As far as I can tell Viking River Cruises has not yet discovered the Amazon. It is a pity because there is so much to see. Fortunately, for us, Holland America does cruise the Amazon and on three cruises we have had the opportunity to visit six river ports, several of them twice. Volendam can travel 1000 miles up river to Manaus where commercial shipping stops.

There is a bridge on the Rio Negro that keeps larger ships from going up the river but the Captain says the main reason navigation stops there is that is where the charts end. Dredging stops at Manaus and the government does not take regular soundings on the river to keep track of shifting sandbars. The smaller boats, with shallower drafts and their slung hammocks go further.

One of the things I enjoy is seeing the different river craft. Some of them are homemade, some are combi vessels, with a drop down front for cars and a rear for passengers.

Many of the boats are covered but open with hooks so you can sling your hammock. One person I spoke with said “All you need is a hammock and a toothbrush. They provide fresh grilled fish and fruit.” Several times I have thought this would be an interesting way to see the river, with a breeze lightly swinging your hammock, but then there are those bugs at night.

I also enjoy seeing all the small craft that ply the amazon, canoes with paddles or motor, pontoon boats and skiffs. Here is a gallery of river boat photos.