Aqua Expeditions will launch its new riverboat - RV Aqua Nera, in October 2020, with planned cruises on the Peruvian Amazon River. The newbuild will operate 3-, 4- and 7-night itineraries departing from homeport Iquitos Peru and exploring the tributaries of the Peruvian Amazon River and Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.
On all itineraries, naturalist guides will offer bespoke experiences like wildlife encounters ranging from spotting pink river dolphins to morning birdwatching. The ship will call at a number of Amazonian villages and towns.
Noor Design (the ship design company behind the fleetmate RV Aqua Mekong) also designed Aqua Nera. The houseboat's interiors take inspiration from the tributaries and black water lagoons of the Amazon region, incorporating accents from the cultures of Peru, Portugal, and Spain. Dark-lacquered hardwood which is sustainably sourced is used throughout.
Aqua Nera will boast 20 river-facing suites, a restaurant, spa, and lounge, along with a river-facing gym and plunge pool.
Peruvian Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino will keep on his role as a consulting chef on Aqua Nera. The onboard cuisine will focus on Peruvian dishes highlighting Amazonian ingredients, echoing the line’s commitment to supporting local producers.
Aqua Expeditions operates river sailings on the Amazon (Peru), Mekong (Cambodia and Vietnam), and coastal yacht voyages in Komodo NP, Ambon and the Malukus/Spice Islands and Raja Ampat (East Indonesia).