Aqua Expeditions, the leader in luxury small ship cruising, is reporting strong bookings from Australia and New Zealand for its new Aqua Mekong cruises, which commence 30 September 2014.
Aqua Mekong will be the cruise operator's first vessel in Asia, taking guests on a journey on the Mekong River, between Cambodia and Vietnam on a 7-Night Expedition Cruise, 4-Night Explorer Cruise and 3-Night Discovery Cruise.
Aqua Expeditions was the first adventure travel company to introduce 5-star luxury cruises to the Amazon River in Peru on Aqua Amazon and Aria Amazon.
Aqua Expeditions CEO and Founder, Francesco Galli Zugaro said forward bookings from Australia and New Zealand for the new cruise offering “are strong across the 3, 4 and 7-night sailings”.
“These will be important markets for Aqua Mekong and, as we anticipated, a number of bookings have come from guests who have travelled with us before on our Amazon cruises and are looking forward to this new boutique cruise experience on the Mekong, “Mr Galli Zugaro said.
Introducing a new standard of luxury and sophistication to the river, Aqua Mekong will be in keeping with the style of Aqua Amazon and Aqua Aria - small enough to be intimate but equally spacious and luxurious. The attention to detail for which Aqua Expeditions is celebrated for will be reflected throughout; from the design and décor to the cuisine and service.
Contemporary DesignAqua Mekong has been designed
by Saigon-based architectural firm Noor Design. Measuring 62.4 meters
(205 feet) in length, Aqua Mekong will have 20 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 can unwind on cushioned lounges 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.
Aqua
Mekong is also the first cruise ship on Southeast Asia's greatest river
to offer a generous sized spa and fitness centre, library and screening
room.
Exceptional Cuisine
Aqua Expeditions
has appointed celebrated Australian culinary identity and
Michelin-starred Chef, David Thompson as Executive Chef of Aqua Mekong.
David gained an outstanding reputation for innovation and creativity in
cuisine excellence in Australia starting with Sydney restaurant, Darley
Street Thai, which he opened in 1991 and was voted Best Thai Restaurant
for eight consecutive years in The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food
Guide, before going onto continued success with Sailors' Thai in
Sydney's The Rocks.
Next came Nahm London where, in 2002, David secured the
first-ever Michelin star awarded for Thai cuisine. Two years later, he
moved to Bangkok and in September 2010 opened the renowned Nahm Bangkok,
recognised in 2012 and 2013 among the 'World's 50 Best Restaurants' by
Restaurant Magazine UK.
"As Asia's top ranked chef on 'San
Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants,' David is the perfect fit for
the exclusive Aqua Mekong, because his unique culinary experience and
first-hand knowledge of Asian ingredients and palates will enable us to
provide guests with the authentic experience they expect from an Aqua
Expeditions cruise,” Francesco said.
With a reputation for
first-class cuisine influenced by Southeast Asia, Thompson will create a
menu including 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. Among the many dishes will
be River Prawns with Ginger, Shallots, Tamarind and Palm Sugar served on Betel Leaves, and Cashew Nut Pudding with Coconut Cream.
"Working with Aqua Mekong will be an exciting challenge and the food
will be based on the cooking of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, the
countries which depend on the Mekong River,” David said.
“I look forward to setting sail."
Stylish CocktailsIn
keeping with the standards of the world's best bars, Aqua Mekong's Bar
program has been designed by award-winning Proof & Company.
Offering a unique 'village to table' concept, the bar will showcase 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
- on-board bartenders will handcraft a rotating selection of cocktails
that will feature artisanal spirits, hand-cut ice, and fresh
ingredients.
Drinks served 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 cocktails, the indoor and outdoor lounges will offer guests an
impressive 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.
About Aqua Expeditions
In just seven years, Francesco Galli Zugaro has cultivated Aqua
Expeditions as a recognised leader in luxury small ship cruising. In
2008, Francesco launched the first luxury cruise line on the Amazon
River in Peru with the 12-suite Aqua Amazon, and then the 16-suite Aria
Amazon three years later. Nature-based guided adventures, sophisticated
5-star boutique accommodation and gourmet cuisine are hallmarks of both
cruises. On 30 September 2014, building on the growing interest among
travellers in small-ship cruising, Francesco will launch a third luxury
vessel, the20-suiteAqua Mekong on the historic Mekong River between
Cambodia and Vietnam.
www.aquaexpeditions.com
or contact your nearest travel agent.
No comments:
Post a Comment