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Travel Daily News
13-06-2025
- Travel Daily News
Cruising the Amazon in style: Peru's most exclusive river expeditions
Gliding along the headwaters of the Amazon in a boutique river ship feels nothing like traditional cruising. Why the Peruvian Amazon? Northern Peru holds the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali Rivers, the point that officially becomes the mighty Amazon. This sector is remote yet surprisingly accessible: a 90-minute flight from Lima lands in Iquitos, the world's largest city unreachable by road. From the private port at Nauta, guests board vessels designed to navigate narrow black-water tributaries and shallow lagoons unreachable by larger ships farther downstream in Brazil. For those seeking luxury tours Peru, this region offers an exceptional gateway to the Amazon, combining exclusivity, comfort, and deep immersion into the jungle's rich biodiversity. Floating Suites That Redefine Comfort Top-tier expedition ships resemble waterfront lodges pulled gently by an invisible hand. Aria Amazon and Aqua Nera lead the field, each carrying no more than 40 passengers. Suites measure up to 26 square metres, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame dawn mist and moonlit riverbanks. King beds dressed in organic Peruvian Pima cotton, rain showers stocked with spa-grade products, and unobtrusive climate control ensure restful nights even during the humid green season. Delfin I raises exclusivity even higher, hosting just eight guests across four suites — two of which feature outdoor plunge pools where pink river dolphins occasionally glide past during afternoon tea. Service and Cuisine on Board Personalised attention begins before departure. Travellers receive a pre-voyage call from the ship's guest relations team to confirm dietary preferences, pillow choices, and special occasions. On board, a near one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio guarantees immediate service, yet staff maintain a quiet presence, so the rainforest soundscape remains undisturbed. Dining rivals top city restaurants. Menus by chefs such as Pedro Miguel Schiaffino elevate regional produce: paiche ceviche dressed with cocona fruit, yucca gnocchi in Brazil-nut pesto, and desserts built around aguaje ice cream. Wine cellars hold South American labels selected to pair with Amazonian flavours, while bartenders craft classics enlivened by jungle botanicals like sacha-citrus and camu-camu. Daily Excursions: Soft Adventure, Expertly Guided Each dawn launches a new programme tailored to river depth and wildlife patterns. Naturalist guides trained at Peru's best research institutes lead sunrise skiff rides beneath palm-fringed canopies where macaws glide overhead. Later in the morning, narrow creek paddles reveal sloths curled into Cecropia branches and scarlet-headed hoatzins flapping awkwardly across floating lilies. Afternoon walks along raised boardwalks trace medicinal plants used by local communities for generations. Because group sizes rarely exceed eight, guides can adjust pace and focus — pausing longer for photographers seeking the perfect anaconda coil or moving quietly past nesting herons to reduce disturbance. Night outings add another dimension: caiman eyes shine like amber beads in torchlight, and a billion stars crowd skies free of urban haze. Sustainability at the Core Operating in a fragile ecosystem requires rigorous stewardship. Leading vessels run on low-emission engines, treat greywater on board, and use advanced hull coatings that minimise drag and fuel use. Laundry services rely on biodegradable detergents, and kitchen teams source fish under strict quotas to protect breeding seasons. Partnerships with NGOs support manatee rescue programmes and fund ranger patrols in Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, helping to curb illegal logging. Guests hear briefings on these initiatives, turning holiday moments into informed support for conservation. Cultural Encounters with Respect The river is lifeline, highway, and pantry for countless Indigenous villages. Expedition itineraries include thoughtfully arranged visits that swap glass-bead souvenirs for genuine exchange. Community leaders demonstrate traditional fishing methods, artisans display basket-weaving using chambira palm fibres, and children perform ceremonial songs learned from elders. All commerce is conducted through a transparent cooperative model ensuring fair prices and ongoing benefit long after the ship sails on. Planning Your Exclusive Voyage Choose the Season Peru's Amazon sees high-water months between December and May, allowing skiffs to venture deeper into flooded forest. Low-water months from June to November reveal sandy river beaches and enable longer jungle walks. Wildlife viewing thrives year-round, though avid birders often favour the high-water period when migratory species arrive. Select the Right Vessel Couples seeking maximum seclusion gravitate toward Delfin I or the two-suite Zafiro Master Cabin, while multigenerational families appreciate Aqua Nera's connecting suites and plunge-pool sundeck. Review deck plans carefully: corner cabins often supply wraparound glazing for 90-degree panoramas. Book Early With capacity under 50 guests per ship, departures fill quickly — particularly holiday weeks and the July–August dry season. Six to nine months' lead time secures preferred sailings and allows for custom pre-cruise extensions such as Lima gourmet tours or Machu Picchu by luxury train. A Journey Beyond Ordinary An Amazon cruise through Peru offers refined comfort amid one of Earth's great wilderness regions. Floating spas administer massages scented with andiroba oil while the river drifts by, cocktail hours unfold on observation decks painted by sunset, and every dawn carries the potential for a first-ever wildlife sighting. For travellers seeking an experience defined by exclusivity, authenticity, and environmental care — all shaped by the hands of seasoned professionals — luxury tours Peru delivers the definitive answer. Photo by bilal findikci from Pexels
Travel Weekly
04-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
CroisiEurope unveils ship name and itineraries for Brazil river cruises
River cruise line CroisiEurope announced its new Amazon itineraries in Brazil, which will begin in 2027. The itineraries will be offered on the line's new river ship, the 32-passenger Brasilian Dream, and will focus on eco-tourism on the Amazon. The line will operate three 11-day itineraries. Amazon & Rio Negro will sail roundtrip from Manaus, Amazon & Rio Tapajos will cruise between Manaus and Santarem, and Cruise Along the Amazon Between Brazil & Colombia will operate between Manaus and Tabatinga. The cruises will visit major parks and UNESCO sites, where passengers will observe the region's wildlife in dinghies and dugout canoes. Guests will embark on nocturnal excursions and visit river villages. The four-deck Brasilian Dream will have vibrant colors and local artwork inspired by Amazonian culture. Lodging consists of 16 suites with private balconies, including two presidential suites. The ship also will feature a restaurant serving Brazilian-inspired dishes, spa, fitness room, sun deck and conference room. The Brasilian Dream will have an advanced wastewater treatment system and solar panels. More information, including prices, will be unveiled in July.
The Independent
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Amazon itineraries have been revealed for CroisiEurope's new luxury river cruise ship
Canoe trips along the Amazon and meetings with indigenous communities are among the experiences that cruise line CroisiEurope is set to offer as the brand prepares to debut on the world's longest river in 2027. The European river cruise will debut RV Brasilian Dream in 2027 with three 11-day itineraries to choose from – The Amazon & Rio Negro round trip from Manaus, The Amazon & Rio Tapajos between Manaus and Santarém, and Cruise Along the Amazon Between Brazil & Colombia, which sails between Manaus and Tabatinga. From January to June, cruise passengers will be able to explore the flooded forest by canoe, getting up close to river dolphins and aquatic birds. Between July and December, itineraries will focus on the region's white sandy beaches and abundant wildlife along the riverbanks. Highlights of the cruises will include visits to major parks and UNESCO-type protected areas, while passengers will be able to observe wildlife in dinghies and from dugout canoes. There will also be meetings with indigenous communities, evening excursions and visits to villages on stilts along the riverbank, plus the chance to learn about local crafts, plants and produce and a variety of on-board lectures. Further details, including dates, prices and when bookings will open will be announced at the beginning of July 2025. The cruises will take place on the new 32-guest RV Brasilian Dream, a four-deck ship inspired by Amazonian culture. Accommodation includes 16 suites with private balconies, including two presidential suites suspended between the sky and water. There will also be a gourmet restaurant serving Brazilian-inspired dishes, a spa, fitness room, sun deck and a conference room. As part of its commitment to protecting and preserving the Amazon, CroisiEurope said it is implementing the latest eco innovations, including engines that meet the strictest environmental standards, an advanced wastewater treatment system and solar panels that will allow the ship to shut down its generators at night and operate on batteries.
