Zambezi Queen River Expedition Cruise

PS Australian Star

What we truly appreciate about the PS Australian Star is how she harmoniously bridges old-world pioneering charm and sophisticated modern luxury on Australia’s iconic Murray River. Debuting as the Southern Hemisphere’s largest paddlesteamer and the world’s only wood-fired, five-star accommodated paddle vessel, she marks a defining new chapter for Australian river cruising. Operating year-round out of the historic Victorian port town of Echuca, we believe this vessel offers the ultimate way to access the deep cultural roots, unique wildlife, and tranquil red gum forests of the region. Days on board flow at a peaceful, rhythmic pace, driven by the soothing thresh of paddlewheels. Guests can divide their time between active nature walks, tasting regional wines, enjoying local historic tours, or simply relaxing on the expansive decks while scanning the banks for eastern grey kangaroos and sulfur-crested cockatoos. Designed to look and feel like a classic heritage vessel but built with the comforts of a contemporary luxury hotel—including an onboard guest passenger lift—the PS Australian Star effortlessly caters to both active explorers and non-active travelers seeking a refined, culturally immersive boutique cruise. Our specialists recommend looking at river conditions and seasonal timing to maximize your journey. The Murray River undergoes seasonal water level fluctuations, but the PS Australian Star is meticulously designed with a shallow draft to navigate the winding Upper Murray year-round. The climate in Victoria's Riverina region features warm, sunny summers (ranging from 15°C to 32°C / 59°F to 90°F) and crisp, clear winters (4°C to 15°C / 39°F to 59°F). Winter and spring bring beautiful, misty mornings and robust river flows, making them exceptionally atmospheric seasons to cruise, while the summer months are perfect for sunset drinks on deck. Due to the nature of riverbank landings and the natural bush terrain of onshore excursions, travelers should be prepared for light walking. Onshore tours typically involve walking distances of up to 300 meters over uneven terrain. While the ship is equipped with a modern elevator servicing all guest decks and welcomes guests using walking sticks or frames, it cannot accommodate wheelchairs due to the physical layout of the vessel's gangways and the natural river environment.

Aqua Nera

Aqua Nera sets a new standard for luxury river expeditions in the Peruvian Amazon. With 20 design suites, this vessel balances contemporary elegance with subtle Amazonian heritage accents. Suites feature floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, king-sized or twin beds, air-conditioning, walk-in showers, organic bath amenities, in-room sofas, music docking stations, and electronic safes. Select suites interconnect, ideal for families or groups. Across three decks, guests can enjoy social spaces including an observation lounge, indoor and outdoor lounges, plunge pool, games room, movie screening area, spa, and gym. Expert naturalist guides lead small-group, twice-daily excursions by skiff, kayak, or on foot, exploring flooded forests, blackwater lagoons, and local villages. The ship operates year-round, offering a rich variety of wildlife sightings and cultural encounters in the most biodiverse region on Earth. Embarkation is from Iquitos, Peru, accessible via domestic flights. Aqua Nera is ideal for travelers new to river expeditions who seek comfort, expert guidance, and seamless logistics, allowing them to immerse fully in the Amazon’s landscapes and ecosystems.

Aria Amazon

The Aria Amazon river cruise combines modern luxury with one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Designed specifically for the Upper Amazon, this sleek expedition ship offers an intimate and highly refined way to explore northern Peru’s rainforest waterways. All 16 suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing uninterrupted views of the jungle from your bed or seating area. Cabins are generously sized, air-conditioned, and finished in a minimalist style that keeps the focus on the surrounding nature. Onboard amenities include an observation deck, indoor lounge, small gym, spa treatment room, and a relaxed dining area with open seating. Daily excursions are led by expert naturalist guides and take place in small skiffs, exploring narrow tributaries, flooded forests, and remote communities. Activities range from wildlife spotting and guided rainforest walks to night safaris and village visits. The Aria Amazon river cruise operates year-round, with high and low water seasons offering different but equally rich experiences. Embarkation is in Iquitos, easily reached via domestic flights from Lima. The ship is well suited to travelers new to river expeditions who value comfort, expert guidance, and seamless logistics in a remote environment.

L'Impressionniste

What we truly appreciate about L'Impressionniste is how it redefines modern river expedition cruising in Burgundy. From its light and airy saloon featuring rich-colored teak flooring and gorgeous prints reminiscent of the Impressionist era to its relaxing top-deck hot tub, L’Impressionniste offers a refined yet deeply immersive experience. Days are shaped by meandering along quiet towpaths on the ship's all-terrain bicycles and encountering beautiful hilltop medieval villages, while evenings are spent relaxing on board with sweeping Ouche Valley views and exceptional hand-selected wines. Compared to more traditional river ships, this vessel stands out for its intimate size of just 12 passengers, its 1:2 crew-to-guest ratio, and its customized, slow-travel approach. Burgundy is a region of gentle microclimates and remarkable seasonal transformations. Our specialists recommend traveling between April and October to see the valleys at their finest. Late spring and early autumn are mild and visually spectacular, though we advise packing layers and a light raincoat. Mid-summer (June through August) is typically warm and sunny, with temperatures occasionally climbing to the mid-30s Celsius (95°F)—making the fully air-conditioned interiors of L'Impressionniste a welcome retreat. Canal cruising is incredibly tranquil, completely avoiding the rough currents or tidal swells that cause motion sickness, making it a soothing choice for any traveler. For active explorers, the barge’s fleet of 12 all-terrain bicycles and Nordic walking sticks provide the ultimate freedom to disembark at a lock, explore flanking French villages, and easily rejoin the vessel further along. Non-active travelers will feel equally enriched on board and on shore. Elegant Mercedes vans accompany the barge to escort guests directly to world-class historical treasures. Furthermore, please note that from May to October 2026, due to planned canal maintenance, L'Impressionniste will take a highly scenic detour to the south along the historic Canal du Centre. This route offers exceptionally lush wine country landscapes and medieval gems like the 14th-century Château de Germolles, while preserving classic excursions to Dijon and Beaune. To ensure a comfortable and transparent trip, we always advise our clients on the physical layout of the ship. Boarding is via a gangplank with double handrails. Moving from the sun deck to the saloon requires navigating two wide steps, and the wide stairs leading down to the lower cabin deck consist of 12 steps with a continuous handrail. While the vessel’s interior layout cannot accommodate wheelchairs, we can easily arrange wheelchair rentals for our guests to utilize during shore visits—though travelers should note that regional historic centers often feature cobblestone lanes and uneven terrain.