Description
The 60m Aqua Blu is the first ever long-range ocean explorer yacht permanently based in East Indonesia. On board, 15 individually designed cabins and refined social spaces are accompanied by innovative cuisine curated by renowned chef Benjamin Cross, drawing inspiration from Indonesia’s fabled spice trade route. Led by highly experienced crew and guides, guests explore the world’s most biodiverse marine habitats, embark on adventurous hikes across active volcanoes, and explore relics from centuries-old history in small groups.
The explorer yacht’s range stands heads and shoulders above that of its peers in East Indonesia. Able to cover vast distances in a short span of time and with utmost comfort—in any sea condition—the vessel enables explorers on board to experience the most varied, enjoyable, and rewarding coastal cruise itineraries in this wild and stunningly beautiful region of the world.
Cruise Line
Uniworld—the world’s best and most awarded luxury river cruise line—offers itineraries in spectacular destinations throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, Asia and Peru. The company’s European fleet features luxurious ships with an average capacity of 120 guests, the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry, enticing shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, impeccable hospitality and numerous other all-inclusive benefits.
The Highest Standards in Luxury River Cruising
In 2004, Uniworld was acquired by The Travel Corporation (TTC), a highly successful international travel group founded by Stanley Tollman. TTC has more than 30 top brands, including Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, and Contiki, as well as Red Carnation Hotels, a renowned collection of four- and five-star luxury properties.
TTC has made major investments in Uniworld's ships, crew, and staff, with an eye towards providing guests with all the elements of an unforgettable Six-Star Experience: Expertise; Service; Luxurious Ships, Uniquely Designed; Culinary; Choice; and Truly All-Inclusive. Combining the tour planning and hotel management expertise of TTC’s sister companies with Uniworld’s decades of superior nautical experience has created an entirely new category of luxury river cruising.
The Boutique Experience, Onboard & Onshore
The renowned Red Carnation Hotel Collection was founded in the early 1980s by Beatrice Tollman, who has many years of experience as a chef, cookbook author, and hotelier in South Africa, Europe, and the US. The family-run business now spans four generations—including her husband Stanley and three children—and owns and operates 17 boutique properties in five countries. Mrs. Tollman was named Hotelier of the Year at the European Hospitality Awards in 2012.
Boutique hotels are known for their destination-specific interior décor, gracious service, and carefully selected amenities, all of which provide an intimate, elegant, and relaxed experience. Similarly, Uniworld’s boutique river cruises allow guests to travel from one exciting destination to the next aboard a stylish floating hotel with inviting lounges, cozy libraries, panoramic restaurants, sumptuous cuisine, exquisite antiques and original art and luxurious riverview staterooms and suites. Meticulous attention to detail is readily apparent on every company-owned ship, including Uniworld’s six stunning Super Ships—the S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Catherine, S.S. Joie de Vivre, S.S. Maria Theresa and S.S. Bon Voyage.
Gracious and Attentive Service
In partnership with its sister company, Red Carnation Hotels, Uniworld takes pride in its long-lasting relationships with guests, for whom there is “No request too large, no detail too small.” Uniworld employs a professionally trained, dedicated, English-speaking staff, so guests never have to worry about communication.
Note: Beverage policy varies in Russia, Asia, India, Egypt and Peru.
Ships
Aqua Blu, Aria Amazon, Ganges Voyager II, Mekong Jewel, River Duchess, River Empress, River Princess, River Queen, River Tosca, River Victoria, S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Audrey, S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Bon Voyage, S.S. Catherine, S.S. Elisabeth, S.S. Emilie, S.S. Joie de Vivre, S.S. La Venezia, S.S. Maria Theresa, S.S. Marlene, S.S. São Gabriel, S.S. São Rafael, S.S. Sphinx, S.S. Victoria, Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer