Aqua Expeditions, the world’s most respected boutique luxury cruise line, officially announces two new additions to its fleet: Aqua Blu and Aqua Nera. Aqua Blu is Aqua Expeditions’ first coastal ship, and the first-ever long-range expedition-class yacht to be permanently based in the east Indonesian archipelago. Aqua Blu will offer year-round departures and will begin service on November 16, 2019. The state-of-the-art Aqua Nera, which will begin service in the Peruvian Amazon on August 1, 2020, will redefine luxury river cruising in the region.
Partnering with internationally renowned yacht designer Cor D. Rover, the completely refurbished Aqua Blu is endowed with a rich heritage as the former British Naval Explorer HMS Beagle. To begin service on November 16, 2019, Aqua Blu will primarily serve three destinations on seven-night coastal cruise itineraries:
- Raja Ampat (roundtrip; December through February; 10 departures/year)
- Bali-Komodo National Park (bi-directional; April to September; 23 departures/year)
- Ambon & Spice Islands (roundtrip; October to November; 7 departures/year)
To fully immerse in the wonders of the region, Aqua Blu will offer explorers highly exclusive opportunities to embark on 12-night itineraries. Called Limited Cross-Destination Voyages, there will be a maximum of four departures per year, each sailing a different route. Rates for 7- and 12-night Aqua Blu itineraries range from USD$7,525 to USD$16,475 per person, based on double occupancy.
Aqua Nera, a newly built river cruise boat, features a high-concept interior by renowned architect Noor Design. The vessel will begin service on August 1, 2020 and offer 3-, 4- and 7-night river cruise itineraries with rates ranging from USD$4,125 to USD$10,325 per person, based on double occupancy.
As Aqua Expeditions vessels, both Aqua Blu and Aqua Nera will maintain a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio and feature world-class cuisine experiences by renowned consulting chefs. Both Aqua Blu and Aqua Nera will be open for booking as of May 7, 2019.
Aqua Blu: Giving unprecedented access to Earth’s most intriguing destinations
Aqua Blu cruises in the heart of the Coral Triangle and traverses the fabled global spice trade route. Itineraries will cover tropical islands where wildlife, culture and age-old traditions reside, in addition to the world’s best diving and snorkeling sites. The high-performance vessel also features technologically advanced stabilizers for ultimate guest comfort while navigating or at rest.
With 15 individually designed sea-facing suites in three cabin categories, Aqua Blu will feature a range of best-in-class cruise amenities, including an outdoor plunge pool, spa and top-of-the-line non-motorized watersports equipment such as diving and snorkeling gear, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Certified dive guides will join guests on board the ship and introduce them to some of the most unique dive sites in the world. Multiple excursions are planned to run concurrently and will cater to both certified divers and non-divers. (Diving excursions are available for certified divers only.)
Aqua Nera: Setting a new standard of luxury in the Peruvian Amazon
Designed and built as the most state-of-the-art river boat to sail the Amazon, Aqua Nera will feature luxuriously appointed interiors inspired by her surroundings: the blackwater lagoons and tributaries of the Amazon River and Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. The design also incorporates intricate accents from the Rubber Boom era and the colorful cultures of Portugal, Spain and Peru.
Using dark-hued, sustainably sourced wood as the key interior material, Aqua Nera‘s 20 spacious, river-facing suites will convey a welcoming and stylish sense of Amazonian tranquility. The design philosophy manifests throughout the vessel’s social spaces, including the restaurant, lounge and spa. Aqua Nera will also feature a river-facing plunge pool and gym.
On the Aqua Nera, Aqua Expeditions’ partnership with award-winning Peruvian Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino will continue. Known for using Amazonian ingredients in his modern Peruvian cuisine, Chef Schiaffino’s menu will reaffirm the cruise line’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and supporting local producers.
For more information, please visit www.aquaexpeditions.com
