Aqua Expeditions: Guest Chef Cruises for 2025
Aqua Expeditions has launched world-class culinary experiences through collaborations with award-winning chefs. Each journey presents a unique opportunity to discover authentic flavors, featuring innovative menus inspired by local culture and crafted with the finest regional ingredients.
In 2025, the company is introducing three exclusive departures with internationally renowned guest chefs. Aboard Aqua Blu, which explores Eastern Indonesia, guests will savor the creations of Benjamin Cross, a celebrated Australian chef and restaurateur. Meanwhile, deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, legendary Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino will offer a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience on Aqua Nera.
Aqua Blu Sun Deck
The guest chef cruises will not only allow travelers to enjoy refined dishes but also immerse themselves in local culinary traditions. Each guest will have the opportunity to discover the secrets behind Aqua Expeditions’ menus, participate in guided tours of local markets, and engage directly with the chefs. This type of experience provides a deeper perspective on the gastronomic culture of the destinations visited, making each journey an adventure for the senses.
On board Aqua Nera, in the heart of the Amazon River, guests will embark on a culinary adventure guided by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, a pioneer of rainforest-to-table cuisine. With his extraordinary ability to transform unusual ingredients into sophisticated dishes, the Peruvian chef will bring the authentic flavors of the Amazon to life.
Seventy percent of the ingredients used for the dishes served on Aqua Nera come directly from the Amazon rainforest. This choice not only ensures freshness and quality but also supports the local ecosystem and indigenous communities. The chef’s menu includes dishes such as grilled tiger catfish wrapped in bijao leaves, traditional causa with shrimp cocktail, and the renowned paiche ceviche served with sweet potatoes and fresh corn.
The culinary experience offered by Aqua Expeditions goes beyond taste—it extends to a tangible commitment to environmental conservation. The company is actively involved in protecting native Amazonian fish species and works closely with local communities to promote sustainable fishing. This means that every guest who chooses to travel with Aqua Expeditions not only enjoys exceptional dishes but also contributes to the preservation of the environment and the traditions of the region.
Chef Benjamin Cross
Pedro Miguel Schiaffino
Sailing through the islands of Eastern Indonesia, Aqua Blu offers an extraordinary journey through Komodo National Park and its pristine waters. The deep connection between this land and its history is reflected in its cuisine, an element that finds its highest expression through the creativity of Chef Benjamin Cross. With an international career and a profound knowledge of Southeast Asian spices and flavors, the Australian chef has developed over 160 exclusive recipes for Aqua Blu voyages.
Each dish is a journey through the flavors of ancient spice routes, blending Indonesian, Mediterranean, and European influences. Cross’s menu features specialties such as 48-hour slow-cooked beef short rib rendang, Balinese suckling pig seasoned with bumbu Bali, organic Javanese prawns marinated in fragrant oil and lime, and line-caught fresh fish grilled with Balinese sambal.
Aqua Nera
Aqua Expeditions stands out as a company that creates a true bridge between exploration, gastronomy, and sustainability. Its vessels, designed to offer maximum comfort in an elegant setting, accommodate a limited number of travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Collaborations with world-renowned chefs like Pedro Miguel Schiaffino and Benjamin Cross transform every meal into a journey through global flavors. The careful selection of ingredients, always prioritizing local and sustainable sources, offers guests the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the gastronomic culture of each destination.
Beyond culinary excellence, Aqua Expeditions is committed to environmental conservation projects and supporting local communities, actively contributing to the protection of the ecosystems in which it operates. The onboard experiences go beyond fine dining, including excursions to local markets, cooking classes, and guided tastings, allowing guests to deepen their understanding of each region’s authentic flavors.
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