We decided on this itinerary since no other cruise line seems to be doing it. Flew into Manaus Brazil on AA #1265 non stop from Miami. Leaving the airport our cab was stopped at a military checkpoint, papers please. We stayed at the Wyndham Garden Hotel overlooking the Amazon. Beautiful location and hotel was OK for the one night.

Took a cab to the port the next day and boarded the ship around noon. No line at registration and were in our cabin in about 10 minutes. We had booked a Manaus city tour through Crystal prior to the cruise and it was done very well. Tour included the city zoo, opera house and a native museum. There were a number of tours to choose from but this gave us a good overview of the city.

Our first stop was Boca da Valeria, a small native village along the Amazon. More kids than adults here. The kids all had their exotic pets that they were holding and wanted you to take pictures in exchange of dollars. Read more