CRUISE GPS
A River Runs
Through It
A River Runs Through It
Three exotic destinations, three unique experiences with AmaWaterways.
There’s a saying in Colombia, during the famous Carnaval festival: “Quien lo vive es quien lo goza,” which translates to “He who lives it, enjoys it.” AmaWaterways celebrates this ethos, not only in Colombia, but across all its Exotic Cruise offerings. Whether you’re hoping to live fully in Colombia while traversing the Magdalena River, immerse yourself in the vibrant wildlife along Botswana’s magical Chobe River, or explore the floating markets of Vietnam and Cambodia during a Mekong River journey, the common thread is connection. Get ready to nourish the mind and soul with these three magnificent and meaningful sojourns.

COLOMBIA
The Magdalena: Colombia’s Cultural Lifeline

Flowing through the heart of Colombia, the Magdalena River is more than a waterway—it’s the country’s cultural lifeline, connecting vibrant cities and deeply rooted traditions. Expect to move from observation to participation while exploring the music-filled streets of Barranquilla and the timeless charm of Mompox, where artisans preserve centuries-old craft. Each encounter reveals a nation defined by creative spirit. Discovery feels personal, and you’ll carry that sense of vitality forward long after you depart.

AFRICA
The Chobe: Nature’s Wild Side

Along Botswana’s Chobe River, wildlife (hippos, elephants, crocs, and more!) reveals itself with breathtaking intimacy as the brilliant African sky stretches endlessly above. This unique river safari invites a pristine ecosystem: Game drives and water-level encounters offer rare proximity to animals, while the experience nourishes the soul through presence, showcasing the power of nature. Here, luxury is defined by the quiet realization that renewal comes not just from escape, but from reconnection with the natural world.

VIETNAM & CAMBODIA
The Mekong: A River of Living Traditions

The Mekong River carries the stories of Southeast Asia. Step into daily life along its banks, where floating markets bustle at dawn and ancient temples glimmer at night. Village visits and cultural encounters reveal generations-old traditions, while Buddhist blessings provide genuine human connection. This journey lends perspective and simplicity—a reminder that wealth transcends material luxury. Expect to experience shared smiles, sacred spaces, and the gentle flow of a river that continues to shape local life with grace and meaning.
Set sail on a journey that moves you.
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I have always been a Geography and Map Fanatic. I own a very large and well-utilized National Geographic Atlas in which I have recorded many notes and personal trips and routed out my journeys by ships, planes, trains, and cycling. I refer to it frequently in putting together my clients' trips and itineraries, as well as my own.
Going back to the time when I was a little girl, I have either lived just a few yards from the ocean or relatively close to it. I liked watching ships and wanted to know what life was like on the other side of the ocean. I was fascinated that my Grandmother came to the US on a ship as a teenage girl together with her sister from Ireland. Before my grandparents met in the US, my Grandfather from Ireland worked as a cowboy and copper miner in Montana at the turn of the 20th Century. They had many National Geographic issues at their home which I loved looking at. These impressions, plus taking my first cruise, all eventually led me to the cruise and travel ...