Cruises To the Amazon River on Ocean Cruising Ships 2024 & 2025

A cruise on the Amazon River can be a cruise of a lifetime. An opportunity to sail through along the Amazon River, experience Brazil, see pink dolphins in the wild and maybe even hold a sloth. You may think the only way to cruise on the Amazon River is on a small river boat with a hammock as a bed. While that is an option there are lots of ways to cruise on the Amazon River, and many of the major luxury ocean cruise lines as well as one premium line offer Amazon River Cruises in 2024 and 2025.

Cruises that sail along the Amazon River are not common place among cruise lines. They are not nearly as common as a cruise to the Caribbean, Alaska, or the Mediterranean. Instead cruises to the Amazon River are often part of larger cruises – like a grand voyage or a cruise around the world. There are a few Amazon river cruises that are specific to the Amazon though – meaning that they are roundtrip from the same port and not a segment of a longer cruise. Cruises on the Amazon River in 2024 are far more common among the luxury cruise market but every once and awhile there is one from a premium line as well. Whichever way you decide to cruise on the Amazon River you can’t go wrong experiencing this wonder of nature.

*As an Amazon Affiliate I may earn a commission based on eligible purchases.*

---

What Can You Expect On a Cruise on the Amazon River?

Before sailing on an Amazon river cruise I had images in my mind of a jungle right outside my window. While there were various parts of the river that was true for the most part this river is wide enough that while you can feel the difference between sailing on the ocean and sailing on the Amazon and you can see land on either side of you nearly all of the time, you don’t feel like you are right in the jungle.

The water was considered “white water” – and it had the muddy, silty, mixed up look of white water. In this case I’m not talking about the same kind of white water in white water rafting. No, this white water isn’t due to the choppiness of the water but rather the muddy, cloudy color of the water in much of the Amazon River. The color is made up of the heavy sediment load within the water. It took a little getting used to after spending years cruising in the beautiful waters of the Caribbean and Mediterranean to then sailing over this brownish water. And, that muddy looking water beneath us makes up an astonishing 20% of the freshwater discharged into the ocean comes from the Amazon River.

Sailing along this river you are in the Amazon Rainforest, with so many different creatures, so much lush greenery, and on a river that changes its course throughout the year.

There will be giant bugs and insects along the outside decks of the ship in a variety of shapes and colors. Even as someone that doesn’t like insects I must admit it was interesting to see so many different varieties. I was also surprised to have not been bitten by many bugs (or any bugs) while cruising along the Amazon River. This was likely due to the time of year – late November and early December – as its conventionally always recommended to wear bug repellent. And, in fact, it’s because of the bugs (mosquitos) in the Amazon River basin that everyone onboard was required to have a Yellow Fever vaccine.

---

What Ports Are There on Cruises to the Amazon River in 2024 & 2025?

There are a somewhat standard set of ports for Amazon River cruises on an ocean cruise ship. It is a mix of cities like Manaus, and villages like Boca da Valeria. Some ports are stopped at because of the excursions they offer to see alligators or pink dolphins (Macapa and Santarem respectively). Some ports, such as Paritins, are known for something very specific. In the case of Paritins it is known for a local show called “Boi Bumba”, showcasing some of the acts similar to those seen in Carnivale. Or places like Alter do Chao have lovely beaches.

The ports that seem to come up again and again for most major cruises on the Amazon River are:
– Manaus (often an overnight port)
– Paritins
– Boca da Valeria
– Macapa
– Santarem
– Alter do Chao

Most of the Amazon river cruises in Brazil will include stops similar to the map below. The exact route that the ship will take to get to each port is likely to change on different voyages though depending on the time of year, the depth of the river, and the advice of the local pilot.

You can see how far inland a cruise on an ocean cruise ship along the Amazon River goes and it gives you an idea of how big this river is – the largest river by volume in the world and is either the longest or second longest river (behind the Nile) depending on where you define the “source” or start of the river to be. The river is believed to be about 4,000 miles whereas the Nile is 4,132. Britannica.com has a lot of great articles on the Amazon River for those interested.

---

Plan On Lots of Tender Ports on Amazon River Cruises

The majority – if not all of the ports – that you will visit while on the Amazon River will be tender ports. In the case of the voyage I just completed that included our overnight in Manaus. A tender is a small boat – usually one of the life boats from the cruise ship – that is used to bring guests from the ship to the shore. These are used for a number of reasons such as it being too shallow by the pier, lack of pier, or that there is no pier space available.

Guests with mobility challenges may not be able to get off of the ship on tender ports depending on the design of the tendering operation of the cruise ship and the tender boats themselves. If you have mobility challenges it is best to talk with the cruise line about the specific tendering procedure for the cruise ship you are sailing on.

Want to know more about tendering? Check out this post: What is a Cruise Ship Tender?

---

Which Cruise Lines Go to the Amazon River in 2024 & 2025 & How Long Are Cruises on the Amazon?

For this list we will only be looking at ocean based cruise lines going to the Amazon river and not those that specialize in river cruises.

You’ll notice this list is comprised almost exclusively of luxury brands with only one premium cruise line offering cruises along the Amazon River. This is likely for a few reasons.

The first of which is the size of the ships. Very large cruise ships would likely not be able to make it up the Amazon River or would only be able to go very specific times of year depending on rainfall. This is because while this river is massive it’s not always that deep. Many of the large ships would run aground.

Another reason is the length of the voyage. To be able to go in and out of the Amazon river at minimum is 2 weeks. To go along the river as far in as Manaus and then come back out – while making stops at other ports – will take about 10 days within the River itself. Longer cruises tend to be more attractive to those guests looking at the more upscale cruise market. So, while some mainstream cruise lines might have some loyal cruisers that would enjoy a cruise like this, it’s very off-brand of what they typically offer their guests and the bulk of their cruising demographic wouldn’t be interested.

Kindly note the below is a sampling of cruises to the Amazon River and is not meant to be a definitive list. Cruise lines may also add cruises to what’s available for cruises to the Amazon. This list is meant to be a starting point for those interested in looking at itineraries, pricing, and excursions on some of the best Amazon cruises.

Cruises on the Amazon River range from 18 nights up to full world cruises of over 100 nights long. If your focus is cruising on the Amazon though, the average range is around 18-30 days.

Amazon Luxury Cruises 2024 & 2025

All Amazon Cruises

Azamara Cruises to the Amazon

Azamara Cruises –Azamara Journey, 25 nights, February 2025, $7,427 per person

Oceania Amazon Cruises

All Oceania Amazon River Cruises
Oceania Cruises – Sirena – Roundtrip Miami – 24 nights – January 2025, $5,299 per person
Oceania Cruises – Nautica – Roundtrip Miami – 24 nights – November 2024, $13,849 per person
Oceania Cruises – Insignia – Miami Roundtrip – 25 nights, November 2025, $6,199 per person

Regent Seven Seas Amazon River Cruises

All Regent Seven Seas
Regent Seven Seas – Seven Seas Voyager – Rio De Janeiro to Miami – 21 nights
Regent Seven Seas – Seven Seas Mariner – Miami Roundtrip – 24 nights, November 2024, $12,894
Regent Seven Seas – Seven Seas Navigator – Miami Roundtrip – 24 nights

Seabourn Amazon Cruises

All Seabourn Cruises to the Amazon River
Seabourn Cruises – Venture – Manaus to Ushuaia – October 2025 – 40 night, $37,199 per person
Seabourn Cruises – Venture – Manaus to Rio de Janeiro – October 2025

Silversea Amazon River Cruises

All Silversea Cruises On the Amazon River
Silversea Cruises – Silver Ray

Viking Amazon River Cruises

All Viking Cruises On the Amazon River
Viking Sea – December 2024

Premium Cruise Lines Cruising on the Amazon River in 2024

Holland America Line Amazon River Cruises

All Holland America Line Cruises to the Amazon River
Holland America Line 2025 Amazon River Cruise – Zaandam – Fort Lauderdale, Florida Roundtrip – 27 days – February 8, 2025
Holland America Line 2025 Amazon River Cruise – Volendam – Fort Lauderdale Roundtrip – November 2025 – $6,809 per person

Best Amazon Cruises

The best of anything is subjective and it’s hard to compare these cruises apples to apples when each cruise line in itself offers a different experience. So, we’re going to look at this based on the itinerary these Amazon River cruises offer to create our list of Best Amazon Cruises 2023-2025:

Best Amazon Cruise Itinerary Overall

Why Are These Itineraries Among the “Best Amazon Cruise Itinerary Overall”:

So many chances to go to the Amazon River involve a long flight to somewhere in South America or joining in for part of a longer cruise. These itineraries are just under a month long and is a standalone voyage – giving you a great chance to get to know the other guests onboard over that month as well as the crew – and it is roundtrip from Florida.

I also like that the starting price point for these voyages are a bit more accessible. I don’t want to belittle the expense that is there – around $6,000 per person and a month away from home is a lot of money and a big time commitment – but to cruise on the Amazon River on a major cruise line this is a great stepping stone to get to explore the region.

Oceania Amazon River Cruise

• Sirena
• 24 Days
• November 28, 2023
• Roundtrip from Miami, Florida
• Prices Starting at $5,808.82

Amazon River Ports Visited:

• Santarem
• Boca da Valeria
• Manaus – Overnight
• Paritins
• Alter do Chao
• + 2 Days sailing the Amazon River
• + 8 Caribbean Ports

Holland America Line Amazon River Cruise 2024

• Zaandam
• 28 Days
• February 8, 2025
• Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Prices Starting at $4,979

Amazon River Ports Visited:

• Macapa
• Santarem
• Boca da Valeria
• Manaus – Overnight
• Paritins
• Alter do Chao
• + 4 Days sailing the Amazon River
• + 7 Caribbean Ports
  • Including Devil’s Island

Best “Short” Itinerary Amazon River Cruise

Seabourn Amazon River Cruise 2023

• Seabourn Pursuit
• 14 Days
• October 10, 2023
• Barbados to Manaus
• Prices starting at $11,427

Amazon River Ports Visited:

• Macapa
• Alter do Chao
• Paritins
• Manaus
• + 4 Days Cruising on the Amazon including Seabourn’s “Amazon Experience”

---

What Currency Is Used on an Amazon River Cruise in Brazil?

While the Amazon River flows through a variety of South American countries, a cruise along the Amazon River through one of the ocean going cruise lines will stop at ports in Brazil. Many places in Brazil will accept the US dollar; however, the local currency is Brazilian Real. As of this writing (January 2023) it is about 5 Real to 1 USD.

The larger ports, like Manaus, have places to do currency exchange in the port terminal. When exchanging directly at the port you will not get the best rate. What you see on Google is not going to be the same as what you get. The difference won’t be that much but it will be noticeable. You may have better luck with an ATM depending on what fees are charged to you. Places in the busier cities will take credit card and you may luck into a better conversion rate using your card. However, you should not rely on being able to use your credit card ashore throughout the stops on the Amazon River in Brazil! Many stores and nearly all small vendors will not take credit cards. Cash, whether it be US dollars or Brazilian Real, is king in this jungle.

Kindly note that onboard most cruise lines operate in US dollars – there are exceptions to this depending on where the cruise line you sail on is based out of though.

---

What Vaccines Do You Need for Cruises to the Amazon River?

Vaccine requirements may vary between cruise lines for your cruise on the Amazon River in 2024 & 2025; however, most Amazon river cruises will require all guests to have a Yellow Fever vaccine and most guests to have a COVID vaccine.

The Yellow Fever vaccine needs to be administered at least 10 days before traveling into the Amazon River although some cruise lines will require it to be at least 14 days in advance. This vaccine is only required once and you will be given a booklet or other form of proof of vaccination for Yellow Fever. Make sure to keep that book safe.

In the United States many pharmacies offer the Yellow Fever vaccine. However, as there are sometimes shortages of it if you are thinking of doing an a cruise along the Amazon River or going to any of the places where a Yellow Fever vaccine is recommended it makes sense to get the shot as soon as possible. This will help prevent disappointment when that amazing cruise deal pops up and you realize you can’t go because you can’t get a vaccine appointment soon enough.

---

What Should I Pack for a Cruise On the Amazon River in 2024 & 2025?

Cruising along the Amazon is similar to cruising in the Caribbean for temperature – maybe even a little warmer still as you’ll be right along the equator for a fair bit of your journey. Plan on it being hot and humid. With that there are the standard things you should pack, like sunscreen, a hat, and some loose fitting long sleeve and long pant clothing to help both prevent bug bites but also sunburn. As you are cruising on the Amazon, insect repellent is definitely recommended.

Other top items would be binoculars and a good camera. The river is close, but as there are sections that are miles wide you will see so much more if you bring binoculars. And, if you want a picture of what you see so far away bring a camera with a decent zoom lens on it.

I would also recommend having a tote bag or bag pack of some sort for going ashore. Most everywhere in Brazil still will hand you a plastic bag with pretty much every purchase so a bag to put your purchases in will help reduce the number of plastic bags you use. However, you’ll want to be careful with your valuables ashore as pickpockets and people that will just steal your backpack are not uncommon.

Top Items for an Amazon Cruise Packing List 2024 & 2025:

Want more packing tips? Check out this page on my top travel packing tips.

---

What Did I Think About Cruising on the Amazon River?

Have you ever been somewhere and thought “Wow. It’s so cool that I’m here!” and then after the cool factor of being there wore off you were like, “Oh, I thought it’d be more exciting”? That’s a little bit how I felt while cruising on the Amazon River. I need to quickly add though that because my life takes me all around the world all of the time (in the past 12 months I’ve been to 20 or so countries) it sometimes takes away the awe of different places. I need to stop and remind myself to smell the roses, so to speak. I get all of these incredible experiences that for most people might actually be a “once in a lifetime” experience, but I am experiencing so many of these “once in a lifetime” experiences that it doesn’t feel so rare anymore. So, with that big caveat in mind, what did I think about an Amazon River cruise?

It was wonderful to cruise on the Amazon River. I found how wide the river is surprising. It can also be very shallow. At one point there was only about 4 feet between the bottom of the ship and the muddy bottom of the river below us. There are also places that you can’t pass through at night because there’s too much risk of running aground – that ended up changing our itinerary as we weren’t allowed to leave Manaus because we would cross one particularly shallow section overnight.

It was really beautiful to be able to look out at the lushness of the jungle around you all day long and I really loved the ports where you could wander and be in nature. While I love looking out at the open ocean there was something incredible about having the Amazon rainforest on either side of the ship. Along the river you’re at the bottom of the Amazon River basin and this area is quite flat. When I had thought of the Amazon rainforest my mind had it being more mountainous.

The ports were largely what I expected. The smaller ports were similar to other small ports around the world – I think it most closely reminded me of visiting some of the islands and lesser visited islands of the South Pacific region. There is poverty but there is also beautiful architecture and nice people. There were a few stops when you would walk by the shops people would be “encouraging” you to go in. The people asking us to go in the shops never felt unsafe, it’s just a more in-your-face version of advertising than I personally like. For those that have travelled a lot I would say that it is less intrusive than in Kusadasi, Turkey or in Jamaica, but some of the ports were at least on par with the kind of hassling that you’d find in the Caribbean or Mexico. I would likely think twice about going ashore by myself at night.

Nearly every voyage in this region cruises to Manaus. When our cruise stopped in Manaus we were there for an overnight. The first evening when we got off the ship it felt a bit dodgy. We decided to walk one block more. Then after we walked that block we could see some Christmas lights, so we decided to walk one more block still. After that we found this beautiful area right in front of the opera house full of Christmas lights and Christmas decorations. I’m glad that we didn’t let the initial feelings of unease stop us from exploring this city a bit more. There is a lot of beauty to be found in Manaus. We then found a lovely restaurant for dinner and had a fabulous evening.

The next day I went ashore with some coworkers and took a tour of the Opera House. The Opera House was built during the rubber boom in the late 1800’s.

Note: If you are a crew member, there was a crew discount for the tour of the Opera House. Haven’t heard for crew discounts? Here are 10 Things To Know Before Working on a Cruise Ship

Most everyone’s favorite port when visiting the Amazon is Boca De Valeria. I am not sure I would say it was my favorite stop, but it was great to be able to get off the ship and nearly immediately be in nature. It’s a very small village where guests can take boats (for about $5) up some of the small tributaries of the river with a local guide. These boats are an adventure and it’s best to keep an adventurous mind about it. Stories of boats breaking down and having to borrow engines from other boats are not uncommon. They’ll get you back to the tender and they don’t go that far up the river so don’t be worried about taking them. It’s important to keep an adventurous mind about it.

This is also the port where I met my new sloth friend. There are quite a few kids walking around with sloths that you can give them a little bit of money to hold. I paid one dollar (USD) to hold Slothy for a few minutes. There are also lots of kids that will try to hold your hands and walk you around the island. This isn’t just to be cute – if you hold their hand and they guide you around at all they are expecting some amount of money.

There are some local crafts for sale on this island and there is even a “bar”. The bar is a small open air building with beer in a cooler or beer from a cooler in a little field with some chairs. Don’t expect a Senor Frogs here. Nope, everything is pretty small but it gets you into the jungle and right into this small village.

I enjoyed being on a cruise on the Amazon. If I was to go again I would want to go on a tour to see pink dolphins and go piranha fishing – not because I have any interest in catching piranha’s, but because I think it would be interesting to explore the area more. There’s a lot to discover within the Amazon and I’m incredibly lucky to have been able to experience and do a bit of exploring in this region.

---

Final Thoughts on Cruising on the Amazon

This is a fantastic journey to go on! If an Amazon River cruise has been on your list, you can’t go wrong seeing it while experiencing the leisure and comfort of a cruise ship. Go explore the streets of Brazil and head back onboard in the evening for a delicious dinner. Or get a delicious (potentially adventurous) dinner ashore! If this cruise is something you are interested in I would recommend working with a travel advisor to find the best cruise and cruise line for you.