Expedition Cruise News & Views

 

When I chatted with a colleague recently about my adventure on the all-new Swan Hellenic cruise line, he replied with an air of disdain. “Aren’t they just floating retirement homes?”

If we’d been having this discussion 20 years ago, then maybe. Swan Hellenic has been around as a brand for 70 years, beginning in the UK as a niche excursion travel company for history buffs. It was bought by P&O UK in the ‘80s and subsumed into the massive Carnival cruising conglomerate in the 2000s, but dissolved by the huge US cruise giant before the decade was out.

Ten years further along, revival attempts were mounted by All Leisure Holidays Group and G Adventures, but these also came to nought. 

 

 

In 2020, a new revival began, spearheaded by industry stalwart, Monaco-based Italian citizen Andrea Zito. Despite the unfortunate timing, three brand new Polar Class (PC) ships were ordered and ultimately delivered to the new-look cruise line, beginning in late 2021 with the 152-guest SH Minerva. SH Vega and SH Diana followed in 2022 and 2023.

So, to counter my colleague's objections, I was confidently able to enlighten him about the complete transformation of this brand from palliative to opulent.

 

The Ship: SH Diana

 

My debut experience with Swan Hellenic was aboard the newest of the triplets, SH Diana. This sparkling vessel expands the original ‘Project Vega’ 152-guest design to accommodate 192 lucky passengers. 

Her restrained colour schemes are natural and soothing with generous use of wood and fabrics. Tillberg Design of Sweden, who have more than 60 years of experience in this sector, can take much of the credit for the crisp and airy interiors designed to “reflect the ship’s natural surrounds.”

I was spoiled by my 25sqm Balcony stateroom. Every cabin, right down to the 20sqm Oceanview ones, has a bottle of Champagne in the bar fridge, pre-stocked with complimentary snacks, soft drinks and beer. While basic WiFi is free, it's limited to text unless you upgrade at extra cost. There's a personal safe and a pair of Nikon Prostaff 3S 10x42 binoculars too. Amenities include a smart HDTV with movies and tour and ship information, individually controlled air conditioning, an Illy Espresso coffee machine with pods, a kettle and Kusmi tea bags, towels for the cabin, pool, and gym, a bathrobe, bedroom slippers, and toiletries by Lajatica.

 

 

Dining is either in the lavish Swan Restaurant on Deck 4, outside in the sunny Pool Bar & Grill or in the casual Club Lounge on Deck 7 where you can enjoy lighter meals and snacks as well as 24-hour hot beverages and cookies. 

The Observation Lounge, also on Deck 7, is effectively the community hub of the vessel, where the bar and projector screen are located and where the daily briefings and lectures will take place. I particularly like the placement of retractable screens around the space so you don't have to scrum it up the front to see or hear the information. A new feature of this Vega-class vessel is the separate card room adjacent to the Observation Lounge.

 

 

If you want to spruce up for the Captain's Cocktails, there is a salon and spa up on Deck 8 where you can also find the two saunas. Something you don’t find on every expedition vessel is the passenger laundry which you can use instead of the extra-cost valet laundry. And, yes I did.

For those who’ve been aboard expedition vessels in the past, the Zodiac operations will be familiar. On Deck 3 is the ‘Base Camp’ where you will muster and be led onto your tender through a side door and single step. There is no rickety gangway or seaswept platform to worry about.  

 

The Itinerary: Paradise Isles of the Indian Ocean

 

My itinerary is the most unusual 10-night ‘Paradise Isles of the Indian Ocean’ which began in the Seychelles capital of Victoria and proceeded through various remote islands including the UNESCO-listed Aldabra, home to more than 150,000 giant tortoises. The last few days we spent exploring the ancient East African trading ports of Zanzibar, Lamu and Mombasa.

Apart from the included and optional shore excursions, there was more than plenty of beach time and water frolics with snorkelling and Stand-Up/Fall-Down paddle boards. We embarked on several Zodiac excursions, mainly to look at the many seabirds, but also managed to spot dolphins and sea turtles along the way. I’m told there are a few dugongs in the huge lagoon at Aldabra, but the elusive creatures haven’t been seen in months.

 

 

These tropical itineraries take place in between polar seasons when there are a few weeks available to reposition the ships from one end of the world to the other. This is where Swan Hellenic come to the fore with voyages that truly reflect their tagline “See what others don't”.

These ‘in-between’ itineraries are no afterthought either. Imagine in-depth explorations of the African coasts, both east and west as well as Central and South America. For committed country-counters, there is even a voyage to Tristan da Cunha. Yes, look that up.

So, in summary, not only are you enjoying a most comfortable ‘cruise’ experience with all the niceties of a boutique luxury vessel, but all the capabilities of a true expedition ship able to access the remote, seldom-visited locations that make any journey aboard Swan Hellenic a true exploration.

 

To book your Swan Hellenic small ship cruise contact the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today via email or call 1800 80 20 90 within Australia.

 

Roderick Eime is Australia’s leading expedition cruising photojournalist and he travelled on this cruise courtesy of Swan Hellenic. You can follow his exploits at www.expeditioncruising.com

 

 

Sign up to our monthly e-news to receive more articles like this and the latest information on adventure and expedition cruising directly from us.

 

 

 

With such a wide choice of ships for your Kimberley cruise, how do you know what is best for you?

 

Once upon a time, Western Australia’s Kimberley was a well-kept secret among local boaties looking for great Barramundi fishing, geologists studying some of the oldest rocks on Earth and ardent archaeologists in search of the most ancient civilisations.

The Kimberley is still something of a secret, although no longer a very well-kept one. 

Located in the far Northwest corner of Australia, it covers an area almost twice the size of Victoria and easily larger than Germany or the British Isles. Despite its immense area, it is one of the least populated regions on our planet. It has some of the greatest tidal ranges anywhere - up to 12 metres - and frequently receives more than a metre and a half of rain every year.

 

 

All these features combine to make it one of the last truly pristine places on Earth and a modern eco-tourism hotspot, drawing thousands of nature-loving travellers to gaze in awe at the staggering geological features, spot mighty saltwater crocodiles and witness impossibly cute rock wallabies. 

While many visitors to Australia’s North West will take to the dusty roads winding past giant boab trees and through dry, rocky riverbeds, an increasing number will board one of the increasing number of vessels navigating the labyrinthine shores between Broome and Darwin.

Up until a few years ago, these were smaller, boutique cruisers and yacht-style vessels accommodating typically less than 50 passengers keen to combine their sightseeing with some fishing and perhaps a hike to a freshwater swimming hole. Now the fleet includes lavish 200-passenger pocket cruise ships boasting fine dining, free-flowing champagne and luxurious balcony suites serviced by waistcoated butlers.

 

Choices, choices. 

 

Now let’s imagine you have chosen to cruise in the Kimberley. Given that the prices are not particularly different for small or large ships, it often gets down to the expedition delivery and itinerary devised by the various operators.

If you are a seasoned ‘white ship’ cruiser accustomed to the niceties of the really big ships, then the small (micro) cruise option may be a bit of a jolt. Cabins are smaller and private balconies are rare. Dining, while still excellent quality, is often communal and alcohol choices may be limited.  

The big, 100-200 berth ships are mostly foreign-flagged. Apart from Cairns-based, Australian-owned Coral Expeditions, whose biggest Australian-flagged vessels Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer carry 120 guests, the likes of Ponant, Seabourn, Heritage Expeditions and Silversea all carry foreign flags. 

 

 

So what’s the big deal? Under Australian maritime law, foreign ships are not allowed to sail directly between mainland ports, so they must detour to an international port. A compromise of sorts has been reached with these vessels whereby they now transit via Ashmore Reef, which adds extra 'time at sea' compared to the Australian operators such as Coral Expeditions who can maximise their time closer to the coast.

Furthermore, the big vessels typically run a well-rehearsed 10-night ‘highlights’ itinerary between Broome and Darwin that takes in the most prominent Kimberley icons like Montgomery Reef, Talbot Bay, Horizontal Falls, Jar Island, Porosis Creek and King George River. 

 

 

But for the last 30 years or so, the Kimberley has been the domain of these tiny, boutique ships where local knowledge reigns supreme. They can, and do, linger wherever they desire taking advantage of whatever the prevailing conditions are. Two excursions every day is the norm plus there will be freshwater swimming (away from the big nasty crocs), hiking on remote beaches, visiting hidden ‘secret’ waterfalls, fishing and unmapped rock art sites.   

There are no ‘down days’, so you better be ready for action as the expedition leader will often be devising the next day’s activities the night before as tides and winds are studied and reports of wildlife sightings come in from other friendly vessels. These sightings can include breaching whales, various eagles and raptors, crocodiles, rare dolphins and even the occasional dugong. 

 

 

Take, for example, the powerful, 38m catamaran Reef Prince. When at capacity, it takes no more than 36 travellers sharing 18 cabins, all with private facilities. Dining is in the spacious common lounge which also serves as a bar and lecture theatre. Meals are served directly from the galley by a qualified chef to tables of 8 to 10 guests. Several times during the cruise, tables will be set up on deck under festoon lights for a delightful gourmet evening meal under a star-spangled night sky. 

Days begin early as mornings are a special time in the Kimberley. as the rising sun bathes the ancient sandstone in pastel hues. The silence is only broken by the screech of a wheeling osprey or the splash of excited fish as they chase their breakfast.

 

 

Tenders are launched for the day’s activities which may be an exploration of a remote river, a fishing expedition or a transfer to a prehistoric rock art site. Local vessels prefer aluminium-hulled runabouts with powerful outboard motors, carrying about 10 guests at a time. The international vessels are equipped with rubber-hulled inflatable Zodiacs which they also use amongst the ice in polar regions. With the many submerged rocks and hidden debris in the shallow rivers, these sturdy metal boats can absorb much more punishment in this unforgiving environment. 

 

A bird’s eye view

 

Furthermore, several of the smaller vessels such as Kimberley Quest, True North and Great Escape will carry their own helicopter for additional sightseeing and exploration opportunities. Iconic Mitchell Falls, as featured in such blockbuster cinematic productions as Baz Luhrmann's Australia can only be accessed by air from any ship. Sure, there are third-party operators too flying out of the Hunter River, but having your own chopper on call is pretty special and opens up so many more possibilities like overflying the otherworldly Montgomery Reef when the submarine plateau rises up like Atlantis as the massive tide falls.

 

 

Another key feature of the Kimberley that is only available to the smaller vessels is the magical Kings Cascade deep in the Prince Regent River. These naturally formed terraces come alive like vertical rapids, especially in the early season and offer one of the best photo opportunities anywhere in the Kimberley. Don’t be surprised if your skipper manoeuvres the tender under the flow for a refreshing shower of crystal-clear water. 

 

Timing is everything

 

It seems every year the Kimberley cruise season expands by a few weeks. Local, small ship operators have the luxury of starting and finishing their cruise program whenever they like. A typical season is during ‘the dry’ between late March and early October with each segment of the season having its own advantages.

While early departures may strike the last of the wet season rain and its humidity, the spectacle of the waterfalls in full flow is worth every discomfort. The massive Twin Falls on the King George River are truly a wonder to behold as thousands of tonnes of water come crashing down nearly 100 metres onto the rocks below in a noise like jet engines. 

 

 

Mid-season has the best overall weather with clear, sunny days, while the end of the dry around October is the best time for fishing for the prized Barramundi. 

As a final piece of advice, it’s always best to consult an experienced Kimberley cruise specialist and that’s not something you’ll find at your everyday high street travel agent. Even though most Kimberley cruise choices are excellent, a specialist can fine-tune your experience and guide you to the vessel that will best fulfill your expectations. Every cruise operator will tell you they are the best, but a Kimberley Cruise Specialist will know what is the best for you.

 

Ready to book your Kimberley Cruise or want to find out more about the options? Contact the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80 or fill in the form below and one of our team will call you back.

 

 

 

Tony and I were lucky enough to join Lindblad Expeditions in August to cruise Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park aboard one of their expedition ships, the National Geographic Sea Bird. We had wanted to explore this part of the world for many years, and it’s fair to say that Alaska didn’t disappoint. Here’s our review of the trip.

 

The Itinerary

We chose the seven night Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness expedition between Juneau and Sitka, both relatively easy small cities to reach. Highlights of the expedition included exploring Glacier Bay National Park, a visit to historic Petersburg and lots of wildlife encounters. There were excursions each day, and regular walks ashore (moderate difficulty). We also loved the opportunity to jump in the kayaks (they have both single and double) to paddle out from the ship amongst the glaciers. Happily for us we encountered lots of wildlife, from feeding brown bears to playful whales and that most iconic American symbol, the Bald Eagle. You can view a map of our voyage below.

 

 

You don’t need to be super fit to join the expedition, anyone with a general level of mobility will be able to get a lot out of the trip. There were some longer walks (optional) that do require a bit of stamina if you are inclined to join them.

Although we travelled in August - the peak of the North American summer - being so far north it was of course still quite cool. When packing for this voyage always think about layers. On some of the walks ashore the sun did manage to peek out and having the ability to peel off a layer or two was a godsend.

Being seven nights long the itinerary was an ideal length for us as it was part of an extended trip in the US. If you’re after a longer expedition however, Lindblad Expeditions do offer a 15 day adventure between Sitka and Seattle, which includes Haida Gwaii.

 

The Ship: National Geographic Sea Bird

Lindblad Expeditions currently operate two sister-ships on their seven night Alaska programmes, Sea Bird and Sea Lion. Tony and I travelled aboard Sea Bird. Launched in 1982, she carries 62 guests (plus 25 crew) and at just 50 metres in length she is small enough to access all the coves and tributaries you want to explore on a cruise like this. Indeed the ships are small enough to pull close to shore to allow guests to see brown bears feasting on a kill, an encounter we were lucky enough to experience.

 

 

While not state-of-the-art, both Sea Bird and Sea Lion are hardy little ships with a lot of charm, and once you’re settled in you will realise they have everything you need for a successful expedition, including a fleet of zodiacs and a number of single and double kayaks. Recent refurbishments have brought the ships up to date somewhat, but you do need to moderate your expectations; these ships were built as true expedition ships over 30 years ago and don’t have all the bells and whistles you are likely to find on new ships today. Having said that, we thought the ship was very comfortable and was well suited to the itinerary. There was a pleasant dining room and other spaces to gather with fellow travellers to check out the stunning views whilst underway. For those seeking a little pampering there is also a small spa / beauty salon.

 

 

Both Sea Bird and Sea Lion continue to operate Alaskan cruises, while two newer ships the National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture also operate similar itineraries. Slightly larger than the existing ships, these new vessels accommodate up to 100 guests.

 

The Cabin:  Category 2

Our first thought once being shown to our cabin for the week was “wow, it’s compact!”.  At around 8 to 9 square metres (about 100 square feet) there’s not a great deal of space, but once you’ve unpacked, put the suitcases under the bed and settled in you will find there’s more than enough room to relax. Our cabin, which was designated Category 2, had two single beds, as is the case in most of the cabins on these ships, and they are laid out in a ‘L-shape’ fashion.

 

 

All rooms open directly on to the deck, and with a large window you’ll always be reminded that you’re in Alaska by the wonderful views right outside. For added privacy there are curtains on all windows. Other amenities include temperature control and also WiFi access, which does incur a small additional cost.

Of course each cabin has its own smallish en suite, with toiletries including shampoo and bodywash replenished daily. The rooms are serviced daily by the unobtrusive crew with towels regularly changed.

Slightly larger Category 3 cabins also offer the option of a Double bed.

 

 

The Dining

Dining during the cruise was hearty and plentiful. Breakfast and lunch were served as buffets in the dining room, whilst dinner was offered as table service from a small a la carte menu. Outside of meal times there is always something to nibble on if you’re a bit peckish. Each night Tony and I marvelled at the massive platters of cheese and local Dungeness crab served during pre-dinner drinks, we had to be very restrained to ensure that we would be able to fit in our clothes by the end of the week!

 

 

Dinner was always a popular event, with a throng of travellers eagerly awaiting the nightly dinner call… exploring Alaska takes a lot of energy that needs to be replenished! Inside the dining room the seating is open, meaning you can choose to sit with friends, or mingle about and join others on their tables. It’s always great to sit with some different folks for dinner, you’ll find that you end up meeting many fascinating people who have interesting stories to tell.

The dining is by no means Michelin-star quality, however it is plentiful, hearty, and fresh. Lindblad Expeditions also pride themselves on their sustainable food program, meaning that all produce used on board must me sustainably produced and farmed.

 

The Expedition Team

Lindblad Expeditions are noted for their expedition teams, and we couldn’t fault ours. Made up of three Guest Lecturers, along with Expedition Leader Linda, and a photographer/videographer, the expedition team ensured our experience in Alaska exceeded our expectations. The expedition team know this part of the world like the back of their hands. They knew where we were likely to see brown bears, the best places for walks and had a wealth of knowledge that was simply incredible and a joy to listen to. On most trips a native Tlingit interpreter joins the ship for a day to share some local tales and secrets.

 

 

Our Verdict

Tony and I loved our time aboard Sea Bird, and Alaska certainly surpassed our expectations. For us, no one “does” Alaska better than Lindblad Expeditions, and in a large part these plaudits are due to their exceptional expedition teams, certainly ours was the best we’ve ever travelled with. We'd certainly recommend this cruise - or the similar itineraries aboard the modern National Geographic Venture & Quest - to all who are wanting to experience Alaska.

This expedition departs during the northern summer, between May and August each year. For more details and upcoming departures click here or telephone us for further information and bookings.

 

 

 

 

Sign up to our monthly e-news to receive more articles like this and the latest information on adventure and expedition cruising directly from us.

 

 

SAVE 35% ON CORAL ADVENTURER'S NEW ZEALAND SOUNDS & STEWART ISLAND - DEPARTS 16 JANUARY 2025

Join Coral Adventurer's 8-night New Zealand Sounds & Stewart Island Expedition departing on 16 January 2025 and SAVE 35% off normal fare. Priced from $4,975 per person.

See more details about this great special offer

---

 

It will come as no surprise to learn that our neighbours across the Tasman are enjoying a boom in cruising at least as exciting as our own. With its diverse geography and geology plus rich Polynesian culture, New Zealand really is an ideal destination for ships of all shapes and sizes.

The myriad wonders and blockbuster scenery of Aotearoa (the land of the long white cloud) are well known thanks to movies like Lord of the Rings and it seems everyone wants a piece of the action. 

But looking at the map, it’s easy to see how much of this intricate coastline would be overlooked if one were restricted to port-hopping with the larger cruise ships. Captain Cook himself, aboard the tiny Endeavour, was perhaps the first European to sing the praises of his new found southern paradise and he used every opportunity to return and rest his men in the peaceful surrounds of places like Queen Charlotte Sound. A century earlier, Tasman had received unwelcome attention from the M?ori and wasn’t so keen to hang around.

From my own experience, many great attractions exist in the smaller cities and towns where large numbers of disembarking passengers could well spoil the special appeal of these out of the way places. One cruise I enjoyed immensely was in the Bay of Islands where kilometre after kilometre of intricate coastline, little nooks, coves and crannies, thickly wooded islands and headlands are all interwoven to create a convivial natural latticework perfect for smaller vessels.

 

 

Another time I dropped in to little Kaikoura where I discovered their secret – a very deep secret. But now the word is out. Only a few hundred metres off shore, the seabed rapidly plunges into a massive submarine canyon well over a kilometre deep. When warm tropical currents flowing southward crash head-on into the cold Antarctic stream heading north, a swirling mass of nutrient-rich water is sucked up from the depths. This marine smorgasbord attracts an array of aquatic mammals, fish, birds and tourists. Whales, dolphins, seals and all manner of aquatic birds abound in and around Kaikoura.  

One of the cruise areas that you will see on many itineraries is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fiordland which encompasses Milford Sound, Dusky Sound and Doubtful Sound. If you want to get pedantic, it was James Cook who named them ‘sounds’ when in fact they are proper, glacial fjords. No one has dared correct him. While the big ships cruise in and out, smaller ships will occasionally land guests ashore and conduct excursions as far afield as Queenstown.  

 

 

Napier is another intriguing port. Totally destroyed by an earthquake in 1931, it was rebuilt in the art deco style. Many buildings remain and the city is making full use of its unique assets which, apart from the heritage architecture, include the vast Hawke’s Bay, widely recognised as New Zealand’s leading wine and food region. Walking the ornate streets is a thrill in itself and guided walking tours are great fun.

Around the corner from Napier is the Bay of Plenty, regularly visited by the big ships but also an attraction for smaller ones. While the large vessels send their guests off to Rotorua from the deep sea port at Tauranga, more adventurous types head out to volcanic White Island, where, depending on weather and volcanic activity, tenders may put guests ashore for a steamy excursion.

Way down at the very foot of the South Island is Stewart Island. Insulated from the world by its remoteness, Stewart Island is a haven for travellers looking for nature, tranquility, and adventure. While it is ideal for small ship visits, bigger ships occasionally creep in, too, putting passengers ashore by tender to visit the small village or take shore excursions into the Rakiura National Park, which makes up 85 percent of the island. 

Now for those really looking for a dash of adventure, New Zealand has a whole bunch of sub-Antarctic islands hundreds of kilometres south of Stewart Island. These little specks of land have been variously used for agriculture, seal hunting and even military surveillance, but all are now returned to national parks and are occasionally visited by expedition ships. Names like Auckland, the Snares, Enderby and Campbell Island all contain wonderful birdlife, particularly albatross and petrels and rare fur seals.

 

 

Thankfully, several specialist cruise lines have taken a particular interest in New Zealand and its potential for boutique travel. However, you’ll be paying a bit more for these cruises.

Cruise lines regularly visiting New Zealand on comprehensive itineraries include Silversea Cruises, Seabourn, Ponant and Regent Seven Seas. For a small ship or expedition cruising experience, New Zealand’s Heritage Expeditions and Australia’s Coral Expeditions should be high on the list for any traveller seeking smaller groups and active adventures.

Writer’s Tip: There’s no bad decision about cruising in New Zealand, so don’t worry about choice. Small ship cruises, however, require a bit more attention to detail. Identify as closely as you can what you want to see and do, then go after a vessel that does it. Some of the waters down south can get ‘choppy’. 

 

Roderick Eime is Australia’s leading expedition cruising photojournalist. You can follow his exploits at www.expeditioncruising.com

 

Sign up to our monthly e-news to receive more articles like this and the latest information on adventure and expedition cruising directly from us.

 

 

 

If an expedition cruise on the Amazon River takes pride of place on your travel bucket list you’ll have a lot of important decisions to make when researching and planning your adventure. So, check out our two-minute guide for answers to the top questions about cruising the Amazon River.

There are three key questions you will need to answer when working out which Amazon River cruise will best suit you:

·      Which part of the Amazon to focus on?

·      Which river ship to select?

·      High or low water itineraries?

 

Here’s all the expert advice you need.

 

Which Part of the Amazon River to Cruise?

 

Did you know that the Amazon River and its tributaries flow for 6,437 kilometres through six countries before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean? That’s a lot of river to explore, however the best expedition and river ships concentrate on exploring three main areas of the Amazon region; In Peru, a section of the river near Iquitos, Brazil’s Amazon near Manaus, and the Napo River (a tributary of the Amazon) in Ecuador.

Whilst there is not a lot of difference between the scenery, flora and fauna and wildlife in each region, there are some considerations to make.

 

 

 

 

Firstly, the Brazilian Amazon River is the widest and most commercially developed. You’ll see lots of boat traffic and also be sharing the river with large cruise ships carrying thousands of travellers. Most Brazilian cruises depart from Manaus, a heaving city of more than two million, and expeditions often include stops in other local communities such as Santarem and Parintins. Brazilian Amazon itineraries are considered to place more emphasis on people and cultures than similar cruises in Peru or Ecuador, which tend to be very focused on nature and wildlife.

The major drawcard of a Brazilian Amazon cruise is the ‘Meeting of the Waters’, near Manaus, where two major tributaries - the light brown Solimoes River and the blackwater Negro River - come together and run alongside each other for several miles without merging.

 

 

 

 

The Peruvian section of the Amazon is quieter and less developed than the Brazilian section, and also has some of the most luxurious ships to choose from. Most options sail out of the small city of Iquitos (a short flight from Lima), or the nearby town of Nauta. There are no scheduled port stops on these cruises; instead the ships ply the tranquil waters of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, with the itinerary changing from trip to trip to take advantage of water levels and wildlife viewing opportunities. Of course, one of the great things about choosing an Amazon cruise in Peru is that you can easily combine your trip with visits to two of Peru’s other world famous sites; the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca.

The third region where you can consider a cruise is Ecuador. A couple of operators run expeditions into Yasuni National Park, which is located on the Napo River, one of the tributaries of the Amazon River proper. Highlights of the cruise include fantastic wildlife viewing, including clay licks that attract thousands of colourful parrots and macaws. If this option is appealing to you, why not combine your Amazon cruise with an expedition in Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands – speak to our expedition cruise specialists for more details!

 

 

 

 

Which Amazon River ships are best?

 

After you’ve chosen which part of the Amazon you want to concentrate on, it’s then a matter of choosing the best ship. But it can be hard to differentiate between all the various choices and that’s where the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists comes in.

We’ve done all the hard work for you and selected just the very best ships in each region. That means you can rest assured that you will be travelling with an experienced operator, with the best guides, relevant accreditations and safety standards and of course the highest quality ships.  Here’s the  river ships we recommend for Brazil, Peru and Ecuador.

 

 

 

 

 

Brazilian Amazon

Tucano

The 16-passenger motor yacht Tucano was built in the tradition of the steamboats that navigated the Amazon in the late 19th century. Tucano is not a luxury vessel like some of its counterparts in the Peruvian and Ecuadorian Amazon, and some of the cabins are larger than the others, but most travellers agree that the boat is comfortable and elegant. Tucano prides itself on offering the most authentic experience in the Brazilian Amazon and Rio Negro.

 

 

 

 

Peruvian Amazon

Delfin I, II & III

4, 5 & 8 day expeditions

The Delfin fleet of three ships offers something for everyone. Our favourite is the intimate eight  passenger Delfin I, check out those jaw-dropping cabins! The Delfin II and III are larger vessels, accommodating around 40 guests each and also provide an outstanding expeditions into the heart of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

 

 

 

 

Aria Amazon & Aqua Nera

4, 5 & 8 day expeditions

The 32 passenger Aria Amazon was designed by famed Peruvian architect Jordi Puig. The word that best describes this ship is ‘style’. Aria Amazon features extremely generous dining and lounging areas, including an outdoor river facing jacuzzi. Floor to ceiling windows face the Amazon River in the ship’s 16 Design Suites, each measuring 23 square metres (250 square feet).

The latest addition to the Aqua Expeditions fleet is the stylish 40-passenger Aqua Nera, launched in 2020. Aboard the Aqua Nera, award-winning architects Noor Design crafts every space to perfection. The vessel’s 20 spacious Design Suites convey a sense of Amazon tranquility, while the social spaces showcase refined elegance with a touch of drama. 

 

 

 

 

Ecuadorian Amazon

Anakonda

4, 5 & 8 day expeditions

The 40-passenger Anakonda riverboat is the only luxury boutique Amazon cruise winding its way through Ecuador's 'El Oriente' Amazon region. Anakonda features an expansive observation deck complete with loungers and an outdoor Jacuzzi. A comfortable al fresco lounge offers panoramic views along the river and is an ideal spot for cocktails, relaxation, reading or simply enjoying the view. Anakonda's expert naturalist guides and special travel concierge go out of their way to ensure you a personalised cruise experience. 

 

 

 

 

When to cruise the Amazon? High or Low Water Itineraries

 

The time of year you cruise the Amazon can have a large bearing on what you can expect to see. The reality is, that being in the rainforest you can expect regular rainfall, which is why we no longer call the two seasons the “wet” and the “dry”. Instead, we can look at the seasons as either “high water” (January to May) or “low water” (the rest of the year).

If travelling in the “high water” period, you can expect to see many birds and monkeys in the branches of the flowering trees lining the river banks, attracted by fruits and blooming flowers after the major tropical downpours. Given the landscapes may be flooded and quite wet, you might expect to spend less time hiking ashore during this period.

 

 

 

 

After the major tropical storms have subsided, the river waters again begin to subside, and the ‘low water season’ means travellers can expect to see the sandy beaches that line the Amazon, and enjoy plenty of opportunity to travel ashore with local guides to explore on foot.

Are you interested in learning more about Amazon River cruising options? Call the expert team at Expedition cruise Specialists today on 1800 900 20 80 (or +61 7 4041 2101 if calling from outside Australia) for more tips and advice.

 

Want more? Read our article ranking the Amazon River’s Most Luxurious Cruise Cabins.

 

Sign up to our monthly e-news to receive more articles like this and the latest information on adventure and expedition cruising directly from us.

 

 

 

Images supplied by Tucano, Aqua Expeditions, Delfin Amazon Cruises and Anakonda Amazon Cruises