The first sailing departed in late September from Phnom Penh, with founder Francesco Galli Zugaro onboard, and the seven-night expedition sailed south along the Mekong to Ho Chi Minh City. Guests were offered two excursions a day, including mountain bike and tuk-tuk rides, and guided visits to the riverside markets, villages and holy sites.

Aqua Mekong will offer three-, four- and seven-night itineraries, with regular scheduled departures from Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Guests on the three-night Discovery sailing and four-night round-trip Explorer trip set sail from Phnom Penh, experiencing the border crossing between Cambodia and Vietnam before disembarking in Ho Chi Minh City.

The 20-suite Aqua Mekong launched in 2014 and features architecture and interiors by architect Noor Design. The culinary offering is crafted by Michelin-starred consulting chef David Thompson, while the ship’s bar menu is designed by spirits company Proof & Co.

Aqua Mekong is the only ship to operate a private fleet of launch boats on the Mekong River, offering four boats that take guests on personalised day trips to explore the Mekong delta.