Aqua Expeditions



Aqua Expeditions


Aqua Expeditions



Aqua Expeditions
Aqua Expeditions was launched in 2007 by founder and CEO, Francesco Galli Zugaro, to fulfill his dream of bringing unparalleled travel experiences, in the utmost comfort, to modern-day adventurers cruising the world’s greatest rivers. 
Peruvian architect Jordi Puig designed Aria Amazon, which debuted in April 2011, in the style of a contemporary boutique hotel. The vessel features 16 suites with enormous picture windows and accommodates 32 passengers. The ship was refreshed in 2015 with new decor in the spa, upgraded bed linens and updated lighting.
The 40-passenger Aqua Mekong was built in 2014 and boasts 20 suites, including eight with balconies; all have floor-to-ceiling windows for continual views of the landscapes passing by. The sleek interiors were designed with local materials whenever possible.

 



Cruiseline highlights


Cruises aboard Aqua Expedition
Peru & The Amazon
Cambodia, Vietnam & The Mekong

 
Discovery Cruises - 3 Nights
Explorer Cruises - 4 Nights
Expedition Cruises - 7 Nights

 
  • All meals while on board                      
  • Eco-conscious Amazon and Mekong exploration
  • Small, luxurious, new river ship with enormous picture windows
  • Five-star cuisine featuring local flavors
  • English-speaking, experienced guides


Ships



7nHuFZ3z.jpg

In 2015, the Aria Amazon, which first set sail in 2011, was completely refreshed with new upgrades from bed linens to state of art lighting. The 45 meter (147 foot) long Aria was designed by the innovative Peruvian architect Jordi Puig. Extremely generous dining and lounging areas include an outdoor river facing Jacuzzi. Floor to ceiling windows face the Amazon River in the ship’s 16 Design Suites, each measuring 23 square meters (250 square feet). This striking black hulled ship accommodates a maximum of 32 guests plus 26 crew including a paramedic and four English-speaking naturalist guides.


• Year Built: 2010
• Port of Embarkation: Iquitos, Peru
• Vessel’s Registry: Peru
• Type of Vessel: River Expedition Vessel
• Length: 147 feet / 45 meters
• Beam: 29.5 feet / 9 meters
• Draft: 5 feet / 1.5 meters
• Gross Tonnage: 500 tons
• Cruising Speed: 12 knots
• Electricity: 220 volts
• Engines: 2 Cummins 400 HP Marine Engines
• Generators: 2 x 135 KVA Cummins (encapsulated for noise reduction)
• Water: 9,000-liter water treatment plant


Aqua-Mekong-Exterior-View---High-Resolution--2--.jpg

Taking guests on a journey into Aqua Expeditions next frontier, Vietnam and Cambodia, the 62.4 meter (205 feet) Aqua Mekong was designed by Saigon-based architects at Noor Design to embody the aesthetic of a sophisticated five star hotel. Spacious and indulgent, yet intimate enough to feel entirely exclusive, the Aqua Mekong incorporates relaxed yet refined lounging and dining areas, and can accommodate a maximum of 40 guests plus crew. Modern navigation technologies and the highest cruise ship standards as well as our experienced river pilot and crew ensure smooth travel and safety on the water.


• Year Built: 2014
• Ports of Embarkation: My Tho (Vietnam), Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (Cambodia) • Vessel’s Registry: Cambodia
• Type of Vessel: River Expedition Vessel
• Length: 62.4 meters / 205 feet
• Beam: 11.5 meters / 38 feet
• Draft: 1.5 meters / 5 feet
• Cruising Speed: 12 knots
• Electricity: 220 volts
• Engines: 2 New Caterpillars, Tier 3 Emission compliant
• Generators: 2 New Caterpillars, encapsulated for noise reduction
• Water: Reverse osmosis and UV water treatment plant
• AC: Central air-conditioning throughout
• Laundry: Complimentary service (no dry cleaning on board)
• Internet: Complimentary satellite internet with intermittent connection


146_Untitled-1.jpg

Aqua Blu
Setting the stage for the greatest luxury cruise expeditions in the Coral Triangle
Presenting a brand-new cruise experience in the pristine East Indonesian Archipelago, Aqua Blu is a long-range explorer yacht sailing the region’s most prized destinations, including Komodo National Park, Spice Islands and Raja Ampat on unforgettable 7- and 12-night itineraries.

Where modern luxury meets naval heritage
 
With a grand legacy as the former British Naval Explorer HMS Beagle and later as the private yacht of a European aristocratic family, Aqua Blu is a compelling maritime statement. A 2019 refurbishment overseen by Dutch yacht design maestro Cor D. Rover brings the vessel to world-class cruising specifications. Guests can expect to embrace an distinguished sense of history and seafaring evolution when they set foot on this one-of-a-kind cruise ship.
 
Inside the four-deck, 15-suite Aqua Blu, Cor has tastefully paired with a brass-and-ivory interior theme with generous and inviting indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a sun deck.
 
Unlocking access to the Earth’s most intriguing destinations
 
Faster, further, greater safety and comfort — Aqua Blu’s naval pedigree makes it the perfect vessel to navigate East Indonesia’s vast seas. Having attained the highest international classifications (RINA, SOLAS, ISM) in safety, the vessel is additionally equipped with Quantum Zero Speed stabilizers for optimal comfort at rest or while sailing.
 
Aqua Blu’s range stands heads and shoulders above that of its peers in East Indonesia. Able to cover vast distances in a short span of time — and in any sea condition — the vessel enables explorers on board to experience the most varied, enjoyable and rewarding coastal cruise itineraries in this wild and stunningly beautiful region of the world.
 
Aqua Blu will set sail on its inaugural voyage on 16 November 2019. Be among the first to cruise East Indonesia like no ship has ever done before.


Ship Specifications

  • Year Built: 1968 as British Naval Explorer HMS Beagle
  • Year Converted: 2006
  • Year Refurbished: 2019
  • Year Operational: 2019 (Inaugural voyage November 2019)
  • Cabins: 15 suites across 4 decks in 3 different suite categories
  • Ports of Embarkation: Bali, Labuan Bajo, Maumere, Ambon, Sorong
  • Vessel’s Registry: Indonesia
  • Type of Vessel: Ocean-and-sea Expedition Yacht
  • Length: 198 feet / 60 meters
  • Beam: 37’ 05” / 11.4 meters
  • Draft: 13 feet / 4.2 meters
  • Cruising Speed: 10-12 knots
  • Electricity: 220V and 110V
  • Engines: 4 x 660hp Lister Blackstone
  • Generators: 2 x Volvo Penta 225kW, 1 x Volvo Penta 80kW (backup)
  • Stabilizers: Quantum Zero Speed
  • Safety: ISM Compliant/RINA Class/SOLAS Certified
 





Recommended Cruises