International Expeditions will charter a Peruvian Amazon ship,
the 38-passenger Zafiro, beginning in December. The Zafiro will do a 10-day
itinerary.
The Zafiro launched in 2015 and is owned by a Peruvian
company. It features staterooms ranging from 226 square feet to the
480-square-foot Zafiro suite with a Jacuzzi tub.
Cabins are outfitted with California king-size beds, and
panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows and/or balconies. The public areas include
an indoor lounge, an outdoor bar, a Jacuzzi, a dining room, a massage room and
a gym.
The vessel will sail along the Pacaya-Samiria National
Reserve, where guests will spot wildlife, hike into the rainforest, and fish
for piranha. There are more than 130 species of birds in the region, as well as
pink and gray river dolphins, sloths and nocturnal animals. There will also be
opportunities to explore the waterways on two-person kayaks.
The crew of 25 includes a cruise director and local
naturalist guides. They will be joined by an International Expeditions
expedition leader.
Pricing for 2018 departures starts at $5,348 per person and
includes daily excursions; complimentary cocktails, wine, beer and soft drinks;
most meals, transfers and pre-cruise accommodations in Lima.
The new charter deal follows a fatal fire that occurred last year
onboard La Estrella Amazonica,
a vessel chartered by International Expeditions. Two passengers were killed.
The story was featured on ABC's "Good Morning America" in mid-July
and during a more in-depth "Nightline" segment that same week.