When AmaWaterways launches its new river cruises in Colombia on the Magdalena River next year, it will do so with two vessels, rather than the one riverboat originally planned. During a webinar hosted for travel partners and media, the line provided details about AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia, as well as the regional experience expected onboard.
“We’re always learning something new … doing something more exciting, even,” said Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice president of AmaWaterways.
The new destination will mark the fourth continent the line visits.
AmaWaterways co-founder and president Rudi Schreiner told attendees that the Colombia product is about five years in the making, understandably delayed by the pandemic. And, for him, the new offering represents a full-circle journey: In 1975, he sailed on the Amazon, and thus began his river cruising journey. Karst describes Colombia’s Magdalena River as a “unique and exclusive travel destination” that is both biologically and culturally diverse with many signature Cs: colors, cocoa, cumbia (local musical rhythms and dance style) and more.
“Now we have the pleasure to invite you to Colombia,” she said, adding that it ultimately provides more for travel advisors to sell.
AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia
AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia will both launch in March 2024, and each will accommodate only 60 passengers in 30 staterooms and suites, making the riverboats ideal for individuals, as well as families, other groups and full charters.
The vessels are modeled after AmaWaterways’ European fleet, but are smaller due to channel clearances. An exception is their greater overall width and private accommodations, which are larger than their international counterparts.
Entry-level, twin-balcony (one outdoor and one French) staterooms measure in at 237 square feet. Alternatively, Luxury Suites are sized at 306 square feet, and Grand Suites are 510 square feet. Public rooms consist of a reception area, a main lounge, a main restaurant, a gym, a hair and nail salon, a massage room and an outdoor pool.
Working alongside AmaWaterways’ design team is Camilo Restrepo, president and founder of Agenda Agencia de Arquitectura, who was also on hand to share the new ships. He presented a three-act structure that is guiding their development and aims to make guests feel like explorers in a remote place.
Act one of “reality” consists of the atmosphere of the riverboat, and venues such as the sundeck and terrace looking out onto the actual surroundings. Act two is about “representation” via graphic design, art and colors seen in the lobby, lounge and dining room as “an echo of what you have seen,” according to Restrepo. And finally, act three is “abstraction,” for providing moments of calm in the staterooms and suites.
Schreiner added that, like on its Mekong hardware, the tropical climate will dictate the use of wooden floors and ceramics instead of carpet.
Itineraries
Two weeklong routes will be available when the sailings launch. “Wonders of Colombia” will head from Cartagena to Barranquilla, and “Magic of Colombia” will navigate from Barranquilla to Cartagena.
Local culture will be a highlight of included excursions.
Credit: 2023 AmaWaterwaysIncluded excursions entail an exclusive “Carnaval” celebration, a jazz street performance and a stilt house village tour, as well as birdwatching and a scenic cruise through the La Mojana region. There will also be a variety of additional tours on offer.
Optional land packages can extend the itineraries with pre-cruise opportunities in Cartagena and Medellin, which can be combined, or a post-cruise offering in Panama City, Panama.
The maiden “Wonders” trip will embark on March 30, 2024, and the inaugural “Magic” voyage is scheduled to depart on April 6, 2024.
Sales
Regarding sales, AmaWaterways highlighted the destination’s group policy requiring a minimum of five staterooms and 10 guests. A group discount of $250 is available to each passenger, and fully refundable group deposits are $25 per person. Plus, tour conductors earn one cruise TC Credit for every nine full-fare guests booked, and the credit applies to the 10th guest, with applicable restrictions.
Potential commissions were similarly emphasized, with up to 18% available on river cruise fares, 12% on pre- and post-cruise land extensions, 10% on extra nights and the line’s Cruise Protection Plan insurance, and 5% on contracted air packages.
Reservations are now open, and Karst says the line is already seeing strong interest from around the world.
