Cruising The Amazon River

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A cruise down the Amazon River is much different than any kind of cruise that you’ve ever been on. This river is so immense that it’s actually the second largest river in the world. Along the way you’ll see a variety of animals and plants that you won’t see anywhere else in the world.

Destinations
You can cruise down the Amazon on many different cruise ships including the Seven Seas Navigator, Holland America Prinsendam or Massdam, Seabourn Quest, Silversea Silver Cloud and Oceania Insignia. Cruises range from 15 days to 67 as part of a world cruise segment.  Each ship offers its own itinerary, but you should expect to sail to places like:

  • Santarem, Brazil: This exciting little city has a lot of excursions available for travelers including piranha fishing, jungle tours and bird and wildlife watching. The towns claim to fame is the fantastic white sand river beaches of Altar do Chao.
  • Parintis, Brazil: This quaint little village has a lot to offer tourists. Throughout the year they hold festivals and events such as the highly anticipated Boi Bumba.  You’ll find lots of interesting and unusual things for sail in the Ver-o-Peso Market including dried boa constrictor charms, crocodile teeth and jewelry to ward off evils spirits.
  • Belem, Brazil:  This is a great port for taking half day river cruises to get a taste of the jungle. If possible, attend a batuque ceremony, known for colorful costumes and vivid music.  Batuque is a local religion that mixes indigenous and Catholic rituals with elements from traditional African religions.
  • Alter Do Chao, Brazil: For those that love the beaches, this city is the perfect destination. Not only can you relax on the white sand while listening to the waves crash into the shoreline there are jungles to hike in and an open air market to do a little bit of exploration.
  • Anavilhanas, Brazil: This city is home to the largest fresh water archipelago in the world. Visitors can go on a crocodile hunt or tour the nature reserve.
  • Manaus, Brazil: This rather large city is home to the world famous Teatro Amazonas Opera House. If you have time to fit in a show while in Manaus, it’s highly recommended.

Why An Amazon Cruise?
Cruising down the Amazon allows for travelers to get a unique cruise experience and see sites that they may have never thought was possible. These types of tours are popular for those that want to see some of the most beautiful wonders in nature. An Amazon River cruise allows for travelers to see a lot of sights in a short period of time. Many of these sights ordinarily can’t be seen by car or bus.

Blue Macaw in Pantanal BrazilThe Onboard Experience
While onboard the ship you will have an unforgettable experience. Amazon River cruises include:

  • Comfortable accommodations. Your room will not only include standard things like a bed, dresser and a bathroom, but will be large enough to allow you to relax in your room if you need some privacy.
  • Outstanding food options. One of the best things about a cruise is not having to prepare food. On an Amazon River cruise the meals are prepared daily for you and you have a lot of different options.
  • Exciting entertainment. While you are onboard the ship you won’t have to worry about not having anything to do. Not only will you be able to relax on deck and see the sights and swim in the ship’s pool, but there will be entertainment as well. The entertainment types vary with each ship, but all are phenomenal.

Is This Type of Cruise Right For Me?

If you enjoy an adventure in a more laidback, comfortable environment then an Amazon River cruise would be right for you. This type of cruise is filled with a lot of natural scenery, fun excursions and of course a chance to get some shopping done and get to know the locals. We have a variety of Amazon River cruises available to fit your budget and travel preferences.

Most popular cruises?

The 15 to 19 day cruises out of Ft. Lauderdale or Miami are currently the best selling Amazon river cruises.  Itineraries typically include unique Caribbean islands in addition to the Amazon such as Terr-de-Haut, Guadeloupe, Gustavia and Jost Van Dyke. The Seabourn Quest offers several cruises January through March.  it is an upscale cruise line with complimentary wines, spirits and champagne onboard.

 

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Sue Lobo
Sue Lobo is a four-time Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist (2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026) and Senior Travel Advisor at Atlas Travel Center, one of the most decorated travel agencies in the United States. With more than 35 years of experience in the travel industry, Sue has planned, booked, and personally accompanied trips for thousands of clients — from first-time cruisers to seasoned luxury travelers who have circled the globe multiple times. Sue's areas of deep expertise include ocean and river cruising, European tours, group travel coordination, luxury travel, honeymoon planning, and family vacation design. She is a CLIA-certified cruise specialist and works within an agency that holds IATA and ARC accreditation and maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Over her career, Sue has been involved in more than 30,000 bookings and has personally coordinated over 200 travel groups — from faith-based group cruises and HBCU alumni trips to women's retreats, family reunions, and corporate incentive travel. What sets Sue apart is not just the credentials — it is the firsthand experience behind them. Sue has personally traveled to more than 20 countries across three continents, including Cuba, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout Europe. She has sailed on dozens of cruise ships across nearly every major line, walked the river cruise routes she recommends, and eaten at the restaurants she suggests to clients. Her recommendations come from personal experience, not brochures. In addition to advising clients, Sue writes extensively about travel for The Traveler's Atlas blog — covering everything from cruise line comparisons and overtourism trends to destination guides and practical travel tips. Her writing is grounded in the same expertise she brings to every client conversation: honest, specific, and built on decades of real-world travel experience. Sue is based in the United States and available to help travelers plan cruises, European tours, group trips, river cruises, honeymoons, family vacations, and more. To work with Sue, contact Atlas Travel Center at atlastravelweb.com.