Lirio

We canceled our cruise for Alaska with Silversea. We should have made more research before booking. I was expecting a different cruise. We had a D2D, tours included. Many tours (included or suggested) were fully booked or waitlisted. I felt uncomfortable to pay for tours that I can not book because they are full. I tried to book tours independently but must tour operators I got in contact with was fully booked. Alaska mainstream area, as far as I understood, is crowded during the season and the itinerary planned by Silversea is all about these areas. Juneau, in the day that we would be there, another 7 cruises will be there! Some big ships. I found good options for expedition cruises with Hurtigruten and Lindblad, but unfortunately the schedules were not suitable for ours. So, no cruise in 2024! Instead we are doing a road trip around Portland and Seattle. Meantime in Auckland, last night at my daughter´s house. What else can I desire? At hotel lobby, a train made of chocolate.

Today is Labor Day in Brazil, so no need to work from Auckland and I went to the Auckland Museum to see a photography exhibition with the first photos taken in NZ. Very nice. Then walking around in the park, buying some groceries and a lazy afternoon.

Pullman Auckland. As I stay long periods (this time 45 days) I prefer it because it has apartments fully equiped with kichten and laundry, and it is centre located. And more important, has a very good room rate for long stays!

From the balcony....

Finally in Auckland in my favorite hotel......During the flight an amazing experience I would like to share. The flight is Rio de Janeiro (4 hours) to Santiago (2 hours on ground) to Auckland (12 hours). After Auckland (with 2 hours on ground) more 4 hours up to Sydney-Australia. My mission finished in Auckland. Just behind us in the 1st leg we noticed 2 senior ladies which seems mother and daughter. We noticed that the flight attendants were very keen to the ladies. Right before we landed in Santiago, one flight attendant mention, for the surprise of all business class passengers (just 3 rows with 4 seats in each row), that the mother is 102 years old and a frequently flyer! We arrived in Santiago and went straight to the Latam Lounge (very, very good) and later arrived in the gate for embarkation to find the 2 ladies preparing to board. I could not believe that the 102 years old lady would face more 12 hours in a plane! Well, we chatted a bit and not only the 12 hours, but all the way to Sydney where she lives. And the daughter told me that a month ago they were in Egypt. The mother loves to travel! Immediately I advised my daughter that is the new target for us!

starting the long joyrney from Rio to Auckland!

I have no idea why Silversea chose Fortaleza. It is a windy beach city, which is nice for kite surfing or wind surfing, does anyone in the cruise would do that? And the beaches aren’t very beautiful. There are great beaches at about 200 km, but does it worth visiting them as day trip. I consider that it is not a good idea at all. I am sorrow you didn’t have great days in Brazil. Should you ever come to Brazil again, there are great things that deserves visiting. I would be pleased to tell.

The rainy period or strong convective activity in the Amazon region is between November and March, while the dry period (without great convective activity) is between the months of May and September. The months of April and October are months of transition between one regime and another.

I only visited Paraguay once when I stayed 1 day in Assuncion, the capital. But we know a lot of Paraguay because of a war. The Paraguayan War, when a dictator from Paraguay decided that Paraguay must have access to the Atlantic Ocean and invaded Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. it was 1864, the war lasted up to 1870 and was won by Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. This was a bloody war. The Paraguay was almost complete destroyed and half the population dyed. Brazil lost 50k, Argentina 18k and Paraguay about 150k (there is a huge debate about this number from Paraguay).

The day we are schedule there are 8 ships due........Almost everything is fully booked.

I hope and pray that SS management will see all these posts before sep. when I will cruise Alaska on the Muse. Will see and take an action! 🙏

I can’t believe you went all the way down to SP and then to Manaus. There are flights from Miami or Panamá to Manaus. Not many, but it would be easier. I like this hotel, and the restaurant is quite good for Manaus standards. I hope you enjoy.

I am also looking for alternatives in Valdez. The good cruise tours are all fully booked.

After the Alaska cruise in September, I am going to Portland for a conference. I will have plenty of time to touring around. Any recommendation will be welcomed.

Are you in Manaus already?