I recently had the opportunity to explore Colombia’s Magdalena River aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaMagdalena, and what an experience it was!
A special sailing with Virtuoso Cruise Icons
This was a particularly special journey, bringing together Virtuoso Cruise Icons, travel advisors recognized among the top 1% of cruise sellers within the Virtuoso network worldwide.
I’m incredibly grateful to be included in this group. One of the things I value most about the recognition is the opportunity to spend time with other accomplished advisors who share my passion for travel. Exchanging ideas, learning from one another, and sharing our experiences is such a wonderful part of this industry.
And Colombia was quite a setting for those conversations!
Getting to know Colombia through its people
What struck me most was the warmth of the Colombian people and how genuinely excited they were to share their culture with us.
Family and tradition are woven into everyday life. We learned about generations fishing together, passing down knowledge and traditions from one to the next. Music and dancing are everywhere, and the importance of celebrations like Carnival is such a wonderful reflection of that spirit.
There was a real sense of pride in sharing their customs, and I loved being welcomed into those experiences.
A different perspective on river cruising
The ship itself was a beautiful way to experience this part of Colombia, offering an entirely different perspective on river cruising from the European waterways many travelers know.
Traveling alongside such knowledgeable colleagues, discovering a destination through its people, and experiencing the ship and itinerary firsthand gave me so much to bring back to my clients.
And then there was the food!
Our chef aboard AmaMagdalena was extraordinary. At one point, he brought aboard an assortment of approximately 20 fruits for us to discover and taste, many of which were completely new to me. He then incorporated those flavors into our meals throughout the journey.
We came home absolutely obsessed!
Hospitality that stays with you
I also have to mention the staff. From the river guides to the culinary team and everyone aboard, the warmth, care, and genuine happiness they brought to their work were remarkable. I’ve experienced wonderful hospitality in many places, but this was among the very best I’ve encountered.
I returned home with wonderful memories, new friendships and connections, and a few new favorite foods!
And perhaps that’s what I love most about travel. There is always another story to hear, another culture to discover, and another experience that reminds you why you love exploring the world.