Peru Here We Come! New A&K Riverboat in South America

Do you love river cruising? Certainly, there are many enticing options in Europe, the U.S., Asia and Egypt, but now there’s something new on the horizon. Luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent will launch its first river cruise in South America. The new A&K riverboat will set sail in the Peruvian Amazon region starting in April 2025.

Of course, A&K is no stranger to the region. In fact, the tour group has nearly 25 years of experience in Peru. It understands the Amazon’s biodiversity and cultural heritage. And yes, it’s also experienced in river cruising — thanks to decades of navigating Egypt’s Nile River.

Also bringing a maritime legacy is Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, A&K Group’s executive chairman. The d’Ovidio family founded Silversea Cruises decades ago. This past year, under Lefebvre’s tutelage, A&K Group also relaunched the oceangoing Crystal brand. 

(Photo above is a rendering of A&K’s new Peruvian river vessel. Photo by A&K Travel Group.)

Collaboration with Ecoventura

The new South American river product development in Peru is the result of a collaboration between A&K and Ecoventura. That’s the tour operator’s expedition yacht brand in the Galapagos Islands.

Ecoventura has experience building and successfully operating luxury expedition vessels in the Galapagos, a highly sensitive and protected eco-environment. So, the two partners plan the same eco-friendly approach with the new Peruvian river vessel, which is yet unnamed.

But one thing is sure. “The launch of this new riverboat marks a momentous chapter for Abercrombie & Kent,” says Cristina Levis, CEO, A&K Travel Group. “This venture embodies our unwavering commitment to delivering experiences that are not only luxurious but also deeply enriching and sustainable.”

New A&K Riverboat Tidbits

Well, we don’t yet know the ship’s name. And guests can’t yet book it. So, what do we know?

• The new riverboat will operate akin to a floating boutique hotel.
• It will offer 10 exquisitely designed double cabins.
• Also, it will have two single cabins.
• All the accommodations will be designed to provide guests with a tranquil haven amidst the vibrant ecology of the Amazon.
• Suites will feature sophisticated design and incorporate local materials and artistry.
• Plus, they’ll also provide guests with breathtaking views of the ever-changing landscapes through floor-to-ceiling windows.
• Immersive Excursions and Authentic Engagements.

About the River Journeys

Look for the new A&K riverboat to offer three- and four-night itineraries to help river cruisers experience the Amazon region’s untamed beauty and diverse cultures. The voyages can also be combined to create a more immersive, seven-night experience, exploring both the Marañon and Ucayali rivers.

Best of all, all journeys will conveniently start and end in the port town of Nauta. That’s just a short transfer from the city of Iquitos, home to the nearest airport.

Wildlife Galore

One top highlight of these new A&K riverboat cruises is the opportunity to explore the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. As Peru’s second largest natural eco-reserve, it’s a fabulous place for spotting wildlife.

For example, this pristine reserve is home to 1,000 species of animals and 965 species of wild plants. Cruisers might spot everything from a pink river dolphin to a three-toed sloth.

A haven for tropical bird life, the humid and flooded forests also have oxbow lakes, among them Lake El Dorado. The riverboat’s eco-friendly skiffs will allow guests to explore responsibly.

As for jungle activities, guests might go fishing in the black waters of the Samiria River or take a jungle walk under the dense canopy. Kayaking and canoeing also are planned.

New A&K Riverboat: Ecology and Culture

Sundown or breakfast outings aboard the skiffs will also offer opportunities for wildlife spotting. But Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve isn’t just a wonderful spot for a deep dive into the region’s ecology.

Local indigenous residents also supplement their incomes with experiential tourism initiatives. Translation? You’ll also learn more about indigenous cultures and have opportunities to meet “the locals.”

For instance, travelers might visit local schools supported by AKP, engage with community members, and learn about lifestyle traditions.

For cruisers, this can foster a profound sense of place, a memory to take home and savor in future years. They’ll also gain a deeper understanding of the Amazon’s rich cultural heritage.

In addition, people will enjoy stargazing opportunities from the ship. 

The Lap of Luxury

Of course, while cruise guests will explore remote areas, they definitely won’t be “roughing it.” Guests can expect the luxury and service synonymous with A&K, particularly aboard the ship.

“Look for this new A&K riverboat to have a 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio,” says Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel. “That should ensure a strong level of personalized service from the onboard staff.”

A&K also says an experienced cruise director will oversee every detail of the journey. The riverboat itself will become a sanctuary of relaxation amid the excitement of discovery.

“This vessel will offer an outdoor swimming pool that’s a serene space for guests to unwind,” explains  Also,  Pavlus’ Steudle says: “The massage room and gym will offer indulgent treatments and wellness experiences inspired by Amazonian traditions.”

New A&K Riverboat: Beverages and Dining

Indoor and outdoor lounge and bar areas also will give guests plenty of opportunities to sip, socialize and savor the views. As for the onboard dining experience, look for a menu that reflects the cultural heritage of the Amazon region.

That said, A&K says guests can expect “sophisticated dishes that delight the palate as much as the views captivate the eye, ensuring every meal is a discovery of local flavors and ingredients.”

What Else to Know

For general information about A&K check out the tour operator’s official website page.  We also wrote a previous blog about the A&K tours that we’d love to take.

However, these A&K voyages in the Peruvian Amazon are not yet loaded live in the tour operator’s site nor are they yet available for sale. So, we can’t as yet provide more detail.

Look for the voyages to “go live” on the A&K site sometime in June 2024. They’ll be available to book through your expert travel advisor at that time.

Also, for travelers seeking a more robust Peru vacation, the new three-, four- or seven-night river adventure can be combined with a Tailor Made visit to other areas of Peru. Have you visited Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the Andes?

If interested, contact your Pavlus Travel personal travel planner and let this expert know if you have interest in a Peruvian vacation with A&K. That way, you’ll be kept in the loop and contacted when it’s time to book. Plus, you’ll get the best choice of accommodations early on!

Important Notes from Pavlus Travel