Aqua Expeditions, one of the world’s leading luxury river cruise lines, has announced its 2018 special themed cruises after the extraordinary success of the programs in 2017. Guests will have the exclusive chance of joining company founder and CEO, Francesco Galli Zugaro, consulting chefs Pedro Miguel Schiaffino and David Thompson, and the renowned conservationist, Jean-Michel Cousteau, on its vessels on the Peruvian Amazon and Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Guests on these select departures will participate in immersive itineraries that showcase the creative innovations and entrepreneurial spirit that make the company’s cruises one-of-a-kind.
PERFECT FOR EXPLORERS: JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU-HOSTED DEPARTURES
In celebration of the launch of a new collaboration between Aqua Expeditions and conservationist Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of the famed explorer Jacques Cousteau, the company has introduced a new series of Amazon cruises led by the world-renowned champion of environmental protection. Guests can join Cousteau for bike and kayak jungle excursions to spot wildlife and hear the legendary conservationist share stories from his many journeys. During evening talks with Cousteau, guests will discover the Amazon from the unique perspective of a conservationist as they learn about preserving wildlife habitats, delicate ecosystems, evolving cultural traditions and economic pressures which threaten the environment.
Jean-Michel Cousteau-Hosted Departures:
Aria Amazon: Seven-night departures from February 9-16, 2018 and October 5-12, 2018
Aria Amazon: Four-night departures from February 12-16, 2018 and October 8-12, 2018
Aria Amazon: Three-night departures from February 9-12, 2018 and October 5-8, 2018
PERFECT FOR FOODIES: CHEF-HOSTED DEPARTURES
Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, consulting chef on the Aria Amazon and chef/owner of Malabar and ÁmaZ (two of Lima’s most cutting-edge restaurants), invites gastronomes to explore the flavors of the Amazon with him. Both restaurants, ÁmaZ and Malabar, were chosen among Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2017. Guests will take cooking classes with Chef Schiaffino and travel together to the local markets to learn about locally grown and harvested ingredients that are essential to creating his signature dishes on board, such as the Coconut Tapioca with Mango Sorbet and Causa with Shrimp Escabeche.
Chef-Hosted Departures with Pedro Miguel Schiaffino:
Aria Amazon: Four-night departure from September 24-28, 2018
Aria Amazon: Four-night departure from October 29-November 2, 2018
Named as the 2016 Diners Club International’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner for Asia, Aqua Mekong consulting chef David Thompson is a master culinary artist who works with the flavors and methods of traditional Thai cooking. His Bangkok restaurant Nahm is the first Thai restaurant to earn a Michelin star and is ranked on “The World’s 50 Best” list. Having lived in Southeast Asia for many years, Chef Thompson is a knowledgeable guide through the vibrant local culinary landscape. Guests will have the opportunity to collaborate with Chef Thompson in preparing indigenous inspired dishes such as Cambodian Green Curry of Catfish and Lemon Basil Cashew Nut Pudding with Coconut Cream.
Chef-Hosted Departures with David Thompson:
Aqua Mekong: Four-night departure from June 22-26, 2018
Aqua Mekong: Four-night departure from August 3-7, 2018
FOUNDER-HOSTED DEPARTURES
While exploring the sights during his favorite excursions, Aqua Expeditions founder and CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro will share his vision for creating the award-winning cruise company. Guests can join him on a biking adventure through the streets along the Mekong, or kayak with him on the gentle flows of the Amazon to spot indigenous wildlife. Over cocktails, Galli Zugaro will discuss his journey in building his cruise line from conceptualization and design to the construction and first launch of each vessel.
Founder-Hosted Departures:
Aqua Mekong: Four-night departures from May 4-8, 2018 and August 31-September 4, 2018
Aria Amazon: Four-night departures from April 2-6, 2018 and November 19-23, 2018
For more information on the hosted voyages, please visit: Aqua Expeditions Hosted Departures or contact the Sales and Reservations team at reservations@aquaexpeditions.com.
