River Amazon cruise . . . some questions.

[Fletcher]

I'm looking at a Silver Wind trip next year starting in Manaus and ending in Dakar, Senegal. It's an interesting itinerary and all new to me.  I'm hoping a few people who read this Forum might have done a cruise along the Amazon from the Atlantic to Manaus and can answer a few simple questions.  

 

Did you find it interesting?  Is the river too wide for spectacular scenery?  Are the towns a bit samey?  Are there significant wildlife spottings?  Are the excursions worth doing? Do you sail through the night or do the ships moor overnight?  I have heard vague reports that ships turn off most of their lights at night because of insects.  I was on a river trip in Burma once and the boat was invaded by millions of insects every night.  Is this case on the Amazon?  

 

Any responses warmly welcomed . . . 

[57 varieties]

Hi Fletcher

We did a cruise on the Silver Cloud in November 2012. It was a round trip from Barbados to Manaus.  The Cloud was not an expedition ship at that time. The itinerary on an Expedition ship would be different (better, in my opinion).

The Amazon is obviously very wide and there are few towns but we stopped most days (Belem, Santarem, Boca da Valeria,  Parintins, Alter do Chao) and were overnight in Manaus.

- we found it fascinating and the river itself is extraordinary with differences in the colour of the water in a couple of places.

- the towns are small but are a good starting place for nature visits.

- on excursions we did indeed have great sightings of mammals and birds but from the ship not so many.

- we sailed the Breves Narrows which is only possible on the smaller ships and was a delight.

- we sailed both during the day and overnight.

- the lights on deck and on balconies were turned off from dusk as you suggest, to discourage insects.  We did not see any mosquitoes although a few other interesting insects arrived on deck from time to time.

[drron29]

It sounds as though we were on the same cruise as 57 varieties.

Lots of birds and some animals usually when off the ship.

We were lucky as at lunch when cruising the Narrows we had lunch on our balcony with another couple we had met on board. Our butler worked through his time off to serve us. But the highlight of the lunch was when we were escorted by the Amazon pink dolphins for at least an hour. Just magic. We had fleeting sightings in other spots. Also a few caiman.

 

I actually really enjoyed it. One of the reasons was that the Cloud had had a refurbishment and dropped off a lot of the old furniture at villages along the way. The towns were also interesting to walk around.

 

Again this was not an Expedition cruise and I am sure on an Expedition cruise there would be more of an emphasis on the wild life.

[Spotbattman]

We might have been on this Cloud trip too. Was it the one where the air conditioning broke down? I seem to remember the cruise before ours had issues too, but they let us board anyway. Ended early in Manaus and many Americans flew home early in time for their Thanksgiving. We booked another cruise for almost nothing with the credits we were given! 
The actual cruise was amazing and not spoiled at al by the problems.

[TLCOhio]

5 hours ago, Fletcher said:

I'm looking at a Silver Wind trip next year starting in Manaus and ending in Dakar, Senegal.  I'm hoping a few people who read this Forum might have done a cruise along the Amazon from the Atlantic to Manaus and can answer a few simple questions.  Did you find it interesting?  Is the river too wide for spectacular scenery?  Are the towns a bit samey?  Are there significant wildlife spottings?  Are the excursions worth doing? Do you sail through the night or do the ships moor overnight?  I have heard vague reports that ships turn off most of their lights at night because of insects.  I was on a river trip in Burma once and the boat was invaded by millions of insects every night.  Is this case on the Amazon?  

 

Appreciate these great questions and follow-up by the experienced and super-skilled Fletcher.  

 

As detailed below on my 2015 live/blog on the Silver Cloud for the Amazon River, sailing both a 1000-miles going up and then returning that distance, there are legitimate "trade-offs" to consider.

 

The Amazon is super, totally wide and what you see while sailing on the river is kind of interesting, but somewhat limited. Cannot remember any significant wildlife sights while sailing the amazing Amazon.  What we loved were the various port stops and doing some very good private tours that got us closer to the "action", people, nature, sights, wildlife, etc.

 

Below are a few quick visual "samples" as evidence and examples for the potentials, depending on where your sailing would stop.  

 

No insect problems or issues as we sailed along the Amazon.   We sailed along fully and normally through the evenings and nights.   We did have one brief night period when they had to "re-boot" the electrical system and our power was shut-down during that one evening.  But, that was a rare exception.   Fresh water being taken from the Amazon is limited legally when sailing up and down so that they encourage being careful with long showers, laundry, etc., to preserve the fresh water supply on the ship.

 

Added questions and info needs? 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 70,807 views:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

 

Example of exploring during a private boat excursion from Santarem along the Amazon in the back-water areas.  Plus, one of the wild creatures observed.  We had a small boat with a skilled guide.  By contrast with the ship's tour, they were on a large boat and did not go back into the more scenic, interesting "primitive" areas that we explored and enjoyed.: 

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

 

 

On our wild walk, Indiana Jones-style, private tour in the Amazon Rainforest 60 miles north of Manus.: 

 

Inside Manus’ famed and historic Opera House: 

 

One sample from the very charming, local music/dance shows at a stop along the Amazon at the Parintinas.: 

In the small Amazon village of Boca da Valaria, we stopped, brought some gifts to give, connected with locals, sampled life there, etc.: 

 

Edited January 29, 2023 by TLCOhio

[Fletcher]

Thanks @TLCOhio for that. Always good to hear from you and nice to hear about the lack of a nightly insect blizzard.  I can't find your live report from the Cloud trip anywhere.  

[Stumblefoot]

17 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

The link is bad and not working.

[TLCOhio]

7 hours ago, Fletcher said:

Thanks @TLCOhio for that. Always good to hear from you and nice to hear about the lack of a nightly insect blizzard.  I can't find your live report from the Cloud trip anywhere.  

 

Appreciate these follow-ups from Fletcher and Stumblefoot.  I just checked by copying: 

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

and then pasting in that copied link.  It worked for me!!  Maybe it did not work as a "click on".  Try as copy and paste.  

 

For Fletcher, let me know the ports you are scheduled to visit on this cruise and any additional questions, etc.  Happy to share more.  Much depends as to what you seek and enjoy as to whether the Amazon works for your personal pleasure/interests.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[Stumblefoot]

Terry, copying and pasting your link yesterday and today provide the same message whether on a laptop, tablet, or mobile phone.

 

Even when going to your profile and going through the 78 pages of activities, there is no post from 2015 of your Amazon trip.  There are posts from your time in Dominica, Bonaire, Aruba, and Curacao that you made in August and September of 2015, but nothing on the Amazon.  Could it be your Amazon link is in some sort of archival system that only you can see as a CC user?

[jpalbny]

Use this link.

 

CC must have changed the naming conventions for its web pages; probably in the 2018 upgrade. So Terry has the "old" URL in his link above. When you try to go there, the CC site automatically reroutes you to the correct page. However that automatic "redirect" makes security software freak out.

I just ignored the warning and followed that link anyway, which led me to the correct URL. Linked above, and copied here for comparison:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

 

Edited January 31, 2023 by jpalbny

[Fletcher]

Many thanks for doing that @jpalbny. The link works perfectly.  What an epic @TLCOhio!

[TLCOhio]

13 hours ago, jpalbny said:

CC must have changed the naming conventions for its web pages; probably in the 2018 upgrade. So Terry has the "old" URL in his link above. When you try to go there, the CC site automatically reroutes you to the correct page. However that automatic "redirect" makes security software freak out.
I just ignored the warning and followed that link anyway, which led me to the correct URL. Linked above, and copied here for comparison:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

 

Super appreciate the great detective work by J.P. and his skilled follow-up.  Our Albany, NY, friend has won today's Agatha Christie/Hercule Poirot Award!!  Congrats!!

 

I also got a similar "warning" and ignore it.  Will do more double-checking of my listed links to insure all are working correctly up to the 2023 standards.  Who would think about "naming conventions for its web pages".  Complicated and confusing? 

 

For Fletcher, hopefully "What an epic!" is a good sign.  Don't be shy.  Let me know any added questions and info needs

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[highplanesdrifters]

Hope you don't mind this little Amazon related sidetrack. I was so blown away and wanted to share.

  I'm at a trade show and stumbled across this both showing a recent discovery near the Amazon basin (Black river) found near Barcelos.

The local tribe found it and is working with these Brazilians to sell it.

 

The highlights are fossilized footprints and shells containing Vivianite and Ludlamite crystals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mr Luxury]

54 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Hope you don't mind this little Amazon related sidetrack. I was so blown away and wanted to share.

  I'm at a trade show and stumbled across this both showing a recent discovery near the Amazon basin (Black river) found near Barcelos.

The local tribe found it and is working with these Brazilians to sell it.

 

The highlights are fossilized footprints and shells containing Vivianite and Ludlamite crystals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm sure I have seen this stuff on QVC

[drron29]

Just a few pics from our Amazon cruise.

First the Cloud docked in Grenada.

 

Then the start of the Amazon at Belem. Two days here the first was a tender in the second at a cargo wharf. On the first day we went on a ship's excursion to a garden,the cathedral which we couldn't go in as it was Sunday and the fort.

 

On the second day I went for a stroll around the port area. A much better idea than the excursion. Didn't take as many pictures as in the markets had a tap on my shoulder from a Portugese speaking policem an. no idea what he said but he indicated to put my camera away. i complied.

 

 

[drron29]

Next to the town of Breves at the start of the narrows,

 

and here we first saw the waves of small craft that came out to greet the Cloud all the way through the Narrows. but also a few logging places.

 

An old fish trap.

 

And although the whole time through the Narrows was a great experience this fellow and his mates were the Star.

 

 

 

[drron29]

The next day we berthed in Santarem but the tours didn't sound exciting so we stayed on board. the dock was some way from the town and with the temperature 40C with nearly 100% humidity I wasn't going to walk there and back.

So the next day was the villages of Boca De Valeria. definitely not a rich place. The highlight was all the children. Unfortunately they have learnt the worst from Western tourism. Most of the kids know 3 words of English-money one buck.There were mainly children,some in traditional(?) dress holding sloths,birds,snakes,caiman,monkeys and the most distressing was a log covered with the hide and head of a jaguar-that I could not photograph as it should be discouraged.I had no hesitation giving out my dollar bills even though I got shouted at by a woman passenger who accused me of child exploitation.As 10 cruise ships per year go up the Amazon and some may not stop here I thought that was a pathetic argument especially as the woman still took photos but didn't pay.

 

The dollar was immediately taken by a parent and obviously rarely spent wisely. several houses had new freezers from that money and were usually full of bottles of Coke. Later we did learn that the crew also donated a lot of cereal and other healthier options.

This was also where a lot of the old furniture from the Cloud's refit was unloaded. here a pool lounge going to the village.

 

We also visited the school.

 

I did open my wallet.I was in the room at the same time my accuser was and once again noted her tightness.

Sorry for hijacking the thread. i do have some more pics of Manaus and the cruise down river if you like.

Edited January 31, 2023 by drron29

[Lirio]

7 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Hope you don't mind this little Amazon related sidetrack. I was so blown away and wanted to share.

  I'm at a trade show and stumbled across this both showing a recent discovery near the Amazon basin (Black river) found near Barcelos.

The local tribe found it and is working with these Brazilians to sell it.

 

The highlights are fossilized footprints and shells containing Vivianite and Ludlamite crystals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 1/29/2023 at 7:22 AM, Fletcher said:

I'm looking at a Silver Wind trip next year starting in Manaus and ending in Dakar, Senegal. It's an interesting itinerary and all new to me.  I'm hoping a few people who read this Forum might have done a cruise along the Amazon from the Atlantic to Manaus and can answer a few simple questions.  

 

Did you find it interesting?  Is the river too wide for spectacular scenery?  Are the towns a bit samey?  Are there significant wildlife spottings?  Are the excursions worth doing? Do you sail through the night or do the ships moor overnight?  I have heard vague reports that ships turn off most of their lights at night because of insects.  I was on a river trip in Burma once and the boat was invaded by millions of insects every night.  Is this case on the Amazon?  

 

Any responses warmly welcomed . . . 

@Fletcher, from the river it is very rare to see animals on land. You may see the pink dolphins and some birds. I do recommend you take yellow fever vaccine. Usually on walks through the forest you will probably see sloths, alligators (small) and birds. I always have insect repellent with me.

 

In Manaus there is some historical buildings around The Opera House. And in case you have enough time in town, you may visit the Museu da Amazonia.

 

In visiting the local villages, local people will offer handcraft for you to buy. In case you can, it will help them. But be aware that fossils, rocks and other natural stuff usually is not legal to sell or buy.

 

Belém also has very interesting things to visit – Magal das Garças, Museu Emilio Goeldi and The House of 11 windows.

 

Be prepared to the weather: hot and humid

[Mr Luxury]

Those kids will have card readers if you offered then your credit card 😁

[CruisinPashmina]

I can’t believe it! I feel sure we were on the same Cloud trip in the fall of 2012. Great cruise! sailing up the Amazon was exciting but the day we went through the Brevis Narrows was certainly a highlight …..one of my favorite cruising memories.  The photographs in this thread are wonderful..just as I remember!

Now the Brevis Narrows passage is only available on the Expedition type cruises. When we went The Cloud and The Wind sailed as Classic cruises. Anyone thinking of a Manaus visit should be aware that only the two smaller Expedition ships can get thru this passageway.

 

 

[Stumblefoot]

2 hours ago, CruisinPashmina said:

Now the Brevis Narrows passage is only available on the Expedition type cruises. When we went The Cloud and The Wind sailed as Classic cruises. Anyone thinking of a Manaus visit should be aware that only the two smaller Expedition ships can get thru this passageway.

 

 

Interesting.  So the Nova and Ray itineraries that sail to, and overnight in Manaus, will not be sailing the Breves Narrows.

[Fletcher]

Thanks everyone for the thoughts and the links.  I've looked into all this with my customary eye for detail and have come to the conclusion that this part of the Amazon is not for us.  We have done an Amazon lodge stay in Ecuador and had a fairly immersive experience.  This Brazilian end, from the ocean to Manaus, looks too much like a commercial waterway and feeding ground for big slush barges - ie, cruise ships.  I have also come to realise that I'm attracted most of all by the other ports that you sometimes get with the Manaus trips - ports like Paramaribo and Georgetown and also the Bijagos Archipelago on the Wind trip I was considering.  I've also decided not to book anything like this until we return from our Cloud trip in April/May.  

 

Thanks again everyone.  This is such a valuable resource.

[zqtchas]

Not mentioned is that now there is so much log burning that the smoke seeps into your room at night due to the overcast sky.

[Stumblefoot]

1 hour ago, zqtchas said:

Not mentioned is that now there is so much log burning that the smoke seeps into your room at night due to the overcast sky.

Through the air system in one's suite?

[zqtchas]

1 hour ago, Stumblefoot said:

Through the air system in one's suite?

yes