AmaWaterways
AmaMelodia
- Cruises
- 8
- From
- $3,299
The verdict
Which should you choose?
AmaMelodia is an intimate AmaWaterways ship carrying 64 passengers, in service since 2025. Le Ponant is an intimate Ponant Cruises ship carrying 64 passengers, in service since 1991. AmaMelodia has no specs yet, so the verdict rests on the figures we do hold.
Choose AmaMelodia if you want a newer ship, a better-rated spa and gym or more adventure and nature: it outscores Le Ponant for spa & fitness (6.5 vs 5.0) and adventure & nature (7.5 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2025 (vs 1991).
Choose Le Ponant if you want a more family-friendly ship, a more romantic trip or better-rated dining: it outscores AmaMelodia for family friendly (5.0 vs 3.0), romantic (10.0 vs 9.0) and dining (9.0 vs 8.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| AmaMelodia | Le Ponant | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | AmaWaterways | Ponant Cruises |
| Ship size | Intimate | Intimate |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2025 (better) | 1991 |
| Gross tonnage | — | 1,489 |
| Passengers | 64 | 64 |
| Crew | 30 | 30 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | — | 23.3 |
| Decks | 3 | 4 |
| Length | 223 ft | 291 ft |
| Beam | 43 ft | 39 ft |
| Speed | 10 mph | 12 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | — | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 8 | — |
| Upcoming sailings | 93 | — |
| Cruise lengths | 7 nights | — |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $3,299 | — |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. AmaMelodia leads on 3 of the ten, Le Ponant on 5, with 2 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
AmaWaterways
AmaMelodia
When it launches in the summer of 2025, AmaMelodia will be the second major river ship designed to sail on the Magdalena River in Colombia, following the 2024 launch of AmaMagdalena.
Sailing now
8 cruises on sale, from $3,299.
Ponant Cruises
Le Ponant
Le Ponant, a three-masted schooner from France-based cruise line Ponant, sails to small islands, hidden harbors and exclusive ports of call in the Mediterranean with only 64 guests aboard. She is stylish, friendly and relaxed.
Highlights
- Able to cruise to small, exclusive ports in the Mediterranean
- Outdoor dining for breakfast and lunch
- All staterooms have views of the ocean
Questions
AmaMelodia or Le Ponant?
Which ship is newer, AmaMelodia or Le Ponant?
AmaMelodia is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2025 against 1991 for Le Ponant.
Which has more crew per passenger?
They are level, with one crew member for every 2.1 passengers.
Which is better for families?
Le Ponant scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 5.0 out of 10, against 3.0 for AmaMelodia.
Still deciding?
Tell us what matters and we will match the sailing
Send your dates, budget and who is travelling, and our partner travel agency will come back to you about AmaMelodia, Le Ponant or a ship that suits you better.