Amazon luxury cruise
Amazon luxury cruise

Five essential things to know before you board an Aqua Expeditions’ cruise ship

Top Five Things To Know Before Going on an Expedition Cruise

For those who have a passion for wildlife, off-the-beaten-track landscapes, and rare cultural experiences, small-ship expeditions are tough to beat. With a fleet of ships being purpose-built for expedition cruising, these trips offer ultra-luxury comfort and experiences in some of the most fragile ecosystems on the planet.

Aqua Nera | Amazon Cruise

Here are five things every traveller should know before stepping on board.

Destinations that Redefine “Bucket List”

These itineraries traverse rivers and oceans that are rich with biodiversity and history.

  • Amazon (Peru) Travel deep into the world’s largest rainforest where pink river dolphins, caimans, sloths and anacondas co-habit with isolated tribes.
  • Mekong (Cambodia & Vietnam) – Embark on a journey through the Khmer Empire, see sarus cranes, and cycle through emerald-green rice paddies.
  • Indonesia – From Komodo dragons, to Raja Ampat’s coral reefs, each region is timed for best seasonal conditions.
  • Galápagos Islands (Ecuador) Where penguins and fur seals co-exist with iguanas and blue-footed boobies, is the only intersection of polar and tropical species.
  • East Africa (2026 launch) – The Seychelles and the islands of Zanzibar are being incorporated into the map offering four itineraries through Indian Ocean treasures.

Excursions are included and there are two excursions per day: kayaking in hidden lagoons, trekking through jungles, or quietly observing wildlife from skiffs. Timing is all important – arrivals are meticulously orchestrated to avoid crowds and create those precious “just us” moments for guests to enjoy.

Who These Cruises Suit

These trips will appeal to adventurous, inquisitive eco-conscious travelers seeking an adventure experience with service.

Guests should expect to be active whether that is taking to tenders to wet landings at pristine beaches or hiking in remote locations. Of course, all of the excursions are optional, it is your decision to take up action or choose rest.

Families are very welcomed as connecting suites are always preferred (with the exception of Aqua Mare, the best option here is the four-berth Owner’s Suite). Groups and multi-generational families will charter the yacht as a whole, particularly on the small yachts like Aqua Mare where only 16 guests can board. Solo travelers will be catered for, and there are departures with no-supplement available.

Meet the Fleet

Aqua Mekong (40 passengers)

A modern vessel exploring Southeast Asia’s longest river. The Aqua Mekong has a plunge pool, gym, spa and 20 outward-facing suites. There are four skiffs to take guests to floating villages, temples, and wildlife experiences.

Aqua Nera (40 passengers)

Elegant interiors referencing the rubber boom of the Amazon. The ship features 20 big suites, chic lounges, and excursions into mysterious black-water lagoons in Peru.

Aqua-Nera-sunset

Aria Amazon (32 passengers)

The pioneer. Custom design and build for exploring the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, the vessel features 16 suites with fabulous floor-to-ceiling windows, a movie room, finest bar and a jacuzzi too.

Aria Amazon | Amazon Cruises

Aqua Blu (30 passengers)

A 60-metre explorer yacht with 15 (suites). It is permanently based in East Indonesia following the seasons to find the best time to visit Komodo, Spice Islands and Raja Ampat.

Aqua Mare (16 passengers)

The Galapagos’ first true superyacht. Seven super-luxurious suites, two naturalist guides and almost one to one crew-to-guest ratio gives guests an intimate once in a lifetime opportunity to visit Darwin’s laboratory.

Accessibility

The smaller size of the ships and remoteness of the destinations mean that these cruises are not appropriate options for guests with significant mobility difficulties. The excursions will often take the guests onto tenders or involve wet landings at beaches.

Loyalty & Repeating Guests

For guests who repeat travel there is a loyalty program and benefits the guests enjoy are open-ended with training using the reduced unique rates on future sailings and perks on full-ship charters.

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