AmaWaterways marked another milestone in its Colombia expansion with the christening of its second river ship, AmaMelodia, in Barranquilla.
“This milestone means so much to us, not only as we expand our presence in Colombia, but also as we continue to strengthen the relationships we’ve built here,” said Kristin Karst, Chief Brand Ambassador of AmaWaterways, in a press statement. “From the beginning, our goal has been to create experiences that are meaningful for our guests while also benefiting local communities, and AmaMelodia is a beautiful reflection of that.”
AmaWaterways: A Celebration
The ceremony drew local and national dignitaries, including representatives from ProColombia, government officials and community leaders. A traditional blessing by a local Mamo honored the cultural importance of the river before remarks from co-founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst and the ship’s future captain and godmother, Elisabeth Mercado Herrera.
AmaMelodia was designed in partnership with Colombian architect Camilo Restrepo. It accommodates up to 64 guests and blends local influence with the brand’s signature service. The ship offers itineraries on the Magdalena River, including Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia, routes that reach cultural and ecological destinations once difficult to access.
“As we continue to expand beyond our European roots, destinations like Colombia represent an exciting part of AmaWaterways’ future,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways, in a press statement. “With AmaMelodia, we are building on our commitment to offer more diverse and immersive experiences in new regions, while continuing to deliver the high-quality journeys our guests expect.”
Ports include Mompox, recognized for its Spanish Colonial architecture and handcrafted filigree jewelry, and Palenque, the first “free town” in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shore excursions explore communities along the river, from wildlife viewing in the La Mojana wetlands to visits with craftspeople in Santa Barbara de Pinto who preserve traditional fishing net weaving and handmade art.
Onboard amenities include a Sun Deck pool, fitness room, spa services and dining venues featuring locally inspired cuisine. Your clients may extend their journeys with optional pre- and post-cruise land programs in Medellin and Cartagena.
Serving as godmother, Elisabeth Mercado Herrera became the first woman to captain a river cruise vessel on the Magdalena River.
For more information, visit amawaterways.com.
