TL;DR
- AmaWaterways has launched two ships on Colombia’s Magdalena River: AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia
- The UK office reports growing trade interest in the new 7-night Colombia itineraries
- Two routes available: Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia, sailing between Cartagena and Barranquilla
- New Latin Touch sailings in 2026 include Spanish-speaking cruise directors and guided tours in Spanish
A New River Worth Knowing About
AmaWaterways’ UK office has reported growing interest from British travel agents in its new Colombia river cruises. The line has deployed two ships on the Magdalena River, with its UK chief describing them as vessels that open up a destination well beyond the usual European river cruise map.
AmaMagdalena arrived first, followed by AmaMelodia to expand capacity. Both ships offer onboard features clients expect from AmaWaterways: a Sun Deck pool, fitness room, main restaurant serving Latin American cuisine alongside Western favourites, and an al fresco specialty dining venue.
The Practical Bit
AmaWaterways is running two 7-night itineraries on the Magdalena, both sailing between Cartagena and Barranquilla. The Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia routes offer straightforward options for building fly-cruise packages, with clear start and end points that make adding pre- or post-stays relatively simple.
Having two ships on the river means more departure dates and better capacity. The 7-night format mirrors what many clients already know from European rivers, so it feels familiar while offering somewhere new.
What to Know About Latin Touch
For 2026, AmaWaterways has announced three Latin Touch itineraries: Wonders of Colombia, Magic of Colombia, and Melodies of the Danube. Departures are scheduled for June, October and November 2026.
The Latin Touch framework is designed for Spanish-speaking clients or those who want a deeper cultural experience. Each sailing includes a Spanish-speaking cruise director, guided tours in Spanish at every port, and daily programmes and menus presented in Spanish. It broadens the appeal beyond the traditional English-speaking river cruise market.
For Your Client Conversations
The Magdalena River gives clients a long-haul alternative that still feels familiar. The Colombia programme works well for those who’ve become repeat river cruisers and are starting to ask what else is out there.
For Spanish-speaking clients, or those with family ties to Latin America, the Latin Touch sailings offer something more personal than a standard English-language cruise. Those June, October and November 2026 dates are worth flagging early for clients who fit that profile.
