AmaMagdalena

AmaMagdalena at a glance

AmaMagdalena is a boutique river ship built in 2024 and operated by AmaWaterways, designed specifically to sail Colombia's Magdalena River. She carries a maximum of 60 guests, which means attentive service and a genuinely intimate atmosphere from the first day aboard. All current sailings depart from Colombia — either Cartagena or Barranquilla — and explore the South America region.

• Cabins: 30
• Itineraries: Colombia's Magdalena River, departing Barranquilla and Cartagena

Dining on AmaMagdalena

AmaMagdalena offers two included dining venues, giving guests variety without any supplement to pay.

The Main Restaurant is the culinary heart of the ship, serving regional cuisine with open seating times so you dine when it suits you. River views and relaxed surroundings encourage guests to linger and talk — everything is included in your cruise fare. For something more theatrical, The Chef's Table seats a small number of guests for a multi-course tasting menu prepared by a dedicated chef right in front of you. The setting is intimate, the attention personalised, and there is no extra charge.

Throughout the day, the Specialty Coffee & Tea Station provides complimentary self-service speciality coffees and teas — ideal first thing in the morning or during a quiet afternoon break.

Bars and social spaces

The Main Lounge is where guests gather in the evening: a fully stocked bar, informative talks about upcoming ports of call, and live entertainment make it the social centre of the ship. Entry is included in your fare; drinks are charged separately unless you hold a beverage package.

Sun deck and outdoor life

The open Sun Deck runs the width of the upper deck and offers unobstructed views of the Magdalena River — it is the best vantage point on the ship for watching the landscape unfold. The Heated Sun-Deck Pool sits here too, with an integrated swim-up bar so you can enjoy a cold drink without leaving the water. For guests who want to stay active, a Walking Track circles the same deck and is free to use at any time.

Fitness, wellness and enrichment

The Fitness Center carries modern cardio and strength-training equipment, all complimentary; specialist fitness classes carry a separate charge. If you prefer to unwind, the Massage & Hair Salon offers massage and hairdressing services — the space itself is free to enter, while individual treatments are charged separately. Away from the activity, the Library provides a quiet retreat with books and games, included in your fare.

Getting ashore: complimentary bicycles

One of AmaMagdalena's more distinctive touches is her Complimentary Bicycle Fleet. All guests can borrow a bike from the ship's own fleet at no charge and explore the towns and landscapes along the Magdalena independently — no guided excursion required if you'd rather set your own pace.

The ship also has a Gift Shop stocking essentials, souvenirs and regional keepsakes for browsing at any time.

Cabins on AmaMagdalena

With only 30 cabins across the whole ship, every grade benefits from an intimate scale. Full deck plans and cabin specifications are on the AmaMagdalena cabins and deck plans page.

The Grand Suite (GS) measures 47.9 m² and sleeps up to four guests. At nearly twice the floor space of the standard balcony cabins, it offers a genuinely spacious living area by any river-ship standard — the largest cabin on board. The Balcony Cabin A grade comes in at 22.0 m² and sleeps up to three, with a private balcony giving you unobstructed river views and fresh air that inside cabins cannot match.

Sailing to Colombia with Cruise1st

Every sailing currently on sale departs from Colombia, which means a flight from Australia is part of the journey. At Cruise1st, that is straightforward: the cruise sits at the centre of a longer trip, and we take care of the flights, the hotel nights either side and the transfers — all on one booking through our Cruise1st Packages service. Our Australian cruise experts are available seven days a week to talk through the options before you commit, and every booking carries our Best Price Guarantee.

Current sailings run up to seven nights and depart from both Barranquilla and Cartagena, with fares from A$5,156pp*. Five departures are available from late September 2026 onward.

Common questions about AmaMagdalena

Where does AmaMagdalena sail?

AmaMagdalena sails Colombia's Magdalena River in South America, with departures from Barranquilla and Cartagena. All current itineraries are in Colombia, so Australian guests will need to factor in international flights — something Cruise1st can include in a single package booking.

How many guests does AmaMagdalena carry?

AmaMagdalena carries a maximum of 60 guests across 30 cabins. That small scale is central to what the ship offers: attentive service, open-seating dining and a social atmosphere where you'll quickly get to know fellow travellers.

Which cabin should I book on AmaMagdalena?

If space and flexibility matter most — particularly travelling as a family or a group of up to four — the Grand Suite at 47.9 m² is the standout choice. For couples or solo travellers who want their own outdoor space, the Balcony Cabin A at 22.0 m² provides a private balcony with river views at a more accessible price point. Our cabin specialists can walk you through both options seven days a week.

What is included in the cruise fare on AmaMagdalena?

The Main Restaurant, The Chef's Table, the Specialty Coffee & Tea Station, the Sun Deck and pool, the Walking Track, the Fitness Center, the Library, and the complimentary bicycle fleet are all included in your cruise fare. The Massage & Hair Salon is open to all guests, though individual treatments carry a charge. Drinks in the Main Lounge are also charged separately unless you hold a beverage package.

Are there other AmaWaterways ships I could consider?

AmaWaterways operates several ships you can compare on Cruise1st: AmaCello, AmaReina and AmaVerde are all in the fleet and may suit different itineraries or travel dates. Each has its own page with current availability.