Gourmet Traveller July 2022
“Twisting my tongue around a cocktail straw, I enjoy a hit of Negroni designed by Singapore mixologists, Proof & Company. There’s a book butterflied on my king-sized day bed, and I can hear anchor chains rumbling out into turquoise waters. Luxury cruise vessel Aqua Blu has moored off an active volcano looming out of the Banda Sea.”
World Cruise Industry Review Spring 2022
“Prior to the pandemic, more and more cruisers were being drawn to the Mekong’s fascinating network of waterways, offering entry to its stounding natural beauty and its rich cultural heritage. Elly Earls talks to AmaWaterways president Rudi Schreiner and Aqua Expeditions CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro, to found out about the evolution of river cruising in the region, and why the Mekong continues to entice adventurous travellers through a diverse array of itineraries.”
Departures Spring/Summer 2022
“When it comes to superyachts, the prefix isn’t a measure of magnitude so much as opulence – and now the must-haves in cruising are the few available for these opulent, almost personal vessels. With a svelte exterior styled by Studio Scanu of Italy and incorporating interiors by renowned yacht designer Francois Zuretti, the 16-guest Aqua Mare reimagines the cruising dream.”
Town&Country May 2022
“‘We do 9-to-5 adventure.” says Francesco Galli Zugaro, founder and CEO of boutique cruise line Aqua Expeditions. Indeed. On the Aqua Blu in Indonesia, I swam with giant mantas; on the Aqua Nera in the Peruvians Amazon, I ogled pods of pink dolphins and had close (really close) calls with piranhas, and then returned at day’s end to the mother ships’ coolly sophisticated suites, star-chef menus, massages, and hot tubs.”
Canadian World Traveller 2021-22
“‘Today we are going to look for sloths, monkeys, toucans and bromeliads. You are not gonna like it. You are gonna love it!’ The Aqua Expeditions guide then continues the briefing, by pointing on a map to the Peruvian tributary that we were going to navigate before reaching the Amazon.”
Conde Nast Traveller April 2022
“Aqua Expeditions has made a name for itself with small-scale, customer-designed ships that venture to some of the most unspoilt corners of the planet, from the Amazon River to Raja Ampat. So it makes sense that its next yacht – the seven-suite Aqua Mare, which debuts in May – is based in the Galápagos Islands where twice-daily activities will be led by naturalist guides.”
an Bord Mar 2022
“The air is electrifying. lightning flashes. It’s been rumbling and growling for an hour. Gusts of wind shake the strangler figs and blacks Mangroves on the river bank. The animal world is intoxicated. Every few seconds, a fish leaps into the air, night monkeys shimmy through the treetops, and birds of prey glide through the air. It’s the first day of the three-day river cruise ARIA AMAZON, a 16-cabin luxury ship that sails the Marañon and the Ucayali, the source rivers of the Amazon.”
Food and Travel Mexico Feb/Mar 2022
“Dawn in the Peruvian jungle promises a journey of deep transformation. My days, and those of the 40 passengers on board the Aqua Nera, are filled with exciting possibilities: going out to explore the Amazon aboard skiffs, kayaks or walking through the thick vegetation; visit indigenous villages, explore green expanses and winding waterways, navigate slowly between riverside towns or relax in one of the privileged spaces of the ship, letting yourself be surrounded by the beauty of the jungle…”
VIRTUOSO LIFE NOV/DEC 2021
“The ship [Aqua Nera] provided a serene foil to the wilderness surrounding it, and life on board was relaxing and laid back. As much as I enjoyed the excursions, dining was admittedly my favorite part of the cruise, from alfresco breakfasts to festive meals in the dining room. Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino’s innovative menus showcased ingredients sourced from the Amazon, elevating everything with a delicious sense of place.”
MiNDFOOD OCT 2021
“Aqua Nera offers itineraries tailored with once-in-a-lifetime experiences that include intimate encounters with exotic wildlife and exhilarating adventures ranging from jungle walks, spotting Amazonian pink dolphins, piranha fishing, kayaking along the river’s black water tributaries, and more.”
Vogue Turkey Oct 2021
“Floating in the Peruvian Amazon, Aqua Nera and exploring the Mekong River connecting Vietnam and Cambodia, Aqua Mekong are among the most special boats of the award-winning company. With only 20 suites, these ultra-luxurious boats sail deep into the Amazon rainforest and historical treasures along the Mekong coast.”
SEA+I Issue 44
“For Francesco Galli Zugaro the world is not enough. As of 2021 he operates four explorer vessels that ply the Mekong River, the Spice Islands and the farthest reaches of the Amazon River. The greatest adventure? It has just set sail. His latest launch, Aqua Nera, stalks big cats and scarlet macaws in the Peruvian rainforest wetlands.”
Boat International June 2021
“Representing more than half of the world’s remaining rainforest, the Amazon spans nine countries and is home to 16,000 species of tree. The Peruvian Amazon can be visited in superyacht style on board Aqua Expeditions’ new 20-suite Aqua Nera, whose inaugural voyage is planned for this month.”