Founder and chief executive Francesco Galli Zugaro said that construction would start in December 2016 with the all-suite vessel due to be launched in December 2017 when it will become the third Aqua ship to sail on the Amazon.

The new vessel will be called Aqua Amazon and will replace the existing Aqua Amazon, which will be renamed Aqualina and offered as a charter-only ship.

The new Aqua Amazon, which will be built to “resemble” the existing Aqua Mekong ship, will feature 20 suites measuring 320 square feet, plus a spa, gym, pool and four tenders for daily excursions.

Galli Zugaro said: “We are excited to be expanding our product in the Peruvian Amazon and maintaining our position of market maker and are pleased that our product has become synonymous with luxury river cruising.

“We have some exciting new destinations we will be announcing this summer to complement our current destination offering.”