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How to Choose Your Cruise: South America

South America was born a winner. Start with its dazzling array of record-breaking natural wonders: the greatest rainforest, largest river, longest mountain range, highest waterfall, longest beach, largest wetland and driest nonpolar desert on the planet. Add in ice-blue glaciers and misty cloud forests, towering volcanoes and sparkling fjords, red-rock canyons and endless sprawling pampas. The result is a variety of landscapes that is hard to beat.

But South America’s diversity doesn’t end with its scenery. As head turning as it is, I’ve always been a sucker for its tantalizing indigenous markets and sultry tango moves, its cobblestoned colonial towns and saucy samba beats, its enigmatic ancient ruins and vibrant modern cities. I’ve loved sipping a full-bodied Colombian coffee at a café wrapped in Cartagena’s colonial splendor. Or shopping for the finest alpaca woolens, then scrambling over a centuries-old temple ruin in the heart of Lima. Or savoring ocean-fresh ceviche overlooking the sea in bohemian Valparaíso, Chile, and dancing the tango in a dark, intimate milonga and enjoying a classical opera in the iconic Colon Theatre in Buenos Aires . Being astonished by an impromptu capoeira martial art performance on the street in Salvador, Brazil.

Indeed, the continent is a rich tapestry of the ancient, colonial and modern world, woven with the multi-hued strands of indigenous, African and European cultures. Pre-Columbian remnants of advanced civilizations vie with gilded churches and ornate mansions of the colonial era — sometimes side by side. You can mingle with traditionally clad residents of adobe pueblos and stylish trend setters in glass-encased high-rises — sometimes on the same day. You can haggle over handmade crafts at old-time markets and shop for cutting-edge fashions — all in the same city.

Equally hybridized, music lights up this part of the world. I love the way it forms a constant refrain, spilling out of doorways and windows, radiating from cozy clubs and bars, and blaring joyfully from outdoor stages and street festivals. Let your hips follow the driving rhythms of Colombian cumbia, of Brazil’s sensual samba and fast-paced forró, or of Guyanese steel-pan drumming. Sway to a stylized Argentine tango , a soulful Ecuadorian pasillo or the folk music of Peru, so haunting with its Andean flutes and panpipes.  

Just consider the food, a mouth-watering fusion of culture, environment and history, dished up by sit-down eateries and street vendors alike. I love snacking on Peruvian grilled anticuchos and fresh-from-the-sea ceviche. Or savoring a thick potato-based ajiaco soup or a cazuela de mariscos fish stew in Colombia. Or tucking into an Argentine parrilla of grilled meats slathered with classic chimichurri garlic-parsley sauce, feasting on a Brazilian feijoada bean-and-meat stew topped with crumbly manioc-flour farofa , and grabbing a quick chivito sandwich, Uruguay’s national dish. Tasting an empanada turnover filled with meat or cheese throughout the continent, but especially one from Chile with its raisin, olive and hard-boiled egg additions. And ending a meal with a caramel-like dulce de leche dessert almost anywhere.

Animal lovers will swoon over the staggering number and variety of critters visible in South America. The Amazon rainforest alone, which covers 40 percent of the continent, shelters numerous species of insects, birds, mammals and reptiles, many still unrecorded by science. Head-swiveling standouts include anacondas, sloths, macaws, jaguars, capybaras, tapirs, monkeys, toucans and pink — yes, pink! — river dolphins.

Want to spot armadillos, guanacos, pumas and Chilean flamingos? Head to Patagonia’s windswept pampas and snow-capped mountains in southern Chile and Argentina. Long to see a majestic Andean condor and a woolly llama, alpaca or vicuña munching grass on a hilly slope? The Andes Mountains, the longest range in the world, is the place. If marine mammals and sea birds are your thing, Argentina’s Falkland Islands will oblige. There, you can check off 23 species of dolphins and whales and five species of penguins — more than a million in all.

Finally, pinch yourself if you make it to the 19 islands of Ecuador’s remote Galápagos archipelago to behold a panoply of eye-popping animals, many found nowhere else on earth. Marine iguanas, giant tortoises, Darwin’s finches, frigatebirds, Galápagos sea lions, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies and waved albatrosses all practically wave back at you, so unaccustomed are they to humans. South America is all this and more.

Choose Your Cruise:

Here’s an overview of the ports you may visit on a South American cruise . Silversea offers a variety of South America itineraries for both its expedition and classic ships. In the Galapagos , Silversea sails year-round on its new 100-guest Silver Origin , purposely designed and built for cruising in the archipelago. Other than the Galapagos, most itineraries focus on more than one country. And if you choose the Grand South America Voyage, you pretty much get to see them all.

Colombia and Ecuador

In a nutshell:

These two equatorial countries, once part of the colonial territory known as Nueva Granada, feature coastlines that include both the Caribbean and the Pacific. In fact, Colombia is the only South American country to frame both coasts. On a cruise, you may sample a wide range of experiences, including iconic cities, national parks and small ports. Urbanites will love the colonial splendor of historic Cartagena, Colombia, and the vibrant energy of sprawling Guayaquil, Ecuador. Wildlife lovers will thrill to the flora and fauna of Utría National Park and Gorgona National Natural Park, both in Colombia. And small-town fans will enjoy the coastal vibe in Puerto Lopez, Machala and Manta, Ecuador.

What you’ll see:

The undeniable queen of South America’s Caribbean, Cartagena is a fortified beauty, decked out with meticulously preserved buildings, swathed in eight miles of ancient stone walls and bathed in centuries of sunlight. Once the crown jewel of the Spanish Main, Cartagena oozes history from every street corner and bougainvillea-draped balcony, as befitting the primary port through which the riches of colonial Spain once poured. Stroll the cobblestone streets and alleys of Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Clamber over the ramparts of the 16th-century San Felipe Castle that once kept Sir Francis Drake at bay. Explore the grisly Palace of the Inquisition, which displays the inquisitors’ instruments of torture, and the butter-yellow Cathedral and cool colonial convents. Loll on gorgeous beaches of bleach-white sand. Sway to the Afro-Colombian music pouring out of every open doorway and watch traditionally clad couples sashay to the cumbia, Colombia’s rhythmic national dance. And finally, bask in the sheer sensuality of one of the most romantic cities in the Americas — not surprisingly, the setting of Gabriel García Márquez’s novel  Love in the Time of Cholera . 

Sensations of another sort await in two natural settings: the tropical rainforest and mangroves of Utría National Park, one of the wettest areas on earth, and the subtropical forest and coral reefs of Gorgona National Natural Park. Tick off the species here, one by one: from sea turtles, dolphins and humpback whales to jaguars, spider monkeys and sloths to at least 13 species of snakes.

Perched on the Guayas River, Ecuador’s largest city and main port is also its commercial heartbeat. But Guayaquil ’s swagger comes from its cultural assets, too. Keep your camera handy for the 400-year-old historic barrio of Las Peñas, where brightly colored wooden houses line cobbled, narrow streets. Then take in the iconic riverfront promenade, or malecón , more than 1.5 miles of gardens, playgrounds, monuments, restaurants, cultural venues and a shopping mall. Climb the 444 steps of Santa Ana Hill to reach its lighthouse and the reward of a show-stopping birds-eye view of the city. Learn about the city’s cultural and architectural traditions and ogle 45 species of birds, animals and reptiles in a semi-natural habitat at the Guayaquil Historical Park. Then stop for a bite or a drink amid tropical breezes at one of the restaurants, wine bars and outdoor cafes in Plaza Lagos, dotted with palm trees, bubbling fountains and an artificial lake.

The Ecuadorian coast is also the surprising birthplace of the Panama hat, which is made from the fiber of the toquilla palm. Tip your hat to Puerto Lopez , where you can swim, snorkel, dive or whale watch off its lovely bay, followed by a seafood meal drenched in coconut sauce. In Machala , which bills itself as the “Banana Capital of the World,” you can tour nearby mangroves or a unique petrified forest, visit quiet sandy beaches, and if you’re there in September, go bananas at the World Banana Fair. Say hello to the giant tuna statue that welcomes you to Manta , Ecuador’s second largest seaport and a hub for lively nightlife and great seafood dining (tuna ceviche, of course!).

Finally, get ready for the ultimate bucket-list destination, Ecuador’s 19-island Galapagos archipelago. One of the remotest places on earth, and the first UNESCO World Heritage Site, it harbors eye-popping species found nowhere else. Come eyeball-to-eyeball with marine iguanas, giant tortoises, Galápagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies and waved albatrosses. Check off all 15 must-see species, delightfully unafraid of humans because of their isolation. Key to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, the animals here evolved to survive in the harsh, secluded habitat, almost 600 miles from the mainland in the Pacific Ocean.

Choose your cruise:

Expedition enthusiasts can sail the Galapagos Islands all-year around on Silversea’s new Silver Origin , a 100-passenger vessel that was purposely designed and built for the Galapagos.

Seven Silversea itineraries stop at ports in Colombia and Ecuador. Four visit Colombia and then transit the Panama Canal before heading down the Atlantic Coast of South America to visit Ecuador. Three others either start or end in Ecuador’s principal port of Guayaquil.

Peru and Chile

Along their combined 5,500 miles of coastline, these two countries have an astonishing range of features — from the remains of ancient cultures to the world’s driest nonpolar desert to dazzling glacier-littered fjords and teeming national parks to sophisticated modern cities. There’s enough variety and drama to fill anyone’s travelogue.

Archaeology takes center stage in Salaverry, Peru , as the base from which to explore the impressive ruins of the Moche and Chimú cultures: the Huaca del Sol y la Luna temples in nearby Trujillo, the relief-adorned Huaca del Dragón temple and Chan Chan, once one of the largest adobe cities in the world.

Layered with fascinating history and vibrant culture, Lima , Peru’s capital and largest city, is a sprawling metropolis of nearly 11 million people. Perched on a long cliff-lined coastline, the Spanish crown’s “City of Kings” was once the richest, most important city in the Americas. Glorious remnants of that era include colonial palaces, churches, and mansions clustered around centuries-old plazas. Check out such landmarks as the Cathedral of Lima containing Pizarro’s tomb, the Archbishop’s Palace with its ornate Moorish wooden balconies, the bright-yellow Municipal Palace, and the Baroque-style Government Palace, home to Peru’s president where you can watch the changing of the guard daily at noon. They vie with pre-Columbian temples, such as the pre-Inca mud-brick pyramid called Huaca Pucllana, for the attention of history buffs.

Lima may be known as the City of Kings, but it’s also a city of museums, including the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru; the Museum of Art of Lima; and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Lima. But Lima is also a modern, sophisticated metropolis, filled with edgy galleries, hip nightclubs, and avant-garde restaurants. In fact, dining out on some of the world’s most innovative and exciting cuisine, infused with the ingredients and traditions of Chinese, Japanese, African, and European immigrants, is an attraction in itself.  Don’t miss marinated ceviche, washed down with a classic pisco sour, Peru’s national drink.

Fifty miles of gorgeous pristine beaches, a wildlife reserve teeming with animals, verdant vineyards and mysterious remnants of prehistoric cultures. The Peruvian area of Paracas has it all. Take a flight over the famous Nazca Lines that have bewildered scientists for more than a century. And explore the crown jewel, the Paracas National Reserve, an 828,000-acre refuge for 216 bird species, including migrating flamingoes and Andean condors; 19 types of mammals; and endangered Humboldt penguins, sea otters, orcas and other marine creatures.

The oldest mummies in the world and world-class surfing and beaches are the main claims to fame of Arica , located in the Atacama Desert and known as the “City of Eternal Spring.” Hike up El Morro rock to see reminders of the War of the Pacific in a military museum. And just south of town, gape at those Chinchorro mummies dating to a mind-boggling 5050 B.C.

Two distinctive landmarks set the mining town of Antofagasta, Chile , apart: the Hand of the Desert, a 36-foot-tall sculpture of a hand emerging eerily from the desert floor, and La Portada, a natural stone arch arising from the ocean just offshore. The surrounding Atacama Desert, whose aridity ensures brilliantly clear skies, has turned the city into an international astronomy hub with several observatories for star gazing. Farther south on the uninhabited Isla Pan de Azúcar you can gaze at different kinds of stars: about 2,000 protected Humboldt penguins, as well as pelicans, petrels, otters and sea lions that can be viewed by Zodiac (landing is forbidden).

Coquimbo serves as the gateway to miles of quiet beaches; the popular resort town of La Serena, the second-oldest city in Chile (founded in 1544); the ancient petroglyphs of the Enchanted Valley; and vineyards in the Elqui Valley, whose grapes are used to produce Chile’s national drink, pisco sour.

Once home to Chile’s literary superstar and Nobel laureate, Pablo Neruda, Valparaíso is a colorful jumble of a city that has inspired poets, painters and musicians with its boho ambiance, quirky architecture and working-class vibe. You can climb the maze of steep, winding streets, lined with crumbling mansions, to visit Neruda’s hilltop home-cum-museum, La Sebastiana, just south of town. Sample the prized vintages at a world-famous Chilean winery in the Casablanca Valley. Back in town, pick up a souvenir at the Feria de Artesanía in Plaza Sotomayor. Watch the sailors and dockworkers at work along the gritty port. Enjoy the vibrant street art, nightlife and live music of a city bursting with creative energy. And for the ultimate in heart-in-your-throat views, climb aboard one of the rickety funicular “lifts” that link the lower town to residential neighborhoods in the hillsides. The vistas of the city haphazardly tumbling down to a wide bay are so worth it.

A small coastal resort at the mouth of the Valdivia River, Niebla played an oversized role in Chilean naval history with its fortifications against pirate attacks. Today, you can visit the 17 th -century Niebla fort, relax on the area’s famed sandy beaches, and tuck into the freshest of seafood delicacies.

The capital of Chile’s scenic Lake District, Puerto Montt may be working-class unpolished, but it’s a standout dining spot for just-plucked seafood. Try specialties such as the paila marina seafood stew and the cancato (stew made of fish, chorizo, cheese and tomato). The city also boasts a rich German heritage, a legacy of settlers from 150 years ago, which is evident in the popular kuchen (cakes), local beer and gabled houses.

If Puerto Montt is a plain city, Castro is a vibrant showoff thanks to its candy-colored palafitos , or wooden stilt houses, that totter over the waterfront. Many now serve as restaurants, boutique hotels and artisan markets. Or thanks to its 70 or so wooden churches built in the 17 th and 18 th centuries, 16 of which boast UNESCO World Heritage status. The capital of the Chiloé Archipelago and Chile’s third-oldest city, founded in 1576, fuses modernity with the traditional seafaring culture of the Chiloé islands. Stop into the orange-and-lavender Church of San Francisco or the Regional Museum of Castro to admire the musical instruments, traditional farm implements and local-style wooden boat models and relics of the Huilliche indigenous people.

Remote and isolated, the tiny fishing village of Tortel is a mystical place cobbled together with wooden walkways, bridges and stairs that connect the houses and piers that line the cove. Surrounded by the spectacular San Rafael Laguna National Park and tucked between the Northern and Southern Patagonian ice fields, it offers access to snow-topped Andean peaks, sparkling lakes, sprawling forests and dramatic glaciers.

Because of those glaciers, Southern Chile is laced with dazzling fjords and channels in a landscape full of drama. Cruises sail through the English Narrows , a slender passage surrounded by Chile’s largest national park, Bernardo O’Higgins National Park; the Pio XI Glacier, South America’s longest glacier; and the Garibaldi Fjord and Glacier , which slices through tumbling waterfalls, dense forests and soaring mountains. Keep your eyes open and your camera at the ready for Andean condors, fur seals, sea lions, dolphins and humpback whales.

Chile’s gateway to Antarctica, Punta Arenas is a sprawling frigid city on the edge of the Strait of Magellan. Anchored by the Plaza de Armas with its famed Statue of the Indian (touching its toe means you’ll be back), this remote metropolis offers a refuge from such wild wonders as the Alberto de Agostini National Park’s glacial sculptures; the Torres del Paine National Park; and the birdlife sanctuary of Magdalena Island.

Choose Your Cruise: Silversea offers both expedition and classic cruises calling at Peruvian and Chilean ports, often part of itineraries that call at other South American countries as well. One particularly intriguing option is a 25-day Pacific Coast voyage between Peru’s Guayaquil and Argentina’s Ushuaia.

Argentina and Uruguay

Wrapped around the continent’s “southern cone,” Argentina and Uruguay maintain the strongest European heritage of South America’s nations. Want cosmopolitan sophistication? Visit the capitals of Buenos Aires and Montevideo. Long to relax at a beachside resort? Chill in Uruguay’s tony Punta del Este. Hankering for adventure? Check out the frontier town of Ushuaia, Argentina, and the wildlife-rich Falkland Islands.

The planet’s southernmost city, end-of-the-world Ushuaia , Argentina, is a lively little port where the jagged snowcapped Martial Mountains, part of the Andes range, screech to a halt at the famous Beagle Channel. Along with being the gateway for 90 percent of all Antarctica-bound cruises, it’s an adventure hub for hiking, skiing, sailing and kayaking in Tierra del Fuego National Park. Local duty-free businesses, which cater to fleece- and down-jacketed explorers, aren’t shy about their end-of-the-world bragging rights — from the End of the Earth Museum to the World’s End gift shop. And cozy restaurants serve local specialties: king crab and lamb, which thrive in the cold waters and mountain slopes here.

Two stops in the wind-lashed British Falkland Islands — Port Stanley and West Point Island — let you get up close and personal with some of their millions of penguins (the Falklands are considered the penguin capital of the world) and a huge colony of black-browed albatross. More remarkable wildlife —from Commerson’s dolphins to Magellanic penguins to breeching whales — awaits in Puerto Deseado , Camarones and Puerto Madryn in Argentina’s wild Patagonia region, which impressed even Darwin.

One of the world’s most sophisticated cities, Buenos Aires teems with stylish restaurants, glamorous bars, historic cafes and pulsing nightclubs. Head out on 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest avenue in the world, to spot such city icons as the obelisk, a Washington Monument lookalike, and the landmark Colon Theatre opera house. Resembling the grand capitals of Europe, this is a city of leafy parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments — 6,000 of them! At once cultured and earthy, prosperous and gritty, the city is known for its neighborhoods — from cafe-laden Palermo to upscale Puerto Madero, whose old brick riverfront warehouses have been reborn as tony restaurants, shops and condos, to the bohemian La Boca in the vibrant La Plata River port area, a riotous jumble of cafes, bars and shops in loud Crayola colors. Crooning buskers, stylized tango dancers and street vendors and artists all vie for your attention.

Don’t miss La Recoleta Cemetery, the burial site of the nation’s beloved first lady, Evita Perón. Or the stately Plaza de Mayo, site of the rose-hued Casa Rosada presidential mansion, from whose balconies Evita famously addressed her adoring throngs. Nearby are the Metropolitan Cathedral, where native son Pope Francis once served as archbishop, and the National Museum of Fine Art housing the largest collection of public art in Latin America. And finally, don’t bypass a perfectly grilled Argentine steak in a parrilla , washed down by a full-bodied Malbec, of course.

The St. Tropez of South America, Punta del Este is a sun-kissed beach resort favored by the Uruguayan and Argentine jet set. They flock to its bars and seaside restaurants to feast on freshly caught seafood while watching the sleek yachts bobbing at harbor.

Home to half of Uruguay’s population, Montevideo is a lively eclectic city encompassing an industrial port, a historic downtown and exclusive beachside enclaves. Gorgeous colonial and Art Deco architecture competes with modern skyscrapers in this capital across the La Plata River from Buenos Aires. The performing and fine arts thrive here in venues from elegant older theaters and cozy little tango bars to beachfront discos and hip galleries. Stroll the long waterfront walkway, La Rambla, and relax on a bench to gaze out to sea. Check out Plaza Independencia to admire the statue and mausoleum to José Artigas, father of national independence in 1825, and the landmark Salvo Palace. And feast on a fire-seared steak at one of the bustling parrillas in the Mercado del Puerto old port market.

Choose your cruise: Of the numerous Silversea itineraries that visit Argentina, they all either start or end in Ushuaia or Buenos Aires. Three of them include stops in Uruguay.

South America’s largest nation, and its only country settled by the Portuguese, goes to extremes — from primordial jungles and thundering waterfalls to powerful rivers and dazzling white beaches to pretty colonial towns and cutting-edge cities. Overlaying it all is the effervescence of carnivals and fiestas, of samba and bossa nova, of candombe and a passion for soccer that is more religion than sport.

In Brazil’s southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul , steeped in cattle herding and gaucho culture, the eponymously named city sports historic 18 th -century buildings and what’s considered the longest beach in the world, the 150-mile-long Praia do Cassino Beach. Note the locals using a straw in a gourd to suck up chimarrão, the region’s distinctive tea made from the yerba maté plant.

A popular beach town, Porto Belo wears the legacy of its Azorean and German immigrants with pride. You can enjoy Azorean cuisine, festivals and architecture and tuck into classic German sausages paired with locally brewed beer. Meanwhile, near Paranaguá you can boat along the waterways that snake through the flora- and fauna-rich forests and national parks in the area. If walking is more your style, the Ilha de Anchieta features several hikes through Anchieta State Park, such as the Saco Grande Trail, the Praia do Sul Trail and the Represa Trail. Keep an eye out for tree-hugging orchids and bromeliads.

Get your beach fix in Itajai , where beach worship is so important it has the world’s only cable car to connect two strands. And get your history fix in Paraty , a pretty-as-a-picture,  cobblestoned town with colorful 18 th -century architecture.

Meaning “beautiful isle” in Portuguese, Ilhabela lives up to its name with its splendid beaches, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and 360 — count ‘em — waterfalls.

With its lushly forested mountains and shimmering beaches defining a heart-stopping setting, it’s no wonder Rio de Janeiro is called the Cidade Maravilhosa, or Marvelous City. Just take the legendary beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, which define endless fun in the sun and people watching as a way of life. Keeping careful watch over it all is the iconic Art Deco statue of Christ the Redeemer, crowning the summit of Mount Corcovado. Similarly, Sugarloaf Mountain, reachable by its famous cable car, stands guard over Brazil’s second-largest city, too. Rio pulses to the beat of sultry samba, from its live music halls in the bohemian Lapa neighborhood to its all-night parades to its annual world-famous Carnival. And it worships at the altar of soccer, where matches fire up cariocas like nothing else. After attending a competition at the Maracaña Stadium, celebrate with a feijoada stew accompanied by a fiery caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail.

A mere two-hour drive from Rio, Búzios perches on a peninsula blessed with 17 glorious beaches. Affixed to the international tourist map by Brigitte Bardot in the early ‘60s, Búzios maintains its St. Tropez image with upscale resorts, boutiques, restaurants and bars along its narrow cobblestone streets and scenic waterfront.

History, on the other hand, is alive and well in Porto Seguro , the first landing spot for Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral in 1500. Claiming to be Brazil’s birthplace, the oldest town in the country has a small historic center with restored colonial houses and churches. A different kind of history defines Ilheus , which served as a prosperous cocoa port during Brazil’s cocoa-producing heyday. Showy Baroque and Gothic buildings remain from that golden age, some of which turn up in the novels of native son, Jorge Amado: Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon and Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands .

Embrace Brazil’s thriving and vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture in Salvador de Bahia , the onetime capital of Portugal’s New World colony. Sway to the rhythms of samba music, candombe drum ceremonies and capoeira martial art displays pulsing through this living museum of cobblestoned streets, multi-colored 17 th – and 18 th -century architecture and gold-encrusted churches. Join one of the frequent street festivals, including the granddaddy of them all, Carnival, celebrated in authentic Salvador style. And indulge in the local specialty, moqueca , a creamy fish stew made with coconut milk, peppers and chiles.

Sweeping beaches and dramatic sand dunes (yes, you can take a buggy ride) are the primary draws of Natal , capital of the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Meanwhile, one of Brazil’s longest and best urban beaches and a social hotspot awaits in Recife , a sprawling modern city in Brazil’s Northeast. Named for the offshore recifes , or reefs, that break the incoming waves, Recife hops to its own Carnival and lively dining and nightlife. Its lacy canal network has spawned the nickname, Venice of Brazil. Near Recife — a perfect day tour — is the enchanting hilltop town of Olinda, whose historic city center features Portuguese influences who originally settled here. Also, unusually, you’ll see some Dutch influences, such as Delft tiles used in its historic churches; the Dutch captured the city though the Portuguese ultimately won it back. Olinda is on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Cities.

More golden sands mark Fortaleza , also known as the “City of Light” for its endless Brazilian sun. One of the country’s biggest cities is also one of its best party towns with a spirited forró music and dance scene. For a quieter throwback experience, stroll among the candy-colored colonial buildings or into the Dragão do Mar Cultural Center, an arts venue with a theater, cinema and planetarium.

The eastern gateway to the Amazon River, modern Belém retains its European colonial charm in the traditional blue tile and pastel façades of its grand mansions and churches, a reflection of Lisbon’s 17 th -century architecture. To get a feel for the Amazon’s amazing cornucopia, visit the four-block-long Ver-o-Peso Market — quite possibly the largest outdoor market in Brazil. In addition to the pungent produce and freshwater fish, you can pick up a good luck charm associated with macumba, a local folk religion with African roots.

As Silversea navigates the mighty Amazon, the largest river in the world by discharge volume of water, it visits a string of interesting riverside ports right in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, the world’s richest and most-varied biological reservoir. First up is Guajara , a backwater town where the traditional community harvests the açaí palm, source of the nutrient-rich berries that have become the latest health-food darling. Farther on, explore the floodplains of Rio Balaio via Zodiac and watch for flying parrots, squirrel and howler monkeys, Jabiru storks and horned screamer birds. Ever longed to see a sleek pink river dolphin in its natural setting? Furo dos Botos , or hole of the river dolphins, is the place. While checking out the “flooded forest” here, you may also spot monkeys, sloths, big-billed toucans, and a variety of other birds.

One of Brazil’s oldest settlements, dating to 1621, Santarém offers a taste of rainforest culture. Perched 500 miles upriver from the Atlantic, this languid river town boasts a waterfront promenade, some good restaurants and the Sacred Arts Museum whose 1,000 pieces span four centuries. The panoply of rainforest flora and fauna beckons in the nearby Tapajós National Forest, including protected species such as white-bellied spider monkeys, giant anteaters, jaguars and giant armadillo. More local culture can be experienced in the village of Paritins , which celebrates the Boi-Bumba folkloric festival each June, one of the largest fests in the country. Silversea arranges a special performance for guests. And in Boca da Valeria , a collection of thatched huts on stilts, you can visit villagers’ homes to glimpse their traditional way of life.

An opera house in the middle of the jungle? Yup, that eye-rubbing incongruity sets Manaus , the Amazon’s largest city, apart. The ornate Renaissance-style Amazonas Theatre was built during Manaus’s 19 th -century rubber boom, like many of the city’s other grand buildings. Today, this gritty, bustling shipping port also draws visitors for its unique location at the famous Meeting of the Waters. Just outside town, the dark tannin-rich water of the Rio Negro merges with the milky water of the Rio Solimões to form the Amazon, creating a dramatic sight.

Speaking of sights, get ready to fill your Insta-feed with the world’s largest water lilies, called Victoria amazónica, at Lago Canaraci , whose quiet waters allow the plants to flourish. The 8-foot-wide lily pads, which resemble oversized pastry tarts with their upturned rims, can support the weight of a child. Birds sometimes alight on these floating platforms.

Be prepared for 50 shades of green along Furo Comprido , an Amazon side channel meaning Long Hole. You can spot brilliantly colored parrots, macaws, tanagers and manakins huddled in all that verdant foliage. Locals who live along the river, a mix of European, Indian and African ancestry, call themselves cabocles . More of the region’s diverse wildlife lines another side river, the Curuá Una . Here, you can search for black and spectacled caimans during a night excursion. In isolated Jariuba , check out the dazzling orchids and other epiphytes clinging to trees, Lilliputian hummingbirds flitting about, and turtles, caimans and otters in the water.

Finally, along the Rio Cajari , an Amazon tributary at the delta, you’ll encounter people who live in stilt houses connected by walkways. To survive, they hunt large rodents like paca and agouti, fish for river species, and collect Brazil nuts and palm fruit from the forest.

Choose your cruise: Rio de Janeiro (along with Buenos Aires) is a pivotal marquee port for Atlantic-based itineraries in South America , connecting travelers to the Amazon River as well.

A trio of tiny countries well off the beaten path — French Guiana, Suriname and Guyana — stand apart from the rest of South America for their French, Dutch and British colonial heritages, respectively. Thanks to these cultural influences, you can watch old timers play the quintessential French game of  boule; meet Saramaka-speaking Maroons, descendants of escaped slaves from Dutch colonial plantations; and admire ornate Anglican churches and 19th-century homes with boxed demerara windows. Nature’s exuberance runs like a through line in all three, showing off its astonishing tropical flora and fauna at every turn.

A onetime brutal penal colony just seven miles offshore from French Guiana, Íle Royale is one of three ironically named Salvation Islands where France once sent its political prisoners. Neighboring Devil’s Island was the setting for the autobiographical novel and famous Steve McQueen movie, Papillon . The soft sands and gently waving palms that greet people today belie that ugly past. As the administrative headquarters of the penal settlement, Íle Royale has several restored prison buildings, including a hospital, staff quarters, a prisoner-built chapel and a restaurant-guesthouse where you can eat lunch and even spend the night.

It may be South America’s smallest country, but Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana) is big is with cultural diversity. Take the capital of Paramaribo , whose UNESCO World Heritage-listed downtown oozes Dutch colonial charm in its nearly 300 17 th – and 18 th -century wooden buildings. But its mélange of languages and cuisines also reflects the descendants of British colonialists; Indian, Indonesian and Chinese indentured laborers; escaped African slaves; and indigenous Amerindians. Just a few hours away by road or river boat, the untamed jungle beckons with colorful birds, monkeys, agoutis, jaguars and dolphins. That’s where descendants of Maroons still live in communities that carry on the traditions of their African ancestors.

Georgetown , Guyana’s languid capital, may be British by lineage, but its soul is loyal to the West Indies. Reggae beats fill the air, Caribbean bakes and saltfish are served for breakfast, and island-style festivals and jump-ups, propelled by steel pans, dot the calendar. Still, the city’s British colonial architecture stands tall, especially the painted-timber Gothic-style St. George’s Anglican Cathedral. Two other landmarks, the iron-and-steel Stabroek Market and wooden Bourda Market, are frenetic emporiums selling everything from fresh produce and jungle medicine to jewelry, electronics and shoes.

An Amerindian word meaning  “Land of Many Waters” for its abundance of fresh water, Guyana counts three large rivers, including Essequibo River , among its distinctive features. This vital transport waterway slices through an interior that is very Amazonian, with its Amerindian river communities and spectacular wildlife. Covering 75% of its territory, Guyana’s primeval rainforest features abundant waterfalls — including Kaieteur Falls, the largest single-drop cascade in the world — and species ranging from showy Guianan cock-of-the-rock birds to jaguars, the country’s national animal and just one of its six wild cat species, including ocelots, pumas, jaguarundi, margay and oncilla.

Choose your cruise: Three Silversea itineraries visit at least one of the three Guianas. All three cruises depart from ports in Brazil, from Manaus to Fortaleza to Rio de Janeiro . The Guianas are also part of Silversea’s South American Grand Voyage .

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Experiences on Amazon River Cruise

By Skeezics , March 3, 2011 in Silversea

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We are about to reserve a cabin on the Nov. 2012 Amazon River Cruise. Would be interested in any past cruisers comments. Especially excursions - experiences. Thanks in advance.

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Share on other sites, kagehitokiri.

good to know about!

9 nights to manaus

1 night in manaus

7 nights to barbados

if silversea still does Personalized Voyages thats an advantage over >

http://www.seadreamyachtclub.com/voyageview_c.pl?type=voyage&voyage_id=1027

My husband and I are also looking at this trip - so are hoping for some replies too :)

I have booked the cruise. Only 20 months to go! If anyone has been on Silversea down the Amazon, would like to hear from you. Thanks.

HiHo Silver Sailor

We're on it. Looking for info on SS Tours?

We will be there too!

We are considering this cruise. Maybe we'll finally meet!

Maryland is a good place! I think we already did!

Now you have me wondering!

• 1 month later...

We have now booked this trip. :) Looking foreward to hearing about some special tours !

We're booked and know of one other cruisecritic.com frequent poster and his wife who have also booked with a couple of their friends.

Sounds like there may be a cruisecritic.com pre-cruise get together in Barbados in the wind.

Any hotel suggestions in Barbados for two nights pre-cruise?

Have stayed at the Hilton (OK but lousy food), Sandy Lane (the best) and will try Coral Reef Club next week. Will let you know.

Just booked yesterday - 2 Scots. Have been on both the Cloud and the Wind before. Can't believe we'll get to meet the famous duct tape whose advice we have read on many threads and have benefitted from it.

Wellseasoned

We're the ones Emtbsam referred to and are happy to see that a nice group of cruise critic people will be aboard! I second Skeezics in hoping that others who have already done this cruise can give us some insights on excursions and experiences.

RuthlessBoss

Let's rephrase the poster's question. If anyone has been on an Amazon cruise, what was it like? What did you see? What did you do? Was it interesting?

I hoped for some answers too.

Folks who have already done this cruise are probably not reading this thread! Went to the Ports Boards but not much there on the Amazon.

I have never cruised on the Amazon, instead I have been on jungle hotels, on Manaus and Belem many times. I can try to answer some questions.

You'll be on the Amazon river aboard the Cloud November 2012.

I'll be going down the Amazon aboard the Cloud November 2011.

From Manaus also stopping at Analvilhanas, Belem, Santarem, Boca da Valeria, Devil's Island--similar to your itinerary.

I will post port notes and info about Silversea excursions to this thread upon my return.

You'll be on the Amazon river aboard the Cloud November 2012.   I'll be going down the Amazon aboard the Cloud November 2011.   From Manaus also stopping at Analvilhanas, Belem, Santarem, Boca da Valeria, Devil's Island--similar to your itinerary.   I will post port notes and info about Silversea excursions to this thread upon my return.

Thank you, Thank you.....looking forward to your posts.

Save some pink dolphins for us.

Two of our very dear friends have booked this cruise and I know they will enjoy it. My wife and I did this same basic itinerary three years ago on the Sea Dream II, it was a memorable cruise. The days spent on the Amazon were a photographer's dream. The small ports of call were also a plus. The lazy days on the Amazon were such that you could spend the entire day on your Balcony looking at the sites of the Jungle and the homes of the local inhabinats. Always their children rowed their small wooden boats close to the ship hoping for handouts of thrown fruit from the ship. When it came to an end we wished it would have been more days on this beautiful river. Watch carefully for the wildlife on the shores, you will be amazed at what you see.

Victoria and Bob, Deiter and Debbie I know you will be thrilled with this trip.

"Mitch" and Sheila :);):o:p:D

OH and I did the Amazon trip on the Wind about 4 years ago, Barbados to Manaus and had an fantastic time. The highlights for me were Devil's Island , which I originally thought was an unnecessary stop but which proved to be fascinating, a night-time cayman spotting trip on the last evening and the day cruising through the Breves Narrows, with villages and vegetation so close as to be touchable- almost. Oh and going piranha fishing- that was great, eating them was even better. and seeing the pink river dolphin - now that was really something special - make sure you have your eyes peeled everytime you are on deck

In Manaus we were given a city tour by on the of the jewellers on board, which was fine, please don't miss the opera house there and, before you go, try to watch the Werner Herzog film "Fitzcarraldo" which I found most interesting and atmospheric.

We did one or two other tours, a jungle walk and a village visit and also went ashore at Boca de Valeria where the local children "adopt" you for a dollar, take you arund the village and then end up at their parents' souvenir stalls, slightly odd and a bit surreal.

I know you will be saying why would she book an Amazon cruise when she doesn't like snakes! Did you see many? Will I be able to avoid them? I have a real terror of them.

We didn't see any snakes, in fact I was rather disappointed not to at least get a glimpse of an anaconda - at a very safe distance, as I am no lover of snakes either. I don't think you will need to be concerned.

Great news, thank you!

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

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Exploring the Waterways of Peru's Amazon

Amazon river expedition.

From $11,025

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

• 20% off on a limited number of cabins for 2024 & 2025 departures confirmed by June 30, 2024.
• Waived single supplement on select departures

The mighty Amazon River is home to 2.5 million square miles of rainforest—one of the earth's largest and most intact wildernesses. Aboard the luxury yacht Aria Amazon or Aqua Nera, you'll explore its many wonders as you journey in style along the Ucayali and Marañon rivers, the two largest tributaries of the Amazon, and through the remote Pacaya Samiria National Park and Reserve, set deep within the rainforest at the headwaters of the Amazon. This vast wetland reserve is a haven for Amazonian flora and fauna, a world filled with birds in neon-bright colors, playful monkeys, graceful hawks and herons, and millions of butterflies. As you cruise along, you'll try your hand at fishing for piranha, visit riverside communities to witness their culture and traditions, learn about the area's conservation and sustainability projects, and enjoy night excursions by skiff under a canopy of sparkling stars. There are two seasons in the Amazon: low water (June to November) and high water (December to May). Each season offers extraordinary experiences of the Amazon. 

Arrive: Iquitos, Peru

Depart: Iquitos, Peru

• Nature walks, cultural exploration, excursions by skiff
• Outstanding wildlife includes a variety of monkeys, freshwater dolphins, sloths, iguanas
• Enjoy village visits, learn about conservation projects, search for birds and medicinal plants, fish for piranha!

Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.

Dates & Pricing

Payment & cancel schedule.

At time of reservation: $1,000 105 days prior to departure: Balance Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Minimum fee: $500 per person 91-120 days prior to departure: $1,000 per person 90 days or less: 100% of trip cost

Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

• Services of naturalist guides
• Accommodations aboard the M/V Aria
• All meals aboard ship
• All non-alcoholic beverages
• House beer and wine (onboard Aqua Nera only)
• Transfers to/from vessel when arriving on recommended flights
• Pacaya Samiria Reserve entrance fee
• All excursions off the boat

Not Included

• Airfare to/from points of embarkation and debarkation of the boat
• Gratuities to guides and crew
• Items of a personal nature such as laundry
• Optional travel insurance
• Alcoholic beverages (onboard Aria Amazon only)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Days 1-7 (7 nights)

Aria Amazon

What the trip is like.

The trip is rated Level 1+, Easy . There are shore excursions featuring nature walks and village visits, and river outings by skiff. It is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active.

Conditions along the Amazon River in Peru divide into two seasons: a high water season from December through May and a low water season that lasts from June until November. Cruising the Amazon in either season promises rich rewards with breathtaking opportunities to view and photograph magnificent plant and animal life unlike anywhere else on earth.

If seeing the glorious Amazon rainforest at its lushest and getting up close to lots of birds and mammals (and enjoying slightly cooler temperatures) sounds most attractive, then December to May might be your best choice. If jungle hikes and spotting exotic migratory birds perched on trees between flights across Amazonia appeals most to you, while still having the chance to see capuchin monkeys, kinkajou, and other mammals, and going on great fishing expeditions, you might be happier choosing the warmer, low water season.

Weather in this region of the Amazon remains generally warm with some rainfall even during low water season. In fact, despite being the "rainy" season, during the high water months, the Amazon only gets about 10% more rain than in the low water season. So, as you choose the time of your cruise on the Amazon River (in either season), we suggest you consider the following three key points:

• Some rain will fall in whichever season you choose. This is the Amazon Rainforest.
• You will see spectacular Amazon wildlife, birds and plant life any time of year on the Amazon.
• In either season, you will definitely see the Amazon River's rare pink dolphins.

The Amazon basin is as lush and green as it is because it gets an abundance of rain -- 12 feet a year on average. In a typical year, the Amazon River rainforest experiences 200 rainy days, which means that there will be days of rain even in the low water season. However it rarely rains all day. Rain most often falls in passing cloudbursts, which allow the vessel to coordinate excursions accordingly. When it does rain, you are provided sturdy ponchos to ensure you stay extremely comfortable so you can focus on the astonishing Amazon jungle scenery.

High Water Season on the Amazon: December Through May

Peru's rainy season runs from December through May, which is summer and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. This is the relatively cooler and wetter season when the Amazon region receives more than half (60%) of its total annual rainfall. During the high water season, the average temperature is 86°F, only 12°F cooler than in the average low water season. Benefits of visiting Peru's Amazon at this time of year include the dramatic high water panorama. The Amazon Basin's rivers and streams rise about 23 feet higher than during the low water season. Aside from the striking visual effect, this also means that every river, creek, and lake is navigable. Thus, the ship's tenders are able to cruise further along the wildlife-rich waterways of Amazonia and bring guests up close to more plants and Amazon animals than during the low water season. Flooded waterways carry you significantly deeper by water into the Amazon jungle canopy, where the kaleidoscope of Amazon birds flutter about. Although the odds of sighting wildlife do not change significantly between the two seasons, you are likely to see more of some Amazon wildlife favorites such as monkeys, turtles, and caimans during the high water months. Enhanced navigation by water has a flip side -- areas to walk and trek become less accessible at this time of year. When you do find usable hiking trails, so will the mosquitoes that are more prevalent now than during the low water season. Fishing in the Amazon River is actually more limited during these high water months too, but you still have close to a 50/50 chance to reel in a memorable catch.

Low Water Season on the Amazon: June through November

Low water season in Amazonia coincides with winter in the Southern Hemisphere, from June to November. This is the warmer season on the Amazon River, with temperatures averaging about 98°F. Despite its name, the low water season still exhibits some heavy rains. A key difference between visiting the Amazon in low water season vs. high water season is you are able to access the jungle trails that get flooded from December to May, allowing you to follow your naturalists and local Amazonia guides deeper into the jungle by foot, and accompanied by fewer mosquitoes than during the high water season. Guests also tend to spot an even greater abundance of migratory birds in flight during the low water season. However, the trade-off at this time of year is that water levels on the Amazon River and its tributaries drop much lower from June to November, which means that many of the creeks and lakes that we visit by tender during the rainy season are now inaccessible. Lower water levels do offer a bonus: good fishing is 100% guaranteed, you even stand a fair chance to catch a piranha.

Client Testimonials

"This was our first real luxury wilderness experience. It was wonderful."

Kimberly K.

Park City, UT

"This was an amazing adventure...great holiday for the body, brain, and especially the soul! It was so refreshing to get away from Internet, WI-FI, phones, world news....and instead listen to the sounds of the Amazon Rainforest!"

Margrieta E.

Arva, Ontario, Canada

"This trip is a nature and cultural trip. We met and talked with people everywhere we went—farmers, artisans, rangers, river venders, etc."

Oakland, CA

"This was the best trip we have ever been on. Superb accommodations, superb food, super staff at all levels. The naturalists were awesome, for their knowledge, ability to find critters, and congeniality."

Pittsboro, NC

"The Aqua Nera is a beautiful small boat with an excellent staff. The suites were very comfortable and the dining was 5 star! Exceeded our expectations!"

Menlo Park, CA

"Everything exceeded our expectations. It was fabulous and we will tell others about it."

Sue Ellen Y.

Lafayette Hill, PA

"Lovely boat, with a staff that does everything possible to make your experience exceptionally memorable!"

Colorado Springs, CO

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With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

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Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

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Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

Upper Amazon Cruises

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Travel where few have ever been. A cruise on the Upper Amazon River in Peru is not unlike an African safari or a visit to the Galapagos. You’ll explore a remote and rarely visited area, rich in natural highlights, with a very small group of travelers and naturalist guides, while enjoying air-conditioned comfort and excellent cuisine and service.

Plan with our Travel Experts

Our professional travel experts tailor exceptional luxury vacations to help you explore your world, your way. We’ve stayed at the best resorts, traveled on the best cruises, and have had the transformative experiences we’ll recommend for you.

Linda Lewis

Aimee kramer, mckenna goldstein, sheree carpentier, gloriane letterman, more about amazon cruises.

The Amazon river cruise is an amazing exsperience, as well as an ideal add-on to a more in-depth Peru vacation which our  South America travel experts  can arrange for you. An ideal itinerary length, in our opinion, would be the four-day cruise, combined with a Peru land vacation.  Peru  offers many more amazing experiences.

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Our professional travel experts look forward to tailoring an exceptional travel experience for you.

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10 Luxury Cruise Lines That Will Make You Want to Ditch Plane Travel Forever

Posted: April 12, 2024 | Last updated: April 12, 2024

Thinking about booking your next dream vacation? As stunning as land-locked adventures and beautiful hotels can be, there’s something to be said about sailing the seas. Fortunately for us, nowadays, there are cruise ships that far exceed the family-fun agenda of the classic companies so often advertised on TV. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with those cruise liners, there’s something special about not only traversing the ocean but doing so decked out to the nines. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best luxury cruise lines of 2023. Ahead, uncover the company that best aligns with your idea of the ultimate water-bound getaway.

Silversea is the “jewel in the crown” of the Royal Caribbean Group, not to mention the original luxury cruise line, first entering the space in 1994. The company touts 12 all-inclusive ships with destinations all over the world. Whether you want to explore the American West Coast, South America, Northern Europe and the British Isles, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, or even Antarctica, Silversea has a cruise to fit your fancy.

Speaking of fancy, the most luxurious cruise that Silversea offers is its 125-Day Chile to Norway sail, which rings up at $94,700. You don’t have to invest that much to enjoy a Silversea cruise, though. No matter which type of suite you book, you can expect butler service, optional 24/7 in-suite dining, endless access to premium beverages and craft cocktails, and complimentary caviar around the clock.

Explore Silversea Cruises

Paul Gauguin

Paul Gaugin stands out for its single-ship escapade into the luxury cruise space. With a variety of cruises that explore French Polynesia and the South Pacific, Paul Gauguin is a small-ship cruise line with 7-, 10-, 11-, and 14-night itineraries that focus on intimate experiences, delectable cuisine, stunning stateroom balcony views, butler service, and more. With a 1:1.5 crew-to-guest ratio, you can rest assured knowing that all of your needs will be met aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin.

Explore Paul Gauguin Cruises

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Scenic is unique in that it not only offers luxury ocean cruises but river cruises, too. The brand prides itself on operating and innovating with guest experience in mind. As such, all of its cruises have so much to offer voyagers, from extensive dining, leisure, and wellness options to striking design elements that will make you want to stay aboard for much longer than your itinerary.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has nine ships with oceanic destinations spanning from the Arctic and Europe to the Caribbean and Australia. Meanwhile, if you find yourself in France, you may want to check out Scenic’s beloved river cruises, in which you can tour the Seine in the utmost style.

Explore Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Ponant has a fleet of 13 luxury cruise ships with destinations dotting the globe. The award-winning French cruise line is beloved for its tailor-made voyages, in which guests have access to myriad bespoke experiences both on and off board, from in-room dining to once-in-a-lifetime immersive excursions.

Since Ponant ships offer smaller capacity—more akin to a private yacht experience—they’re able to navigate private ports and preserved locations that large-scale cruise ships are unable to access. While aboard Ponant’s all-inclusive ships, you can anticipate exceptional French cuisine, delicious fine wines, complimentary Champagne and spirits, room service, and more.

Of course, if you need further inspiration to look into the cruise line, perhaps the fact that three-mast yacht, Le Ponant, is part of the Relais & Châteaux portfolio will do the trick.

Explore Ponant Cruises

Crystal is renowned for its personalized voyages all over the world, not to mention its palatial suites that will leave you picking your jaw up off the floor. In addition to well-appointed design, the cruise line offers an impressive dining experience, with authentic cuisines from all over the world. So whether you’re in the mood for American, Italian, Peruvian, or Japanese food, you’ll have ample options to choose from.

It’s also worth mentioning that the luxury cruise line took it to the next level with its spa, Aurora Spa. The gorgeous, sea-view spa offers a variety of face, body, salon, and healing treatments, including massages, facials, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and even IV drip therapy—so you won’t have to worry about feeling hung over at sea (especially considering the cruise line offers complimentary Champagne, fine wines, and premium spirits).

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Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises operates a six-ship fleet dedicated to extraordinary sailing experiences. With small ships that carry less than 350 passengers, Windstar prides itself on offering guests intimate, aesthetic, unforgettable voyages spanning from Asia and Australia to Italy and Iceland.

While the staterooms and suites are stunning and the shore excursions are aplenty, it’s the food that really stands out aboard Windstar. As the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar offers a number of themed culinary cruises with food and bev from some of the most notable chefs of today, including Maxime Bilet (The Cooking Lab) and Jose Mendin (Pubbelly Noodle Bar, Habitat, Baja Bao).

Explore Windstar Cruises

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The Ritz-Carlton is synonymous with luxury, so it’s no surprise that the company extended into oceanic adventures with a fleet of three superyachts. Where the Evrima was built in 2021, the Ilma and Luminara yachts are forthcoming in 2024 and 2025.

While classic cruise lines have a capacity in the thousands, often edging upward of 4,000, the Ritz-Carlton superyachts offer a more curated experience to 500 passengers or less. From the outside, the yachts are sleek and serene, fitting in beautifully with the sea. Within Evrima’s walls, though, moody modern interiors with magnificent ocean views await.

Guests can look forward to soaking tubs, expansive private balconies complete with sun beds and a whirlpool, walk-in wardrobes, and more. As far as destinations are concerned, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection embarks on oceanic adventures in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Explore The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Cruises

Seabourn is a luxury cruise line that speaks to our soul—and for more reasons than the simple fact that it touts a “Veranda Suite Upgrade.” The luxury cruise line sets sail in the Arctic, Canada and New England, the Amazon, Arabia, Africa, and India, and more.

Each of the fleet’s yachts, which carry between 458 and 600 guests, is outfitted with ocean-view suites only, so no matter what excursion you book, you can anticipate traveling in luxury style with a picturesque backdrop. You can also look forward to mouth-watering cuisine courtesy of renowned chef Thomas Keller.

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Cunard is known for its iconic black funnels, yes, but more so for its unparalleled large-scale onboard experiences. Although each of the cruise line’s ships carries upwards of 1,500 passengers, the four-ship fleet is adored for its luxury itineraries, stylish design, tranquil spa offerings, delectable cuisine, and unmatched comfort at sea.

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Moscow Boat Tour

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Description

See all the gems of historical and cultural center of the capital in short time and without traffic jams or tiresome walking.

Depending on the itinerary and duration of the Moscow River boat trip, the tour can be 3 or 5 hours.

Highlights of the tour

• St Basil’s Cathedral;
• Stalin skyscraper on Kotelnicheskaya (Tinkers) embankment;
• The Kremlin;
• “House on the Embankment” Stalin skyscraper;
• Monument to Peter I;
• The Central House of Artists;
• Christ the Savior Cathedral;
• Gorky Park;
• Moscow State University;
• Russian Academy of Sciences;
• Luzhniki stadium;
• Novodevichy Monastery;
• Kiev railway station;
• Europe Square;
• Moscow City Hall;
• Government House;
• Expocentre Exhibition Complex;
• and other famous sights.

You will learn about the different epochs of the city from the foundation in 1147 till Soviet times of 20 th  century.

Moscow River

Moskva river has the form of a snake and is the main waterway of Moscow, consisting of a cascade of reservoirs. Within the city, Moskva river is 80 km long, 120 m - 200 m wide and up to 14 m deep. The narrowest part of the river is the Kremlin area in the city center, and the most extensive is around the Luzhniki Stadium in the south. 

Bridges in Moscow

Undoubtedly, bridges and embankments are among the most scenic spots and main attractions of Moscow. Plus, they are so romantic.

• Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge –  Great Stone Bridge –  is the main bridge of Moscow . The first stone bridge was constructed here in the 17th century.
• Patriarshy Bridge  is one of the youngest pedestrian bridges, built in 2004. The bridge connects the iconic Christ the Saviour Cathedral with funky Bersenevskaya embankment, extremely popular place among locals for its trendy art galleries, cafes and panoramic views. Patriarshy Bridge used to be a shooting location for ex-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's New Year speech to the nation.
• Borodinsky Bridge,  erected in honor of the 100th anniversary of the glorious victory in the Battle of Borodino (which every Russian kid knows about), a fierce legendary battle during the Russo-French war of 1812.
• Bagration Bridge  one of the  pedestrian bridges with most picturesque views of the Moskva River with its numerous upper-level observation platforms. The bridge was erected to celebrate the 850th anniversary of Moscow city in 1997.
• Krymsky Bridge  used to be in Top 5 Europe’s longest bridges some 100 years ago. The bridge got its name after the ancient Krymsky ford which Crimean Tartars used to invade Moscow in the 16 th  century.

Embankments of Moscow

Moscow river boats 37 embankments, the most popular being Kremlevskaya, Sofiyskaya, Pushkinskaya, Vorobyovskaya and Kolomenskaya.

You can get the most spectacular views of the Kremlin from  Kremlevskaya and Sofiyskaya embankments.

• Pushkinkaya embankment  is the most romantic in Moscow. It meanders along Gorky Park and Neskuchnyi garden and is rich for all kinds of entertainment as well as cozy nooks, including Olivkovy beach, the famous Zeleny theater as well as a pier for river cruisers.
• Vorobyevskaya embankment  is part of Sparrow Hills nature reserve. This place opens a beautiful panorama of the river and city from the observation deck and is considered to be the place for taking serious decisions in life.
• Embankment in Kolomenskoye  Museum-Reserve has a special charm due to its peculiar geographical relief. The boat trip around Kolomenskoye would be the most peaceful in your life.
• Taras Shevchenko embankment  is popular among photographers for its modern Moscow City skyscrapers. Highly recommended for your night boat trip.
• Embankments of Moscow are the pride of the capital. A distinctive feature of each of the promenades is its architecture and beautiful views. In addition, almost all the embankments of Moscow have a rich history and a lot of notable buildings.

Different epochs

Taking a walk along the Moskva River by boat, you will witness the architecture of Moscow from different eras and styles. Archaeological studies indicate that already in the XI century there stood a fortified settlement on Borovitsky hill, which is now called the Kremlin. Little fortress could not accommodate all the residents of the rapidly growing city, and the Grand Duke ordered the construction of a new Kremlin, larger than the former.

Boat trip around Kolomenskoe Park

Moscow river boat trip starts from the pier Klenovy (Maple) Boulevard and provides reat views of Nicholas Perervinsky monastery.

Nicholas Perervinsky monastery was founded at the time of the Battle of Kulikov (1380). The monastery, got its name from the surrounding area – “Pererva”, which can be translated like “tear off” and because of the location –  here it abruptly changed its course, turning to Kolomna, standing on the opposite bank.

Nowadays Kolomenskoye is State Art, Historical, Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve, which doors are open to everyone who wants to get in touch with the ancient history of Russia.

Take a break from the big city hustle in the shady parks and gardens of the Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve. Don’t miss a wonderful Church of the Ascension and Tsar Alexey’s Palace in Kolomenskoye!

Monasteries and temples

• Novospassky Monastery
• Founded in the 13th century on the site where now is located the Danilovsky monastery. After a few decades, in 1330, Ivan Kalita moved the monastery onto the Borovitskii hill of the Kremlin. However, in the 15th century, Spassky Monastery again moved, this time to a more spacious place on Krasnoholmskaya waterfront.
• Church of St. Nicholas in Zayaitskom
• Erected in the middle of the XVIII century in baroque style. The building survived after the 1812 fire, but the utensils were destoyed. Parishioners collected donations and restored the temple on their own. In Soviet times, it was closed and re-opened only in 1992.
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• The church was originally erected in honor of the victory over Napoleon and was being under construction for long 44 years. Notoriously demolished in 1937 to be a giant swimming pool under open sky. The current building was constructed in 1990s. It is the tallest and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
• The temple was built in 1679-82, during the reign of Tsar Fedor Alekseevich, in late Muscovite Baroque style and can be characterized as bonfire temple. Each gable is a symbol of a heavenly fire.
• Novodevichy Convent
• The most famous concent and monastery in Moscow, presumably founded in 1524. Novodevichy’s status has always been high among other monasteries, it was in this monastery where the women of the royal blood, the wives of Tsars and local rulers of Moscow were kept in prison as nuns.
• St. Andrew’s church  (male acts as Compound Patriarch of Moscow)
• St. Andrew’s church stands right on the slopes of the Sparrow Hills, on the way down to the Moskva River, on the territory of the Nature Reserve “Sparrow Hills”. The monastery is small in size but is very cozy. It’s situated in a quiet courtyard surrounded by temples, fruit trees and flowers.

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow river cruise.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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All fares are in US dollars, per person, based on double occupancy, and reflect promotional savings, are for new bookings only, are subject to availability, and must be booked by September 1, 2019. Promotional savings in categories F-B on the December 21st sailing and categories C-D on the December 27th sailing only. *Included roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco is based on availability in class of service. Offer may be combined with applicable 3rd guest in stateroom offer but may not be combinable with other offers. Port, security, and handling charges of $149 per person are additional. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Call for details. Ship’s registry: Bahamas.