SMALL ship luxury cruise line Aqua Expeditions has announced the expansion of its fleet, and the addition of new sailings in Seychelles and Zanzibar, departing in Dec 2025.
Guests can choose from four different itineraries on board the explorer yacht, including five- and nine-night adventures, discovering Seychelles’ inner and outer islands respectively.
There is also the option of a 14-night exploration of the Seychelles archipelago, which will rotate with 10- and 11-night sailings in the Seychelles and the Tanzanian islands.
Founder Francesco Galli Zugaro said he had longed to launch itineraries into Africa since launching his business almost 18 years ago.
“I’ve done 16 safaris in my life so far, and every single one is affirmation that experiential travel really stems from Sub-Saharan Africa safaris, because there’s always been a wildlife nature component…and guests are always accompanied by naturalists,” Zugaro told CW.
Sine joining Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) as a preferred supplier earlier this year, Aqua has committed to its new partner’s luxury showcase and roadshow next year (CW 03 Jul).
Aqua is also currently conducting a training program for FCTG’s advisors, and will be running famil trips on its ships for top product managers next year.
The cruise line’s focus is on remote destinations with minimal human interaction, and its exclusive 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio with a maximum of 16-40 guests per ship.
“We’re closer to private yachting than the cruising industry,” Zugaro said.
“Our guests have never been on big ships, and probably will never go on big ships
“They’re what I call ‘affluent explorers’…we’re appealing to their sense of exploration and adventure, and doing it in a way that doesn’t sacrifice any of the creature comforts that they have come to expect when they travel at a really high-end level but in a relaxed ambience.” JHM