Colombian river cruises offer new alternative to the Amazon, Galapagos

Some destinations in the world are best explored by cruise ship, such as the Galapagos, Alaska or the Nile. Now, Colombia’s interior will join this prestigious list.

Debuting in January on an 805-km stretch of the Magdalena River will be the luxurious 60-passenger AmaMagdalena. The seven-night cruises, starting at US$4,000 (RM18,560) per person, will sail the Colombian Caribbean, showcasing jungles, historic cities and remote villages, along with unique wildlife such as Magdalena River turtles, Central American jaguars, northern screaming monkeys and Caribbean manatees.

Despite the relative lack of tourism development and luxury accommodations in the region, the AmaMagdalena promises a high-end experience. The European-style ship features stateroom decks, spa, swimming pool and multi-course dining at the Chef’s Table.

Rudi Schreiner, has wanted to include this destination for some 20 years. He notes that the region offers the historical and cultural appeal of the Mekong combined with the extraordinary biodiversity of the Amazon, calling it “a place with many, many highlights.” The area is replete with untapped soft adventures that appeal to cruisers, such as bird watching (with more than 1,900 species of native birds), visiting coffee farms or touring Nueva Venecia, a vibrant stilt village on a swamp.

The AmaMagdalena will operate year-round, and its launch in January will depend on the completion of the ship and dock infrastructure that Schreiner is developing along the river’s 1,529 km. A second vessel, the AmaMelodia, is expected to arrive in June 2025.

The cruise ships will start and end in Cartagena and Barranquilla, both Caribbean coastal cities, so access is relatively easy. However, other ports may be unfamiliar to many travelers. For example, Mompox is a well-preserved 16th century inland city known for its silver filigree jewelry tradition.

Schreiner’s interest in Colombia solidified in 2018, in part due to political changes in the country and increased tourism. A peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia in late 2016 aimed to restore security, including in Medellín (where pre-cruise land excursions will be offered).

In 2023, Colombia saw over 5.86 million visitors, a 174% increase from 2021 and a 30% rise from 2019.

Despite some customer safety concerns, with the US State Department advising caution, Schreiner believes that younger travelers are more focused on the region’s emerging potential.

Challenges in Boat and Dock Construction

The Magdalena project has faced delays. Building two new ships, several docks, and a fleet of nine excursion boats took longer than anticipated due to government approvals and local material shortages. About 2,000 reservations were canceled when it became clear that the 2024 operations would not be ready. Many guests rescheduled for 2025, which is already sold out for the initial months, with reservations now available for 2026.

Schreiner is working with European shipbuilders and a Medellín architect to create ships reflecting the river’s lush landscape. Trainers from Europe will help prepare the South American crew, aiming to provide an authentic Colombian experience on board.

The Itinerary

In 2021, Schreiner and Kristin Karst explored the river for five days, staying in local accommodations, and were impressed by its natural beauty and rich cultural mix of indigenous, Spanish and African influences. The two itineraries will operate in both directions, with stops in El Banco, where freed slaves arrived in 1749 and local women perform Afro-Caribbean cumbia dances. Other stops will offer vallenata music and local specialties such as coffee, chocolate and rum. In Barranquilla, known for its massive annual carnival, guests will enjoy a private carnival reenactment with costumes and live music.

With some 6,000 guests annually on the two ships, the Magdalena experience will be exclusive for now, but competitors are likely to follow as the destination gains attention.