colombia cruises operate on AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia, the line's purpose-built river ships for the region.
Background
AmaWaterways introduced "Latin Touch" in 2022 to court a growing audience of Spanish-speaking river cruisers. Since then, the line has periodically added dates as sailings sold through, including special-interest and seasonal themes across Europe and, more recently, South America. The Magdalena River program marked AmaWaterways' entry into Colombia, pairing wildlife and cultural outings with pre- and post-cruise land options in Cartagena, Medellín, and Panama City. The Danube date taps one of the line's most requested European itineraries, "Melodies of the Danube," which links marquee cities and wine regions. According to the company, feedback on Spanish-language hosting and entertainment has been a main driver for expanding the series.
Latest developments
New 2026 dates confirm Spanish-language focus on Danube and Magdalena
For 2026, AmaWaterways has set three "Latin Touch" departures: "Melodies of the Danube," June 21 to 28; "Wonders of Colombia," October 21 to 28; and "Magic of Colombia," October 31 to November 7. The Danube sailing offers two nights of Latin-inspired performances, while the Colombia departures add a themed party to complement birdwatching, music, and cultural excursions along the Magdalena River. Program elements across all sailings include a Spanish-speaking cruise director, guided tours in Spanish in every port, Spanish-language daily programs and menus, and select entertainment aligned with Latin culture. Colombia voyages are scheduled on AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia, the brand's dedicated ships for the route.
Analysis
Specialty-language programs have become a quiet growth lever for river lines, and "Latin Touch" fits that playbook. The June Danube week lands in the heart of Europe's summer season when ships run full and word-of-mouth can compound quickly. The late-October Colombia dates align with shoulder-season demand patterns, offering warmer weather, accessible flight routings into Cartagena, and fewer crowds at historic sites. Layering Spanish-language touchpoints across the full experience-hosting, tours, menus, and entertainment-reduces friction for families and multi-generational groups traveling with Spanish-dominant relatives, which can lift close-in conversion and onboard spend. For AmaWaterways, the move also diversifies its Magdalena program beyond first-year novelty, anchoring it to a defined audience segment. If these dates book quickly, expect more Spanish-language river cruise capacity on core Europe itineraries and targeted South America weeks, plus incremental dates tied to festivals or wine harvests that already resonate with Latin travelers.
Final thoughts
For travelers who value Spanish-language hosting without giving up classic routes, these three 2026 weeks are timely additions. The Danube sailing offers a familiar Europe backbone with Latin-inspired entertainment, while the Magdalena River departures add wildlife, music, and culture unique to Colombia. With demand rising and inventory limited to specific weeks, advisors should hold space early, especially for families seeking tours in Spanish in every port. If this tranche sells through, more dates could follow, but for now the surest way to lock in a Spanish-forward experience is to book one of the confirmed AmaWaterways "Latin Touch" departures. AmaWaterways Latin Touch.