The Iberostar Gran Amazon – Amazonia
Come and sail on the River Negro, Solimoes and Amazon and enjoy luxury service on board an ecological flotel. Mild temperatures will help you soak up the surrounding nature, while the local gastronomy will whet your appetite for a dream holiday.
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This hotel ship is certainly the best way to discover the vast wealth of the Amazon jungle without giving up the comfort of a luxury hotel. We are overcome by a whirlwind of feelings when we step onto the deck of the Iberostar Gran Amazon as it leaves behind the historic Manaus quayside and a multitude of bustling stevedores, passengers and cargos heading off to different destinations.
After we’ve cast off from the quay (the focal point of all commercial traffic and a place that great wealth to the city in a bygone age), Alex Melo, the ship’s director, welcomes us on board with a cocktail.
Once in the cabin, and before an invigorating shower, we savour some fruit and listen to the quiet murmur of the ship as it ploughs its furrow. It’s time to relax and for the unforgettable experiences of the next few days.
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The adventure begins with an exploration of the ship’s five decks. A total of 74 cabins are divided between the two passenger decks (Tambaqui and Acará), with the others situated on the main deck next to Reception, the Lua Bar and the ship’s nightclub. A little higher up, the deck is reserved for the unique spectacle of dawn and dusk, which can be appreciated with a coffee, cocktail or a variety of fruit juices. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of time to swim in the pool, relax in the Jacuzzi, laze in the sun or sip something refreshing on the terrace of the Tucano Bar. However, to get the true flavour of the divine regional cuisine, we have to go down to the Kuarup Restaurant, where we have a dilemma. Do we choose from the constantly replenished full buffet with its excellent fish, or do we pick something from the a la carte menu in which Chef Cláudio Procópio presents an expert combination of Amazon delicacies and international French-style gastronomy?
Then, with our senses all awares, we join our fellow guests in a variety of daily activities which are always led by professional guides who combine friendliness and a willingness to overcome small challenges with a variety of adventures, be it the unusual sport of piranha fishing using small pieces of meat as bait, or the observation (and contact!) with porpoises and small caimans. And there are also walks along the igapós (areas that are flooded when the river bursts its banks). Finally, it’s also worth seeing the phenomenon created by the meeting of the black water of the River Negro with the muddy water of the River Solimões. Because of their differing densities, these waters never mix. The mysteries of nature and the excitement of those witnessing what local people appropriately call the meeting of the waters.
Porto de Manaus
€272 – €525
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By Paulo Portugal
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