AmaMelodia

AmaMelodia at a glance

AmaMelodia is a boutique river ship built in 2024 for AmaWaterways, designed specifically for cruising the rivers of Colombia in South America. She carries 64 guests across 32 cabins, supported by a crew of 30 — an unusually generous ratio that shapes the attentive, unhurried feel of life on board. All current sailings depart from either Cartagena, Colombia or Barranquilla, Colombia, making her one of the very few vessels dedicated to this part of South America.

Dining on AmaMelodia

AmaMelodia offers two distinct included dining venues, so there is always a style to suit your mood without reaching for your wallet at the table.

The Main Restaurant is the culinary heart of the ship, serving regional cuisine with open seating times so you dine when you are ready, not when a buzzer goes off. River views come with every meal, and informal conversation with fellow guests comes naturally in a room this size. Everything here is included in your cruise fare.

For something more theatrical, The Chef's Table stages a multi-course tasting menu prepared by a dedicated chef in an intimate setting. The experience is included in your fare — culinary theatre with no supplement attached. On a ship of only 64 guests, a reservation here feels genuinely personal.

Between meals, the Specialty Coffee & Tea Station is a complimentary self-service stop for specialty coffees and teas, open whenever you want a morning lift or an afternoon pause.

On-deck spaces and activities

The Sun Deck is the open upper deck where unobstructed views of the Colombian river landscape unfold in every direction. It doubles as an al fresco dining spot on suitable evenings and is included for all guests. The Heated Sun-Deck Pool sits up here too, with an integrated swim-up bar so you can order a drink without climbing out — the kind of detail that makes a small ship feel well considered.

For those who want to stay active, the Walking Track on the Sun Deck lets you jog or walk in the open air at no extra charge. The Fitness Center provides modern cardio and strength-training equipment; use is complimentary, though specialist fitness classes carry a separate charge.

When the ship is in port, AmaMelodia's Complimentary Bicycle Fleet is available to all guests — a practical and enjoyable way to explore Colombia's towns and surroundings at your own pace, with no guide and no fee.

Bars, lounges and quieter corners

The Main Lounge is where the ship comes alive socially: a fully stocked bar, port talks that give context to the next day's stop, and live entertainment in the evenings. Drinks and food are charged separately here unless covered by a beverage package.

If you prefer something quieter, the Library offers books and games in a calm setting, included in your fare. The Massage & Hair Salon is open to all guests; treatments and hairdressing services carry a charge, but the space itself is included. There is also a Gift Shop for souvenirs and essentials — browsing is always free.

Cabins on AmaMelodia

AmaMelodia carries two cabin grades, and both sleep two guests. Full deck plans and a side-by-side comparison are on the AmaMelodia cabins and deck plans page.

• Balcony Cabin A (22 m²) — a suite-category cabin positioned on a lower, stable deck. For guests who prefer minimal motion while underway, this placement is a practical advantage as much as a comfort one.
• Luxury Suite (28.4 m²) — the largest accommodation on board, a balcony cabin offering the most space AmaMelodia has to give.

On a ship of only 32 cabins, cabin choice matters more than usual. Our cruise experts can talk through which grade suits your travel style and budget.

Where AmaMelodia sails

All current sailings are river cruises in Colombia, South America, with departures split between Cartagena and Barranquilla. Voyages run to up to 7 nights. Colombia sits outside Australia, so every itinerary involves a flight — which is exactly why CruiseAway bundles the cruise with flights, hotels and transfers as a DreamAway Package: the cruise is the middle of a longer trip, and we build the whole thing as one holiday.

AmaWaterways is the cruise line behind AmaMelodia. You can read about their wider fleet and what sailing with them is like on the AmaWaterways page.

Why book AmaMelodia with CruiseAway

Because every departure is in Colombia, this is not a cruise you bolt onto a domestic trip — it needs a proper plan. CruiseAway's cruise experts know these sailings and can put the flights, hotels on either side and all transfers onto a single DreamAway Package booking, covered by our Best Price Guarantee. You get one itinerary, one point of contact, and no scramble to piece together the surrounding travel independently.

Other AmaWaterways ships to consider

AmaWaterways operates several other river ships you may be weighing up alongside AmaMelodia. AmaBella and AmaCello are both in the fleet, as are AmaVida, AmaReina and AmaVerde. Each sails different itineraries — the AmaWaterways cruise line page sets out the full picture.

Common questions about AmaMelodia

Is AmaMelodia suitable for solo travellers?

All cabin grades on AmaMelodia are configured for two guests, so solo travellers would typically pay a single supplement. Our cruise experts can advise on current fare options and whether any sailings offer reduced supplements — it is worth asking before you assume the worst.

What is included in the cruise fare on AmaMelodia?

The Main Restaurant, The Chef's Table, the Specialty Coffee & Tea Station, the Sun Deck, the Heated Sun-Deck Pool, the Fitness Center, the Walking Track, the Library and the Complimentary Bicycle Fleet are all included in your fare. The Main Lounge is free to enter; drinks there are charged separately unless a beverage package is included in your fare. Spa treatments and hairdressing at the Massage & Hair Salon carry a separate charge.

Which cabin grade should I book on AmaMelodia?

If steady, low-motion sailing is a priority — particularly relevant on a river where currents can vary — the Balcony Cabin A's lower deck position is a practical advantage. If space is your priority, the Luxury Suite at 28.4 m² is the largest cabin on board. Both grades sleep two and have a balcony. Our cruise experts can help you decide based on your specific sailing dates and preferences.

Do I need to arrange my own flights to Colombia?

You do not have to. Because all AmaMelodia sailings depart from Colombia, CruiseAway can book your flights, hotel stays on either side and all transfers as part of a DreamAway Package — one booking that covers the whole trip, not just the ship.

How far ahead do AmaMelodia sailings book out?

Current sailings on AmaMelodia depart from late September 2026 onward. River ships with only 32 cabins fill faster than large ocean vessels, so booking early gives you the best choice of cabin grade. Prices currently start from A$4,968pp* for sailings in this window.