River cruising has quietly conquered Europe. Now it's discovering Colombia, and AmaWaterways got there first. If you've done the Rhine and the Danube and you're craving somewhere genuinely new, the Magdalena River is it.
Embark on the journey of a lifetime and join the first major river cruise line to explore Colombia along the magnificent Magdalena River. Sailing January 26, 2028 to February 2, 2028.
Pre-Cruise / Post-Cruise Extensions Available
See the limited time TravelOnly With Ken Discount Offer(s) Below
AmaWaterways' Wonders of Colombia sails a seven night route along the legendary Magdalena River from Cartagena to Barranquilla.
The itinerary opens with a Getsemaní tour in Cartagena, then moves through Palenque and Calamar for a cultural experience and a rickshaw history tour, before reaching the Magangué region and Mompox for two full days that include a jazz street performance, a historic walking tour by tuk tuk, a filigree workshop, and an exclusive Cumbia performance during a day of scenic cruising.
From there the ship continues to Santa Bárbara de Pinto for the "Traditions of Pinto" experience, then on to Sitio Nuevo for a village tour and an exclusive Carnaval celebration, before disembarking in Barranquilla.
It's a destination packed with the culture, music, and colonial history Colombia is known for, sailing aboard AmaWaterways' newest small ships, AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia.
River Cruise Through Colombia
Your Ship: AmaMelodia
Length: 223 ft.
Passengers: 64
Staterooms: 32
Included Benefits
- Exquisite regionally inspired and Western-style cuisine
- Intimate specialty dining experience
- Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- Fitness room
- Message room offering a variety of services (additional costs apply)
- Sun-deck pool and bar
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Hand-selected wine, beer and soft drinks with meals – plus, a daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour
- Dedicated Wellness Host leading a variety of fitness and dance classes
- Afternoon tea; 24-hour coffee station
Pricing
All prices below are CAD Currency and are based on double occupancy. Solo traveller rate - if available - is 1.5 of double rate.
We make no promise that any cabin category listed/priced below is available, cabin categories available will be determined at the point of booking, or at the point of your inquiry.
Cabins: | Cat. LS | Cat. JS | Cat. A | Cat. B | Cat. C |
Dbl. Occ | C$10,700.00 | C$9,621.00 | C$8,406.00 | C$7,731.00 | C$6,653.00 |
For a limited time, and for any booking made prior to October 31st, 2026 the following discounts will apply:
- CAD $600.00 per person discount (Early Booking)
- CAD $300.00 per person discount (TravelOnly With Ken Group Discount)
- Crew and Cruise Manager Gratuities Included
Further Savings Booking Through TravelOnly With Ken
- Reduced deposit from CAS $500.00 per person, to CAD $250.00 per person
- Additional 5% discount off the cabin price before Port Fees
You can investigate the ship, deck plans, and cabin categories here: https://www.amawaterways.com/ca/ships/amamelodia
Pre-Cruise and Post-Cruise Extensions
The pre-cruise and post-cruise extensions include transfers and intra-air if needed. Pricing below is per person and no additional discounts apply.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Cartagena
Embarkation. Getsemani Tour
DAY 2: Palenque / Calamar
Palenque cultural experience
Historic Tour by Paola (Rickshaw)DAY 3: Magangue Region / Mompox
Nature excursion
Exclusive Jazz Street PerformanceDAY 4: Mompox
Nature Experience
Historic Walking Tour with tug tug ride
Filigree WorkshopDAY 5: Mompox
Scenic Cruising
Exclusive Cumbia PerformanceDAY 6: Santa Barbara de Pinto
“Traditions of Pinto” Experience
Scenic Cruising to Sitio NuevoDay 7: Sitio Nuevo / Barranquilla
Village Tour
Exclusive Carnaval CelebrationDay 8: Barranquilla
Disembarkation
After talking at length with my AmaWaterways BDM (who has sailed this itinerary) and reading and researching this itinerary since its launch. Here is a recap of some of the things I have read:
Travel Advisors and Guests who have sailed this itinerary firsthand describe it as one of the most vibrant and authentic river cruises AmaWaterways offers. They compare the experience most closely to the Mekong and Nile, since you're arriving in small towns and villages rather than major cities, and several have noted that Colombia still feels wonderfully untouched by mass tourism. The music, colour, and rhythm of the country come through at every stop, and advisors have been struck by how welcoming and easy to talk with the local communities are. The smaller excursion boats used to reach some of the riverside villages also open up unexpected wildlife sightings along the way, including birds and caymans.
On board, the food has consistently been praised as outstanding, and the ship's atmosphere feels intimate and easy to settle into.
One thing to note is that this ship does not have an elevator onboard, so guests must be comfortable with stairs.
One question that often comes up: Is Colombia safe to visit? The guests and Travel Advisors who have sailed it are unanimous that they felt safe and well cared for throughout, describing this as a destination best suited to seasoned river cruisers rather than a first time sailing. Note, that this itinerary may appeal to the adventurer that is looking for a more exotic destination, while on board a luxury river ship.
