Aqua Expeditions Unveils First Coastal Cruise Ships Aqua Blu and Aqua Nera

(1.30 p.m. AEST) – Aqua Expeditions has announced two new ships, Aqua Blu and Aqua Nera, will join the fleet in November 2019 and August 2020 respectively.

Aqua Blu will be Aqua Expeditions’ first ever coastal ship, and the first ever long-range expedition-class yacht to be permanently based in the East Indonesian Archipelago with year-round departures. Aqua Blu will have 15 sea-facing suites in three cabin categories, plus a sun deck, indoor lounge and bar, outdoor jacuzzi, spa and non-motorised watersports equipment such as diving and snorkelling gear, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. The ship will also be equipped with two high-powered tenders for sea excursions.

From November 2019, Aqua Blu will offer seven-night cruises to three coastal destinations in East Indonesia, Raja Ampat, Bali-Komodo National Park, and the Ambon and Spice Islands. There will also be a small number of 12-night extended voyages available.

The refurbished ship once sailed as the former British Naval Explorer HMS Beagle, adding a touch of history to these East Indonesia cruises which traverse the fabled global spice trade route.

Aqua Nera will be based in the Peruvian Amazon and offer three-, four-, and seven-night cruises from August 2020. The ship will feature a design inspired by the blackwater lagoons and tributaries of the river and Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, with 20 river-facing suites plus a lounge and spa, plunge pool and gym, and a restaurant with a focus on working with local producers.

Both Aqua Blu and Aqua Nera will feature world-class cuisine experiences by renowned consulting chefs, including award-winning Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino who specialises in using Amazonian ingredients in Modern Peruvian dishes. Cruises on both ships are open for booking.