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AmaWaterways Adds Second Ship on Colombia's Magdalena

AmaWaterways AmaMelodia docked on the Magdalena River at Mompox, colonial façades behind, showcasing the new Colombia river cruise program
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4 min read

Key points

  • AmaWaterways launched AmaMelodia, its second Magdalena River ship
  • Seven-night Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia itineraries run between Barranquilla and Cartagena
  • Excursions include Barranquilla Carnival performances, Mompox jazz, and visits to Palenque
  • AmaMelodia carries up to 64 guests with locally inspired cuisine and an evening lounge program
  • The Magdalena program began with AmaMagdalena's entry into service in April 2025

Impact

More Inventory For 2025-2026
Two ships on the Magdalena increase cabin availability and date options
Distinct Cultural Shore Programs
Travelers can choose itineraries emphasizing music, heritage towns, and wildlife
Barranquilla-Cartagena Routings
Embark or disembark in either city, useful for pairing with Caribbean stays
Advisor Selling Opportunity
New product in South America with small-ship capacity and inclusive excursions
Book Early For Peak Windows
Limited berths and high interest mean popular months will sell out quickly

AmaWaterways marked a milestone in Colombia this week, launching AmaMelodia as its second ship on the Magdalena River and joining sister vessel AmaMagdalena on the route. With capacity for 64 guests, AmaMelodia expands the line's seven-night program built around music, history, and nature along one of South America's most storied waterways. The company highlighted deep collaboration with Colombian partners and a goal of supporting sustainable tourism in communities along the river.

The new vessel will operate two weeklong itineraries, Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia, which sail between Barranquilla and Cartagena. Included excursions range from a private Barranquilla Carnival performance to an exclusive jazz concert in Santa Cruz de Mompox and a heritage visit to San Basilio de Palenque, reflecting the program's focus on culture and community encounters.

Onboard, AmaMelodia features staterooms from 237 to 318 square feet, a Main Restaurant serving Latin American dishes and Western classics, a lounge with nightly entertainment, and a whirlpool on the Sun Deck. These amenities mirror the line's small-ship river style while adapting to Colombian flavors and rhythms.

The Magdalena program began earlier this year when AmaMagdalena became the first river cruise ship to operate on the river, following a brief debut delay into April. That launch established the pattern of alternating Barranquilla and Cartagena turnarounds and demonstrated traveler demand that the company now aims to meet with a second vessel.

Background

The Magdalena River, which flows north to the Caribbean, has been a commercial and cultural spine for Colombia for centuries. For travelers, river sailings offer access to towns such as Mompox, wetlands communities like Nueva Venecia, and biodiversity-rich stretches that are difficult to reach by road. Local media have framed the new river operations as part of a broader effort to revitalize river tourism, with both opportunity and caution about managing growth in heritage destinations.

Latest developments

AmaWaterways' current Colombia pages outline 2025 and 2026 departures across both itineraries, with Barranquilla-to-Cartagena and reverse routings. As AmaMelodia enters service, the combined fleet increases cabin inventory, spreads demand across more dates, and should improve chances of finding preferred seasons, especially during dry-season months that typically see steadier river conditions. Travelers should still check sailing notices and pre-departure communications for any operational updates tied to river levels.

Analysis

For North American travelers, the Barranquilla and Cartagena gateways simplify air planning via connections through Bogotá or direct international flights to Cartagena, then a short domestic hop if needed. The weeklong format aligns with typical vacation windows and allows pre- or post-cruise stays on the Caribbean coast. Given the small-ship capacity, peak dates and specialty departures can sell out months in advance, a pattern already seen on other AmaWaterways rivers.

For travel advisors, AmaMelodia broadens South America offerings that combine soft adventure with immersive culture. The line's included tours, meals with regional dishes, and focused entertainment make it a relatively predictable total trip cost for clients. Advisors should clarify differences between the two itineraries, especially the specific towns visited and themed experiences, to match travelers with the right fit.

What to do next: If you are considering a 2025 or 2026 sailing, compare Magic of Colombia versus Wonders of Colombia for the mix of music events and heritage towns you value most, then hold space early. Build a one or two-night stay in Cartagena or Barranquilla to cushion flight connections and enjoy the coast, and confirm visa and vaccination guidance with your advisor before purchase.

Final thoughts

With AmaMelodia now sailing, AmaWaterways' Magdalena program enters a second phase, adding capacity and flexibility while keeping the focus on locally rooted experiences. For travelers who want a small-ship, culture-forward river cruise in South America, the Magdalena River is newly viable at weeklong scale.

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