Cruise line Aqua Expeditions is set to expand its fleet, with new destinations in the Indian Ocean. Inaugural departures are slated for December 2025 in the Seychelles and Zanzibar, Tanzania with four different itineraries. Expedition cruises will range from 5- and 9-night itineraries exploring Seychelles’ inner and outer islands respectively. These can be combined together for a comprehensive 14-night exploration of the Seychelles archipelago. These itineraries will rotate with 10- and 11-night sailings exploring both Seychelles and the Tanzanian islands. Guests can expect a super-yacht experience with an exclusive 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, personalised service, and small group expert-guided excursions. While sailing Seychelles and Tanzania with Aqua, guests will have the opportunity to visit biodiversity hotspots like, Aldabra, Cosmoledo, Astove, Furquhar Atol, Kilwa Kisiwani, and Pemba. The expedition cruises will also visit the African Banks which are rarely explored by other cruises in the region. Thanks to financing from the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, these new destinations will be served by an all-new ship. “It has always been a dream to venture into East Africa and explore this part of the world on a luxury expedition ship,” said founder and CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro. “I am so excited to finally be able to showcase to our past guests the beauty of the Indian Ocean.” In the past two decades Aqua has grown to eight destinations with three river ships and two superyachts. “At Aqua, we’ve always been inspired to visit destinations that are off the beaten track. It was inevitable that our journey would eventually bring us to Africa,” Galli Zugaro added. Further details about Aqua’s upcoming sixth vessel will be shared soon. 

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Luxury small-ship expedition cruise line Aqua Expeditions is introducing two new unique cruise itineraries in remote East Indonesia.  The nine-night and 12-night expedition cruises for 2025 come after high demand for an immersive journey into the Asmat region. This is home to pristine jungles, cave systems and Indigenous communities. Snorkelling and diving excursions unlock possible sightings of whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, and other rare wildlife. Private tenders will take guests into the jungle to explore local villages, and interact with members of the Asmat tribe. "This rarely seen corner of the world is bursting with natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural significance," said Francesco Galli Zugaro, CEO of Aqua Expeditions. “Through six limited edition sailings, we invite guests to embark on extraordinary adventures.”   Spice Islands, Raja Ampat, and West Papua Expedition (12 Nights) | One sailing only Dates: 11 Oct 2025 - 23 Oct 2025 This itinerary will explore three of Indonesia's most prized destinations: Spice Islands, West Papua, and Raja Ampat. Starting in Ambon, guests discover the rich colonial heritage of the Banda Islands. Next is the Koon group of islands, home to renowned snorkelling and diving sites with chances to spot hammerhead and leopard sharks. In the following days, the expedition explores famed Raja Ampat, known as the bullseye of biodiversity. Finally, the expedition heads to West Papua to discover the Kitikiti waterfall in Momon, the beaches of Cape Papisol, and the waters of Triton Bay.   West Papua and Asmat Tribe Expedition (9 Nights) | One sailing only Dates: 23 Oct 2025 - 1 Nov 2025 This 9-night sailing presents Aqua Blu's most comprehensive exploration of West Papua and Asmat. Starting in Kaimana, the expedition heads to the Kei Islands. Next, guests explore the Kitikiti waterfall in Momon and the beaches of Cape Papisol, before sailing the Arafura Sea and venturing deep into the remote Asmat region. The expedition heads deep into the jungle on private speedboats to discover local villages, home to one of Indonesia's most enigmatic indigenous communities. Finally, guests have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks at Triton Bay.   The first ever long-range ocean explorer yacht permanently based in East Indonesia, Aqua Blu was originally built as a British Royal Navy Explorer. It is equipped with top-of-the-line non-motorized water sport equipment including diving and snorkelling gear, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. The two new sailings join four additions launched last year, comprising of three seven-night sailings from Kaimana, and one twelve-night sailing from Kaimana to Sorong in Raja Ampat. The new itinerary takes guests deep into the Asmat jungle. Joining Aqua Blu's existing sailings around Raja Ampat, The Spice Islands and The Komodo National Park, the new itineraries will be available in 2025 

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Embark On An Expedition Cruise Along The Mekong River or The Peruvian Amazon with Aqua Expeditions

  This year cruising is back and better than ever before with river cruising in particular seeing a huge 118% increase in popularity since 2019, with expedition cruises increasing by a whopping 131%*. For the best luxury expedition river cruises in some of the world’s most remote, biodiverse and hard to reach destinations, look no further than Aqua Expeditions. With luxury voyages taking place in The Mekong travelling though Cambodia and Vietnam onboard Aqua Mekong and exploring the Peruvian Amazon onboard Aqua Nera and Aria Amazon, Aqua Expeditions is the perfect choice for an unforgettable river cruise.   Aqua Mekong: Mekong River, Cambodia & Vietnam   Charting a luxurious passage on Southeast Asia’s longest river across Cambodia and Vietnam, the 205-foot Aqua Mekong showcases award-winning modern design with comprehensive amenities such as a spa, gym, and river-facing plunge pool. The vessel’s 20 spacious suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows that offer ever-changing Mekong panoramas. For offshore excursions, the Mekong’s only fleet of private skiffs bring guests on small and highly personalized day trips led by expert local guides to landmarks, temples, and villages where tradition, spirituality and craftsmanship reside. The immersive cultural journey continues on board with locally inspired dining experiences crafted by Michelin-starred consulting chef David Thompson.   The itinerary for Aqua Mekong permits guests to visit earth’s unspoiled sanctuaries and connect with the area in a unique, authentic, and responsible way. Whether its walking through verdant plantations, tasting fruits in a local’s home, to the sounds of traditional folk song, admiring one of the largest Mahayana Buddhist temples in the region, witnessing the craftsmanship on Mekong’s ‘silk islands’ or exploring Phnom Peng by tuk-tuk, the itinerary is packed full of adventure, culture and wonder.   Starting from $4,230 per person for 3-nights, $5,640 per person for 4-nights and $9,870 per person for 7 nights (in double occupancy)   Aqua Nera: Amazon River, Peru   Setting a new standard for luxury river voyages on the Amazon, the 205-foot Aqua Neradraws inspiration from the Peruvian Amazon’s mystical black water lagoons, bearing thesignature style that Aqua Expedition ships are known for. The vessel’s 20 design suites convey a sense of tranquillity, while the social spaces showcase refined elegance with a touch of drama. Revel in personalized luxury while exploring the depths of the Peruvian Amazon and savouring rainforest-inspired cuisine created by renowned chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Expert naturalist guides conduct small group excursions, rewarding guests with up-close wildlife encounters in the world’s most biodiverse rainforest.   Starting from $4,335 per person for 3-nights, $5,780 per person for 4-nights and $10,115 per person for 7 nights (in double occupancy)   Aria Amazon: Amazon River, Peru   Aria Amazon is custom-built to explore the Peruvian Amazon and the Pacaya SamiriaNational Reserve in comfort with minimal impact to the delicate Amazonian environment.On board, 16 luxurious suites with floor-to-ceiling windows reveal majestic river and rainforest views. The top deck features stylish amenities and extensive social spaces that include a jacuzzi, lounge and bar. Savor a comprehensive dining menu created by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Peru’s most accomplished chefs, known for creating refined cuisine from native Amazonian produce. Excursions are conducted in small groups by highly experienced crew and naturalist guides, assuring guests of rewarding wildlife encounters.   Starting from $2,640 per person for 3-nights and $4,400 per person for 4-nights and $7,700 per adult for 7-nights.   A recognized global leader in luxury small-ship expeditions, Aqua Expeditions explores the world’s most biodiverse and culturally significant destinations aboard best-in-class vessels of stylish contemporary design. Expect tailored five-star itineraries, a highly exclusive 1:1 crew to-guest ratio with personalized service, world-class dining, and small group expert-guided activities and excursions, with a maximum of 16-40 guests per ship.   *2022 Virtuoso/YouGov Brand and Travel Trends Research

 

Amid Surging Demand for Peruvian Amazon Exploration

  Aqua Expeditions, recognized global leader in luxury small ship expeditions, is delighted to announce the addition of four new seven-night sailings, with options for 3- and 4-night sailings, on the acclaimed Aqua Nera in February 2024. The decision comes in response to the soaring demand for travel to Peru and the awe-inspiring Amazon rainforest, showcasing the company's commitment to offering exceptional experiences to its discerning guests.   For almost fifteen years, Aqua Expeditions has been navigating the remarkable Peruvian Amazon, and in 2021, they introduced the state-of-the-art Aqua Nera, complementing the existing vessel, Aria Amazon. The success of their river cruises has been acknowledged with the prestigious title of "World's Best River Cruise Line" by Travel + Leisure this year.   Francesco Galli Zugaro, Founder and CEO of Aqua Expeditions, expressed his enthusiasm for the resurgence of interest in the region, saying, “It is our absolute pleasure to release these additional Aqua Nera sailings in February, a month that sees the Amazon truly come to life with an abundance of opportunities for our guests to witness more unique wildlife than ever and take part in immersive cultural adventures and local festivities,   February is a magical time of year in Peru, marked by vibrant celebrations such as the Candeleria Festival and the Carnival of Cajamarca. These festivities offer the perfect pairing for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure aboard Aqua Nera.   Guests can embark on a luxurious and immersive journey through the biodiverse Peruvian Amazon with Aqua Nera. Expert naturalist guides lead small group excursions, offering guests up-close encounters with exotic wildlife. During twice-daily excursions, guests can explore breath-taking Amazon landscapes, embark on jungle walks, and uncover hidden lakes and lagoons. Aqua Nera offers personalized luxury and world-class rainforest-to-table cuisine crafted by renowned chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. This unforgettable voyage promises to be a unique and enriching experience in the world's most biodiverse rainforest.   New Sailings:

• 3rd February to 10th February
• 10th February to 17th February
• 17th February to 24th February
• 24th February to 2nd March