FAQ

Is it better to book the M/V Aqua early or can I book on short notice?

It is better to book early, especially if your travel dates are not flexible. Most people book eight months to as much as 18 months in advance. This is because the M/V Aqua has less capacity than a regular cruise ship or lodge, and are already experiencing high booking demand.

When will I receive my cruise documents?

You will receive an email confirmation 60 days prior to the start date for your cruise. The ticket will be provided at the time of embarkation. Please be sure to read the terms and conditions attached to the ticket.

How old do you have to be to cruise on the M/V Aqua?

Passengers must be at least 21 years of age to travel without their parents or guardians and the minimum age to travel on the M/V Aqua is seven. If any occupant in the cabin is under 21, then a passenger at least 25 years must be booked in the cabin with them. The only exception is that children under age 21 may be allowed to have their own cabin if they are in a connected suite shared by their parents or guardians.

Do you welcome families with children?

Yes, families with children are welcome as long as they are age seven or older. Four of the suites are interconnected to cater for families. And accommodation for one child or additional adult is available. The naturalist guides are very friendly with kids and all of the staff will provide the necessary care for your family.

Do you need a minimum of passengers to guarantee my departure date?

No, all of the departures are guaranteed.

Do I need any shots before traveling to the Amazon?

Malaria medication and yellow fever shots are not required for travelers coming into the region, however they are recommended. Please consult your physician.

What should I pack?

Life is casual aboard the M/V Aqua. Bring comfortable walking shoes, light-weight long pants and long-sleeved tops for excursions, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, extra socks, mosquito repellant with DEET, and of course, your camera, with charger and extra batteries. Don’t forget to include some items that you can give away to the locals (t-shirts, pens and paper are especially prized). During meals in the dining room guests can wear casual clothing and shoes. Aqua provide rubber boots for wetland excursions and recommend taking comfortable walking shoes. They also provide waterproof ponchos with hoods to protect against rain. There will be hairdryers available in every suite. The vessel has 220-volt outlets in the staterooms so you should be able to use your shaver with a converter if necessary.

How much luggage can I bring? Are there porters available at the airport and the pier?

Aqua allow you to bring as much luggage as you like, but suggest the use of soft suitcases/bags for easy storage. How much you bring, however, may be determined by the airlines, which have limits on both checked and carry-on baggage.  Porters are available at both the airport and pier. They will make sure that your bags arrive at the M/V Aqua embarkation point. As soon as you have identified your luggage, porters will take your suitcases to your suite

Should I bring gifts to give away to the locals?

Don’t forget to include some items that you can give away to the locals (t-shirts, pens and paper are especially prized). In case you do not have enough space to bring those, you can always buy special kits at the boutique on board.

What is a shore excursion? How physically challenging are they?

A shore excursion can be anything from exploring remote tributaries to spotting monkeys and birds along a jungle trail, from visiting a local village to fishing on one of Amazonia’s beautiful lakes. They vary in level of difficulty, but most travelers who are reasonably fit will have no trouble participating in every excursion.

Passengers will be divided into three groups of eight people for shore excursions, with each group led by a trained and knowledgeable naturalist guide. Guides will rotate among the groups, so that each passenger can benefit from their specialized knowledge. The guides speak fluent English, and one speaks French. Each evening, your guides will brief you on what to expect on the next day’s excursions.

Typically, you will navigate the Amazon River or one of its tributaries at night, arriving in a new location, for a new adventure, in the early morning. Passengers opting to go on the early morning excursions will get a wakeup call at approximately 6 a.m. The M/V AQUA is equipped with three auxiliary aluminum skiffs that will take passengers along the waterways or ferry them to the landing point for onshore excursions. These comfortable speed boats are equipped with 4 stroke low-emission engines and constant radio communication with the main vessel. Each boat has capacity for eight passengers, plus guide and launch pilot.

Excursions last two to three hours, allowing plenty of time to explore, listen to your guide’s explanation, and photograph the abundant wildlife. While most excursions involve “dry” landings, some require “wet” landings, where you will have to step into water that may reach as high as your knees and then wade to shore. Your guide and skiff driver will assist you. When the excursions are in the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, we follow marked trails, walking at a leisurely pace for up to one hour.

Guests should be in good physical health in order to be able to make the most of their Amazon cruise. The daily nature excursions may include walking on irregular terrain, and getting in and out of the skiffs occasionally requires some physical effort. Aqua provide rubber boots for wetland excursions and recommend taking comfortable walking shoes for walking on the dry paths. We also provide waterproof ponchos with hoods to protect against rain.

Instead of going on an organized shore excursion, can we go off on our own?

Unfortunately, no. For safety reasons, passengers are required to be with one of our naturalist guides whenever they are on land.

Do all suites include a river view?

Yes, all suites have outward-facing panoramic windows, giving every cabin a river view. The Master Suites have even larger windows that offer you magnificent views of the passing landscape. The dawn light will awaken you in the mornings, and you can see what the weather is like without leaving your suite.

Is there any difference between the lower and upper-deck suites?

Dimensions and all features are exactly the same for both decks.

Do you have cell, satellite or internet connectivity on board?

If you need to contact your home or office for any emergency, the M/V Aqua is equipped with a satellite phone. The cost of your call can be paid directly on board. You will be informed prior to calling of the current price of an international call. There are no Internet connections onboard the vessel. For cellular phone contact you may need a special telephone that can operate on a foreign signal. Please check with your carrier. However, keep in mind that most areas outside Iquitos are so remote that you will be unable to get a signal.

Do you have laundry services on board?

There is no laundry service.

What type of medical capabilities do you have on board?

Aqua have a paramedic on board at all times plus first-aid trained staff can handle minor scrapes, bites or sprains. There are no handicapped facilities.

Will I have access to a safe deposit box?

Yes. All cabins have safe deposit boxes with instructions for their use.

Can we drink the water aboard the M/V Aqua?

You cannot drink the water from the faucet. When you board the vessel, you will be supplied with a complimentary water bottle which is yours to keep. Water refill stations are available throughout the vessel.

How do I pay for purchases on board? Do you accept cash?

You can pay your bar bill, as well as for any purchases in the boutique, either in U.S. dollars or with Visa, American Express or MasterCard.

What about tipping?

We are often asked what gratuity is appropriate for guides and crew, and our response is that the quality of service should determine the amount of any tip.

Are there smoking areas?

Smoking is forbidden inside the M/V Aqua. It is allowed only in the outside lounge and on the observation deck. If you want to smoke in the outside lounge, please ask the bartender for an ashtray. Do not throw your cigarette stubs or ash into the water.

What is Peru’s time zone?

The time in Peru is one hour behind Eastern Standard Time in the United States.

What currency is used in Peru?

The Nuevo Sol (New Sol) is the official currency of Peru.