by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 12:40 PM ET, Wed June 18, 2025
River cruise line AmaWaterways celebrated the official christening of its newest ship, AmaMagdalena, on June 17 in Mompox, Colombia.
The ship is the first luxury river cruise ship to sail the Rio Magdalena in Colombia, creating new opportunities for locals and travelers alike.
The ceremony included the ship’s godmother, interior designer and Colombian entrepreneur, Marianna Schlegel Donado, a former Queen of the Barranquilla Carnival. Other attendees included the Governor of the Bolívar Department, the Mayor of Mompox and representatives from ProColombia, Fontur, Cormagdalena and residents. Her firm, Casa Schlegel Donado, helped design the interiors of the ship.
“Being named godmother of AmaMagdalena is an incredible honor — both as a designer and as a proud Colombian,” said Schlegel. “This ship carries the soul of our country: its colors, its craftsmanship, its warmth. Seeing it sail the Magdalena River fills me with pride, not just for what we’ve built together, but for the opportunity it creates to share the beauty of Colombia with the world.”
AmaMagdalena began sailing the river this April. With space for only 60 guests, the ship offers spaces for a main restaurant, an al fresco specialty dining venue, a fitness room, a sun deck and pool area and more.
It offers two seven-night itineraries sailing between Cartagena and Barranquilla, with pre- and post-cruise land packages in Cartagena, Panama City and Medellín.
AmaMagdalena will be joined by the AmaMelodia, a second purpose-built ship, later this year.
“Today’s christening ceremony in Mompox marks a powerful moment not just for AmaWaterways, but for the future of river cruising,” said Rudi Schreiner, Co-Founder and CEO of AmaWaterways. “AmaMagdalena represents years of collaboration, vision and trust between our team and our Colombian partners. By opening the Magdalena River to luxury river cruising, we are laying the foundation for sustainable tourism that will benefit travelers and local communities alike for generations to come.”
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