Aqua Expedition cruises is celebrating it’s 10 year anniversary. The company began as the pioneer for luxury small ship cruising in the Amazon River. In 2014 they launched a 20 suite boat called the Aqua Mekong which sails between Cambodia and Vietnam. No stopping there, in 2015 Aqua Expeditions want back to add more features to the Amazon Aria. Sleek new skiffs were added while expert naturalist guides expanded available adventures for cycling and kayaking among the mysteries of the Amazonia.
Aqua Expeditions Mekong River Cruise
The Aqua Mekong navigates deep into the timeless Cambodian countryside where few foreigners have ventured since the days of Dutch traders, Portuguese missionaries and the French explorers of Indochina. Where the Aqua Mekong cruises between Cambodia and Vietnam, the river forms an integral part of each distinct and rich culture, among the the Khmer, Lao, Thai and Vietnamelow among these waters, from the high Himalayas of Tibet through provinces in China to the equatorial flood plains of Vietnam and Cambodia. It is even said that the rise and fall of the great Khmer civilization that built Angkor Wat was linked to the Mekong’s tides.
Taking guests into Aqua Expeditions next frontier, the 62.4 meter (205 feet) Aqua Mekong designed by Saigon based Noor Design embodies the aesthetic of a sophisticated five star hotel. Local sustainable materials and artisanal touches of the Mekong’s multifaceted cultures round out these generous interior spaces that welcome guests in the utmost comforts between on and off shore excursions along this fascinating river. Spacious and indulgent, yet intimate enough to feel entirely exclusive, the Aqua Mekong incorporates elegantly relaxed lounging and dining areas, and can accommodate a maximum of 40 guests plus crew. Modern navigation technologies and the highest cruise ship standards as well as our experienced river pilot and crew ensure smooth travel and safety on the water.
Under the guidance of the world renowned Thompson, the Aqua Mekong’s dishes incorporate the timeless flavors and sustainable ingredients of the Mekong’s fertile fields. Thompson built his international reputation on Southeast Asian recipes culled from historic sources, a delectable tradition he continues on board the Aqua Mekong. He brings together the finest recipes of Khmer and Vietnamese river cultures, incorporating the day’s catch and the market’s freshest produce, be it smoked fish, tapioca and vegetable dumplings, Vietnamese catfish minced with shallots, chilies and Thai basil, or grilled river prawns with peanut relish. Linger over lemongrass tea or something considerably more decadent, like a luscious Vietnamese artisanal chocolate fondant.
Aqua Expeditions Amazon River Cruise
Originating in the Andes Mountains and considered the longest river on earth, the Amazon flows at least 6,400 kilometers (4,000 miles) through Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. A wondrously abundant natural world thrives among Amazonia’s lush riverbanks. Enter this natural, timeless world of undulating strangler vines wrapped around ancient ficus trees and brilliant bromeliads that pop against the jungle’s spectrum. Parrots call out from the dense tree canopy, squirrel monkeys play all day, and pink Amazon dolphins roll their dorsal fins above the dark waters as neon-brilliant colored tanager, kingfisher and oriole birds soar across the clear cerulean sky.
The year 2015 saw the strategic refreshment, from bed linens to state of the art lighting, of the 45 meter (147 foot) long Aria Amazon which first set sail in 2011, designed by innovative Peruvian architect Jordi Puig. Extremely generous dining and lounging areas include an outdoor river facing Jacuzzi. Floor to ceiling windows face the Amazon River in the Aria Amazon’s 16 Design Suites, each measuring 23 square meters (250 square feet). Four of these can interconnect for families. Upgrades in the floating spa include new decor for enhanced relaxation. The striking black hulled ship accommodates a maximum of 32 guests plus 27 crew including the paramedic and four English speaking naturalist guides. Aqua Expeditions highly experienced river pilots and the most rigorous cruise ship standards ensure smooth travel and safety on the water.
Hailed by the Wall Street Journal as one of “Peru’s top chefs” and recognized in The New York Times for his “rare” cooking talent, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino has also attracted the attention of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants at both his Malabar and Amaz restaurants, as well as on board the Aria Amazon. “The Amazon constantly offers up tastes and flavors I’ve never imagined,” says Aqua Expeditions Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Though Peruvian cuisine has made its way around the world, many of Schiaffino’s delectable ingredients grow only in the Amazon jungle, inspiring his novel dishes like hearts of palm soufflé, plantain and yucca gnocchi, and grilled paiche with huatia potatoes. Menus on board also stay true to local traditions like Peruvian ceviche, with its succulent ranches of just caught river fish, juicy onions, cilantro, coriander and corn kernels the size of South Sea pearls.
PHOTO CREDITS: Richard Dobson / Hiro Matsui / Ryan Hilton / SPH Magazines Pte. Ltd. / George Davila / Daisuke Akita / Tran Tuan Minh / Heinz Plenge / Song Saa Private Island / Jean Claude Constant / Titilaka / Marina Burgos / Xen
Aqua Expeditions brings luxury cruising to the world’s greatest rivers. For more on the expedition cruise experience, our advisors’ Cruises vs. Expeditions guide covers when an expedition vessel is the right choice.
