AmaWaterways Names AmaMagdalena in Historic Ceremony in Colombia

AmaWaterways officially welcomed the AmaMagdalena to its fleet in an historic naming ceremony on June 17 in the UNESCO-designated city of Mompox, Colombia. It is the first-ever luxury cruise ship to sail the Magdalena River.

“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 travelers and local communities alike for generations to come.”

Serving as godmother to AmaMagdalena is interior designer and Colombian entrepreneur Marianna Schlegel Donado, who was born in Barranquilla and played a key role in the ship’s design. A former Queen of the Barranquilla Carnival and creative force at Casa Schlegel Donado, she infused the staterooms with locally inspired elegance and craftsmanship.

“This ship carries the soul of our country: its colors, 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,” Schlegel said.

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 Ministries of Tourism, Transport, and Defense, among many others. Their presence, the line said, reflects the strong partnerships AmaWaterways has built with Colombia’s public and private sectors over the past three years.

“The christening of AmaMagdalena is the realization of a dream we’ve nurtured for many years. Standing here today in Mompox, surrounded by our Colombian partners and the vibrant community that helped bring this ship to life, is deeply meaningful,” said Kristin Karst, co-founder and chief brand ambassador of AmaWaterways.

AmaMagdalena carries 60 passengers and features such amenities as a sun deck pool, fitness room, main restaurant serving locally-inspired Latin American cuisine alongside Western favorites, and an al fresco specialty dining venue. It offers two immersive seven-night itineraries – Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia – both sailing between 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.

Later this year, AmaMagdalena will be joined by a second ship, the AmaMelodia.