Mekong cruise in Vietnam & Cambodia

Planet

From the Mekong River to the Pacific Ocean, the world’s awe-inspiring water bodies form the backdrop for each of Aqua’s expeditions. Over the years, the ships owners have created countless memorable experiences—whether it’s spotting caiman in the Peruvian Amazon or swimming with moon jellyfish in East Indonesia—thanks to the wonders found in these remote aquatic environments. This deep connection to the natural world has fostered a strong sense of responsibility within the company to protect the planet’s rivers and oceans, ensuring their magic and mysteries remain accessible for generations to come.

Through three core strategies and a global sustainability partnership, they remain dedicated to conserving aquatic biodiversity across all of its destinations.

A global sustainability partnership with 4Ocean is set to support the removal of at least 25,000 pounds of plastic from the world’s waterways over the coming year. Plastic pollution inflicts severe damage on aquatic ecosystems, endangering the lives of millions of marine species annually. This initiative is part of a broader global effort—driven by individuals and organizations alike—to safeguard the future of rivers and oceans.

As part of the partnership, annual clean-ups are organized across various sailing destinations. Guests have the opportunity to contribute by purchasing custom-made bracelets crafted from recovered ocean plastics. Each bracelet symbolizes the removal of five pounds of plastic from global waterways and is available for purchase at onboard boutiques.

Since its inception, the organization has remained committed to responsible practices both on board its vessels and throughout its operations. These efforts include eliminating single-use plastics, utilizing energy-efficient lighting, and developing sustainable food and beverage supply chains. Additionally, all water used on board is carefully treated and fully detoxified before being returned to rivers and oceans.

People

Local and regional partnerships are established across all sailing destinations, with the goal of creating a net positive impact on both the environment and the communities that rely on it. Among these initiatives are the rehabilitation of the endangered Taricaya turtle population in the Peruvian Amazon and the conservation of manta rays in East Indonesia, undertaken in collaboration with the Indonesian Manta Trust.
Many destinations featured on these voyages—such as the Mekong Delta—are rich in cultural heritage. This history continues to reveal itself through architecture, traditional festivities, and enduring local customs. Efforts are made to offer travelers authentic experiences while also contributing to the preservation of cultural practices that have evolved over centuries.

In the Mekong Delta, collaborations with traditional dance troupes and musicians provide a stable source of income, helping to sustain these art forms in both Cambodia and Vietnam. Itineraries often include visits to villages known for their craftsmanship, including pottery and metalwork, where guests can observe artisans practicing time-honored techniques passed down through generations. Highlighting their work supports the continuation of these skilled trades.

To further strengthen local economies, partnerships are formed with transportation cooperatives to maintain jobs and ensure community involvement. In Cambodia, local tuk tuk drivers participate in guided city tours, while in Vietnam, rickshaws and sampans are used to explore the region. Each itinerary is carefully designed to support local livelihoods and foster meaningful economic engagement with the surrounding communities.