NY to Manaus

[PaulaJK]

We are strongly considering a cruise departing from Manaus.

The cruiseline offers a charter from Miami. We are in the

EWR/JFK gateway area and would like to leave from here

even though we know it involves a longer flight. We also

'dream' of using our miles on DL, AA or CO to upgrade.

But Manaus seems like the most pimpossible place in

the world to reach. Any suggestions w. the above

parameters? Thanks

[Globaliser]

The cruiseline offers a charter from Miami. We are in the EWR/JFK gateway area and would like to leave from here even though we know it involves a longer flight. We also 'dream' of using our miles on DL, AA or CO to upgrade. But Manaus seems like the most pimpossible place in the world to reach.

It's far from impossible. The only thing to remember is the limit on the number of airlines that fly there, so you can't be picky about who you fly with. UA and Varig will both get you there with only one stop.

 

Which cruise line is involved? Some of the charters can be to pretty high specifications if the cruise line is so minded - it is always the charterer who dictates the onboard service levels. I flew on an Orient Line charter from MIA to Ushuaia to join the Marco Polo for an Antarctica cruise. Although the flight lived up to the usual charter experience of being late, the onboard service was of a high standard, the equivalent of flying economy on an airline like British Airways or Singapore Airlines in the 1980's which was a little bit better than you'd find on either of them now.

[PaulaJK]

The charter if from MIA or FLL...by Crystal. It leaves EARLY morning on

boarding day...so we would need to go to FL the night before, hotel,etc. I realize that this is manageable, that there is some security in arriving the night before [snowly northeast in March],etc. We would be coach class.

 

We are trying to use DL, AA or CO [in combo] to upgrade to BC, spacier seats & service. An another advantage ---to off- set the greater flying time-- would be leaving from our home gateway. We also would like to go a day or so earlier to get over the travel & jet lag.

 

I've been trying to work it out by going into Sao Paulo. Do you

have a better idea?

[Globaliser]

I've been trying to work it out by going into Sao Paulo. Do youhave a better idea?

Sao Paulo (GRU) is virtually the only valid route by scheduled flights anyway.

 

But it's a long way around. NYC-MAO is 2726 nm, great circle. NYC-GRU-MAO is 4132 + 1452 = 5584 nm. So you would fly more than double the distance if you go via Sao Paulo. The GRU-MAO sector is almost 4 hours on its own, and that's almost exactly a backtrack.

 

Have you investigated availability for upgrading? I don't know what it's like on a route like that. You'd want to find out before committing yourself to flying a long way round just for the possibility of an upgrade, as you'd be pretty disappointed if none were available.

 

If it's a Crystal charter, personally I'd do the charter.

[theduffys]

We took two grandsons on an Amazon riverboat trip last summer. Since one kid lives in New Jersy we flew out of JFK to Sao Paulo and then on to Manaus. The previous poster is correct--it is a very long way around but, like you, we wanted to get there a few days early. We stayed at the Tropical Hotel (truly wonderful!!!) for $56/per person/night. Those who flew in from MIA on the morning of the trip (which boarded at 8AM), were really tired.

[PaulaJK]

Marianne, We seem to be of like interests! We have

been looking at the Tropical....There are two. The Tropical

7 Tropical Business. The latter sounds as though it looks

out on the Amazon. Do you recall which you stayed in?

Did you vernight in San Paolo? We are thinking of the Inter-

continental there.

[theduffys]

Paula,

Both hotels are on the same property. The Tropical Business is a somewhat standard hi-rise (for Manaus--16 story) and the other is a very wonderful, villa type hotel with high ceilings and dark wood thoughout. The pool area is fantastic, there is a cute little zoo on the grounds, the restaurant does a fantastic Brazilion BBQ and the folkloric show is beautiful. We stayed only two nights and wished we could stay longer. You can see the river from the front high rooms at the Business hotel. From the other, you have to walk across the street.

[theduffys]

Sorry--forgot to answer your 2nd question. No, we did not stay in Sao Paulo. The flight got in early AM and we had a 2 hour wait and then went on to Manaus.

[PaulaJK]

Thanks Marianne. We would have chosen the Tropical Business,

anticipating that it was more modern,etc. Now will take the other

Tropical which sounds far more charming. Will also try to attend

BBQ/folkloric.

[theduffys]

Paula,

I don't think you will be disappointed. If you have any more questions just ask. would love to hear about your trip when you get back.