Aqua Expeditions, the eminent leader in luxury small-ship expeditions globally, proudly unveils its three exclusive Chef Hosted Departures for the current year.
Renowned chef Benjamin Cross will grace Aqua Blu in Indonesia, while Peruvian culinary legend Pedro Miguel Schiaffino will embark on Aqua Nera’s journey along the Amazon River.
These unique departures promise guests an unparalleled exploration of the world’s most biodiverse and culturally significant destinations, all while indulging in exquisite dishes crafted by these esteemed chefs aboard state-of-the-art vessels designed with contemporary flair.
Culinary Delights Aboard Aqua’s Chef Hosted Departures
During these extraordinary sailings, guests will have the privilege of experiencing the culinary mastery of both chefs as they showcase their signature recipes, conduct immersive cooking masterclasses featuring delights such as ceviche and Balinese fish cakes, demonstrate cocktail-making prowess, offer exclusive kitchen tours, and host onboard dinners brimming with their culinary wisdom.
For aficionados of fine cuisine, these voyages offer a rare opportunity to savour the distinctive Aqua experience and gain insights into the creation of world-class onboard dishes.
Peruvian-Japanese Fusion Cuisine on Aqua Nera
On Aqua Nera, Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino will tantalise taste buds with his Peruvian-Japanese Nikkei cuisine, blending native Amazonian ingredients with traditional cooking techniques.
With 70 percent of fresh ingredients sustainably sourced within Peru and the Andes of Ecuador, highlights include Galapagueña lobster lettuce wraps with Acevichado dressing, delicate potato llapingachos, tuna crudo, barbecued plantains, and shrimp ceviche.
Schiaffino’s culinary prowess will be showcased during two departures from 14-18 May and 17-21 September aboard Aqua Nera, setting a new standard for luxury river expeditions on the Amazon.
Embarking on a Culinary Odyssey with Benjamin Cross on Aqua Blu
Meanwhile, aboard Aqua Blu, Indonesia’s premier resident long-range ocean explorer yacht, Chef Benjamin Cross promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
With each meal an adventure in itself, guests will be treated to a symphony of flavours drawing inspiration from Indonesian, European, and Mediterranean palettes.
From 10-17 August 2024, Chef Cross will delight guests with dishes such as a 48-hour beef short rib rendang, Balinese suckling pig with bumbu Bali (Balinese spices), organic Javanese prawns marinated in fragrant oil and lime, and handline-caught fish grilled with Balinese sambal.
Cruising from Labuan Bajo through the Komodo National Park to Bali, guests will be immersed in the best of Indonesian cuisine and marine wonders.
Meet the Culinary Maestros
Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, formerly of Lima’s Malabar and ámaZ, boasts a stellar culinary pedigree. As a member of the Latin Cuisines Advisory Council and founder of Schiaffino Gastronomika, he brings a wealth of expertise to Aqua Expeditions, where he has been instrumental since 2007 in crafting culinary experiences across three vessels: Aqua Nera, Aria Amazon, and Aqua Mare.
Benjamin Cross, hailing from Australia, commenced his culinary journey over two decades ago at Byron Bay’s renowned Raes on Wategos. Under the mentorship of culinary luminaries such as Janni Kyritsis and Neil Perry, he honed his craft and continues to delight palates with his innovative creations.
Exploring Beyond Cuisine
Beyond the culinary delights, Aqua Expeditions offers guests the opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystems and cultural heritage of their destinations. Led by experienced guides, travellers can embark on immersive excursions, from encountering wildlife in the Amazon rainforest to snorkelling with whale sharks in Indonesia’s marine habitats.
Each journey with Aqua Expeditions promises not only gastronomic indulgence but also unforgettable adventures in some of the world’s most captivating locales.
In conclusion, Aqua Expeditions‘ exclusive Chef Hosted Departures offer discerning travellers an unparalleled blend of culinary excellence, luxury accommodation, and immersive exploration.
With celebrated chefs at the helm, guests are treated to a gastronomic journey showcasing the richness of local ingredients and culinary traditions. Coupled with unforgettable adventures in biodiverse landscapes, these voyages redefine the concept of luxury travel, promising an experience that satisfies both the palate and the wanderlust of the discerning traveller.
