We chose this cruise because we wanted to see the Amazon River and island hop in the Caribbean both of which we had never done. This was our second Viking cruise having done the Viking Homelands the year before and done other cruises in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean with another company.
This cruise was unique keeping in mind that new world ports such as those on the Amazon do NOT have a long history(at least with european settlements) and Brazil has a very different standard of living and culture. Poverty is very evident on city tours and the crime rate in Brazil is on the increase right now. Buses may not be air conditioned, could break down, get caught in city traffic, for example. Local authorities may not let you go into areas unsupervised for safety reasons, and organizing shore excursions in general with local authorities is understandably complex in this region and a real chore for any cruise excursion team. The river is also complex and varies in height and the captain had to take the ship way out to sea to avoid shallow waters and then buck the current back up to Belem. Since the river was low this time of year we had to anchor miles below Belem.
We had to be careful with our water use on the Amazon since the silt in the river can gum up the water filtration process. This meant not using the laundromat while on the river and not taking hotel showers. We all did fine and we were back to normal once out of the river. Remember this trip is an adventure for travelers(in a posh way) to an area which is unfamiliar to most of us. Do your research on the area before you go and know what to expect. I think Viking did an outstanding job and kept to its usual high standards. This cruise line really cares about your having the best experience on board and off.Viking strives to be the best and as far as I'm concerned it is the best.
Bed was very comfortable. Lots of room. Plenty of storage space
Interesting to see the remarkable recovery from Hurricane Maria
Caiman spotting was done from small canoes at night. Our native guide grabbed a spotted Caiman and allowed us to see it close up.
This was an early morning bird watching expedition with Brazilian ornithologists. We confirmed 34 species in a short amount of time. Great trip and professionally done.
We saw the meeting of the waters as we came in to Manaus from the ship. Interesting but not much to it. Returned to ecological park for back river tour.
This was up river on the Rio Negro. Interesting tour through the jungle showing ways natives and others would survive in the forest.
We saw at least seven sperm whales which meant a great time for all. The whales were sighted right out to sea from the Petons with rain showers coming over them. It was a primeval scene and something to see!
Great sail back to St Johns from Turner beach noting all the beaches and resorts along the shoreline.
A great overview of Antigua from St Johns to English Harbor, Nelsons dockyard to Shirley heights down through the rainforest to Turners Beach to board catamaran.
Well run catamaran with safe and good equipment. It took us snorkeling
Best snorkeling(out of three) for the whole cruise. This was right across from Charlotte Amelie to an island two coves (turtle and shipwreck). There was calm and very clear water. We saw leatherback turtles among other fish. Well run with very knowledgable guides.