Río Magdalena luxury river cruise dates and prices

Time Out Magazine included a luxury river cruise that will sail along the Magdalena River in its list of the 24 best things to do in the world this year. American company AmaWaterways is the brains behind the cruise. The cruise aims to immerse tourists in Gabriel García’s literary culture, strolling along the river that inspired his work ‘Love in the Time of Cholera.’

This new venture comes during the peak cruise season in Colombia. According to data from the study ‘Economic Contribution of Cruise Tourism to the Destinations Economies’ conducted by Business Research & Economic Advisors, Brea, it is estimated that the new season will have an economic impact close to $50 million USD in Colombia.

Clara Tirado, representative of AmaWaterways for Colombia, shared all the details about this tourism plan, prices, and experience.

River Cruise Details

Firstly, this is a luxury cruise sailing on the Magdalena River, visiting various cities such as Cartagena, Barranquilla, Mompox, El Banco, Calamar, Magangué, Santa Bárbara de Pinto, Nueva Venecia, and Palenque. It has three decks and four suites, with a capacity for 60 people and 40 crew members. All of them will have air conditioning, television, and wifi, as well as a double balcony. “It’s luxury accommodation with panoramic views,” says Tirado.

Additionally, it will be an eco-friendly boat. “It’s an eco-friendly cruise, which doesn’t harm the environment, and purifies its own water, also holding the Green Awards certification. Its main activity on its route is to observe nature, birds. The AmaWaterways representative for Colombia expressed, “We designed it so that people can visit several emblematic sites of the Magdalena River, according to Gabriel García Márquez’s history and folklore.”

The boutique boat has a deck for tourists to observe the landscape, a pool, a beauty salon, a gym, an events room, and massage cabins, among others.

The cruise itineraries include seven nights in a cabin, onboard dinners, and one special dinner on land, a variety of excursions, including bird watching and boat tours, and entertainment at night such as a Barranquilla Carnival show.

Itinerary 1: Magic of Colombia

7- Night Cruise
CRUISE FROM : BARRANQUILLA TO CARTAGENA
Embrace the magic of Colombia as you explore the country along the magical Magdalena River during this special 7-night journey. Move to the beat of a variety of Latin American musical styles including cumbia and vallenato, and revel in exciting performances at a colorful Carnaval experience in Barranquilla just for AmaWaterways guests.

Itinerary 2: Wonders of Colombia

7- Night Cruise
CRUISE FROM : CARTAGENA TO BARRANQUILLA
Immerse yourself in the wonders that this South American country holds as you journey along the magnificent Magdalena River. Step through the streets of Palenque, the first free city in Colombia, moving to the rhythms of cumbia and vallenato, world-renown musical styles. Delight in the colorful neighborhood of Getsemaní in Cartagena, drinking in the vivid colors and culture displayed so artfully on the walls of homes, cafes and family-owned shops.

Sailing Dates and Prices

The river cruise will have an average price of $3,500 per person, plus separately charged taxes, totaling $200, and this price also includes prepaid tips, which are $125. “This price may increase depending on the cabin type and additional purchases up to $5,000 per person,” she said. “The price might surprise many people, but it includes most of a person’s daily needs,” added the director, referring to the inclusion of all three meals along with unlimited drinks.

The first of the cruises will set sail in November 2024 while the second will depart in June 2025.

The two riverboats have been named AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodía.

The cruise line spokesperson emphasized, “We have experienced incredible sales; we have completely booked all our vessels until July 2025, and have filled 75% of the remaining departures until December 2025.” He emphasized that the cruise will navigate the Magdalena River all twelve months of the year.