One of the greatest advantages of attending the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Amsterdam is the opportunity to spend time with the leaders shaping the future of river cruising.
As a Virtuoso Cruise Icon and long-time AmaWaterways partner, I regularly have the opportunity to meet with the cruise line executives and visionaries who are expanding the world of river cruising. These conversations often provide early insight into the destinations that will become the next must-experience journeys.
During the conference, I attended an educational session onboard AmaWaterways’ AmaSofia led by Kristin Karst, co-founder and Chief Brand Ambassador of AmaWaterways. Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with Kristin at industry events and onboard visits, and sessions like this offer invaluable perspective on where the river cruise industry is heading next.
This year’s discussion focused on one of the most exciting emerging destinations in river cruising: Colombia.
Colombia and the Magdalena River: A New Destination for River Cruising
AmaWaterways is expanding beyond its traditional European and Asian itineraries with voyages along the Magdalena River, introducing travelers to a region rich in music, culture, biodiversity, and history.
For many seasoned river cruisers who have already explored Europe’s iconic waterways — the Danube, Rhine, Seine, and Rhône — Colombia represents an entirely new type of river cruise experience.
Instead of medieval castles and vineyards, travelers will discover:
• vibrant colonial towns
• tropical landscapes and wildlife
• Caribbean rhythms and music
• colorful cultural traditions
• historic river communities
A Magdalena River cruise in Colombia offers a completely different sense of discovery — one that blends exploration, culture, and nature in a way that feels both immersive and authentic.
Meeting the Godmother of AmaWaterways’ New Colombia Ship
One of the highlights of the session was meeting the ship’s godmother, Marianna Schlegel Donado of Barranquilla.
Hearing her speak about her hometown and the pride Colombians feel in welcoming international visitors brought the destination to life in a powerful way. Her enthusiasm captured exactly what makes river cruising so special — the connection between travelers and the communities along the river.
Moments like this remind me that river cruising isn’t just about ships or itineraries. It’s about the people and cultures that welcome us along the way.
Why the Magdalena River Could Become the Next Big River Cruise Destination
The upcoming Magdalena River cruises in Colombia represent one of the most exciting developments in the river cruise industry.
While Europe’s great rivers remain the most popular choice for first-time river cruisers, many experienced travelers are now looking for new destinations beyond Europe.
A Colombia river cruise offers something truly different:
• tropical scenery instead of vineyards
• vibrant Caribbean culture
• rich biodiversity and wildlife
• historic towns shaped by centuries of trade and exploration
As cruise lines like AmaWaterways expand river cruising beyond Europe and Asia, Colombia is quickly emerging as one of the most intriguing destinations for adventurous travelers.
And based on the excitement I saw at the ASTA River Cruise Expo, the Magdalena River is definitely a river cruise destination to watch.
Why I Attend the ASTA River Cruise Expo
Experiences like this are exactly why I invest the time to attend events like the ASTA River Cruise Expo.
It allows me to:
• tour new river cruise ships
• meet cruise line executives and founders
• learn firsthand about emerging destinations
• compare cruise lines and itineraries
• bring insider knowledge back to my clients
River cruising continues to evolve in fascinating ways — and staying closely connected to the industry helps me ensure my clients experience the very best the rivers of the world have to offer.
Want My River Cruising 101 Guide?
If you’re curious about river cruising but not sure which river, cruise line, or cabin category is right for you, I’ve created a River Cruising 101 Guide to help.
Inside the guide I explain:
• The major river cruise lines and how they differ
• Which European rivers suit different travel styles
• Cabin categories and what they really mean
• The best times of year to sail
If you’d like a copy, simply send me an email and I’ll happily share it with you.
River cruising can be elegant, cultural, active, or adventurous. The magic is finding the right river and the right ship for your travel style — and that’s exactly what I help my clients do.
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If you’re considering a river cruise and want help comparing cruise lines, destinations, and itineraries, you can learn more about how I work with clients here:
River Cruise Expert – Lush Life Travel
Sheila Gallant-Halloran
Lush Life Travel
Virtuoso Cruise Icon – Top 1% of Cruise Advisors Worldwide