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| Does sailing on the M/V Aqua give good vacation value? |
| Yes, our travel experience offers excellent vacation value. Our rates include all meals, soft drinks, and wine with meals, suite or master suite accommodation, excursions with knowledgeable naturalist guides, the Pacaya Samiria Reserve entrance fee, onboard lectures, and evening entertainment. We will provide transportation from/to the airport if you arrive and depart on our recommended flights.
One great advantage is that you will know in advance exactly how much your vacation will cost. Your only extra expenses will be airfare, drinks, boutique purchases, and gratuities. |
| Will I be comfortable aboard the M/V Aqua? |
| Yes. The 130-foot-long, M/V Aqua will be the first true luxury vessel ever to cruise the northern Amazon, and offers an extraordinary level of comfort. Its 12 oversized guest suites all feature en suite sitting areas and generous outward-facing panoramic windows. Each of the handsomely decorated, air-conditioned suites measures between 230 to 240 square feet, and is designed by noted Peruvian architect Jordi Puig. Four suites can be interconnected, to cater to families. This vessel is the perfect size to sail along the Amazon River, provides extremely comfortable accommodations, and offers maximum safety on the water. The M/V Aqua can accommodate a maximum of 30 passengers plus crew. |
| Is it better to book the M/V Aqua early or can I book on short notice? |
| It is better to book early, especially if your travel dates are not flexible. Most people book eight months to as much as 18 months in advance. This is because the M/V Aqua has less capacity than a regular cruise ship or lodge, and we are already experiencing high booking demand. |
| When will I receive my cruise documents? |
| You will receive an email confirmation 90 days prior to the start date for your cruise. The ticket will be provided at the time of embarkation. Please be sure to read the terms and conditions attached to the ticket. |
| Do you offer honeymoon packages? |
| We do not have a set honeymoon package, but we believe that sailing the Amazon offers an atmosphere that's just right for romance. Imagine enjoying a gourmet dinner for two after a day in the jungle, or sharing a bottle of champagne while watching the sun set over the world’s mightiest river, or waking up in your California king-sized bed to see the colors of the jungle through your panoramic window, or snapping photos of each other in the midst of the rainforest. This is a trip made for honeymooners. |
| Do you accept group bookings? Are charters available? What About Special rates and discounts? |
| Yes, we accept both group bookings and charters. Please request our charter terms and conditions and rates for further information.
There are no other special rates such as senior citizens, family, or late-booking discounts. |
| Should I buy travel insurance? Is it worth it? |
| Travelers are strongly advised to purchase trip cancellation insurance, which will reimburse the cost of air tickets and other non-refundable trip payments. International medical, baggage loss, and delay insurance are also recommended.
Unfortunately, if you miss the vessel because of a weather-related flight cancellation, we will not reimburse the cost of the reservation, since flight cancellations are beyond our control and we have to comply with our schedules.
If the M/V Aqua is not able to sail (i.e. due to force majeure or mechanical failure), Aqua Expeditions reserves the right to substitute another vessel. If the travelers do not take this option, Aqua Expeditions reserves the right to cancel the trip upon a refund pro rata per cruise night not used or, as an alternative, will offer credit toward a future cruise on the Aqua. |
| How old do you have to be to cruise on the M/V Aqua? |
| 1. How old do you have to be to travel without a guardian?
Passengers must be at least 21 years of age to travel without their parents or guardians.
If any occupant in the cabin is under 21, then a passenger at least 25 years old must be booked in the cabin with them. The only exception is that children under age 21 may be allowed to have their own cabin if they are in a connected suite shared by their parents or guardians.
2. What's the minimum age to travel on the M/V Aqua?
The minimum age is seven. |
| Do you welcome families with children? |
| Yes, we welcome families with children, as long as they are age seven or older. Four of our suites are interconnected to cater for families. And accommodation for one child or additional adult is available in up to six cabins. Our naturalist guides are very friendly with kids and all of our staff will provide the necessary care for your family. |
| Do you need a minimum of passengers to operate? |
| No, all of our departures are guaranteed. Your can find the chart of our fixed departures on our website. |
| Do I need any shots before traveling to the Amazon? |
| Malaria medication and yellow fever shots are not required for travelers coming into the region, however they are recommended. Please consult your physician. |
| What should I pack? |
| Life is casual aboard the M/V Aqua. Bring comfortable walking shoes, light-weight long pants and long-sleeved tops for excursions, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, extra socks, mosquito repellant with DEET, and of course, your camera, with charger and extra batteries. Don’t forget to include some items that you can give away to the locals (t-shirts, pens and paper are especially prized).
During meals in the dining room we ask our guests to wear casual clothing and shoes.
We provide rubber boots for wetland excursions and recommend taking comfortable walking shoes. We also provide waterproof ponchos with hoods to protect against rain.
There will be hairdryers available in every suite. Our vessel has 220-volt outlets in the staterooms so you should be able to use your shaver with a converter if necessary. |
| How much luggage can I bring? Are there porters available at the airport and the pier? |
| We allow you to bring as much luggage as you like, but suggest the use of soft suitcases/bags for easy storage. How much you bring, however, may be determined by the airlines, which have limits on both checked and carry-on baggage. LAN for example, allows 20 kilos (44 pounds) of checked luggage and 8 kilos (18 pounds) of carry-on baggage.
Porters are available at both the airport and pier. They will make sure that your bags arrive at the M/V Aqua embarkation point. As soon as you have identified your luggage, porters will take your suitcases to your suite. |
| When is the best time of year to travel to the Amazon? |
| The Amazon basically has two seasons, the flooded and the dry season. Both offer rich rewards . . . fabulous sites . . . amazing opportunities to view plant and animal life . . . and hot weather and some rainy days. The Amazon basin is as rich and lush and green as it is because it gets an abundance of rain (12 feet a year on average). In a typical year, that adds up to 200 rainy days, which means that there will be days of heavy rain even in the dry season.
Two key points to remember, as you choose between the Amazon in flooded season or in dry season: there will be some rain whichever season you choose, and you will see spectacular wildlife and plant life, whether you go in wet or dry season. All the rest is details.
1. About the flooded season:
Our flooded season runs from December through April - summer and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. It is our cooler and wet season, but keep in mind that we get only a little more than half (60%) of our total rainfall during the flooded season, and that it is hot in the Amazon any time of year. During the flooded season the average temperature is 86 degrees Fahrenheit, 12 degrees cooler than in the dry season.
There are great benefits to traveling at this time of year. Perhaps most important, the rivers and streams are about 23 feet higher, meaning that every river, creek and lake is navigable. You will get to explore more of the waterways of Amazonia, and will have access to plant life and wildlife areas that you might miss during the dry season. Also, that extra 23 feet puts travelers much closer to the jungle canopy, where monkeys play and our beautiful Amazon birds like to roost. In fact, you are very likely to see many more mammals, both monkeys and others, during the flooded season.
Increased navigability by water has the flip side that areas to walk and hike are sometimes limited at this time, and if we do find usable hiking trails there will be more mosquitoes than in the dry season. Fishing is more limited during these months too, but you still have close to a 50% chance to get out your rod and reel and make a catch.
2. About the dry season:
The Dry Season in Amazonia coincides with our winter in the Southern Hemisphere (from June to November). This is the warmer season, with temperature averaging about 98 degrees Fahrenheit, and, despite its name the dry season still gets some heavy rains.
A key difference is that trails and jungle paths that are flooded from December to May are now easily accessible, allowing groups to explore deep in the jungle (accompanied by fewer mosquitoes than during the flooded season). The flip side of that, however, is that water levels are about 23 feet lower from June to November, which means that many of the creeks and lakes that we visit during the flooded season are inaccessible.
Lower water levels, however, can be a bonus in another way: During these months fishing is 100 percent guaranteed . . . you even stand a fair chance to catch a piranha. And while the lower river levels mean that you are farther from the birds that roost in the jungle canopy, you will have the chance to see dozens of species of migratory birds in flight, something you would completely miss during the flooded season.
The Bottom Line: If seeing our glorious flooded forest and getting close-up looks at lots of birds and mammals (and enjoying a slightly cooler temperature) sounds attractive, then the flooded season might be the best choice. (Remember: Despite its name it only gets about 10% more rain than falls in the dry season). If jungle hikes, seeing exotic migratory birds perch on trees as they pass through Amazonia, still having the chance to see monkeys and other mammals, and going on great fishing expeditions top your list, you might be happier choosing the hotter, less rainy dry season. Perhaps the best solution of all: choose one, and we hope that you will like it so much that you may want to return to experience the other season in the Amazon as well. |
| Which itinerary do you think is the best and why? |
| We offer three, four and seven-night itineraries. The three and seven-night itineraries start sailing every Saturday and the four-night itinerary every Tuesday. Which you choose will really depend on how much time you have, and how long you want to spend exploring the Amazon region.
That said, we recommend the seven-night itinerary, since you will experience our complete Amazon journey. It will take you on the Amazon itself, as well as on three powerful tributaries: the Marañon, the Ucayali, and the Puinahua, and to hidden black water lakes. The 3-night itinerary will take you from Iquitos along the Amazon River to Nauta, followed by the Marañon River and estuaries. The 4-night itinerary also starts in Iquitos, but we will take you by land transportation to Nauta where you will board our vessel, and then you will explore the Ucayali River and the Amazon River and tributaries. The 7-night journey is the sum of the 3- and 4-night itineraries.
If you wish to extend your time in Peru, we can arrange pre-or post-cruise land packages at the time you book with us. |
| What is a shore excursion? How physically challenging are they? |
| A shore excursion can be anything from exploring remote tributaries to spotting monkeys and birds along a jungle trail, from visiting a local village to fishing on one of Amazonia’s beautiful lakes. They vary in level of difficulty, but most travelers who are reasonably fit will have no trouble participating in every excursion.
Passengers will be divided into three groups of eight to 10 people for shore excursions, with each group led by a trained and knowledgeable naturalist guide. Guides will rotate among the groups, so that each passenger can benefit from their specialized knowledge. Our guides speak fluent English, and one speaks French. We recommend that groups requiring any other language bring a translator, if necessary.
Each evening, your guides will brief you on what to expect on the next day’s excursions. Typically, we will navigate the Amazon River or one of its tributaries at night, arriving in a new location, for a new adventure, in the early morning. Passengers opting to go on the early morning excursions will get a wakeup call at approximately 5 a.m.
The M/V AQUA is equipped with three auxiliary aluminum skiffs that will take passengers along the waterways or ferry them to the landing point for onshore excursions. These comfortable speed boats are equipped with 4 stroke low-emission engines and constant radio communication with the main vessel. Each boat has capacity for eight-10 passengers, plus guide and launch pilot.
Excursions last three to four hours, allowing plenty of time to explore, listen to your guide’s explanation, and photograph the abundant wildlife. While most excursions involve “dry” landings, some require “wet” landings, where you will have to step into water that may reach as high as your knees and then wade to shore. Your guide and skiff driver will assist you.
When the excursions are in the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, we follow marked trails, walking at a leisurely pace for up to one hour.
Guests should be in good physical health in order to be able to make the most of their Amazon cruise. The daily nature excursions may include walking on irregular terrain, and getting in and out of the skiffs occasionally requires some physical effort.
We provide rubber boots for wetland excursions and recommend taking comfortable walking shoes for walking on the dry paths. We also provide waterproof ponchos with hoods to protect against rain. |
| Instead of going on an organized shore excursion, can we go off on our own? |
| No. For safety reasons, passengers are required to be with one of our naturalist guides whenever they are on land. |
| Will I get bored? Feel confined? What if I don’t want to go on an excursion? |
| No. Being in the Amazon gives you a feeling of being completely transported to a new world. Every day will be packed with discoveries as you explore remote places, spot unusual wildlife, and meet with local native people.
The M/V Aqua is like a luxurious floating boutique hotel, and is large enough, with ample public areas, that you will never feel confined.
If there are days when you choose not to go onshore for an exciting jungle expedition, you can stay onboard the Aqua. Lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the Amazon air, soak up the sun, read a good book, watch the ever-changing view, and simply experience total relaxation in the heart of the Amazon jungle. |
| What if I don't want to take an excursion or participate in activities? |
| This would probably not be the case, because we are sure that you will want to take advantage of all excursions to explore everything that this thrilling unexplored part of the world has to offer.
That said, you are free to skip any excursions that you want. You are welcome to stay aboard the vessel and rest, visit the boutique and purchase some souvenirs, or just relax at the outdoor lounge or observation deck.
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| Are cabins assigned in advance? |
| A suite or master suite will be assigned to you when we confirm your reservation. All suites are described and numbered in our Deck Plan document. You may request a specific suite depending on your preference and we will assign it if available. |
| How many people can I get into my suite? |
| In order to ensure the optimum safety and comfort of all our passengers, we allow a maximum of three people in each suite. |
| Are all suites river view? |
| Yes, all suites have outward-facing panoramic windows, giving every cabin a river view. The Master Suites have even larger windows that offer you magnificent views of the passing landscape. The dawn light will awaken you in the mornings, and you can see what the weather is like without leaving your suite. |
| Is there any difference between the lower and upper-deck suites? |
| Dimensions and all features are exactly the same for both decks. |
| What services are available onboard? |
| If you need to contact your home or office for any emergency, the M/V Aqua is equipped with a satellite phone. The cost of your call can be paid directly on board. We will inform you, prior to calling, of the current price of an international call.
We do not have Internet connections onboard the vessel. For cellular phone contact you may need a special telephone that can operate on a foreign signal. Please check with your carrier. However, keep in mind that most areas outside Iquitos are so remote that you will be unable to get a signal.
There is no laundry service.
We do not have a doctor on board, but first-aid trained staff can handle minor scrapes, bites or sprains.
There are no handicapped facilities.
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| Do you have safety equipment on board? |
| Once all the passengers have boarded, the crew will conduct a mandatory safety drill. Please be sure to check exactly where the life vests are located in your cabin. Memorize your way to the deck in case an emergency should arise. Consult your Cruise Director or Guide regarding any questions you may have.
Life vests are provided for use while onboard the skiffs and you are required to wear them.
Always hold the guide or crew member’s hand while embarking or disembarking, since the boat ladder and deck may be wet and slippery.
It is important for us to verify that all our passengers are on board prior to departure. There is a check list in the reception area that you must sign upon returning from every visit.
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| Will I have access to a safe deposit box? |
| Yes. All cabins have safe deposit boxes with instructions for their use.
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| Can we drink the water aboard the M/V Aqua? |
| You cannot drink the water from the faucet. When you board the vessel, you will be supplied with a complimentary water bottle which is yours to keep. Water refill stations are available throughout the vessel. |
| Is motion sickness ever a problem? |
| Not really. Even though, the Amazon main river looks more like open sea, with some waves, we will be sailing on some of the calmest waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers and advance availability of accurate weather information have decreased the incidence of motion sickness. And while navigating by skiff deeper into the flooded forest, a smaller tributary may soon take you to calm, mirrored water. |
| Do you have insect repellent and sunscreen protection available? |
| We recommend that you bring your own. These products will also be available for sale in our onboard boutique. |
| How do I pay for purchases on board? Do you accept cash? |
| You will be asked to sign for every drink at the time you order it. Please keep track of your consumption of alcoholic beverages in order to avoid any confusion at the end of the cruise. You can pay your bar bill, as well as for any purchases in the boutique, either in U.S. dollars or with Visa or American Express. |
| What about tipping? |
| We are often asked what gratuity is appropriate for guides and crew, and our response is that the quality of service should determine the amount of any tip. From past experience, we recommend an amount in the range of US $20 – $30 per passenger per day for the crew (to be divided among all the crew members) and between US $7 – $10 per passenger per day for the guides. Please bear in mind that this is merely a suggestion, since we believe that gratuities are a very personal matter. |
| Are there smoking areas? |
| Smoking is forbidden inside the M/V Aqua. It is allowed only in the outside lounge and on the observation deck. If you want to smoke in the outside lounge, please ask the bartender for an ashtray. Do not throw your cigarette stubs or ash into the water. |
| What's the drinking age on the M/V Aqua? |
| You must be at least 18 years old to legally consume beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages in Peru and on the M/V Aqua. |
| Is the cuisine as good as I've been told? Can I get a special diet? |
| Yes, the food is world class. Travelers aboard the M/V Aqua will enjoy a menu of fresh, delicious Peruvian fare (with a bit of continental influence), whether served on board or out on an adventure. Dinner each evening promises to be a culinary feast for the senses, paired with select South American wines. Noted Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Peru’s top ten chefs, has created our menus.
If you have special dietary requests, you need to inform Aqua Expeditions at the time of booking, or at least by 30 days prior to embarkation. Every effort will be made to cater to special dietary needs, and to accommodate special requests, subject to a given products’ availability in Peru.
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| What if I don't like my tablemates? Is room service available? |
| This is rarely a problem. However, if you wish to move to another table, please speak with the Maitre d' or Cruise Director. They will make every effort to seat you with more compatible dining companions...discretely and politely.
Room service is not available, but will be provided in the event of passenger illness. |
| What meals will be served on the last day of the cruise? |
| Breakfast and lunch will be available on your last day and are included in the rate. |
| Who should I contact if I have a special request while on board? |
| Please contact the Cruise Director. |
| What is there to do in Iquitos? |
| You will spend very little time in Iquitos, since your entire journey will be onboard the M/V Aqua and onshore along the Amazon River and its tributaries. However, the remote city of Iquitos, accessible only by river or air, will not disappoint. This bustling town, complete with a house built by Gustave Eiffel, was once a rich center of the rubber industry. You will tour Iquitos before heading to the airport for your return flight to Lima.
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| What is Peru’s time zone? |
| The time in Peru is the same as Eastern Standard Time in the United States. |
| What currency is used in Peru? |
| The Nuevo Sol (New Sol) is the official currency of Peru. One dollar equals about three New Soles. |
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