Amazon Cruise

[ffgjo]

We are booked on the Prinsendam's Amazon Explorer later this year. Any tips from past passengers? I'm expecially interested in recommended excursions -- either through HAL or a private tour.

[rafinmd]

Welcome to Cruise Critic. The best place for that question is on the roll call for your cruise where you will be in touch with a number of others on your cruise.

Here's a link:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1301396

 

Roy

[jettaleea]

We are booked on the Prinsendam's Amazon Explorer later this year. Any tips from past passengers? I'm expecially interested in recommended excursions -- either through HAL or a private tour.

 

Check here on the board for info on booking with Rodolpho in Manaus. We spent a day and a half with him and his tour is the best!

 

Rodopho's email: rodolpho@amazondestinations.com

website: www.amazondestinations.com

[sansterre]

Check the Ports of Call threads.

I'd love to be going on that one with you...working on DH who likes the open sea better.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Make certain you have your yellow fever shots and any others your doctor recommends.

[serendipity1499]

We've done the Amazon twice & loved it both times..The first time was on the "Prinsendam" which is our favorite ship..Especially nice are the walk in closets & the Crew is wonderful..The Amazon were two of our favorite cruises & DH just said today he would like to go again..

You will be stopping in Boca de Valleria, a small Indian village on the Amazon..The school is normally closed for the ships arrival as the children come from miles around to meet the Psgrs..We heard that we would be surrounded by hundreds of kids & we were..My Friend & I went to the dollar store in our hometown & purchased an entire flight bag of little items..We brought small pads , coloring books, toy cars, crayons, combs, brushes, hair barrettes (sp?) for the girls, comic books, picture books, stickers, pens, pencils & magic markers & lots of little toys which a child would love..Our DH's carried the heavy flight bags across for us & my Friend & I gave them out at the foot of the schoolhouse..We broke open all the little pks & tried to give each of the kids something..The little girls especially loved it when we put the barrett's in their hair..You must be sure to walk up the path to the school & look at the sights after you finish with the beautiful kids....

On our second cruise on Oceania, it was close to Christmas, our crew took up a collection & purchased oodles of soccer balls for the kids..The Casino Mgr. dressed as Santa & took the toys etc up to the school house & gave them to the teacher for distribution..

We were told never to give them money except if you took a picture of them with you or of them in costume or even with a bird or animal...Otherwise the kids love the toys etc..

We took mostly ships tours , except in Manaus the first time & the second time, we did Manaus on our own..

Be sure to book Hal's Boi Bumba Festival in Parentins..In 2006 it was $89 but well worth it..Book early as seating is limited..If you send me an e-mail & put "Cruse Critic Amazon Cruise" in the subject line I'll be happy to send an e=mail back to you with a copy of my report which I sent to another poster, back in 2007..The report is in Microsoft Word & is 6 pages long..Then if you have questions, about our trips, will try to answer them for you..Our address is: Serendipity1499@yahoo.com

Hope you have a wonderful cruise & will get to enjoy it as much as we did...Also welcome to Cruise Critic...

Cheers...:)Betty

[kakalina]

What Betty said. But you much see it to believe it - pink dolphins ( Tuxi ) around Boca de Valeria.

[serendipity1499]

Forgot to mention that the ship's laundry was closed the entire time we were in the Amazon, as the water quality is very poor...So suggest you be prepared with enough under clothes to get you through those days..Be sure to use a good bug spray.. We took Maleria pills the entire time, but check with your Drfor advice..Also don't request your visa's too early, but asllow enough time for them to be processed..We started the process in Sept for our late Nov. Cruise & be sure to get 5 year Visa's..

[JayS]

In Manaus I used Rafael Tenorio of Amazon Riders. He charged $75 US PP.

 

It was less than any of the ships tours, and showed us twice as much.

 

One of the best values of the cruise.

[serendipity1499]

ffgjo...

Just sent you an e-mail with the 6 pg. attachment..

Cheers..:)Betty