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Nobu visits Aqua Expeditions

admin_aqua — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:40:55 +0000

In 2010, our very own Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, Executive Chef for Aqua Expeditions, made a series of guest appearances at NOBU Tokyo as part of a Peruvian Fair hosted by culinary giant Nobu Matsuhisa. In late-2011, it was Nobu’s turn to visit Pedro Miguel in Lima to co-host an Umami Charity Dinner in aid of the World Food Programme and organised by the Umami Information Centre and the Ajinomoto Foundation. Nobu Matsuhisa, founder of the eponymous NOBU restaurant empire, is no stranger to Peru’s culinary delights– after training at Lima-based sushi restaurant Matsuei, Nobu spent three more years in the capital which he credits with helping to inspire his culinary style.

Following his time in Lima, we were delighted to welcome Nobu onboard for a three-day Amazon cruise onboard the M/V Aria.

It was a great chance for the group to catch up as well as to re-discover the wonders of Peruvian cuisine using local Amazonian ingredients from the Pacaya Samiria reserve. Nobu and his guests even found time try their hand at Piranha fishing and, guided by our experts, explore some of the rainforest on foot.

It was a pleasure to host Nobu and his group during their time in the Amazon and we hope they will return to visit us again soon.

A challenge to all budding wildlife experts!

admin_aqua — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:37:35 +0000

As we enter November we can officially say that what started as an exceptional season for wildlife spotting has certainly continued in the same way. Highlights have included a large number of Ringed Kingfishers, Black-collared Hawks, Scarlet and Blue and Yellow Macaws. A Crimson-crested Woodpecker, Lettered Aracari, several Yellow-billed Terns and a Giant River Otter have also made appearances within the past few weeks.

The high number of bird species spotted is in part due to good fortune, but also because we had the pleasure of welcoming two ornithologists on board who really decided to make the most of their cruise.

Their early morning outings and keen eyes were rewarded by identifying a total of 172 species during their seven day cruise! This really is an exceptional number and goes some way towards reflecting the variety and diversity constantly present along the Peruvian Amazon.

We challenge you to grab your wildlife checklist, join us aboard and beat their total.

A rare sight! The Harpy Eagle and other wonderful Amazonian wildlife…

admin_aqua — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:21:41 +0000

Aqua Expeditions’ guests have enjoyed a wonderful month of wildlife spotting so far. The exceptionally high river levels along the Peruvian Amazon has meant we have been able to get even deeper into the rainforest and closer to some of the rarest wildlife. The area is bursting with scores of frogs, more than 1000 species of birds and a host of monkeys including squirrel, capuchin, monk saki and red howler monkeys and a symphonic soundtrack of one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions.

Alongside some of the forest’s most common sightings we have been even more fortunate to enjoy breakfast on board whilst being entertained by the pink river dolphins and on one lucky occasion we caught a rare sighting of the Harpy Eagle, which is considered by Aqua Expeditions’ expert guide, Juan Tejanda as one of the Top Ten Amazon Wildlife sightings. These stunning birds usually live deep in the densest past of the rainforest so the spectacle was even more exciting.

This rare and endangered species is the largest Eagle in the Americas and the second largest Eagle in the world. These vast birds, which can weigh up to twenty pounds, are recognised by their crest of upwards pointing feathers. They like to dine on monkeys and sloths, as well as green iguanas, snakes, and other birds. Their wings, which are smaller than other similar sized birds, enable them to penetrate deep into the dense foliage of the rainforest to capture their prey.

Mike Unwin awarded for his piece on cruising with the M/V Aria

admin_aqua — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:30:28 +0000

We are delighted to see that journalist Mike Unwin, who travelled on the M/V Aria earlier this year on behalf of UK national newspaper, The Independent, has been awarded third place in this year’s AITO Travel Writer of the Year Awards for his piece ‘ A (big) river runs through it). Just in case you missed it first time round, here it is again!

Congratulations Mike!

AQUA EXPEDITIONS ON NYC BUSES

admin_aqua — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:23:36 +0000

If you are a Sex and the City fan you know what a BIG deal it is to be featured on the side of a New York City bus; it was such a HUGE deal for Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) on the show that the creators dedicated the majority of an episode to this event.

Having our very own “Sex and the City moment,” we are excited to share a couple of photos of our very own M/V Aqua vessel on the side of a New York City (MTA) bus!

Earlier this year the Wall Street Journal featured Aqua Expeditions in their travel section and they have now used that same piece for a promotional campaign across NYC.

Aqua Expeditions and Gianni Bulgari Enigma Watches Create 10 Limited-Edition C42 Amazon Timepieces

admin_aqua — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 16:08:50 +0000

Aqua Expeditions is celebrating the M/V Aria by partnering with Gianni Bulgari’s Swiss brand Enigma to custom-create 10 limited-edition “C42 AMAZON” luxury adventure watches. The designer timepieces will be available exclusively onboard the new M/V Aria and its sister ship, the M/V Aqua, where they will retail for 4,300 CHF (approx. US$4,546).

Ten percent of proceeds from the sale of the watches will go directly to social community efforts in the areas that Aqua Expeditions’ vessels visit throughout the year.

With only 10 watches created, each limited-edition piece has been crafted to cater the discerning fashion-conscious adventurer. Whether on the streets of Milan or in the depths of the Peruvian rainforest, the C42 AMAZON will look and feel perfectly at home: the sleek, matte-black finish is ideal for both men and women; the luminova-treated hands ensure maximum reading capabilities in low-light situations; and the watch’s 100-meter underwater capability can withstand any Amazonian storm. Each timepiece comes with a steel case, sapphire anti-glare glass and a see-through case-back for protection.

Amazon Wildlife Top Ten: #2

admin_aqua — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 16:26:55 +0000

2: The little but very mighty piranha. People come to the Amazon expecting to see a monstrously large fish. In fact, the largest piranha is about two feet long, and most are considerably smaller. Yet they earn their reputation. Their powerful jaws and razor sharp triangular teeth enable one small fish to kill a cow. There are many types of piranha . . . in some areas the piranha never bite people. In other areas they may. However, there is no verified report of any human ever being killed by one of these sharp-toothed fish. That only happens in Hollywood.

Amazon Wildlife Top Ten: #3

admin_aqua — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:40:55 +0000

4: Sloth. These animals completely live up to their name . . . they truly are sluggish and lethargic. The good news is that when visitors to the Amazon spot one – with the help of their naturalist guide – they have lots of time to watch the slothful behavior. These animals move veeeeeery slowly. In fact, they only ever come to the ground to urinate and defecate, and they only do that about once a week. They don’t travel to do it, they dig a small depression right at the base of the tree where they live. It takes them about half an hour, start to finish, including time to dig the depression, do the job, and then cover their excrement. Then they slooooooooooooowly make their way home again.

Aqua Expeditions to launch new M/V Aria vessel April 2011

admin_aqua — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:58:23 +0000

The M/V Aria at dusk

Aqua Expeditions CEO Francesco Galli-Zugaro announced plans this month to launch the second Aqua Expeditions vessel on the Peruvian Amazon, the M/V Aria, in April 2011. The M/V Aria features 16 specially designed cabins with floor-to-ceiling picture windows, a fully air-conditioned top deck with observation lounge as well as the Aqua Expeditions’ signature Amazon Grill with award-winning Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.

In addition to these amenities, the M/V Aria will also boast an exercise room and an outdoor Jacuzzi with sun deck, a unique addition to accommodate the discerning and fitness conscious traveler.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of the world’s second five-star luxury vessel to sail the Amazon,” says Galli-Zugaro. “The M/V Aria will provide the ever-growing number of travelers who wish to explore one of the world’s last great wilderness areas with a one-of-a-kind travel experience.”

The boat’s itineraries will vary from those of its sister ship, the M/V Aqua, but will also explore remote areas of the Amazon River. The 24-crew member M/V Aria is staffed with four world-class nature guides and will also include an Amazon wildlife reference library and air-conditioned multimedia room.

The M/V Aria‘s lounge

A cabin on the M/V Aria

The M/V Aria’s top deck with Jacuzzi and sun deck

The M/V Aria’s dining room

The M/V Aria

Aqua Expeditions’ Pedro Miguel Schiaffino teams up with Nobu Matsuhisa to showcase Peruvian cuisine in Tokyo

admin_aqua — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:39:02 +0000

Left: Chefs Pedro Miguel Schiaffino and Nobu Matsuhisa. Right: top, paiche with tapioca; bottom, lamb with quinoa.

Peruvian celebrity chef and Aqua Expeditions Executive Chef, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, recently made a series of special guest appearances at NOBU Tokyo as part of a Peru Fair hosted by culinary giant Nobu Matsuhisa. Cooking alongside fellow Peruvian chef Toshiro Konishi and Nobu himself, Chef Schiaffino prepared a variety of dishes highlighting the best of Peruvian cuisine for VIPs, media and consumers.

After his training at Matsuei sushi restaurant in Lima, Chef Nobu spent three years in Lima, which he credits with the shaping of his modern NOBU style. Often calling Peru his second home, Chef Nobu welcomed chefs Schiaffino and Konishi to his restaurant where he looked to introduce their Asian fusion and contemporary Peruvian cuisine to Japan.

Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino currently serves as the Executive Chef for Aqua Expeditions, a luxury cruise company venturing into some of the most remote areas of the Peruvian Amazon. He also owns Malabar and La Pescaderia restaurants in Lima. Known for his ingenious modern use of Andean and Amazonian ingredients, chef Schiaffino’s first cookbook dedicated to Amazonian cuisine is due to be released later this year.