Aqua Expeditions launches new ships for South East Asia and the Amazon

Aqua Expeditions launches new ships for South East Asia and the Amazon

Aqua Expeditions has announced the arrival of two new additions to its fleet – Aqua Blu and Aqua Nera – breaking new ground for the company in the luxury cruise space.

Aqua Blu is the company’s first coastal ship, and the first-ever long-range expedition-class yacht to be permanently based in the East Indonesian Archipelago with year-round departures.

The dining room on board Aqua Blu.

Aqua Blu features technologically-advanced stabilisers for guest comfort while navigating or at res, the high-performance vessel is also RINA- and SOLAS-certified.

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 16 November 2019, Aqua Blu will primarily serve three destinations on 7-night coastal cruise itineraries:

  • Raja Ampat (round trip; December through to February; 10 departures per year)
  • Bali-Komodo National Park (bi-directional; April to September; 23 departures per year)
  • Ambon & Spice Islands (round trip; October to November; seven departures per year)

Opening up the opportunity of exploring multiple destinations in East Indonesia on a single itinerary and discovering exotic locales such as The Forgotten Islands, Aqua Blu will also offer highly-limited 12-night journeys, called Limited Cross-Destination Voyages, with a maximum of four departures a year, each sailing different routes.

With 15 individually-designed sea-facing suites in 3 cabin categories, Aqua Blu will welcome guests with on-board certified dive guides and a range of best-in-class cruise amenities including a sun deck, indoor lounge and bar, outdoor jacuzzi, spa and top-of-the-line non-motorised watersports equipment such as diving and snorkelling gear, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

With 15 individually-designed sea-facing suites in 3 cabin categories, Aqua Blu will welcome guests with on-board certified dive guides and a range of best-in-class cruise amenities.

Rates for seven- and 12-night Aqua Blu itineraries range from $10,793 to $23,631 per person in double occupancy.

Aqua Nera, a new-build river cruise boat, features a high-concept interior by architect Noor Design. Designed and constructed in Vietnam, the vessel will sail to the Peruvian Amazon, where it will begin operations on 1 August 2020.

Aqua Nera will offer three-, four- and 7-night river cruise itineraries with rates ranging from $5,916 to $14,809 per person in double occupancy.

The Lobby on board Aqua Nera.

Built to become the most state-of-the-art river boat to sail the Amazon, Aqua Nera’s design also incorporates intricate accents from the rubber boom era and the colourful cultures of Portugal, Spain and Peru.

As Aqua Expeditions vessels, both Aqua Blu and Aqua Nera feature world-class cuisine experiences by renowned consulting chefs, including award-winning Peruvian culinarian Pedro Miguel Schiaffino will continue.

Known for using Amazonian ingredients in his Modern Peruvian cuisine, Chef Schiaffino’s menu reaffirms the cruise line’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and supporting local producers.

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 tranquillity. The design philosophy manifests across the vessel’s social spaces including the restaurant, lounge and spa. Aqua Nera will also feature a river-facing plunge pool and gym.

Using dark-hued, sustainably-sourced wood as the key interior material, Aqua Nera’s 20 spacious, river-facing suites convey  a welcoming and stylish sense of Amazonian tranquillity. The design philosophy manifests across the vessel’s social spaces including the restaurant, lounge and spa. Aqua Nera will also feature a river-facing plunge pool and gym.

Both Aqua Blu and Aqua Nera are now open for booking through Aqua Expeditions Australia on 1300 124 204 or reservations@aquaexpeditions.com.au or www.aquaexpeditions.com.

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