5 Nights Western Caribbean From Galveston, TX Cruise

Douro River Cruising Delight_a personal experience

Hello! We sailed on the Emerald Radiance for 8 days on the Douro River, Portugal. It was a perfect trip. The boat was classy, modern, clean and everything functioned. They used quite a bit of electronics, such as displaying the daily schedule on the TV screen in our private cabins, the electronic room key was also used for monitoring the on-and-off boarding when joining land-touring. On land we each could use the listening device with ear buds, so we could follow the guide's explanations easily. The app QVtoGO was available to be installed on one's own mobile device. It commented on the region's features and hilights while passing them with the ship. This was delightful. Improvement needed with the QVtoGO app: each time you wanted to restart the app, you had to go back to the reception desk and scan the QR code in all over again...perhaps I misunderstood? The crew was friendly, competent, professional, efficient and knowledgeable, always helping and serving with a smile. The only feature that I truly missed, was a proper pool. The one on deck had the depth of a wading pool, very shallow, very small, non-functional for a nice swim. It was explained to me that they had to keep everything low in case the water level in the river rose, yet the ship still needed to pass under bridges. It makes sense. However, my suggestion is, add 3 feet to the pool's depth so that you can swim without hitting your knees at the bottom. Install an aqua jet , with an on and off switch, that you can swim against a current as long as you want. Otherwise, it was a fantastic trip, I can whole-heartedly recommend it. I want to thank the captain and his "wheel house" team, as well as the ship's staff for their loyal dedication and hard work. You did great!

Unforgettable Family Adventure on the Amazon with Aqua Nera

We went on an Amazon River cruise aboard the Aqua Nera in July, and it was truly an unforgettable experience for our family—me, my husband, and our four-year-old. From the moment we were picked up at the Iquitos airport to the time we were dropped off, everything was seamless and beautifully handled. The staff and crew were exceptional—incredibly warm, attentive, and thoughtful. It honestly felt like a home away from home. They went above and beyond to accommodate our needs: we always had regular milk on hand for our child, and as a vegetarian, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of plant-based options available. Every detail felt personalized and cared for. The guides were knowledgeable and kind, making every outing safe and exciting, even with a little one in tow. The excursions were unforgettable—we saw a 15-foot anaconda, alligators, countless exotic birds and fish, and even tried our hand at piranha fishing! The daily itinerary took us from early morning to night, filled with adventure, education, and awe. The ship itself was spotlessly clean and beautifully maintained. The rooms were comfortable, the views were breathtaking, and the food was simply phenomenal—some of the best we’ve ever had on a trip. What gave us so much peace of mind was knowing there was always a doctor on board, especially while traveling with a young child. This added layer of care made all the difference. I also love the fact that they enforced sustainability. We are already dreaming about trying their sister cruises in Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Galápagos. If you’re considering exploring the Amazon in Peru, I wholeheartedly recommend Aqua Nera. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines luxury, adventure, and heart. They also gave us to go bags for lunch on our way back home, how cool is that?

The amazing Amazon with Delfin

A friend once told me about cruising the Amazon and spotting pink river dolphins — ever since, this idea stayed in the back of my mind as something to include when visiting Peru. I'm so glad I did. We chose the 4-night cruise with Delfin and it truly delivered. I arrived with high expectations — and for the most part, they were met. The ship was only about 40% full during our trip, which likely made the already attentive service feel even more personalized and exceptional. We stayed in a corner suite, which was spacious and comfortable, though in truth, when not out on expeditions we spent most of our time up on the third deck, soaking in the panoramic views of the river and rainforest. The food onboard was a real highlight — consistently delicious, and always featuring a local touch, whether it was Amazonian fish, fruits, or jungle vegetables. But what makes this journey truly special is the expedition experience. The naturalist guides were incredible — knowledgeable, passionate, and gifted in their ability to spot wildlife that we would have otherwise missed completely. What impressed me most was how their excitement never seemed to fade. Every sighting, no matter how small, sparked genuine enthusiasm — and it was contagious. If you're considering a river cruise in the Amazon, I highly recommend Delfin. Just a note: the 4-night itinerary translates to three full days of exploration in the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. For that reason, I’d rethink the shorter 3-night version — it just wouldn’t be enough time to fully experience the magic of this place.