Aqua Expeditions, part of the PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, offers ultra-luxurious, eco-conscious river and yacht cruises to remote destinations, combining adventure, cultural immersion, and personalized service aboard boutique vessels with just 16–40 guests.
Aqua Expeditions is a luxury river cruise company that specializes in offering extraordinary, immersive travel experiences along some of the world’s most captivating and remote waterways. Founded in 2008 by Francesco Galli Zugaro, Aqua Expeditions has rapidly established itself as a leader in high-end river cruising, offering a unique blend of adventure, culture, and luxury. With a fleet of sleek, boutique vessels, the company takes guests on breathtaking expeditions through some of the planet’s most pristine regions, including the Amazon River in Peru, the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia, and coastal yacht voyages in East Indonesia and the Galapagos Islands.
In January 2025 PONANT, known for its luxurious expedition cruises aboard small ships with fewer than 500 passengers, acquired a majority stake in Aqua Expeditions. This acquisition strengthens PONANT’s offering of tailored, intimate expeditions while expanding its reach into the luxury river cruise segment.
Aqua Expeditions, now part of the PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, continues to uphold its commitment to exploring the world’s most biodiverse and culturally significant destinations aboard vessels of stylish contemporary design. With a focus on exceptional river and ocean cruises, the company offers tailored five-star itineraries, a highly exclusive 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, personalized service, world-class dining, and small-group, expert-guided activities and excursions. Aqua Expeditions operates with a capacity of just 16 to 40 guests per ship, ensuring an intimate and highly personalized experience for each traveler.
Aqua Expeditions has earned its reputation as a pioneer in the luxury river cruise industry by providing exclusive and immersive itineraries through regions such as the Peruvian Amazon, the Mekong Delta, and East Indonesia, along with coastal yacht voyages to the Galapagos Islands. Its fleet of vessels, including the river cruise ships Aqua Mekong, Aria Amazon and Aqua Nera and the ocean cruise ships Aqua Blu and Aqua Mare are designed with modern aesthetics, sustainable practices, and luxury accommodations, ensuring that guests are surrounded by comfort while exploring some of the most pristine and untouched locations on Earth.
With a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility, Aqua Expeditions offers an eco-conscious cruising experience. The company integrates sustainable practices such as minimizing energy consumption, reducing plastic use, and supporting local conservation initiatives. Aqua Expeditions also places a strong emphasis on cultural immersion, offering guests a chance to engage with local communities through guided excursions and enriching experiences.
In addition to luxurious accommodations and unparalleled service, Aqua Expeditions also places great value on its commitment to responsible tourism. The company’s partnerships with local communities ensure that tourism benefits the environment and the residents of these regions. As part of the PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, Aqua Expeditions is poised to expand its offerings while continuing to prioritize sustainability, exclusive experiences, and personalized service for discerning travelers.
