If you prefer river cruises that combine immersive nature experiences with five-star comfort, Aqua Expeditions deserves your attention. Their all-inclusive journeys aboard the 16-suite Aria Amazon and the 20-suite Aqua Mekong provide refined accommodations, attentive service, and enriching onboard programs led by naturalists, historians, and other experts.
This autumn, renowned conservationist Jean-Michel Cousteau will lead select sailings on the Aria Amazon. Guests can take part in guided cycling and jungle excursions to observe wildlife up close, then return to the ship for evening talks in which Cousteau shares firsthand stories and thoughtful perspectives on protecting habitats and fragile ecosystems. His presentations explore the interaction between cultural traditions and the economic pressures that can threaten environmental health.
Jean Michel Cousteau Hosted Departure © Aqua Expeditions
Also this season, celebrated chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino will host two departures that include visits to local markets and a hands-on cooking class. Schiaffino, the chef-owner of Lima’s acclaimed Malabar and ÁmaZ restaurants and consulting chef for the Aria Amazon, brings his regional knowledge and culinary creativity to the onboard dining program. Schiaffino’s hosted voyages are scheduled for Sept. 24–28 and Oct. 29–Nov. 2. Cousteau’s Aria Amazon sailings include Oct. 5–8, Oct. 5–12, and Oct. 8–12.
Founder and CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro will also host departures this fall on both the Aria Amazon and the Aqua Mekong. His itineraries focus on active exploration—kayaking excursions in the Amazon for wildlife viewing and cycling along the Mekong to experience riverside communities and scenery. Zugaro’s hosted dates are Aug. 31–Sept. 4 aboard the Aqua Mekong and Nov. 19–23 aboard the Aria Amazon.
Whether you seek immersive wildlife encounters, culinary discovery, or cultural insight, these curated departures aboard Aqua Expeditions offer small-ship comfort and expert-led activities that bring riverside ecosystems and communities to life. Each voyage emphasizes responsible travel practices and thoughtful interpretation to deepen guests’ appreciation for these remarkable environments.