AmaMagdalena Christened on Colombia’s Magdalena
Luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways officially christened its newest ship, AmaMagdalena, on June 17 in the historic Colombian town of Mompox. This milestone marks the debut of the first luxury river cruise ship to sail the Rio Magdalena, opening a new frontier for upscale travel in South America.
The christening ceremony was a vibrant celebration attended by local dignitaries and tourism leaders, including the Governor of the Bolívar Department, the Mayor of Mompox, and representatives from ProColombia, Fontur, and Cormagdalena. Residents of Mompox also joined the festivities, underscoring the ship’s cultural and economic significance for the region.
The ship’s godmother, Marianna Schlegel Donado—a Colombian entrepreneur, interior designer, and former Queen of the Barranquilla Carnival—spoke passionately about the project. Her firm, Casa Schlegel Donado, was closely involved in the ship’s interior design. “Being named godmother of AmaMagdalena is an incredible honor — both as a designer and as a proud Colombian,” she said. “This ship carries the soul of our country: its colors, its craftsmanship, its warmth.”
AmaMagdalena, which began sailing in April 2025, is purpose-built for the Magdalena River and accommodates only 60 guests, allowing for an intimate and immersive experience. Onboard amenities include a main restaurant, an al fresco specialty dining venue, a fitness center, a sun deck, and a pool area. The ship’s small size and luxury design create a personalized cruising environment that connects travelers to Colombia’s landscapes, culture, and communities.
The ship offers two distinct seven-night itineraries sailing between Cartagena and Barranquilla. These voyages are paired with optional pre- and post-cruise land packages in Cartagena, Panama City, and Medellín, allowing guests to explore more of the region’s history and diversity.
The launch of AmaMagdalena represents a significant milestone in the expansion of luxury river cruising in Latin America. As noted by Rudi Schreiner, Co-Founder and CEO of AmaWaterways, “Today’s christening ceremony in Mompox marks a powerful moment not just for AmaWaterways, but for the future of river cruising. 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 travelers and local communities alike for generations to come.”
Later this year, AmaWaterways will expand its presence on the Magdalena River with the launch of AmaMelodia, a second purpose-built river cruise ship designed to complement AmaMagdalena and meet growing demand for high-end travel experiences in Colombia.
With the successful christening of AmaMagdalena, AmaWaterways continues its mission of offering unique and culturally enriching journeys while supporting local economies through thoughtful, sustainable tourism initiatives.
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