AmaMelodia, Wonders of Colombia ex Cartagena to Barranquilla

7 Night Cruise sailing from Cartagena Turistica to Barranquilla aboard AmaMelodia.

Day 1: Cartagena, Colombia
The coastal splendor of Cartagena. Experience Caribbean charm and vibrant culture. Begin your Colombian adventure in Cartagena, the jewel of the Caribbean coast. Wander through the lively Getsemani neighborhood, where colonial walls burst with color, local art fills every corner, and the scent of coastal cuisine fills the air. After an evening of exploration, settle aboard your luxurious ship and set sail on the legendary Magdalena River.

Day 2: Calamar, Colombia
Echoes of freedom. Discover a celebration of heritage and heart. Step into the story of Palenque, the first “free town” in the Americas, where music, language, and traditions tell a tale of resilience and pride. Experience the rhythm of Afro-Colombian culture through vibrant performances and heartfelt encounters. Later, journey to Calamar to admire its historic charm, from graceful churches to colorful streets best explored by paola, a local bicycle taxi built for two.

Day 3: Magangue, Colombia
Nature and music on the Magdalena. Drift through vibrant wetlands and lively streets. Board a small boat and drift through the emerald wetlands of Boca de Tacaloa, where vibrant birdlife and untamed nature create a living sanctuary. As evening falls, arrive in Mompox and feel the streets come alive with an exclusive open-air jazz performance.

Day 4: Mompox, Colombia
Historic beauty and timeless traditions. Wander timeless riverside streets steeped in artisanal charm. Step into the timeless rhythm of Mompox, where riverside streets and artisan workshops seem untouched by time. Glide through quiet corners and watch delicate filigree craftsmanship come to life, feeling the enduring spirit and vibrant culture of this storied town.

Day 5: Mompox, Colombia
Scenic cruising and cultural rhythms. ​​Discover craft, color, and the soul of Cumbia. Journey through the tranquil La Mojana Region, a landscape alive with the pulse of Colombian culture. Here, the story of cumbia unfolds–a dance that bridges continents and generations, carrying the spirit of joy and connection. End the day immersed in its rhythm during an exclusive performance by local musicians and dancers.

Day 6: Santa Barbara De Pinto, Colombia
Handcrafted traditions of the heartland. Discover artistry and nature along the river. Experience life in the riverside town of Santa Bárbara de Pinto, where local artisans keep generations-old traditions alive. Watch fishermen weave nets by hand, tobacco rollers at work, and skilled craftspeople create intricate handmade wares. Whether you choose to stroll the pastel streets or explore the lush surrounding landscapes on a guided hike, the spirit of Colombia’s heartland awaits.

Day 7: Sabanagrande, Colombia
The vibrant soul of Colombia. Discover the joyful spirit of Barranquilla. Sail toward the Caribbean as you visit a charming village and witness everyday Colombian life before arriving in the vibrant city of Barranquilla. Discover the energy of this coastal hub, where art, music, and joy fill the air. As your journey nears its end, celebrate with a private Carnaval celebration–a dazzling evening of color and rhythm.

Day 8: Barranquilla, Colombia
Disembark and carry home the magic of Colombia.

Luxurious, intimate, yet full of vibrancy, the newly launched AmaMelodia captures the spirit of Colombia both on ship and off. Whether watching a cultural performance in the Main Lounge or dining al fresco, this ship embraces the warmth and vibrancy of the Magdalena River.

Their Story Proudly celebrating more than 21 years on the river, family-owned and operated AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by three families; however, their river cruise story began well before that. Co-Founder and President Rudi Schreiner was born in Vienna, at the heart of the Danube. His love of design drew him to architecture, but his even greater love of travel drew him to places far and wide. In 1975, he travelled to South America for a journalism assignment on the Amazon. It was here he designed his first ship, using what he could find to build a raft that would take him up and down the river during the next 7 months. Soon thereafter, he started working in travel, creating unique tour experiences in Europe.

A Turning Point Rudi started the North American operations for many of today’s major river cruise companies, developing itineraries and ships that would become the templates for what we know river cruising to be today. After years of success as a driving force in the industry, Rudi decided to start his own venture — one that would provide guests with a higher standard of luxury travel by river. That’s when he teamed up with Co-Owners and Co-Founders Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy to start AmaWaterways.

In 2016, Rudi was inducted into the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Hall of Fame and was honoured with their Lifetime Achievement Award for his years of devotion to the river cruising industry.

A Team of Pioneers Kristin was born in Germany and brings extensive experience in travel, river cruising and customer service to the company in her role as Executive Vice President. Jimmy Murphy was a brilliant travel entrepreneur, having built Brendan Vacations, one of the most successful tour operators in the U.S. Jimmy’s son, Gary, who also played a major part at Brendan, took on an executive sales role at AmaWaterways. Together with Rudi, a true team of pioneers emerged.

The Story Continues From the beginning, their goal was to create a river cruise company that they themselves would enjoy. To then, that meant the highest-quality, locally sourced food and wine; elegantly appointed ships with staterooms offering maximum views to enjoy the ever-changing countryside; and a crew who goes above and beyond, treating every guest like they are part of THEIR family.

With that in mind, for two wonderful decades, they have been building one-of-a-kind ships with added comforts and conveniences ranging from our signature view-enhancing twin balconies to the Chef’s Table specialty restaurant to their award-winning AmaMagna – redefining the river cruise experience. They continue to lead the way in innovation, pioneering the first sailings on Colombia’s Magdalena River in 2025. As they look ahead to the future, they are more committed than ever to offering innovative and sustainable ways for their guests to experience the rich culture and history found along the banks of the world’s most iconic rivers.

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AmaMelodia - Salsa Deck

AmaMelodia - Cumbia Deck

AmaMelodia - Luna Deck

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Category B

Category B – Twin Balcony

Category C

Category C – Twin Balcony

Luxury Suite

Luxury Suite – Twin Balcony

Category A

Category A – Twin Balcony

Junior Suite

Junior Suite – Twin Balcony