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Aqua Expeditions was launched in 2007 by founder and CEO, Francesco Galli Zugaro, to fulfill his dream of bringing unparalleled travel experiences, in the utmost comfort, to modern-day adventurers cruising the world’s greatest rivers.
Beginning with the Peruvian section of the Amazon River, one of the world’s last great unexplored regions, Galli Zugaro commissioned the custom design of the Aqua Amazon, the first cruiseship to set sail on this stretch of the Amazon.
Increased demand for Aqua Expeditions uniquely intimate, life enriching river safari led to the launch of a second custom designed vessel, the Aria Amazon in 2011, with 16 suites designed by Puig with a similar five-star boutique hotel sophistication, and cruising the same captivating stretch of the Peruvian Amazon amidst equally thoughtful comforts and fascinating wildlife. With hand-crafted Amazon River itineraries from and to the remote Amazonian city of Iquitos, the Aria Amazon carries travelers to the source of the Amazon and the remote Pacaya Samiria Reserve. Expert professional naturalist guides lead guests in small groups by skiff up Amazon River tributaries to first-hand encounters with Amazon wildlife from pink dolphins and piranha, to capuchin monkeys and three toed sloth hiding in the rainforest canopy, and hoatzin, toucans and macaws gliding seemingly effortlessly across the cloudless, cerulean sky.
Success on one of the world’s great rivers encouraged Galli Zugaro to set off across the continents in search of the next once-in-a-lifetime luxury river experience for Aqua Expeditions. On the Mekong River between Cambodia and Vietnam, he found that elusive journey, one that would capture imaginations as profoundly as did the Peruvian Amazon. In October 2014, Aqua Expeditions launched a third luxury vessel, the 20-suite Aqua Mekong on the historic Mekong River between Siem Reap, Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. Floor to ceiling picture windows aboard Aqua Mekong allow guests to enjoy captivating panoramas of emerald flooded forests, colonial churches and stilt villages in the privacy of their suite. Guided shore excursions include enlightening visits to remote Buddhist temples and onto Cambodia’s vast Tonle Sap Lake before continuing on to Angkor Wat.
Presenting a new cruise experience in the pristine East Indonesian Archipelago, Aqua Blu is a long-range explorer yacht sailing the region’s most prized destinations, including Komodo National Park, Spice Islands and Raja Ampat on unforgettable 7- and 12-night itineraries.
Where modern luxury meets naval heritage
With a grand legacy as the former British Naval Explorer HMS Beagle and later as the private yacht of a European aristocratic family, Aqua Blu is a compelling maritime statement. A 2019 refurbishment overseen by Dutch yacht design maestro Cor D. Rover brings the vessel to world-class cruising specifications. Guests can expect to embrace an distinguished sense of history and seafaring evolution when they set foot on this one-of-a-kind cruise ship.
Inside the four-deck, 15-suite Aqua Blu, Cor has tastefully paired with a brass-and-ivory interior theme with generous and inviting indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a sun deck.
Unlocking access to the Earth’s most intriguing destinations
Faster, further, greater safety and comfort — Aqua Blu’s naval pedigree makes it the perfect candidate to navigate East Indonesia’s vast seas. Having attained the highest international classifications (RINA, SOLAS, ISM) in safety, the vessel is additionally equipped with Quantum Zero Speed stabilizers for optimal comfort at rest or while sailing.
Aqua Blu’s range stands heads and shoulders above that of its peers in East Indonesia. Able to cover vast distances in a short span of time — and in any sea condition — the vessel enables explorers on board to experience the most varied, enjoyable and rewarding coastal cruise itineraries in this wild and stunningly beautiful region of the world.
Aqua Blu will set sail on its inaugural voyage on 16 November 2019. Be among the first to cruise East Indonesia like no ship has ever done before.
Ship Profile & Stats
- Length: 60 metres
- Maiden Voyage: 1968
- Refurbished: 2019
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 30
- Crew Nationality: Peruvian
- Officer Nationality: Peruvian
- Dining Staff Nationality: Peruvian
- Ship Registration: Indonesia
Ship Facilities
- Jacuzzi
- Spa
- Sun Deck
- Gym
- Sky Lounge Bar
- Dining Room
- Watersports Equipment
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Aug '21 | Labuan Bajo, Indonesia |
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| 22 Aug '21 | Gili Lawa Darat, Komodo National Park |
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| 23 Aug '21 | Rinca, Indonesia |
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| 23 Aug '21 | Komodo Island, Indonesia |
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| 24 Aug '21 | At sea | ||
| 25 Aug '21 | Gili Banta, Indonesia |
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| 26 Aug '21 | Sumbawa, Indonesia |
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| 27 Aug '21 | Moyo Island, Indonesia |
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| 28 Aug '21 | Benoa, Bali, Indonesia |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
7 Night cruise departing from Labuan Bajao to Benoa onboard Aqua Blu.
Aqua Expeditions’ Komodo National Park cruise aboard the Aqua Blu cruise ship sails every year from April to September, the best season to discover the region. The cruise sets sail on 7-night itineraries, alternating departures from the popular resort destination of Bali to Labuan Bajo (in Flores) and the reverse direction from Labuan Bajo to Bali.
Located in the Coral Triangle between the major landmasses of Sumbawa to the west and Flores to the east, the waters of Komodo National Park is embraced by fast flowing currents from the Indian Ocean and warm tropical Indonesia seas enriched with volcanic nutrients. The result is a vibrant marine environment home to more than 1,000 species of fish, including the manta ray, sea turtles and mola mola (ocean sunfish), as well as over 200 species of coral. From shore to shore, the sheer number of marine life makes this region endlessly rewarding for both divers and non-divers alike.
Complemented by a sunny and idyllic tropical climate, Komodo National Park’s variety of land and sea experiences makes cruising an ideal way to discover the region. Built to world-class luxury cruising specifications, the speed, stability and long-range capabilities of the Aqua Blu cruise ship guarantees five-star comfort, utmost exclusivity and an unrivalled immersiveness in the Park’s natural wonders. Access otherwise hard-to-reach marine sites and trekking routes where nature and wildlife flourish, often without another boat or human in sight.
Highlights of this cruise:
Labuan Bajo
Arrive at Labuan Bajo to a warm welcome. Board Aqua Blu and cruise to Gili Lawa Daut as the sun sets.
Gili Lawa Laut
Explore Gili Lawa Laut’s expansive expansive beaches and shallow reefs for that are ideal kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Meanwhile, diving and snorkeling spots that offer the chance to spot turtles.
In the afternoon, sail to Rinca and get your first up-close encounter with the prehistoric Komodo dragons.
Horseshoe Bay – Pink Beach
After a morning sailing through a spectacular sea passage, arrive in Horseshoe Bay, a dramatic curvature of land that is the remains of an ancient volcano caldera. Visit sea eagles’ and Komodo dragon’s favourite haunts aboard Aqua Blu’s skiffs or choose to dive or swim.
In the late afternoon, the iconic Pink Beach awaits. Trek, witness the flight of bats or visit the local village. Or simply relax on the beach.
Linta Strait – Padar
In the morning discover Linta Strait, a world famous spot for drift snorkeling and diving. Large pelagics fish are very common as well as manta rays, giant trevallies and big school of barracuda.
In the afternoon, arrive at the picturesque Padar Island. Hike up the savannah hill for iconic views before a sunset cocktail on the beach.
Gili Banta – West Komodo
Arrive at Gili Banta, a remote haven for beachlovers, snorkelers and divers (dive sites such as Star Wars and K2 are among the world’s best) alike. Or hike the Eastern Ridge for stunning views.
In the afternoon, sail to nearby West Komodo to encounter Komodo Dragons in the wild.
Saleh Bay, Sumbawa
Arrive at Saleh Bay after cruising overnight. On arrival, prepare for an up-close encounter with friendly whale sharks while guided by Conservation International Rangers. In the evening, witness a dramatic flight of the fruit bats at Sattonda.
Moyo Island
Arrive in Moyo, a remote hilly island with a handful of fishing villages. Discover wildlife en route to the spectacular waterfall at the center of the island and snorkel at the shallow Angel Reefs for an unforgettable experience. Aqua Blu sets sail for Bali after dinner.
Benoa ( Bali )
Arrive for your disembarkation at Bali. Catch your outbound flight or continue your Indonesian adventure.