07-08-2025
Aqua Expeditions names Seychelles ship the Aqua Lares
Aqua Expeditions' sixth ship will be called the Aqua Lares and debut on Feb. 8 with East Africa itineraries of five to 11 nights.
The 253-foot ship will have a 30-guest capacity and 33 crew members, which will include three naturalist guides.
There will be six decks, 12 suites and three twin cabins. The accommodations range from 140 to 710 square feet.
The five-night itineraries will focus on the Seychelles' inner islands. Nine-night trips will travel to the outer islands, including Aldabra Atoll, which has the world's largest population of giant tortoises, according to UNESCO.
The longest itineraries of 10 and 11 nights will include the Seychelles and visits to the Zanzibar archipelago and Tanzania.
The Aqua Lares will sail the region annually from November to April, said Aqua Expeditions.
Offline bookings are open; online bookings open Sept. 1. The base rate for a five-night voyage is $9,000 per person, while 5-night private charters start at $385,000.
Communal spaces and amenities onboard will include a sundeck with a bar and lounge, spa, movie theater, gym and saloon. There will be an indoor and outdoor dining area.
The ship will be equipped with seven tenders and three zodiacs as well as recreational equipment like paddleboards, kayaks and mountain bikes.
Ponant Explorations Group acquired Aqua Expeditions in January.
