Grand Amazon Expedition by Iberostar

The trip wrapped up with a morning visit with Piro to the Indian community and a swim with the Boys, which was a perfect finish. My wife and I spent three nights and four days cruising the Solimões River, and we loved the whole experience. The tours were good, the rooms were clean, and the food and drinks were very good and included. Service was nice, with the whole crew attentive and polite. A wonderful way to experience nature.

The small-boat outings along the waterways are what make this trip special. Each day had at least three optional tours, all included, from sunrise rides to hear the jungle wake up to nighttime trips along the riverbanks to look for climax and owls. We visited farms and villages and learned about Amazon history, ecology, and culture. Subject experts also gave talks during the week. We did two cruises back to back, three nights up the Solimoes followed by four nights up the Rio Negro. We kept the same cabin and spent a day in Manaus while the ship was in port between trips. Doing both was definitely worthwhile. The guides knew their stuff and spoke at least three languages, and the crew were attentive and friendly. Meals had a delicious mix of local dishes and familiar home-style food. This isn't really a drunken party cruise, even though drinks, including alcohol, are included and there's a rooftop pool. Expect hot, humid weather and probably rain every day. The ship has air conditioning, including in the cabins, but excursions happen in whatever weather there is, and clothes and linens may feel damp. That's just part of being in the tropics.

The crew were attentive and responded to every request, and the WiFi on board was a nice bonus. Gran Amazon Expedition was an amazing cruise, with great service and food quality. My only small suggestion would be to provide more announcements or information updates. The excursions are quite mild, so anyone wanting a more immersive experience might want to arrive in Manaus earlier and explore through other tour options.

The food was plentiful and outrageously delicious, and the staff made us feel right at home. They were accommodating, friendly, and fun. We've taken plenty of cruises, and this Grand Amazon expedition Cruise is right up at the top compared with the others. A big thank you to the whole crew.