Aqua Expeditions, a luxury cruise operator known for voyages to remote destinations, has announced plans to expand its fleet with a new ship sailing in East Africa starting December 2025. The expansion will introduce four new itineraries ranging from five to 14 nights, exploring the Seychelles and Zanzibar, Tanzania, among other destinations.
The new sailings will focus on biodiversity hotspots in the region, including the Aldabra Atoll, home to more than 150,000 giant tortoises and often referred to as the “Galapagos of Africa." Other notable destinations include Cosmoledo, Astove and Furquhar Atoll in the Seychelles, as well as Kilwa Kisiwani and Pemba in Tanzania.
"It has always been a dream of mine to venture into East Africa and explore this part of the world on a luxury expedition ship,” said Francesco Galli Zugaro, CEO and founder of Aqua Expeditions. “I am excited to finally be able to showcase the beauty of the Indian Ocean and the famous Aldabra Atoll."
The new vessel will maintain Aqua Expeditions' high standards, featuring a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, personalized service and cuisine led by renowned chefs. Small-group excursions guided by experts will be available at each destination.
"East Africa presents a compelling blend of familiar sights and unexplored frontiers,” Galli Zugaro added. “We find giant tortoises roaming the beaches, like we do in the Galapagos, where we sail Aqua Mare. Diving into history, we see remnants of a centuries-old spice trade, much like the Spice Islands that Aqua Blu explores in Indonesia."
The expansion marks Aqua Expeditions' entry into a third continent since its founding in 2007. The company currently operates three river ships and two superyachts across eight destinations.
Further details about the expansion and Aqua Expeditions' sixth vessel are expected to be released in the future.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Aqua Expeditions. It has been fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
