By
Alex Smith |
AmaWaterways has christened AmaMagdalena in the city of Mompox, Colombia, as it began sailing as the first luxury river cruise ship to sail the Magdalena River.
The ceremony was attended by local dignitaries including the Governor of the Bolivar Department and the Mayor of Mompox, along with national officials from the Colombian ministries of tourism, transport and defence. Representatives from tourism agency ProColombia, sightseeing agency Fontur and river management agency Cormagdalena were also in attendance.
“Today’s christening ceremony in Mompox marks a powerful moment not just for AmaWaterways, but for the future of river cruising,” said Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and CEO of AmaWaterways. “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.”
Serving as godmother to AmaMagdalena was interior designer and Colombian entrepreneur Marianna Schlegel Donado, who was born in Barranquilla. Donado’s firm, Casa Schlegel Donado, supplied furniture for the vessel’s staterooms.
“Being named godmother of AmaMagdalena is an incredible honour – both as a designer and as a proud Colombian,” said Schlegel. “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.”
Stateroom furniture was supplied by Casa Schlegel Donado
Accommodating up to 60 guests, AmaMagdalena was custom designed in collaboration with Colombian artisans. Design of the ship was led by architect Camilo Restrepo and draws inspiration from the natural landscape and culture of the region. Interiors feature handcrafted woodwork by Cartagena-based Ocean Projects, along with furniture by Casa Schlegel Donado.
Amenities included a Sun Deck pool, a fitness room, a Main Restaurant serving locally inspired Latin American cuisine alongside Western dishes and an al frsco specialty dining venue, the Bolivar Restaurant.
“The christening of AmaMagdalena is the realisation of a dream we’ve nurtured for many years,” said Kristin Karst, co-founder and chief brand ambassador of AmaWaterways. “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’s interiors were inspired by the local region’s natural beauty and culture
The ship offers two seven-night itineraries – ‘Magic of Colombia’ and ‘Wonders of Colombia’ – sailing between the Colombian cities of Cartagena and Barranquilla. Excursions include a private celebration of the Barranquilla Carnival, an exclusive jazz performance in Mompox, birdwatching expeditions, and a visit to Palenque, the first free town in the Americas. Optional pre- and post-cruise land packages are also available in Medellín, Cartagena and Panama City.
“At ProColombia, we took a proactive role in making this milestone a reality, supporting a project that strengthens high-end tourism in our country,” said Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia. “AmaMagdalena embodies what Colombia stands for: a vibrant, authentic destination filled with natural and cultural beauty. This achievement reflects the joint efforts between the private sector, local communities, and the government, marking a new chapter for the Magdalena River as a route for sustainable tourism.”
Later in 2025, AmaWaterways will expand its Colombia fleet with the debut of a second ship, AmaMelodia.