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Ponant, backed by Artémis, takes majority stake in Aqua ExpeditionsPonant, backed by Artémis, takes majority stake in Aqua Expeditions

Aqua founder Francesco Galli Zugaro will remain as a shareholder and, along with his senior management team, will continue to lead the company as a stand-alone business unit.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

January 16, 2025

2 Min Read
Aqua Expeditions operates small ships in a variety of biodiversity hotspotsPHOTOS: PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP

Ponant Explorations Group acquired a majority stake in Aqua Expeditions, known for its exceptional river and ocean cruises in South America, Southeast Asia and beyond.

This acquisition, backed by Ponant parent Artémis Group, the Pinault family’s investment company, will enable Aqua Expeditions to continue expanding globally and to grow as a destination specialist. Terms were not disclosed.

Leadership team and brand name continue

Aqua Expeditions currently fields small ships in biodiversity hotspots such as the Galápagos, Raja Ampat, Komodo, Spice Islands, the Mekong River and  the Peruvian Amazon. Founder and CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro will remain as a shareholder and, along with his senior management team, will continue to lead the company as a stand-alone business unit, still operating under the Aqua Expeditions brand name.

This transaction comes at a pivotal time as Aqua Expeditions ramps up the launch of its East Africa itineraries, exploring the Seychelles and Tanzania, with a particular focus on the Aldabra group of islands.

Ponant Explorations Group CEO Hervé Gastinel welcomed Aqua Expeditions.

'This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of excellence and sustainability in the luxury sector,' he said. 'It reflects our commitment to offering unparalleled travel experiences in iconic destinations such as the Galápagos and now also river journeys, while preserving the natural beauty of the places we explore.

'We are deeply impressed with the exceptional company that Francesco has built over the past 18 years and the unique brand he has developed in the experiential travel space.'

'Remarkable opportunity'

For his part, Galli called joining forces with Ponant and having the support of Artémis Group a 'remarkable opportunity for Aqua Expeditions.

'Partnering with another family-owned business ensures we maintain a heritage of luxury in our brand,' he said.

'With the financial support and expertise from our partners, we are well-positioned to continue our growth and offer our guests unforgettable journeys to the world’s most biodiverse and culturally rich regions while maintaining our core brand values.'

Other Artémis Group holdings include Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga and auction house Christie's; Pinault Collection, the world’s largest private collection of contemporary art; Artémis Domaines, encompassing exclusive wine estates, including Château Latour; and Creative Artists Agency, a leading entertainment and sports agency.

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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