It will be a new year, a new ship for Aqua Expeditions.
The luxury cruise line, part of the Ponant Explorations Group, will launch a sixth vessel in early 2026. The 253-foot Aqua Lares will offer multi-day voyages across East Africa before heading north for expeditions in the Arctic Circle.
Spanning six decks, Aqua Lares can sleep 30 guests across 12 suites and three twins. The accommodations range from 140 to 710 square feet, with three supersized owner’s suites ranking as the largest on offer. Conceived by Aqua design director Birgit Galli Zugaro and Milanese design studio Hotlab, the interiors are adorned with high-end materials and furnishings, resulting in a superyacht feel throughout.
The service is also of a superyacht standard, with a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio ensuring a personalized experience for those onboard. Seafarers can embark on expert-led excursions on land and underwater, with three naturalist guides further enriching each adventure. Aqua Lares carries five private tenders—three Zodiacs and two Rafnars—as well as paddle boards, kayaks, snorkeling and diving gear, and mountain bikes.
The main salon.
Aqua Expeditions
The yacht offers ample relaxation space, too, including a panoramic sun deck with a bar and lounge, a cinema, a boutique, a gym, a salon, an indoor dining room, and a shaded outdoor dining area. It is also outfitted with two Jacuzzis, a sauna, a massage room, and a spa to help guests unwind after a day of discovery.
Starting in February 2026, Aqua Lares will carry out voyages of between five and 11 nights across the Seychelles, with select itineraries venturing to the Aldabra Atoll or onward to Zanzibar, Tanzania. It will be the first luxury expedition yacht available to book by the cabin in the Seychelles, according to Aqua.
“From the wild beauty of the Seychelles to Aldabra Atoll’s 150,000 giant tortoises, this region offers a rare kind of adventure—one that perfectly complements our voyages in the Galapagos and Indonesia,” Aqua founder and CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro said in a statement.
The outdoor lounge.
Aqua Expeditions
From June 2026, the ice-class cruiser will offer adventures through Svalbard, the Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, and beyond. It will be the only superyacht in the Arctic Circle offering both private charters and individual cabin bookings for a maximum of 30 guests, Aqua says.
“With Aqua Lares, we’re setting a new benchmark for luxury exploration at the edges of the map,” adds Zugaro. “No other superyacht offers this combination of access, exclusivity, and personalized service in the Arctic.”
Rates for the East African itineraries start $9,000 per person, based on double occupancy. Private charters for up to 30 guests start at $385,000. For more information, call 844.819.7964 or visit the Aqua Expeditions website.
Click here to see more photos of Aqua Lares.
Aqua Expeditions
