WHY IT RATES: The seven-suite Aqua Mare can sail with up to 16 guests on incredibly intimate, ultra-luxury expedition cruises on seven- or-14-night itineraries around the celebrated South American archipelago that few ever get to experience. - Laurie Baratti, TravelPulse Associate Writer
Aqua Expeditions, the luxury small-ship expeditions leader, expanded its fleet with the launch of Aqua Mare, the first superyacht now sailing among Ecuador's Galapagos Islands. The seven-suite vessel offers guests a choice of two highly personalized seven-night itineraries exploring the archipelago's eastern and western regions, as well as two 14-night voyages.
Aqua Mare was designed and built by the world-renowned Italian CRN yard with custom interiors by Francois Zuretti. The ship can accommodate up to 16 guests in seven individually designed suites which range in size from 215 square feet to an 861-square-foot Owner's Suite, the largest suite in this remote destination, complete with a 215-square-foot bathroom. Aqua Mare is the first of its class in the Galapagos Islands, offering guests five-star luxury and personalized service aboard a top-of-the-line superyacht.
Spread over four decks, the 164-foot ship features a six-person jacuzzi, outdoor barbecue area and workout zone, as well as shaded and open sun decks. A standout feature of the superyacht is its unique 'Beach Club' located at the aft of the lower deck, complete with a hydraulic opening panoramic beam-to-beam window - a first for the Galapagos Islands.
The Aqua Mare features a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, an Aqua Expeditions brand standard. With a crew of 16, including two naturalist guides, the Aqua Mare offers an unparalleled five-star experience in one of the world's most sought-after destinations.
Aqua Expeditions once again teamed up with award-winning Peruvian chef, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, to curate a culinary program that draws inspiration from the coast to the Pacific. For the Aqua Mare, Schiaffino created a Peruvian Japanese Nikkei-inspired menu made with the freshest sustainable ingredients sourced from local suppliers all the way to the Andes of Ecuador. Menu highlights include Galapagueña lobster lettuce wraps with Acevichado dressing, potato llapingachos, tuna crudo, barbecued plantains, shrimp ceviche and more.
Two custom-made, military-grade black rib tenders provide twice-daily expeditions led by two world-class naturalist guides; each group is capped at only eight guests. Aqua Mare is also equipped with double kayaks, paddle boards and snorkeling gear.
Rates on Aqua Mare start from US$9,450 per person for a 7-night itinerary, including all meals and beverages (non-alcoholic, premium wines and beer); local transfers to/from recommended flights; all excursions; Galapagos Park entrance fees and INGALA transit card; laundry service and internet. A 7-night charter for up to 16 passengers starts from US$196,000, including house spirits and a private masseuse for five hours per day.
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