In its effort to bring guests to new destinations, AmaWaterways has revealed plans to build a new custom riverboat — AmaMagdalena — that will sail on its namesake Magdalena River, also known as “the Caribbean River,” in Colombia. The ship will first depart in December 2023 in partnership with Metropolitan Touring, a leading tour operator in South America.
“Not since my early university days of exploring the Amazon River have I felt the excitement of discovering a new destination that is so rich in biodiversity and culture, as I found on the Magdalena River in Colombia,” said Rudi Schreiner, president and co-founder of AmaWaterways, in a press release. “I’m absolutely captivated by the rich history, wildlife and friendly welcome that awaits our guests when our intimate, all-suite ship sets sail.”
According to the line, AmaWaterways will be the first luxury river cruise line to traverse the Magdalena. Two itineraries — both seven nights in length — will be offered, along with pre- and post-cruise options to extend trips, as well. The cities of Cartagena and Barranquilla will serve as embarkation and disembarkation hubs.
Besides the brand’s signature cuisine and wellness offerings, sailings will focus on nature, wildlife and culture, and include activities such as kayaking, hiking, biking and birdwatching.
“In Colombia, we have fantastic culture in the key cities, and we have also fantastic nature,” Schreiner said during a press conference.
It is incredibly exciting to be able to launch a new river cruise destination like Colombia, with such a colorful history and artistic background.
As for the ship, AmaMagdalena is being developed with a zero-carbon footprint and will be constructed in Colombia, exclusively for the regional river. It will be similar to the line’s European vessels, only smaller, with the capacity to accommodate about 80 guests, all in suites with balconies.
“Drawing on each company’s expertise, AmaWaterways and Metropolitan Touring have together created a unique river cruise and land program that will immerse travelers in the beauty of the ‘River of a Thousand Rhythms,’” said Camilo Calderon, general manager of Metropolitan Touring Colombia, in the release. “Our guests will enjoy the modern comforts of an upscale river cruise ship, with exclusive experiences and unparalleled service, hallmarks of both companies, to the very heart of Colombia’s soul.”
For travel agents, AmaWaterways is planning to host dedicated training on how to sell the product specific to Colombia and the Magdalena River, including sales and marketing tips.
Sailings are expected to go on sale widely by October or November 2021.
“It is incredibly exciting to be able to launch a new river cruise destination like Colombia, with such a colorful history and artistic background,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways, in the release. “We are celebrating 19 years of creating authentic river cruise experiences in Europe, Asia and Africa and now, with our world-recognized destination partner, Metropolitan Touring, we will be able to offer our guests an opportunity to explore a fourth continent while discovering the hidden gems of Colombia along the majestic Magdalena River.”
In the meantime, AmaWaterways has already restarted cruises on Portugal’s Douro River as of July 3. The line is scheduling the resumption of another seven ships in July, nine in August and even more in September.
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