AmaWaterways has announced two significant developments for the Australia and New Zealand market, launching a new locally supported Cruise & Fly programme while also expanding its South American river cruise footprint with the christening of AmaMelodia in Colombia.
The new AmaAir Cruise & Fly offering gives travel advisors in New Zealand the ability to book international flights directly through AmaWaterways’ Sydney-based reservations team, alongside selected river cruise itineraries. The move marks a notable expansion of the river cruise line’s local service capability and is designed to make the booking process simpler for advisors managing complete cruise holidays.
To support the launch, AmaWaterways has introduced a limited-time Cruise & Fly promotion across more than 300 selected 2026 and 2027 river cruise itineraries in Europe and Asia, combining cruise arrangements with return international flights. The offer is available for reservations made by 30 June.
“With the introduction of our local air services, we’re making it much easier for our guests and travel partners to plan and book a complete journey with confidence,” said Steve Richards, Managing Director Australia & New Zealand, AmaWaterways.
“From the moment a booking is made, our local team is there to support every step, from flights through to the river cruise experience itself.”
For New Zealand travel advisors, the programme provides a more streamlined way to package river cruise holidays, particularly for clients seeking clarity around flight arrangements, routing and overall journey cost. Richards said the offer had been created to save advisors time while delivering added value for clients.
“We’d really encourage our advisor partners to pick up the phone and try us for air,” he said. “Our team is here, on the ground, and ready to help. Whether it’s finding the best routing, competitive fares or simply making the process smoother, we’re here to support you”, added Steve.
Featured Cruise & Fly itineraries include the 14-night Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals journey through the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France and Switzerland, from $9,678 per person including cruise and return international flights. The seven-night Colours of Provence itinerary, sailing roundtrip from Lyon, is priced from $6,433 per person including cruise and return flights, while the seven-night Riches of the Mekong journey through Vietnam and Cambodia starts from $4,774 per person including cruise and return flights.
Alongside the local Cruise & Fly launch, AmaWaterways has also marked a major international milestone with the christening of AmaMelodia in Barranquilla, Colombia. The vessel is the company’s second ship on the Magdalena River and follows the debut of AmaMagdalena, strengthening AmaWaterways’ position as the first major river cruise company to operate on the river.
The christening ceremony brought together local partners, government representatives and community leaders, including ProColombia. A traditional blessing by a local Mamo honoured the cultural heritage of the Magdalena River, followed by remarks from AmaWaterways co-founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, and AmaMelodia’s future Captain and godmother, Elisabeth Mercado Herrera.
AmaMelodia accommodates up to 64 guests and was designed in collaboration with Colombian architect Camilo Restrepo. The ship will operate the line’s Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia itineraries, offering access to culturally significant destinations along the Magdalena River, including Mompox and Palenque.
Guests sailing in Colombia can experience shore excursions such as wildlife watching in the La Mojana wetlands and visits to Santa Bárbara de Pinto, where local artisans continue traditional craft practices. Onboard facilities include a Sun Deck pool, fitness room, spa services and dining venues showcasing locally inspired cuisine. Optional pre- and post-cruise land packages in Medellín and Cartagena are also available. AmaMelodia’s godmother, Elisabeth Mercado Herrera, is the first woman to become a river cruise captain on Colombia’s Magdalena River. Her appointment reflects AmaWaterways’ focus on local talent and community engagement as river cruising develops in the region.
“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. “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.”
Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways, said Colombia formed part of the company’s wider strategy to expand beyond its European river cruise roots.
“As we continue to expand beyond our European roots, destinations like Colombia represent an exciting part of AmaWaterways’ future,” Catherine said. “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.”
For the New Zealand trade, the twin announcements highlight AmaWaterways’ broader strategy: strengthening local booking support for advisors while continuing to open new destination-led river cruise experiences beyond the traditional European market.