Launching 30 May 2026, icebreaker-superyacht Aqua Lares—the region’s only ship offering both private charters and individual cabins for just 30 guests—will sail 5- to 14-night expeditions in Svalbard and the Arctic Circle.
Small-ship expedition leader Aqua Expeditions unveils full details of its new summer Arctic season, with bookings now open for 2026 voyages in Svalbard and the Arctic Circle.
Launching on 30 May 2026, Aqua Lares will offer 5- to 14-night expeditions through Svalbard and the Norwegian Arctic, as well as dual-destination sailings that combine the Arctic with the Scottish Isles. She is the only superyacht in the Arctic Circle offering both private charters and individual cabin bookings for just 30 guests.
Guests can expect Aqua’s signature style: an elegantly designed, ultra-luxury icebreaker-superyacht — 77.4 meters of modern maritime refinement, with interiors by Birgit Galli Zugaro and Milan-based HOTLAB. The vessel features 15 cabins, including three expansive Owner’s Suites ranging from 13 to 66 square meters (140–710 sqft).
Guests will enjoy world-class cuisine by renowned chefs, a 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio with 33 staff dedicated to 30 travelers, and curated small-group excursions supported by five private tenders, kayaks, paddleboards, mountain bikes, diving gear, and more.
“With Aqua Lares, we’re redefining what it means to explore the farthest frontiers. It’s not just about getting there; it’s about experiencing these wild places up close in a way that feels both deeply personal and effortlessly luxurious,” shares Francesco Galli Zugaro, Founder & CEO of Aqua Expeditions.
Svalbard & The Arctic Circle
Each summer, Aqua Lares sails deep into the Norwegian Arctic, offering rare and intimate passages through Svalbard and beyond. These 5- to 14-night itineraries explore towering glaciers, sea ice, and remote archipelagos home to some of the planet’s most elusive wildlife.
Departing from either Longyearbyen or Tromsø, depending on itinerary, Aqua Lares carries guests into regions few vessels can reach. Along bird cliffs like Alkehornet, thousands of guillemots and kittiwakes nest above reindeer-grazed tundra. At Gravneset and Smeerenburg, guests encounter historic whaling outposts, where 17th-century Dutch whalers once processed their catch amid the stark beauty of Svalbard’s northwest coast.
Zodiacs venture into the drifting sea ice in search of polar bears, walrus, and bearded seals, while sightings of humpback, minke, and sperm whales add unforgettable marine moments. On land, tundra walks reveal Arctic foxes and reindeer, with continuous daylight under the midnight sun allowing extended excursions and uninterrupted wildlife viewing. Scenic highlights include the immense blue face of Lilliehöökbreen Glacier, the fjords of Raudfjord and Kongsfjorden, and the secluded landing sites of Van Keulenfjorden and Reinøya. At Gjesværstappan and Bear Island, guests witness some of Europe’s largest seabird colonies, while stops in Skarsvåg and other far-north villages add human context to these wild frontiers.
With its Polar Class 6 rating and small-ship footprint, Aqua Lares accesses narrow channels and remote shores beyond the reach of traditional expedition ships — delivering an immersive Arctic experience, guided by expert naturalists and defined by exceptional service and comfort.
The Scottish Isles
Bookending the Arctic season, Aqua Expeditions will offer two dual-destination sailings (9- and 14- nights) that combine Svalbard and the Arctic Circle with the Scottish Isles, exploring some of the most storied and culturally rich destinations in the British Isles.
Departing from Glasgow, guests settle into Aqua Lares before navigating north. In Iona, considered the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland, they’ll explore a serene island anchored by its historic abbey. Nearby, Staffa’s basalt columns and the famed Fingal’s Cave offer a geological wonder shaped by volcanic activity.
The remote archipelago of St. Kilda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals remnants of a self-sustaining island community and cliffs alive with seabirds. On the Isle of Lewis, guests stand among the Callanish Stones — a prehistoric circle shrouded in Celtic mythology. In the Shetland Islands, Aqua Lares visits Mousa Broch, one of Europe’s best-preserved Iron Age towers, set above seal-inhabited shores.
Each landing is guided by naturalists whose storytelling and deep regional knowledge bring to life the heritage, folklore, and enduring mystery of these lands — enriching every step with insight and wonder.
Introducing Circolo Aqua: Rewarding Aqua’s Most Loyal Explorers
Alongside its new Arctic itineraries, Aqua unveils its Circolo Aqua Guest Loyalty Program, designed to recognize and reward its most valued travelers. Members earn Miles on every voyage, advancing through four tiers—Voyager, Navigator, Explorer, and Legend—each unlocking an increasing range of privileges.
These include savings on future expeditions and charters, onboard credits, exclusive sensorial or dining experiences, and priority access to Aqua’s newest journeys worldwide. Enrolment is complimentary and open to all guests, with Miles valid for three years and redeemable across the entire Aqua portfolio.
“Circolo Aqua is about more than recognition — it’s about creating a family of explorers who share our passion for the world’s most remote places,” says Francesco Galli Zugaro, Founder & CEO of Aqua Expeditions. “It strengthens the bond with our most loyal guests, making every return voyage even more meaningful.”
Departure Dates and Rates
Arctic expeditions aboard Aqua Lares will operate annually from June through September, with inaugural departures starting 30 May 2026.
Rates begin at USD 10,150 per person (double occupancy) for 5-night itineraries, or from USD 435,000 for full private charters of up to 30 guests. Fares include all meals, house wines and beer, non-alcoholic beverages, excursions, Wi-Fi, and laundry.
(Aqua Expeditions Opens Bookings For Svalbard & The Arctic Circle Itineraries)
Tags: Aqua ExpeditionsArctic
Appeared first on: Latecruisenews.com
