Amazon Cruise Sales Guide
Superior Travel in the Amazon- The Greatest Wilderness on Earth
This long page is full of detailed information about enrolling passengers on our Amazon cruises. You can also download the document, from the link in the menu to the left.
The M/Y Tucano is a very comfortable and elegant vessel, but what really counts is the experience of the cruise. Our cruises are superior in that travelers are able to have the very best experience possible in an Amazon cruise. We explore true remote forests, our group size is small, our guides have deep expertise, and we bring authoritative knowledge to rainforest wildlife. Our superior cruises are the most authentic in all of the Amazon.
These links are found on this page:
7 Night Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon
4 Night Amazon Odyssey
Booking Details for Our Cruises
About Our Amazon Cruises: Our cruises are the most informative, active, and authentic trips in the Amazon. Why?
A) Authentic and Active Program: Our trips go beyond the tourist experience of most trips to the Amazon. We visit areas that are not visited by other groups. We see creatures that are almost never seen on other Amazon trips. The program is also active with several excursions off the boat every day. Every morning we walk in the forest. But there is no difficulty for older travelers because when we go into the forest we divide into small groups each with a private guide and woodsman.
B) Small Groups: We fill a maximum of 9 cabins on our cruises. With this small group, the trip is more focused on the rainforest and importantly travelers can spend more time with the guides which makes it a much better experience.
C) Comfortable Vessel and High Quality Service: Though not a luxury vessel, the M/Y Tucano is a comfortable and well appointed expeditionary vessel. All the cabins are outside cabins with private baths and air-conditioning. The vessel has the style and elegance of lots of polished brass and highly varnished woodwork. We have a large crew that keeps the vessel clean and helps travelers in every way possible to enjoy the trip.
D) Highly Skilled Guides: Our guides are some of the very best in the Amazon. They are skilled bilingual naturalists and their experience helps passengers unlock the secrets of the magnificent wildlife of the rainforest.
Our Two Amazon Cruises
1. (8D/7N) Amazon Expedition Cruise, Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon
This is a true expedition cruise with 7 full days and 7 nights of deep forest exploration. With this amount of time to explore, a good boat, a skilled crew, and adventurous passengers, we venture far into the Amazon rainforest wilderness in search of wildlife.
See the detailed information below.
Where This Trip Begins and Ends:
Embark: Saturday, Day 1: Passengers meet our guide at 07:00AM in the reception area of the Hotel Tropical, Manaus, Brasil.
Disembark: Saturday, Day 8: Passengers disembark at the Hotel Tropical at 07:00AM. It is possible by prearrangement for guests to disembark the previous evening to catch early flights.
2013 Cruise Dates: Jan 05-12, Jan 19-26, Feb 02-09, Feb 23- Mar 02, Mar 09-16, Mar 23-30, Apr 06-13, Apr 20-27, May 04-11, May 18-25, Jun 08-15, Jun 22-29, Jul 06-13, Jul 20-27, Aug 03-10, Aug 17-24, Aug 31 - Sep 07, Sep 21-28, Oct 05-12, Oct 19-26, Nov 02-09, Nov 16-23, Dec 21-28
2014 Cruise Dates: Jan 04-11, Jan 18-25, Feb 01-08, Feb 22- Mar 01, Mar 08-15, Mar 22-29, Apr 05-12, Apr 19-26, May 03-10, May 17-24, Jun 14-21, Jun 28-Jul 05, Jul 12-19, Jul 26-Aug 02, Aug 09-16, Aug 23-30, Sep 13-20, Sep 27-Oct 04, Oct 11-18, Oct 25- Nov 01, Nov 08-15, Nov 22-29, Dec 06-13, Dec 20-27
Cruise Cost, Rack Rate, 2013:
Green Category Cabins (per person, double): $3,250
Yellow Category Cabins (per person, double): $3,600
Cruise Cost, Rack Rate, 2014:
Green Category Cabins (per person, double): $3,450
Yellow Category Cabins (per person, double): $3,800
Price Includes: Price is per person, double occupancy. Price includes accommodations, and meals as indicated in the itinerary. Prices and itineraries are subject to change without notice. Bottled water served free of charge. On joining the group on Day One, passengers board the vessel on a short walk from the lobby of the Hotel Tropical.
Prices Do Not Include: Not included are airport transfers, airfare, departure taxes, visa fees, soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, or items of a personal nature.
Cabin Categories: All of the cabins on Tucano are outside cabins with large windows, private baths with showers, and air-conditioning.
Green Category Cabins: The four cabins in this category have above and below berths with a single size mattress above and a single sized mattress below. These are cabins numbered 1, 2, 7, and 8. These cabins are significantly smaller than the Yellow cabins. But they are nonetheless comfortable outside cabins with large windows, private bathrooms, and air-conditioning.
Yellow Category Cabins: The five cabins in this category are large and have beds side by side. They are numbered 3, 4, 5, 6, and 0.
***Optional Single Occupancy: No single supplement is charged if a single traveler is willing to share a cabin with another passenger. Passengers that request single accommodations pay a single supplement of 50% of the Green Category cruise cost. Single accommodations on the cruise may not always be available. The single cabins are the smallest on the vessel.
2. (5D/4N) Compact Amazon Cruise, The Amazon Odyssey
This compact cruise is especially good for travelers who have a multi-destination trip within Brasil. It offers the essence of Amazon culture and wildlife and an authentic experience.
Where This Trip Begins and Ends
Embark: Monday, Day 1: Passengers meet our guide at 04:00PM in the reception area of the Hotel Tropical, Manaus, Brasil.
Disembark: Friday, Day 5: Passengers disembark at the Hotel Tropical at 07:00am. It is possible by prearrangement for guests to disembark the previous evening to catch early flights.
2013 Cruise Dates: Jan 14-18, Jan 28-Feb 01, Mar 04-08, Mar 18-22, Apr 01-05, Apr 15-19, Apr 29-May 03, May 13-17, Jun 17-21, Jul 01-05, Jul 15-19, Jul 29- Aug 02, Aug 12-16, Aug 26-30, Sep 09-13, Sep 30- Oct 04, Oct 14-18, Oct 28- Nov 01, Nov 11-15, Nov 25-29, Dec 16-20, Dec 30 - Jan 03 (’14)
2014 Cruise Dates: Jan 13-17, Jan 27-Jan 31, Mar 03-07, Mar 17-21, Apr 14-18, May 12-16, May 26-30, Jun 09-13, Jun 23-27, Jul 07-11, Jul 21-25, Aug 04-08, Aug 18-22, Sep 22-26, Oct 06-10, Oct 20-24, Nov 03-07, Nov 17-21, Dec 15-19
Cruise Cost, Rack Rate, 2013:
Green Category Cabins (per person, double): $1,750
Yellow Category Cabins (per person, double): $1,950
Cruise Cost, Rack Rate, 2014:
Green Category Cabins (per person, double): $1,800
Yellow Category Cabins (per person, double): $2,100
Price Includes: Price is per person, double occupancy. Price includes accommodations, and meals as indicated in the itinerary. Prices and itineraries are subject to change without notice. Bottled water served free of charge. On joining the group on Day One, passengers board the vessel on a short walk from the lobby of the Hotel Tropical.
Prices Do Not Include: Not included are airport transfers, airfare, departure taxes, visa fees, soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, or items of a personal nature.
Cabin Categories: All of the cabins on Tucano are outside cabins with large windows, private baths with showers, and air-conditioning.
Green Category Cabins: The four cabins in this category have above and below berths with a single size mattress above and a single sized mattress below. These are cabins numbered 1, 2, 7, and 8. These cabins are significantly smaller than the Yellow cabins. But they are nonetheless comfortable outside cabins with large windows, private bathrooms, and air-conditioning.
Yellow Category Cabins: The five cabins in this category are large and have beds side by side. They are numbered 3, 4, 5, 6, and 0.
***Optional Single Occupancy: No single supplement is charged if a single traveler is willing to share a cabin with another passenger. Passengers that request single accommodations pay a single supplement of 50% of the Green Category cruise cost. Single accommodations on the cruise may not always be available. The single cabins are the smallest on the vessel.
Booking Details for Our Cruises
1) How to Reserve Places for FIT Passengers, give us a call or send a message:
Email: info@amazon-nature-tours.com
Tel: 001-401-423-3377
Skype: Vendas-ANT
a) Please give us passenger names as they appear on their passports.
b) Are they traveling as double or single occupancy? If a single, is the traveler willing to share a cabin?.
c) Which category of cabins do the travelers request, Green or Yellow?
d) Would the travelers like an optional hotel night prior to the cruise Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon (very strongly recommended)?
e) Would the travelers like an optional city tour after the cruise Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon?
2) Discounts for Children: On regular departures children 12 years and under who share a room with an adult are eligible for a discount of 50% off the Cruise Rate, subject to cabin availability.
3) Family Departures: All of our trips are family friendly, but the Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon has two “Family Departures” which include some additional activities for children. These departures are suitable for adults as well as children. Detailed information can be found on the following web page: amazon-family-cruises.html
4) Triple Cabins: Some of the cabins on the M/Y Tucano can accommodate three travelers. This is helpful for families. These are cabins “3” and “4” where a third narrow bed can be placed between the single beds and cabin “0” which has a queen size bed and also a single bed. There is no discount for triple occupancy, passengers pay the double rate.
5) Cabin Reservations: All of the cabins on Tucano are outside cabins with large windows, private baths with showers and air-conditioning. There are two categories of cabins: Green Category and Yellow Category (see boat description page 5).
Green Category Cabins: The four cabins in this category have above and below berths (bunk beds). These are cabins numbered 1, 2, 7, and 8. These cabins are significantly smaller than the Category Yellow cabins. They are nonetheless comfortable outside cabins with large windows, private bathrooms, and air-conditioning.
Yellow Category Cabins: The five cabins in this category are large and have beds side by side. They are numbered 3, 4, 5, 6, and cabin “0”. Cabin “0” has a queen size bed beside a single bed, but a very small bathroom.
6) Hotel Nights: We strongly recommend that passengers on our expedition cruise Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon spend one night in Manaus prior to the cruise. This is because the cruise boards early in the morning on Day One. A hotel night prior to the cruise Amazon Odyssey is not necessary, but offers a good chance for travelers to relax. On request, we can book reservations at the five star Hotel Tropical where the M/Y Tucano boards passengers. Rates subject to change.
Hotel Tropical, Manaus / Rack Rates: 2013
Rack Rates (USD) Dbl Sngl Triple Quad
Standard Room 100 190 N/A N/A
Superior Room 120 230 100 85
Deluxe Room 140 270 115 100
7) Airport Transfers: Transfers are offered at additional expense. We offer two types of transfers: Private Transfers and Regular Bus Transfers: Rates are per person per transfer in usd.
Private Transfers: are escorted by a bilingual guide and may include other travelers on the M/Y Tucano.
Rack Rates per pax per transfer 1px 2px 3+px
Airport - Hotel Tropical (or reverse) 80 50 35
Airport - Downtown Hotel (or reverse) 105 55 50
Regular Bus Transfers: Travelers originate on flights arriving at about the same time. May entail a wait of up to 40 minutes; this transfer is not escorted by a bilingual guide.
Rack Rates per pax per transfer 1px 2px 3+px
Airport - Hotel Tropical (or reverse) 25 25 25
Airport - Downtown Hotel (or reverse) 25 25 25
8) Optional City Tour of Manaus: A 3 hour tour of Manaus is available the Saturday that the cruise Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon ends. The tour consists of a visit to the boisterous Mercado Municipal of Manaus and the Teatro Amazonas, the famed Opera House of the Amazon. Included are the services of an English speaking guide, entrance fees and transportation to and from the Hotel Tropical. Most museums are closed on Sundays and holidays.
9) Administrative Procedure:
A) On receipt of the deposit we send a Confirmation Kit which includes the pre-departure booklet: “Expedition Notes”.
B) Passengers should complete the Trip Application and Preference Memo included with “Expedition Notes”.
C) Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
10) Payment and Cancellations: Each reservation must be guaranteed with a $300 non refundable deposit. Payment can be made by agency check, bank check, money order, or by wire transfer. Cancellations must be made in writing. If cancellation is received 61 days prior to departure all payments will be fully refunded except the $300 deposit per passenger. For cancellations between 60 and 45 days before departure, fifty percent of the total trip cost will be refunded. Less than 45 days before departure, no refund will be able to be made. Failure to secure a valid passport, visa, or air arrangements does not waive this refund policy. Inability to operate other side trips or schedule changes with side trips or flight schedules does not waive the refund policy. Refund policies are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for errors of emissions.
11) Airline Connections to Manaus, Brasil: Manaus is the most readily accessible city in the Amazon. There are many flights from the large cities within Brasil and international flights from the USA, Europe and other countries in South America.
European Travelers: Most travelers from Europe will arrive in Manaus via connecting flights from São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. There are many international carriers flying through these Brasilian gateways with connecting flights to Manaus.
United States Travelers: There are three carriers with direct service to Manaus, Brasil from the United States.
A) American Airlines: This carrier operates daily non-stop direct flights from Miami, Florida to Manaus, Brasil.
B) TAM Brazilian Airlines: This carrier operates daily non-stop direct flights from Miami, Florida to Manaus, Brasil.
C) COPA Airlines: This carrier has flights to Manaus connecting in Panama City. Connecting flights originate in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.
Flights from other countries in South America: There are several flights weekly from other countries in South America which can help in creating a flight itinerary that includes several destinations. There are several weekly flights to Manaus from on TAM Airlines from Caracas, Venezuela, and flights on COPA from Panama City which connect well with flights from Peru or Ecuador.
12) Visas: Most passengers with European passports do not need tourist visas to enter Brasil. Citizens of Canada and the United States are required to secure a tourist visa. Information and forms are included in our pre-departure booklet: “Expedition Notes”.
13) Electricity and Conservation: The electrical system on board the M/Y Tucano is 110 volt/ 60 cycle alternating current. In the interests of conservation, in the morning and for a short time in the afternoon we turn off the diesel generators and all other noise making machinery on the M/Y Tucano which includes the air-conditioning system. This is a good time to appreciate the wonderful stillness of the wilderness and the subtle natural sounds of the forest.
14) Sustainability
In many ways the M/Y Tucano and our cruise operations are designed to conduct sustainable tourism and to minimize the environmental impact of our cruises. The basic areas on which
we focus are waste management, energy conservation, and pollution control. All of our waste materials are returned to our city of departure, Manaus, Brasil. This includes all recyclable material which we separate on board the vessel. Where possible we avoid the use of disposable packaging.
In the realm of energy conservation we have equipment and procedures in place to conserve energy while at the same time retaining the comfort of our cruises. One of these measures is that, unless requested by the travelers, we change the cabin linens on board the vessel every other day instead of every day. This reduces the energy consumed in washing what are usually still clean linens. Two additional procedures are in place to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. First, we do not heat hot water 24 hours a day to be used in showers. Instead, we have “on-demand” water heaters installed in each cabin and we also have an auxiliary system with water that is solar heated.
Secondly, we have a policy of “low power hours” when we actually turn off all diesel consuming machines for certain hours of the day when they are not needed. This is done in the early morning and late afternoon when the boat is generally at anchor. The vessel remains comfortable even without electrical generation because it was designed to offer water, illumination, and climate control even without diesel generators operating. The M/Y Tucano actually has two completely separate water systems. This ensures that even when there are no generators functioning, the sinks, toilets and showers on the vessel continue to function.
Because the vessel has large windows, travelers are able to use natural lighting during the day which eliminates the need to generate power for illumination. All but a very few of the light bulbs on the vessel are fluorescent which greatly reduces power consumed. When it comes to climate control, the M/Y Tucano has an efficient air-conditioning system functioning in the heat of the day and at night. But even during the low power hours of the day, the cabins stay cool because the vessel is well thermally insulated. All of the windows on the vessel open and close and we have a practice of opening the windows in the public spaces in the cool of the afternoon. Many travelers choose to turn off the air-conditioning for the duration of the trip. Together these measures enable us to greatly reduce fuel consumption and emission of pollutants.
Our cruise procedures also include a number of measures to encourage sustainable conduct in the rainforest. We observe a zero impact policy which includes not removing anything from the forest, leaving nothing behind, staying on defined trails, not creating new trails, keeping noise to a minimum, and leaving no waste behind. We take considerable measures not to disturb creatures that we observe including not getting too close, leaving an area if an animal becomes disturbed, not handling creatures that we encounter. We recycle our waste, we haul our trash back to landfills in the city, and we use as many natural products as possible.