AmaWaterways and tour operator Metropolitan Touring have agreed a partnership deal to offer sailings on a new ship in Colombia.

From December 2023, passengers can sail on all-suite river vessel called AmaMagdalena and join shore experiences along the country’s Magdalena River.

The ship will carry fewer than 100 passengers, Rudi Schreiner, president and co-founder of AmaWaterways, said.

The debut programme will consist of two seven-night itineraries with pre- and post- cruise-and-land programmes around the river and further into Colombia.

Itinerary details are being finalised and will be confirmed “in the coming weeks”, the operators said. Sailings are expected to go on sale in autumn this year.

A wellness manager will sail on the ship and activities such as kayaking, hiking and birdwatching will also be available on sailings.

Schreiner said: “I’m absolutely captivated by the rich history, wildlife and friendly welcome that awaits our guests when our intimate, all-suite ship sets sail in December 2023. The reason for the Magdalena is, I think, it is the prime river in Latin America and it combines culture and nature. It is a perfect destination.”

“It is incredibly exciting to be able to launch a new river cruise destination like Colombia,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways.

Asked what kind of river cruise passenger would be interested in booking the sailings, she said: “I believe that anyone who wants to explore the world and wants to see more of our beautiful globe. An active traveller. Age-wise it does not matter if you are eight or 80 years old – you just need to be curious about the world.

“AmaWaterways is celebrating 19 years of creating authentic river cruise experiences in Europe, Asia and Africa and now, with our world-recognised destination partner, Metropolitan Touring, we will be able to offer our guests an opportunity to explore a fourth continent while discovering Colombia along the Magdalena River.”

Schreiner and Karst joined eight other people on a 500-mile trip over three weeks to Colombia to explore the river ahead of Thursday’s partnership announcement.

Paulina Burbano de Lara, Metropolitan Touring chief executive, said: “We know that Rudi, Kristin and all the AmaWaterways team share our passion for the River Magdalena and we’re delighted that together we will create innovative and enriching experiences for guests.”

Ecuador-based Metropolitan Touring has also agreed a similar deal with Hurtigruten Expeditions in the Galapagos Islands, which allows the cruise line to expand its offering to South America.