Virtuoso has named Aqua Expeditions “Best Small Ship Cruise Experience” at its 2026 Travel Week in Las Vegas, recognising the line’s expedition itineraries across the Amazon, Mekong, East Indonesia, Galápagos and its newest vessel in the Seychelles and Arctic.
Aqua Expeditions operates river voyages on the Amazon in Peru and the Mekong in Cambodia and Vietnam, alongside coastal yacht itineraries to Komodo National Park, Ambon, the Spice Islands and Raja Ampat in East Indonesia, and a superyacht sailing the Galápagos Islands.
Francesco Galli Zugaro, founder and chief executive of Aqua Expeditions, said the award coincided with a period of fleet expansion for the line.
“This recognition comes at an exciting time for Aqua, as we continue to expand into new and extraordinary regions of the world,” Zugaro said.
Sixth ship offers rare dual-hemisphere deployment
The line’s newest vessel, Aqua Lares, is a 15-suite, ice-class superyacht offering a dual-hemisphere deployment across two seasons. From November to April, the ship sails five- to 11-night voyages through the Seychelles, with select itineraries extending to Aldabra Atoll and Zanzibar. Aqua Expeditions said this marks the first time a luxury expedition yacht in the Seychelles has been available to book by individual cabin rather than exclusively by private charter.
From May to September, Aqua Lares repositions to Svalbard and the wider Arctic Circle, where the line said it is the only superyacht in the region offering both private charters and individual cabin bookings.
Part of a growing expedition portfolio
Aqua Expeditions is part of Ponant Explorations Group, a portfolio of destination-focused expedition cruise brands. The line’s ships carry a maximum of 16 to 40 guests, with a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio.
The Virtuoso award recognises the cruise line judged to offer the most distinctive experience within a specialised or niche market category.
