Hiddy, sorry. I mean, we do the write-up to help others, as some did for us before we when. We answer questions, as others did, that helped us. You will see some helpless questions coming out of me too. We all can use a hand once in awhile. I only pointed out that the several hundred hours researching a trip and going, is not enhanced by having to take notes through the trip and then giving a detailed report to others. The reward is in the payback and the "pay it forward"

Lovecraft, you are right, the Rio de la Plata is a very wide river. Functionally, for a ship the size of the Amsterdam and many of the merchant ships, the river is very narrow because of its limited depth in many area. We literally could through a rock to some of the ships we passed in our trip.

2travelfar, please be aware that the Rio IC is a long way away from Rio, if that is important to you. You may or may not find our experience similar to yours, if you go. Please note, however, that facts are facts and opinions are opinions. We gave both. Use them as it fits your needs and economics. We have stayed in much worse places!!!! ..but never twice!