Aqua Blu
- capacity
- 30
- year built
- 1968
- remodeled
- 2019
- crew members
- 30
- length
- 198 feet
- beam
- 37.5 feet
- draft
- 13 feet
- cruising speed
- 10-12 knots
- flag
- Indonesia
As a former British Naval Explorer HMS Beagle and later as the private yacht of a European aristocratic family, Aqua Blu is now exploring the world in a completely new fashion. This 30-guest luxury long-range explorer yacht is now the perfect ship to sail through Indonesia’s vast archipelago with the 2019 refurbishment overseen by Dutch yacht design maestro Cor D. Rover. These modern updates bring the vessel to world-class cruising specifications along with luxurious appointments. Guests can expect to embrace a distinguished sense of history and seafaring evolution when they set foot on this one-of-a-kind cruise ship.
Aqua Blu Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Aqua Blu review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Please read our Aqua Blu review below then contact our small ship cruise experts to compare the Aqua Blu with other small cruise ships and yachts offering Indonesia cruises, including private charter cruises.
Choose the Aqua Blu for a newly refurbished small ship that comfortably sails the turquoise waters of Raja Ampat, the Spice Islands and Komodo National Park. She is also notable for offering an inclusive daily dive package along with snorkeling. Aqua Blu’s original craftsmanship combined with modern technology and upgrades have created a fast exploration vessel that can travel further afield with safety and comfort. This ship is able to cover vast distances in a short span of time—and in any sea condition. Having attained the highest international classifications in safety (RINA, SOLAS, ISM), the vessel is additionally equipped with Quantum Zero Speed stabilizers for optimal comfort at rest or while sailing.
Navigate East Indonesia’s vast seas on this ideal vessel to experience the most varied, enjoyable and rewarding coastal cruise itineraries in this wild and stunningly beautiful region of the world. Enjoy cruising East Indonesia in a way that no ship has ever offered before.
Common Areas Aboard Aqua Blu
Aqua Blu’s tastefully paired brass-and-ivory interior theme combines well with the generous and inviting indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a sun deck with outdoor seating, lounge and barbecue. The bridge deck offers a Jacuzzi, outdoor lounge, spa and workout zone. Dine outside on the Forecastle deck that also includes an indoor bar, library and TV room. The main dining room, salon and more outdoor seating exist on the Main Deck. This ship comes prepared with kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling and diving gear. Enjoy complimentary internet and laundry service while aboard.
Activities Aboard Aqua Blu
Aqua Blu combines modern luxury with active adventures for a novel means of cruising Indonesia. She carries SCUBA diving gear, including regulators, buoyancy compensators, computers, gauges and tanks, along with a dedicated 8-guest tender used exclusively for diving activities. Divers and snorkelers alike are equipped with a full-body wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins. Above water, the ship’s onboard kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and two other 16-guest tenders are the ticket to seek out stunning marine wildlife in comfort and safety. A staircase off the swim step improves on the ladder offered by most ships, enabling easy in and out of the water. Finally, the spa, Jacuzzi and exercise zone enable Aqua Blu’s guests to maintain fitness routines and relax after a day of exploration.
Dining Aboard Aqua Blu
Central to every Aqua Blu cruise is the element of five-star dining with a menu created and overseen by a renowned chef who is supported by Consulting Chef Benjamin Cross—a renowned Australian culinarian who will be orchestrating the menu for a uniquely Indonesian-inspired five-star dining experience. Trained by Sydney’s best culinary talents, Cross has masterfully created over 100 recipes that showcase a journey of refined flavors drawn from the ancient Spice Route, relying on local ingredients such as nutmeg and cloves; as well as a variety of seafoods like the giant Papuan prawns sourced from the Indonesian seas.
The Aqua Blu experience will additionally showcase the freshest, sustainably-sourced seafood that the pristine waters of East Indonesia has to offer, as well as custom-designed vegan menu options. Guests can look forward to refined plated dishes as well as convivial communal barbecues and relaxed outdoor dining. Breakfast is served buffet style and offers items including granola, yogurt, fresh fruit and made-to-order eggs. Lunches are a mix of plated and buffet, while dinner is always a plated affair. Exquisite and scrumptious cuisine, set amidst dramatic coastal landscapes, will undoubtedly be the highlight of all Aqua Blu itineraries.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Aqua Blu
This Indonesia yacht includes 15 individually designed sea-facing suites in 3 cabin categories with premium furnishings that befit a luxury odyssey. Each cabin was designed to combine modern luxury with ultimate comfort.