Ponant Acquires Luxury Cruise Line and Introduces East Africa Voyages

Ponant Explorations Group has made waves by acquiring a majority stake in Aqua Expeditions, a boutique expedition cruise company, just in time for the launch of Aqua’s newest East African voyages. This strategic move signals an exciting expansion for Aqua, which will retain its name and continue to operate as an independent business, with Francesco Galli Zugaro, its founder and CEO, at the helm.

“This acquisition comes at a pivotal moment,” said the cruise line, “as Aqua Expeditions prepares to unveil its highly anticipated East African itineraries, exploring the stunning Seychelles and Tanzania, with a special focus on the awe-inspiring Aldabra Islands.”

Starting in December, Aqua Expeditions will set sail on its inaugural African itineraries, offering guests an extraordinary opportunity to explore some of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Expedition cruises aboard the luxurious Explorer yacht will range from five to nine nights, with the option to combine itineraries for a full 14-night adventure through the Seychelles.

These will be Aqua Expeditions’ first African voyages, and they promise to deliver an unforgettable experience. Along the way, guests will visit some of East Africa’s most pristine and remote destinations, including the Aldabra Atoll, Cosmoledo, Astove, Farquhar Atoll, Kilwa Kisiwani, and Pemba Island—each known for their incredible biodiversity and stunning natural beauty.

Francesco Galli Zugaro, CEO of Aqua Expeditions, shared his excitement: “At Aqua, we’ve always sought out hidden gems, and East Africa is the perfect next chapter in our journey. It has been a dream of mine to explore this part of the world on a luxury expedition ship, and we are thrilled to showcase the beauty of the Indian Ocean and the iconic Aldabra Atoll. Few people have heard of this magical place, home to over 150,000 giant tortoises and rich marine life. It’s Africa’s version of the Galapagos, with hundreds of unique species waiting to be discovered.”

This new venture is set to bring a fresh wave of adventure to luxury expedition cruising, offering an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the world’s most breathtaking and remote locations. Ponant, which represents Aqua Expeditions in the South African market, is making sure this remarkable journey reaches a global audience.