AmaWaterways masterfully delivers experiences that all can enjoy, no matter what ages, interests or mobility levels. Celebrating 20 years in operation, the innovative river cruise company boasts beautiful ships plying the waterways of Europe, Asia, Africa and soon, Latin America.
When we think about AmaWaterways, the first thing that comes to mind is two of the company’s founders, Kristin Karst and Rudi Schreiner, known as The Godfather of River Cruising. The German-Austrian husband and wife are committed to at least two principles: 1) delivering exceptional river cruise experiences; and 2) always under-promising and over-delivering. The latter goes a long way in explaining why you seldom – if ever – hear anything except praise for AmaWaterways. That praise starts with the company’s crew and office staff and works its way up to travel agents and end consumers, people like us who cruise on AmaWaterways.
In the decade-plus that we’ve operated this site, we can’t recall a single complaint about AmaWaterways, which is remarkable when you consider that the company operates more than two dozen ships on three continents. We believe part of the reason for this is what we just mentioned, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. We encourage you to spend a few minutes to watch the video below, because it encapsulates the mission and the feeling of AmaWaterways.
We’ve had our own magical moments on AmaWaterways, cruising the mighty Mekong, enjoying the coziness that AmaWaterways creates on Christmas Markets cruises and exploring Europe in what feels like a boutique luxury hotel that glides along the rivers. What we have found is that AmaWaterways highlights people – staff and guests – above all else. In fact, when we’ve cruised with the co-founders, we’ve found it remarkable that they take time to talk to and visit with so many people on board. Kristin and Rudi are fond of saying that “Ama Means Love,” and that is the feeling that is conveyed, one of warmth and welcome.
More of what makes AmaWaterways different:
In Southeast Asia, AmaWaterways sails Vietnam & Cambodia’s Mekong River. In Africa, the company operates the 28-passenger Zambezi Queen (pictured) sailing the Chobe River. In Egypt, AmaDahlia operates Nile River Cruises and will soon be joined by a second ship AmaLilia, in 2024. AmaWaterways will begin cruising in Latin America on a new ship, AmaMagdelana.
In Europe, AmaWaterways offers more than two dozen itineraries along the Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Main, Seine, Saône, Rhône, Dutch and Belgian Waterways, Dordogne and Garonne, and the Douro. On our bucket list: the Seven Rivers Journeys, sailing seven rivers through 14 counties. the ultimate European river cruise.
I am currently midway on a voyage from Amsterdam to Budapest on AmaWaterways’ 164-guest AmaSonata. The duration of the cruise, spanning 14 nights/15 days, is
It could just be AmaWaterways’ most aspirational itinerary: a cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest, covering three rivers, five countries and spanning 15 days. Welcome to
Do you enjoy bicycling and seeing new places? If so, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better mix than bicycling in Europe during your river cruise. I did just that, traveling with my 19-year-old son on a “bikes and boats” trip with AmaWaterways and Backroads. As regular readers of River Cruise Advisor know, AmaWaterways is a multi-awarded river cruise company. Not as well known among RCA’s readers, Backroads bills itself as the world’s #1 active travel company. The combination of cycling and river cruising was a match made in heaven, and a perfect way to travel for this father and son duo.
This week on Avid Travel With Britton Frost we will revisit my time aboard AmaMagna, speaking mostly to the public spaces on the ship such as multiple dining venues, the libraries, juice bar, and more.
I have lived a very privileged life when it comes to travel. I’ve been on 19 cruises and I’m only 21 years old. I have traveled many
After a much-welcomed thunderstorm last night, we stepped off AmaPrima this morning in Vilshofen, Germany, ending five days on board AmaWaterways‘ newest vessel and temperatures
Headquartered in Calabasas, CA, AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, a husband-and-wife team with much river cruise line experience, and the late Jimmy Murphy, founder of Brendan Worldwide Vacations. So, what sets the line apart? It’s highly inclusive, strikes a balance on included beverages, has dedicated wellness hosts, and so much more.
Is this river cruising’s world cruise equivalent? In June 2023, AmaWaterways will offer a 46-night exploration of Europe that sails through 14 countries on seven rivers.
Because of the lack of space on the rivers, it means that river cruise companies may have to give up certain amenities to make room for guests onboard – but that’s not always the case.
Family-owned and operated, AmaWaterways has been a passion project for its founders since its start in 2002. President Rudi Schreiner designed his first ship back in 1975 while sailing the Amazon for seven months. Since the completion of the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal in 1992, Rudi has been a driving force for river cruise travel—and for these efforts has been recognized as the “Most Innovative Cruise Executive” and has been presented the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
Executive Vice President, Co-Founder and Co-Owner Kristin Karst brings extensive experience in luxury travel, river cruising and customer service to AmaWaterways. Rudi and Kristin partnered with Jimmy Murphy, a brilliant travel entrepreneur who built Brendan Vacations. His son Gary now carries on his father’s tradition in his role as Vice President of Sales. These families came together to create the premiere travel experience for AmaWaterways’ guests.
The company now boasts a fleet of 25 modern river cruise ships operating in Europe: AmaCello (2008), AmaDante (2008), AmaLyra (2009), AmaDolce (2009), AmaBella ( 2010), AmaVerde(2011) and AmaCerto (2012).
In 2013, AmaWaterways launched the AmaVida to operate on Portugal’s Douro River, as well as AmaPrima in Europe, followed by AmaReina and AmaSonata in 2014.
Be sure to check out 12 Things To Like About The New AmaPrima.
In 2015, the company introduced AmaSerena and AmaVenita, and in 2016, the company welcomed AmaStella and AmaViola.
2017 marked the arrival of AmaWaterways’ 20th ship with the new AmaKristina, as well as the company’s 15-year anniversary.
In 2018, the company welcomes the AmaLea, sister ship to AmaKristina; and then in 2019, the company introduced a new Rhine River ship, AmaMora, sister ship to AmaLea, and on the Douro River, AmaWaterways debuted the 102-passenger AmaDouro. Also in 2019, AmaWaterways unveiled its biggest ship ever with the AmaMagna, representing a game-changing new design elevating modern luxury even further.
See 6 Types Of Travelers Who Are Perfect For AmaMagna, Are You One Of Them?
More recently AmaWaterways has launched AmaSiena, AmaLucia and AmaDahlia, which operates in Egypt on Nile River Cruises. The company will add a second ship on the Nile, AmaLilia, in 2024 as well as a new ship in Colombia, AmaMagdelana.
AmaWaterways offers cruises along Europe’s Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Main, Seine, Saône, Rhône, Dutch and Belgian Waterways, Dordogne and Garonne, and the Douro; Southeast Asia’s Mekong river, Africa’s Chobe and Nile rivers and soon Latin America.
As a family-owned and operated company dedicated solely to river cruising, AmaWaterways’ executives focus all of their time and effort on perfecting the art of delivering the quintessential river cruise experience for their guests. This has led to award-winning ships inspired by luxury yachts and designed specifically to maximize every aspect of the guest experience.
Innovative stateroom design features unique twin balconies with both a French balcony and outside balcony, so guests can enjoy the views however they wish. There are also staterooms with connecting rooms to accommodate more than two guests for families and groups who wish to travel together. Other amenities include a variety of dining venues, sun deck walking track and heated pool with swim-up bar, well-equipped fitness room and a fleet of onboard bicycles (for onshore exploration), as well as massage and hair salon.
Guests give AmaWaterways’ cuisine rave reviews. All AmaWaterways’ ships in Europe are members of the prestigious La Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an international gastronomic society dedicated to fine cuisine. AmaWaterways’ culinary team crafts menus with the finest and freshest local ingredients. Selections change daily, featuring locally-inspired gourmet cuisine and traditional favorites.
AmaWaterways offers a variety of dining venues – at no additional charge – including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant. Guests watch as the chef prepares a true tasting menu with three appetizers, a champagne sorbet intermezzo, three main courses and three decadent desserts—all paired with carefully hand-selected wines reflective of the places visited.
Guests can enjoy unlimited complimentary wines from Europe’s great wine regions, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board, as well as sparking wine during breakfast.
AmaWaterways has maximized its guest stateroom views with not one, but two private balconies – a French balcony and a full outside balcony.
Every stateroom on AmaWaterways has an Entertainment-on-Demand center, featuring complimentary high-speed Internet access via a flat screen monitor featuring movies, news, sports and satellite TV, as well as a large selection of music channels.
Guests can start the day off sipping complimentary sparkling wine, coffee, tea and fresh juice at breakfast. For lunch and dinner, indulge in fine wines distinctive of the regions visited, beer and soft drinks, and be treated to a Sip & Sail daily cocktail hour.
AmaWaterways elegantly appointed spacious stateroom and suite appointments include white-on-white plush bedding, terry bathrobes and slippers, high-quality bath and body products and bottled water replenished daily. Suites include added enhancements, such as larger sitting areas and expansive bathrooms with both a shower and bathtub. On some twin-balcony ships, there are staterooms with connecting doors, as well as triple accommodations, making river cruising more convenient for friends and family who wish to travel together.
AmaWaterways recognizes every traveler is unique, so the company has carefully curated a menu of included excursions to tempt even the most seasoned travelers. Guests have the freedom and flexibility to choose from a range of guided tours.
For guests who wish to get more active, guided hiking and biking adventures take travelers well beyond the typical tourist paths, deep into the rich culture and natural beauty.
“Special Interest Tours” encourage further immersion into local culture. Authentic Belgian waffles and chocolate making in Antwerp; picnicking in the terraced vineyards of Portugal; or learning how to cook quintessential French cuisine in Provence, are just a few examples. Along with being intertwined with these deeply enriching experiences, guests can take excursions designed to showcase the renowned highlights, as well.
AmaWaterways has always been passionate about promoting health and wellness. As the first river cruise line to provide complimentary bicycles and safety helmets, AmaWaterways is always looking to further activate guest vacations and has expanded its popular guided hiking and biking tours throughout its European itineraries as well as the Wellness Program. A Wellness host leads exercise classes and discussion groups with a focus on healthy eating and relaxation.
In addition, guests can keep up their exercise routine on board while soaking in the panoramic views with a jog around the track or taking a dip in the pool on the sun deck. Later, they can unwind with a massage and indulge in a variety of healthy cuisine options with menus featuring gluten-free and vegetarian choices.
AmaWaterways’ Cruise Managers are your hosts while you are traveling with them. The company hires only the very the most talented, knowledgeable and experienced in the industry. All skillfully trained and educated with years of experience means you can be assured exceptional levels of professional and personalized service throughout your entire journey both on board and on shore. Customer service, attention to detail and passenger satisfaction are AmaWaterways’ hallmarks.
AmaWaterways loves providing its guests with the best travel experiences possible. In fact, “Ama” is derived from the Latin word for “love.” It is a concept that permeates every aspect of their river cruises, from the design of the ships to the development of itineraries to the high levels of service delivered to guests. AmaWaterways is always looking to innovate, offer exciting new destinations and add extra value for each and every guest.
If there’s a secret to AmaWaterways success, it’s the company’s distinct business style. It is an efficiently run, hands-on company, with short lines of communication to owners and executives. You’ll always get a live person answering the phone during business hours, never a recording. Throughout its years of exponential growth, AmaWaterways has maintained a warm and family type atmosphere in the company.
This week I have been feeling grateful. After accepting a new part-time job opportunity at a brewery in town and receiving tremendous support from my friends and family after sustaining a foot injury, I wanted to make sure that I gave each and every one of them thanks – whether it was a text, a phone call, or a handwritten note. As I sat down to brainstorm content for the week, I realized that there was someone (something?) else that I wanted to thank – the company that gave me my first introduction to river cruising and has continually delivered unforgettable experiences onboard since.
Welcome to Dubai, where tradition meets innovation, offering a blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. Join AmaWaterways on a journey to this dynamic city, before or after your Secrets Of Egypt & The Nile river cruise.
What is a Rhone river cruise going to cost me and how does the cruise I am looking at compare to Rhone river cruises offered by other companies?
Nestled at the southwestern edge of Lake Geneva in Switzerland lies the vibrant city of Geneva, blending together a rich mix of culture and history. From its Roman roots to its modern-day status as a multicultural metropolis, Geneva offers a blend of old-world charm with a contemporary vibe.
Extend your AmaWaterways’ Douro River adventure with an optional land tour in Madrid, complimentary on selected river cruises until the end of March. Explore the captivating streets, historic landmarks, and culinary delights of Madrid, accompanied by the expert guidance of AmaWaterways’ dedicated Cruise Manager and tour guides. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you in this vibrant city.
If you’re a traveler seeking to delve deeper into Lisbon’s history and culture, AmaWaterways has an enticing offer for you. Embark on a Douro river cruise and extend your journey with an optional land package in Lisbon, immersing yourself in the city’s colorful old quarters, lively squares and architectural marvels.
Below you’ll find some videos that we produced during our savings on AmaWaterways.
Arrived in Budapest with amawaterways for a week cruise along the River Danube 🚢 the AmaMagna ship, my home for the next few days is incredible (I’ll give you a guided tour later this week) I’ve spent the last two days exploring this beautiful city (swipe across to see some more photos) Today we had a brilliant guided tour organised by amawaterways - it was really fascinating, learn so much about the history of Budapest and experienced some of the sights such as the Castle Hill District, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, Parliament Square, the Central Market Hall and more. This has been a wonderful first stop on this river cruise. We are now on our way to the next destination, Bratislava for the next adventure.
River cruise with amawaterways PR invite
Thank you to my lovely travel companion carolem_beauty for the photos 📸
My outfits:
Navy jacket and stripe top busbyandfox *
Jeans marksandspencer
Khaki green jacket popskilondonclothing *
Black bag sarahharanuk *
PR items *
#rivercruise #amawaterways #amawaterwayscruise #budapest #travelmore #cruiselife #budapesthungary #budapestgram #budapesttravel
Hello from Amsterdam, where I’m about to board my first river cruise! For the next seven days I’ll be sailing along the Rhine on the 156-passenger AmaSiena - AmaWaterways’ newest ship - through The Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland. As you know I’ve done a gazillion Caribbean cruises, so I’m looking forward to having this decidedly different experience. Stay tuned to my stories for the play-by-play.
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#amawaterways #amasiena #jetsetsarah #jsssails #cruising #cruiser #rivercruise #rivercruising #amsterdam #cruiselife #cruiseship #rivercruises #holland #hermesscarf #blacktravel #blacktravelwriter #travelwriter #travelblogger #visitnetherlands
Random clips from this summer on Europe‘s Rivers
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#amawaterways #rivercruise #luxurytravel #cruisewithraul #traveleurope #igerseurope #dronestagram #dji #mavic #sonyalpha #rhein #rhine #danube #main #würzburg #marksburg #loreley #nijmegen #dürnstein #cruiselife #amameanslove #luxuryrivercruise #luxuryrivercruise #rivercruisephotography #wellness #travelphotography #germany #austria #rivercruises #amawaterwaysrivercruise
And, just like that, my first river cruising adventure has come to an end. I’ve hiked in Heidelberg; sampled currywurst in Cologne; visited a vineyard in Rüdesheim; strolled the streets of Strasbourg; trekked through the Black Forest; and discovered a new obsession with locks. I’ve tried tarte flambée and Rüdesheimer coffee; bought several new stickers for my luggage; eaten my weight in ice cream; and made new friends along the way. (See my Stories and AmaSiena highlight for deets.) By any measure, this was a fun, eye-opening and unforgettable trip. Would I do another river cruise? In a heartbeat. Danube, here I come!
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#jetsetsarah #amawaterways #amasiena #rivercruising #rivercruise #rivercruises #cruising #travelwriter #travelblogger #blacktravel #blacktravelwriter #travelnoire #essencetravels #exploremore #explore #instago #travel #travelingram #instadaily #ttot #igaddict #bestoftheday #igtravel #travelgram #instatravel #traveler #traveller #andjustlikethat #omaginsiders
And, just like that, a new week is served. Mine will include morning runs; writing deadlines; an oil change; several Zooms; a pre-travel COVID test; and, hopefully, renewing my Florida drivers license after multiple unsuccessful attempts to book a DMV appointment online. What’s on your agenda, dear ‘grammers?
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#jetsetsarah #jsssails #amawaterways #amasiena #rivercruising #cruiselife #omaginsiders #blacktravel #blacktravelwriter #mondayvibes #monday #rivercruise #rivercruises #cruising #cruiselover #rivercruiser #waiter #cruiseshippool #traveler #passenger #cruiser #chasethesun
In case anyone was curious…We spy some #details on the website 😉.
Check it out if you’re bored…CeliacCruise.com
#celiaccruise #dedicatedglutenfree #celiaccruisecaribbean #glutenfree #glutenfreecruise #celiactravel #glutenfreetravel #traveltheworld #glutenfreedairyfree #glutenfreeliving #glutenfreeeurope #celiac #coeliac #coeliacfriendly #coeliacdisease #celiacdisease #celiacawareness #cococay #loyaltoroyal #amawaterways #rivercruise #release #2024 #charter #howiholidaily
Last month, my husband and I took our first big trip without the kids. A 7-day amawaterways river cruise in France, simply enjoying the wines of Bordeaux and each other. We didn’t even know what to do with ourselves for the first day! It was such a fabulous time, and so special after spending the last 18 months mostly at home. Europe, how I have missed you!
And here is where I have to give a shout-out to aaa_national Travel. In addition to roadside assistance and discounts, that little card gets you access to exclusive travel deals. For example, I hosted two chef’s table dinners aboard the ship, something offered only to the AAA members onboard. I’m talking multi-course meals made right in front of you by the executive chef.
Additionally, AAA’s unprecedented customer service is clutch in the ever-changing time of Covid. If anything changes with your plans, AAA will handle all the details, from rebooking to figuring out refunds, and saved customers so much time (3-hour wait times on a customer service line? No thank you!), money and frustration.
In this ever-changing world, it’s nice to know someone has your back. These folks are up to date on the latest health and safety restrictions, have access to the absolute best deals, and will support you both before and DURING your trip. And did you know that working with a AAA travel advisor is free for AAA members? Yep, you heard that right.
So, where are you dreaming of traveling next?
#sponsored #travelcomesback #amawaterways
Prague, Czech Republic 🇨🇿 🇭🇺 🇸🇰 🇦🇹 🇩🇪 🇨🇿 ⚓️🚢 #AmaWaterways #rivercruise #AmaLea #DanubeRiver #travel #travelgram #travelpics #instatravel #CzechRepublic #Prague #Slovakia #Bratislava #Austria #Vienna #Weissenkirchen #Grein #Linz #Passau #Salzburg #Germany #Visholfen #Hungary #Budapest #DrBKtravels #DrBKcruises #drbkphotos
Just a reminder that on November 29, 2022, I set off on an amazing week-long AmaWaterways river cruise along the Main and Rhine rivers visiting some of Germany`s storied Christmas markets. But here`s some even greater news: Amawaterways has extended their 20th-anniversary pricing of a 20% discount OR FREE roundtrip economy airfare till the end of October! Will you be joining me?
For more information, including a detailed itinerary, click on the link in bio!
Have you been on an Amawaterways river cruise? Share about your adventure in the comments below!
Places to Love is proud to have AmaWaterways as a Sponsor since Season 1.
#samanthabrown #placestolove #germany #rivercruise #amawaterways #holidayseason
I have been carried away by beautiful architecture, rich history, and the warm welcome of the Viennese people. Austria you have stolen my heart.❤️ Sharing my guide to Vienna on the blog today-check it out (link in bio)
St. Stephan’s Cathedral at a glance: Originally built in 1137, the Cathedral has become one of Vienna’s most recognizable symbols. In 1782 Mozart was married here. The north tower is an operating bell tower. The south tower is over 136 meters tall, and can be scaled by climbing 343 dark and winding steps (which I did!😉)
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#wearetravelgirls
This last week has been insane. I was invited by amawaterways to be a guest artist on one of their river cruises down the Danube River. I performed a night of original music for the ship crowd, and spent days meeting and networking with new friends, playing and writing music, and enjoying Austria, Czech Republic, and Germany. Definitely loving this new friendship with AMA Waterways. Such an amazing experience and company!
Day 3 🇫🇷- the day began yet again with absolute gluten-free bliss with a morning stop copains.paris in which we are still drooling over - just WOW!
Then it was time to make our way to the amazing amawaterways #amadante to meet possibly the best crew on the planet (in addition to our #amalea & #royalcaribbean teams). We boarded this breathtaking ship for our site inspection and saw some amazingly familiar faces from our #danube charter, and #AmaWaterways is again in preparation to blow us away this August.
As an aside, my future address will be available soon, as the decision was made after excessive eclairs, baguettes and croissants from copains.paris that it made most sense to create a permanent address in France. Given the gluten-free options and quality, I feel it necessary for me to stay in Paris forever … 😂who’s joining this “team gluten-free”🇫🇷?!
Bonne Nuit!
#celiaccruise #dedicatedglutenfree #glutenfree #glutenfreecruise #celiactravel #glutenfreetravel #traveltheworld #glutenfreedairyfree #glutenfreeliving #rivercruise
#glutenfreeeurope #celiac #coeliac #coeliacfriendly #coeliacdisease #celiacdisease #celiacawareness #paris #glutenfreeparis #france #glutenfreecharter #noglutenhere
Well Judy and I managed to have a wonderful time together checking everything out for our cruise next May with you all! We look forward to sharing this terrific itinerary with you. Our last few days were spent in Amsterdam, I had my favourite- croquetten- and the view from our lunch time meal on the canal. We will so look forward to seeing you then. #jeanettedouglasdesigns #jeannettedouglas #jddtravels #amawaterways #traveleurope #whatadelight
Well this is a lovely place! And one of my favorite destinations on my Danube River Cruise. Durnstein is known for Apricots and all things made with the fruit. It’s also in the Wachau valley home of my absolute favorite white wine Gruner Veltliner. Might not leave. amawaterways #aaatravel #placestolove #amamagna #amawaterways
#photodump #heidelberg edition! Slowly catching up to where we are. We’re headed back tomorrow and I’ve been finding a moment here and there to go through and pull out the best photos for you. But there’s more to come!
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What a lovely group of knitters we’ve had! ♥️
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#knittingcruise #amawaterways #rivercruise #knittersofinstagram #knittersoftheworld
Just WOW! What a great trip we had! Thank you for being awesome, for making the trip so amazing! The sharing, caring for each other, and enabling…. Haha… Thank you all for coming and making it a very special trip indeed. We luckily were able to fit in a quick few hours with xjudesign and delight over her wonderful fabric and threads! Thank you xjudesign and tibor.balogh.58958 for coming and making it possible to see and purchase your lovely things. Thank you Judy Bradford our cruise and travel agent extraordinaire for making it happen with all your hard work. Thank you the_silver_needle for giving us an onboard pop up shop, and mailing out our Christmas boxes! And lastly Thank you Dejan our cruise manager who has come on all our cruises and is know at #amawaterways for having his ‘stitchyladies’! #jeannettedouglasdesigns #jeannettedouglas #xjudesigns #crossstitcherscruising #crossstitch #crosstitchersofinstagram #christmasstitching
🛳El 2024 será un año en el que el río Magdalena se engalanará con lujosos #Cruceros que le apuestan además a reactivar el turismo en Colombia y cada una de sus regiones. Estos serán operados por la compañía de cruceros fluviales #AmaWaterways que opera en Europa, África y Asia. Los barcos serán⚓ #AmaMagdalena y #AmaMelodía los cuales ofrecerán a los visitantes una experiencia única que incluye alojamiento de lujo y vistas panorámicas.
🚢En primer lugar, AmaMagdalena con capacidad para 60 personas zarpará el 30 de marzo de 2024 y AmaMelodía con espacios para 64 huéspedes el 19 de junio de 2024. Los destinos de ambos serán: Cartagena, Barranquilla, Mompóx, El Banco Magdalena, Calamar, Magangué, Santa Bárbara de Pinto, Nueva Venecia y Palenque.
¿Qué opina?💬
📸: Unsplash
