Gourmet cuisine by world-renowned chefs
All of our expeditions feature innovative menus inspired by each destination’s culture and surroundings
An appetite for adventure
East Africa and the Arctic Circle
Michelin-starred Chef Karime López presents her culinary vision aboard Aqua Lares, our newest luxury expedition yacht.
Whether sailing through East Africa or the Arctic Circle, Chef López’s menus draw inspiration from the regional sights and flavors, honoring Aqua’s sustainability ethos through the use of locally sourced ingredients. In East Africa, Mediterranean influences meet coastal Creole flavors with dishes such as the Zanzibar-spiced ribeye and Creole shrimp curry with fried plantain. In the Arctic Circle, Norwegian scallops, king crab, and local brown cheese are among the specialties, complemented by freshly baked scones and warm waffles.
Chef López has built a decorated career leading kitchens in restaurants across Italy, Spain, Mexico, Peru, and Japan, and became the first Mexican woman to earn a Michelin star at Gucci Osteria Florence in 2018. Her accolades also include Chef of the Year in Italy (2018), the Best Chef Art Award (2022), and Best Outstanding Chef Abroad by CANIRAC (2023).
Galapagos and the Peruvian Amazon
A pioneer of rainforest-to-table cuisine, renowned Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino delivers the exceptional menus on our Galapagos and Amazon expeditions.
On Aqua Mare, Chef Schiaffino presents a dining experience inspired by the region’s dramatic landscapes and the Peruvian Nikkei style. Aboard Aqua Nera and Aria Amazon, the dishes make use of native Amazonian ingredients and showcase the best of Peruvian cuisine using a sustainable rainforest-to-table approach.
Pedro Miguel Schiaffino was the chef and previous owner of Malabar and ámaZ, which used to be two of Lima’s most cutting edge and innovative restaurants prior to their closure. He is also part of the Executive Committee of the CIA’s Latin Cuisines Advisory Council and founder of the catering company Schiaffino Gastronomika.
East Indonesia and the Mekong Delta
Award-winning Chef Benjamin Cross presents an immersive dining experience celebrating the diverse flavors and rich culinary heritage of Southeast Asia, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
On Aqua Blu, Chef Cross draws inspiration from Indonesia’s fabled sea spice trade route, blending Indonesian flavors with European and Mediterranean influences. Aboard Aqua Mekong, his menus showcase the bounty of Vietnam and Cambodia, from the Mekong’s waterways to its fertile lands. Rooted in an unpretentious and simple approach, his food philosophy centers on top-quality produce, allowing the ingredients to speak for themselves in inventive yet authentic dishes.
With more than 25 years of international experience, Chef Cross began his career at Byron Bay’s legendary Raes on Wategos before honing his craft under Australian culinary icons Janni Kyritsis and Neil Perry. His journey took him abroad to some of the world’s most celebrated kitchens, including Seamus Mullen’s Tertulia in New York City and Santi Santamaria’s three-Michelin-starred Can Fabes in Catalonia, Spain. Since relocating to Bali in 2008, he has developed a series of acclaimed restaurants, from Masonry and Fishbone Local to Bar Vera.
East AfricaSeychelles & Tanzania CruiseDiscover East Africa’s most captivating archipelagos on board Aqua Lares. From Seychelles’ Aldabra Atoll—home to giant tortoises and spectacular dive sites—to Zanzibar’s historic spice routes and mangrove forests, each voyage dives deep into the Indian Ocean’s premier hotspots for biodiversity and culture.Aqua Lares | 30 Guests | 32 Crew
Cambodia | VietnamMekong River CruiseImmerse yourself in centuries-old heritage as you discover the Mekong Delta and its storied past. Embark on expert-led excursions while sailing on Aqua Mekong: kayak to floating villages, discover historic Buddhist temples, and cycle along picturesque ricefields to explore monuments from the Khmer Empire.Aqua Mekong | 40 Guests | 40 Crew
PeruAmazon River CruiseJourney into the world’s largest rainforest aboard Aqua Nera and Aria Amazon. Sail the Peruvian Amazon’s most exciting tributaries and go on jungle walks with our trained local guides in search of exotic wildlife including pink dolphins, black caimans, and anacondas.Aria Amazon | 32 Guests | 26 Crew
EcuadorGalapagos CruiseExplore the rich volcanic landscapes and famously biodiverse waters of the Galapagos Islands. With twice-daily excursions – snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and tender rides – encounter endemic species of penguins, giant tortoises, and iguanas which can't be found anywhere else in the world.Aqua Mare | 16 Guests | 16 Crew
IndonesiaBali-Komodo National Park CruiseSailing from Bali to Labuan Bajo and vice versa, this voyage uncovers the best of the Nusa Tenggara archipelago, including Moyo Island, Komodo National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its native population of Komodo Dragons – and Saleh Bay. Embark on expert-led excursions to discover the world’s most biodiverse marine habitats and check off bucket-list experiences such as swimming with whale sharks.Aqua Blu | 30 Guests | 30 Crew
IndonesiaRaja Ampat CruiseRaja Ampat, with its glittering turquoise waters and natural karst formations, is best known for harboring the world’s most diverse collection of underwater habitats and marine species. It is home to over half of all known species of tropical fish and three-quarters of all reef-building corals. Embark on expert-led snorkeling and diving excursions at the region’s hotspots for wildlife encounters. On land, uncover hidden lagoons, coves, and the magical Kali Biru blue river, as well as forests that shelter rare bird species including Wilson’s bird of paradise.Aqua Blu | 30 Guests | 30 Crew
IndonesiaAmbon & Spice Islands CruiseAn epic journey sailing the Spice Islands, which were the focal point of the global spice trade in the 16th and 17th century. As the place of origin of nutmeg – a spice that was once worth more than its weight in gold – the Spice Islands were the holy grail for famous Old World explorers. While sailing on board the luxurious Aqua Blu, enjoy days of snorkeling and diving combined with the exploration of historical forts and hikes to nutmeg plantations.Aqua Blu | 30 Guests | 30 Crew
IndonesiaAsmat & New Guinea CruiseAsmat and West Papua are among the most uncharted destinations in all of Indonesia, rarely visited on board New Guinea cruises. Aqua Expeditions’ exclusive sailings in November 2025 will explore this region with stops at destinations including Momon, Cape Papisol, Triton Bay, and the jungles of Asmat. This itinerary is also offered in combination with cross-destination sailing exploring Spice Islands and Raja Ampat featuring some of the world’s best snorkeling and diving opportunities.Aqua Blu | 30 Guests | 30 Crew
The Arctic CircleSvalbard & The Arctic Circle CruiseDiscover the polar north aboard Aqua Lares, the Arctic’s only icebreaker superyacht. From Svalbard’s pristine wilderness, home to reindeer, polar bears, and Arctic foxes, to majestic fjords like Raudfjord and Liefdefjorden, and historic sites such as Smeerenburg and Gravneset, each voyage offers unparalleled exploration into one of the planet’s most remote frontiers.Aqua Lares | 30 Guests | 32 Crew
What our guests say
