Aqua Expeditions Partners with Legendary Jean-Michel Cousteau to Launch New Cruise Series

January 26, 2017 (Santa Barbara, CA)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Media Contact:
Holly S. Lohuis, Ocean Futures Society
805.899.8899 X1
hlohuis@oceanfutures.org

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Conservationist and filmmaker Jean-Michel Cousteau (left), © Tom Ordway, Ocean Futures Society; The Aria Amazon (right)

Santa Barbara, CA – Aqua Expeditions, one of world’s leading luxury river cruise companies, has announced a new collaboration with world-renowned champion of ocean conservation and environmental protection, Jean-Michel Cousteau. Launching with a series of special luxury cruises in 2017 and 2018 featuring five seven-night departures, these new Cousteau-hosted itineraries will offer guests intimate insider access to the famed explorer on both the Aria Amazon and Aqua Mekong vessels.

The son of ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, Jean-Michel founded the Ocean Futures Society in 1999 to carry on this pioneering work and to honor his father’s heritage. An award-winning producer of more than 80 films, Jean-Michel has been recognized internationally with numerous prestigious awards for his work in ocean conservation.

During these exclusive departures, travelers will experience the environmentally rich Amazon and Mekong rivers from the perspective of a conservationist and will get to know Jean-Michel in the intimacy of a small group of fellow travelers (the Aria Amazon’s maximum capacity is 32 passengers, while the Aqua Mekong’s is 40). Guests will learn first-hand about Cousteau’s deep experience exploring the Amazon and other remote areas around the world as he champions the cause of environmental conservation and protection. Each voyage will include evening talks with Cousteau, and screenings of several of his award-winning films.

"I met Jean-Michel several months ago and instantly understood we share important common values. As we launch our new partnership, it will be a privilege and an honor to be hosting him on these very special departures on the Aqua Mekong and Aria Amazon," said Francesco Galli-Zugaro, founder and CEO of Aqua Expeditions. This special series of cruises introduces an in-depth collaboration between Jean-Michel Cousteau and Aqua Expeditions to highlight the importance of environmental conservation.

"The idea of traveling to some of the largest water systems in the world, including the Amazon and Mekong Rivers, evoke a feeling of adventure, exotic beauty and remoteness. My hope is to inspire Aqua Expeditions' passengers to appreciate at an emotional and intellectual level on how we are apart of one global water system. We are the only species that can ensure a biologically and culturally rich future for all species. Protecting our water planet now is our gift to the future." Jean-Michel Cousteau, President of Ocean Futures Society

These special-edition Jean-Michel Cousteau voyages are open for booking with a limited number of spaces available:

  • September 15-22, 2017

    Siem Reap, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

  • February 23-March 2, 2018

    Phnom Penh, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

  • September 14-21, 2018

    Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam to Siem Reap, Cambodia

Aria Amazon

  • February 9-16, 2018

    Iquitos, Peru
  • October 5-12, 2018
    
Iquitos, Peru

Learn more about Jean-Michel Cousteau in a special video here

For more information on these departures, please visit Aqua Expeditions' Cousteau-hosted cruises online or contact the Sales and Reservations team at reservations@aquaexpeditions.com.

About Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society
The mission of Ocean Futures Society is to explore our global ocean, inspiring and educating people throughout the world to act responsibly for its protection, documenting the critical connection between humanity and nature, and celebrating the ocean's vital importance to the survival of all life on our planet. For more information, please visit www.oceanfutures.org.

About Aqua Expeditions
Aqua Expeditions was the first adventure travel company to introduce five-star luxury cruises on the Amazon River in Peru and on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia.  CEO, Francesco Galli Zugaro, founded Aqua Expeditions to cater to discerning, adventure travelers seeking to explore remote and culturally important destinations for luxury voyages on the world’s greatest rivers. Aqua Expeditions’ 16-suite Aria Amazon vessel entered service in 2011, a creation of Peruvian designer, Jordi Puig and featuring floor to ceiling windows, Jacuzzi, gym, sundeck and the haute Peruvian cuisine of Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. In October 2014, Aqua Expeditions expanded to Indochina with the launch of the Aqua Mekong with 20 design suites, sailing the historic Mekong River between Cambodia and Vietnam.  For more information about Aqua Expeditions, please visit www.aquaexpeditions.com.