Colombia’s Magdalena River and North America’s Great Lakes Open New Horizons for Explorers with Fresh Voyages from Cartagena to Toronto and Chicago

Published on April 21, 2025

The global river cruise industry is experiencing a transformative phase, marked by innovative itineraries and the introduction of new vessels. AmaWaterways has pioneered luxury river cruising on Colombia’s Magdalena River, offering travelers an unparalleled experience in South America. Simultaneously, Victory Cruise Lines has resumed operations in the Great Lakes, bringing a renewed focus on domestic cruising in North America. In Egypt, Viking has unveiled the Viking Amun, expanding its presence on the Nile River. Emerald Cruises is set to enhance its fleet with new ships, including its first on the Seine River. These developments signify a broader trend towards diversification and innovation in the river cruise sector.​

AmaWaterways: Navigating Colombia’s Magdalena River

AmaWaterways has introduced the AmaMagdalena, a 60-passenger luxury river cruise ship, to navigate Colombia’s Magdalena River. This marks the first time a major river cruise line has operated in this region. The seven-night itineraries, “Magic of Colombia” and “Wonders of Colombia,” traverse between Cartagena and Barranquilla, with stops in historic towns such as Mompox, Calamar, Magangué, and Nueva Venecia. This initiative aims to revitalize the river’s navigability, which has been challenged by sedimentation, and to stimulate local economies by promoting tourism. The project has been recognized by Time Out as one of the world’s best new attractions. AmaWaterways plans to expand its fleet on the Magdalena River with the introduction of the AmaMelodia in June.

Victory Cruise Lines: Resurgence in the Great Lakes

After a hiatus due to financial challenges, Victory Cruise Lines has resumed operations under new ownership. The Victory I and Victory II vessels have been refurbished and are now offering cruises across all five Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and to Canada’s maritime provinces. The Victory I is scheduled for christening in Toronto, while the Victory II will be christened at Chicago’s Navy Pier on May 12. These developments signify a revitalization of domestic cruising options in North America, catering to travelers seeking regional exploration.​

Viking Amun: Expanding Horizons on the Nile

Viking has expanded its river cruise offerings with the introduction of the Viking Amun, a new vessel dedicated to sailing the Nile River. This addition enhances Viking’s portfolio in Egypt, providing travelers with luxurious accommodations and immersive cultural experiences along one of the world’s most historic waterways. The launch of the Viking Amun underscores the growing demand for river cruises in Egypt, attracting travelers interested in exploring ancient civilizations and landscapes.​

Emerald Cruises: Growth and Innovation

Emerald Cruises is planning a significant expansion of its fleet, with two new superyachts and its first European river ship on the Seine River scheduled for launch in 2027. This expansion follows the anticipated launches of Emerald Kaia and Emerald Astra in April 2026. Emerald Cruises’ commitment to growth reflects the increasing popularity of river cruising and the demand for diverse itineraries that offer unique cultural experiences.​

Malta: A Rising Star in Cruise Tourism

Malta has experienced a surge in cruise tourism, welcoming 849,000 cruise visitors in 2024, up from 815,000 the previous year. The Valletta Cruise Port has been instrumental in this growth, serving as a homeport for several cruise lines and enhancing air travel connectivity to the island. Infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to shore power facilities and transportation links, have further bolstered Malta’s appeal as a cruise destination. The country’s strategic location in the Mediterranean makes it an attractive stop for itineraries in the region.​

Oceania Cruises: Solar Eclipse Voyages

Oceania Cruises has announced four additional sailings in 2026 to coincide with a solar eclipse, offering travelers a unique opportunity to witness this celestial event from the comfort of a luxury cruise ship. These specialized itineraries cater to astronomy enthusiasts and travelers seeking extraordinary experiences, highlighting the cruise industry’s ability to offer niche and themed voyages.​

Swan Hellenic: Polar Exploration Growth

Swan Hellenic has reported a 25% increase in passengers and a 35% rise in net revenue for its polar cruises year-over-year. This growth reflects a growing interest in expedition cruising, particularly in polar regions, where travelers seek immersive experiences in remote and pristine environments. Swan Hellenic’s success underscores the appeal of adventure and exploration in the cruise sector.​

Tauck: Expanding Ocean Cruising

Tauck has expanded its ocean cruising offerings by partnering with Ponant to offer two new itineraries in 2026: one in the Norwegian Arctic and another in Asia. These additions cater to travelers interested in exploring less-traveled destinations with a focus on cultural immersion and luxury experiences. Tauck’s expansion into ocean cruising complements its existing river cruise portfolio, providing a comprehensive range of travel options.​

Carnival Cruise Line: Itinerary Adjustments

Carnival Cruise Line has made adjustments to its itineraries, replacing Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos with Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic for several sailings. Guests affected by this change are being offered onboard credits and refunds for any pre-booked shore excursions. These modifications reflect the cruise line’s responsiveness to operational considerations and its commitment to guest satisfaction.​

Princess Cruises: Pricing Updates Princess Cruises has announced a price increase for its Premier and Plus bundles, effective May