Aqua Amazon

The Staterooms: Designed by Peruvian architect Jordi Puig, the 12 spacious suites (which measure a minimum of 230 square feet) have a clean-lined, contemporary design and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the Amazon.

The Crew: With a nearly one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio, service on the Aqua Amazon tends to be superlative — right down to the details. Housekeepers remove stray hairs from hair elastics when they make up the room and take such pride in their towel art that they offer towel-folding workshops. On occasion, the crew busts out their musical instruments for impromptu dance parties.

Deep Dives into Nature: At just 130 feet long, the Aqua Amazon deftly navigates the Amazon's tributaries. The guides are knowledgeable naturalists with an infectious passion for flora and fauna. Brand-new skiffs allow for more comfortable excursions.

Serious Dining: The food is far better than what you'd expect on an expedition cruise. Rock star chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino (of Malabar Lima fame) conceived the cuisine. The well-executed dishes, including hearts of palm soufflé and plantain and yucca gnocchi, are made from native ingredients sourced from the surrounding waters and forests.

Couples: The vessel's intimate setting and pampering indulgences have honeymoon — or anniversary — written all over them.

Nature-Loving Families: Aqua Amazon welcomes children over the age of 7. There are interconnecting rooms to accommodate groups, and youth-friendly excursions such as encounters with three-toed sloths at an animal rehabilitation center.

There’s Little in the Way of Culture: These treks in the Amazon are designed for nature, not for civilization. There might be a quick stop for shopping in a village or a tour of the floating homes in Iquitos, but most days are spent exploring the jungle.