28 Aug 2014
Aqua Expeditions is launching its third luxury vessel this October, on the Mekong River in Cambodia and Vietnam.
Introducing a new standard of luxury and sophistication to the river, the Aqua Mekong will be in keeping with the style of the renowned Peruvian vessels; Aqua Amazon and Aria Amazon - small enough to be intimate but equally spacious and luxurious. The incredible attention to detail for which Aqua Expeditions is celebrated for will be reflected throughout; from the design and décor to the cuisine and service. With the build nearing completion excitement is building for the first departure in just a month.
Design
The Aqua Mekong has been designed by Saigon-based architectural firm Noor Design. Measuring 62.4 meters (205 feet) in length, the Aqua Mekong will have twenty outward-facing design suites with floor-to-ceiling windows enabling guests to relax and watch the scenery float by. Each will be decorated in an authentic Asian style using locally sourced fabrics and materials.
Upstairs on the Observation Deck, guests will be able to slide onto sleek contemporary interpretations of the region's woven cane planters chairs, and at the Outdoor Lounge guests will be invited to unwind on cushioned loungers or ease into the river facing plunge pool.
The pool's shimmering oasis will offer welcome relaxation after an Aqua Expeditions excursion shopping for ingredients with the chef in Cambodia's wet markets, watching traditional silversmiths at work or spending time amongst snakes and crocodiles at a Vietnamese riverside farm.
The Aqua Mekong is also the first cruise ship on Southeast Asia's greatest river to offer a generous sized spa and fitness center, library and screening room.
Exceptional Cuisine by David Thompson
Recently awarded number one in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, David Thompson will join Aqua Expeditions as Executive Chef on board Aqua Mekong. With a reputation for first class cuisine influenced by Southeast Asia, David will create an exclusive menu for Aqua Expeditions guests, combining the culinary traditions of Mekong River culture with the freshest ingredients.
Dishes include local ingredients such as Khmer Kampot Pepper, Mekong River Prawns and Catfish as well as fruits and vegetables from the markets of Saigon, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Dishes served on the Aqua Mekong will include River Prawns with Ginger, Shallots, Tamarind and Palm Sugar served on Betel Leaves and Cashew Nut Pudding with Coconut Cream.
Cocktail Hour in Style
In keeping with the standards of the world's best bars, the Aqua Mekong Bar programme has been designed by the award-winning team at Proof & Company. Offering a unique “village to table” concept, the Aqua Mekong bar will showcase the rich flavours, colours and cultures of the Mekong River Basin along with the leisurely and romantic drinking rituals of colonial Indochina.
Making daily forays to the markets along the cruise itineraries - where traditional spices, fruits and vegetables often change with each village - the on-board bartenders will handcraft a rotating selection of cocktails that will feature artisanal spirits, hand-cut ice, and fresh ingredients. Drinks served on the Aqua Mekong will include Kentucky Cha Cha, combining hand-toasted Mekong Spice Blend with Organic Ceylon Tea, fresh pressed Coconut Milk and artisanal Bourbon and Kampong Old Fashioned made with Plantation Single Island Grenada 2003, Organic "Kampong Speu" Palm Sugar, Pandan Leaves and Angostura bitters.
In addition to these extraordinary cocktails, the indoor and outdoor lounges will offer guests a remarkable collection of artisanal whiskies, rums and other fine spirits and a carefully curated selection of boutique wines, local and craft beers, fresh-pressed tropical juices and handmade sodas.
Aqua Mekong will operate 3, 4 and 7-night itineraries that will run from Siem Riep down river to My Tho, near Saigon, stopping in Phnom Penh along the way, and vice versa. Modelling the water safari experience there will be daily river and shore excursions - which the Peruvian vessels have perfected.
CEO and Founder, Francesco Galli Zugaro says, ““We are very excited to reveal our latest addition, the Aqua Mekong, which we believe will offer the experienced traveller an authentic and world-class way of exploring another exotic location. We look forward to welcoming guests on board in October.”
The Aqua Mekong is scheduled to launch in October 2014.
