0208 248 2355
Questions about your booking? Contact Us
Login
Cruise in luxury along Colombia’s magnificent Magdalena River on board our stunning new AmaMelodia, an intimate 64-passenger ship designed to maximise your views along this special waterway. Take in spectacular views from the balcony within your spacious stateroom, where accommodations range from 237 sq. ft. to 318 sq. ft. in our luxury suites. Taste exquisite, locally inspired Latin American cuisine and Western favorites within the Main Restaurant and enjoy live music and more each evening within the Main Lounge. For the ultimate in relaxation, soothe your muscles in the sun-deck whirlpool.
My wife and I traveled on the AmaMelodia on the Magdelena River in Colombia in November with two other couples. It was our first time with AmaWaterways although we have cruised extensively with ocean, river, expedition and barge trips in the past. We have been on many of the European itineraries as well as the Mekong, Mississippi and Great Lakes so we were looking for something new, and also for a trip that didn’t involve the overnight flight to Europe. We are so glad we took this trip. It was a wonderful experience that expanded our horizons and knowledge of this part of the world. Friends questioned our choice, but we found a safe, clean, friendly country that had a lot to offer. We started with the pre-cruise option of 3 nights in Medellin and 2 in Cartegena. We flew nonstop from Miami to Medellin on American Airlines, only a 3.5 hr. flight. An AMA representative met us at the airport and drove us to the Medellin Marriott where we were greeted at the door by Shadia, our cruise manager, who accompanied us for both the land and ship portions of the trip. She was friendly, knowledgeable and organized, the perfect cruise manager. Medellin is a sprawling city in a valley that extends up the surrounding hills. The hotel was very nice and well situated for local restaurants and shopping. Included in the package were several area excursions led by a local guide, Ana Marie. Without a doubt, she was the best local guide we have had in all of our travels. We visited a coffee farm, local comunas where refugees have turned squatters’ areas into thriving, clean, proud communities (and met the local leaders of these movements), a museum dedicated to those killed and displaced in the cartel wars (now, thankfully a thing of the past), and rode cable cars that are part of the clean, efficient rapid transit system) up the surrounding hills. After a short flight to Cartegena, we checked into the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, a truly magnificent hotel built inside an old convent. Breakfast was very enjoyable in a large, open courtyard. The large pool was in another open area. We had wonderful seafood at restaurants within easy walking distance. Our local excursions featured the colorful colonial architecture of the old city, art, coffee, and an impressive castle (really a fortress). We boarded the AmaMelodia in Cartegena harbor. The ship is one of two new builds made in Colombia especially for this cruise. Ours was only the 5th cruise for this ship. Its sister, the AmaMagdelena, started cruising last spring. Holding 64 passengers, there were about 54 on our cruise. The rooms were large with an indoor seating area next to floor-to-ceiling windows as well as a true outside balcony. The dining area is on the second deck with the lounge and outside deck area on the third deck. Breakfast featured a well-stocked buffet as well as cooked-to-order eggs and omelets. Lunch had an extensive salad bar, entrée menu and items always available such as hamburgers. Dinner offered a choice of appetizers, soups, main courses and dessert. Colombian dishes were frequently present and proved excellent. One night, a Chef’s Table dinner is offered up on the top deck with 7 courses paired with wine. This is included at no extra charge. Servers were good to superb (Carroll). The river cruising was relaxing. The banks were frequently undeveloped or had small farms and communities. It was fun to see young children run to the bank of the river to wave hello at what was, to them, a new sight. Our stops were small towns and usually included a tour on foot, tuktuk (one was electric) or van. We saw local architecture, frequently featuring churches, regional dance groups and a wide variety of different music genres indigenous to the local area. One of the enrichment lectures onboard explained the different influences that shaped the regional music and dance. We had three, enthusiastic and quite bright young men called River Guides who escorted us on the excursions, lectured us on different facets of Colombian life, and pointed out all of the wildlife we saw. My favorite excursion (all included in the fare) was travelling up a tributary by small, custom-made skiffs to see up close farmland, forests and a huge variety of birds. An example of AmaWaterway’s attention to detail is when we went to a shop that made silver and gold filigree, we didn’t just see a demonstration, but everyone actually made a silver filigree heart. As my wife and I each made one, we paired them, made them into earrings and gave them to our granddaughter. Our final night was in Barranquilla at a specially built AmaWaterways dock and show area where we were treated to a fantastic Carnival parade and show with local hors d’oeuvres. The next day we were transferred to the local airport for our nonstop American Airlines flight back to Miami. It was clear that all of the staff were proud to be part of the AmaWaterways family as well as proud to show off their country, dispel the myths that we Americans brought with us, and to go out of their way to make sure we had a stress free and enjoyable vacation. Perhaps the highlight of the whole trip occurred on the last night after dinner. Rudi Schreiner, who founded AmaWaterways and now serves as the Chairman of their Board, and his wife, Kristin Karst, the Global Brand Officer of the company, stopped by our table to say hi after they had enjoyed their dinner onboard. They were there to meet with officials the next day to discuss building a school for the residents of one of the towns we had stopped in. We got to talking and soon they sat down and we ended up spending about another hour with them. It was quite clear that they were proud of being the first to plan out and develop the Magdelena as a cruise destination. But it was equally clear that they wanted it to be a win-win for the local economies as well as the cruise line. They were investing in the communities but making sure that it was done in a way to ensure the character of the people was respected and sustained. It was such a refreshing attitude that it made us committed to AmaWaterways for future trips. The only negative aspect of the trip was the suggestion for local tips. You may pay for the tips for the ship crew, river guides and cruise manager by credit card on the ship. This is to be expected and it was well earned. However, we were given varying, inconsistent guidelines for local guides, bus drivers, tuktuk drivers, usually $1-2 per person per service. But many of the local entertainers also requested tips. The result was a confusion of carrying around a lot of small denomination currency and figuring out who got what. We have no problem paying our fair share, but it would be far more desirable for AmaWaterways to pay these people a fair wage and include it in the cost of the trip. Road Scholar and Tauck have figured out how to do this. It makes for a more relaxing, enjoyable visit. Overall, this was a great trip to a new area that was done exceptionally well.
Take in spectacular views from the balcony within your spacious stateroom, where accommodations range from 237 sq. ft. to 318 sq. ft. in our luxury suites.
We realise that our guests have different tastes, so we’ve developed a diverse menu of included shore excursions to accommodate all travellers with a personalised experience in every port of call. In many destinations, you’ll be free to choose from one of several tours — all of which are included in your cruise fare. There’s always a city tour designed to show you the renowned highlights and landmarks in grand capitals and charming villages alike. Is it your first time in Vienna, Austria? Opt for an unforgettable exploration of the major sights led by a local, English-speaking guide that is well-versed in history and culture. Have you already been to Nuremberg, Germany? Instead of taking the city tour, indulge in a bratwurst and beer tasting on one of our immersive culinary-themed special interest tours, which are specially designed to place you in the midst of local life. We also offer different activity levels for gentle, regular and active walkers, as well as guided hiking and biking tours. The choice is yours.
Fitness room, nail and hair salon, and one massage room offering a variety of services
Please note: There are no dedicated children's facilities available
