Luxury Amazon River Cruise

by John Webber

Explore the Amazonian Rain Forest on a Luxury Cruise

The new luxury cruise ship R/V Amazon Discovery, by Haimark Ltd., has begun its service into a world that is so rich in plant, mammal, reptile, bird, fish, and amphibian life that each of the 22 suites comes with floor-to-ceiling windows with telescopes.

Naturalists are part of the onboard crew to help you sight jungle creatures such as macaws, spider and capuchin monkeys, caimans, pink river dolphins, and manatees, and skiffs are launched daily into the rain forest to explore a hidden lagoon or to meet indigenous people like the Bora tribe.

While massive steel cruise ships might look out of place in the jungle, this three-deck vessel fits in quite well. It is made from sustainably harvested tropical woods and is kitted out with Peruvian tiles, textiles, and artwork bought from local villages.

Amenities include the onboard Rainforest Spa, which draws on the Amazon’s abundant natural resources, such as Yucamani stones, avocado, coffee, and cacao, for deluxe scrubs, wraps, and massages; and a plunge pool on the open-air Sun Deck, where you can partake in daytime yoga and nighttime pisco sours. Cabins start at 237 square feet, with the largest being the 597-square-foot Amazonia Suites, which come with wraparound windows as well as butler service.  @wbbrjp

The six-night expeditions sail round-trip from Iquitos, Peru. From $3,899/person, double occupancy

“Do not go where the path leads, travel instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

CIRPAC Travel / 1800-482-477 / 3407 W 6th Street, Los Angeles CA