AmaWaterways christens newest luxury ship in Colombia

AmaWaterways has christened its newest luxury ship in Mompox, Colombia.

AmaMagdalena is the first vessel in the line’s fleet to offer cruises on the Magdalena River and will be joined later this year by AmaMelodia.

The ceremony was attended by national officials from the Ministries of Tourism, Transport, and Defence, local dignitaries, including the governor of the Bolívar Department and the mayor of Mompox and representatives from regional companies such as ProColombia, Fontur, and Cormagdalena.

Entrepreneur Marianna Schlegel Donado served as godmother to the 60-pasenger vessel and contributed to the interior design of the ship. 

She was born in Barranquilla, where each voyage will visit, and said: “Being named godmother of AmaMagdalena is an incredible honour - both as a designer and as a proud Colombian.

“This ship carries the soul of our country: its colours, its craftsmanship, its warmth. Seeing it sail the Magdalena River fills me with pride, not just for what we’ve built together, but for the opportunity it creates to share the beauty of Colombia with the world.”

Rudi Schreiner, co-founder of AmaWaterways, said the christening marked “a powerful moment” not just for the river cruise line, but the future of the sector.

He added: “AmaMagdalena represents years of collaboration, vision and trust between our team and our Colombian partners.

“By opening the Magdalena River to luxury river cruising, we are laying the foundation for sustainable tourism that will benefit travellers and local communities alike for generations to come.”

This was echoed by fellow co-founder and brand ambassador Kristin Karst, who described it as “the realisation of a dream we’ve nurtured for many years.”

She said: “Standing here today in Mompox, surrounded by our Colombian partners and the vibrant community that helped bring this ship to life, is deeply meaningful.

“This ceremony is more than a celebration of a new ship - it’s a bold step forward in river cruising and a celebration of cultural discovery and the incredible journeys that lie ahead on this beautiful river.”

AmaMagdalena offers two seven-night itineraries; Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia which sail between Cartagena and Barranquilla, with prices starting at £4630 per person for a departure of the former itinerary on September 20, including flights and transfers.