Francesco Galli Zugaro • Aqua Expeditions • Founder & CEO

In this episode, What The Luxe dives into the world of Aqua Expeditions with its Founder & CEO, Francesco Galli Zugaro. Raised across 16 countries and driven by an innate spirit of exploration, Francesco has spent nearly two decades crafting highly intimate, design-led journeys for what he calls the affluent explorer — guests who crave authenticity, comfort and adventure in some of the world’s most fragile ecosystems.

Host Fred Moore explores how Aqua began with a single 12-cabin ship on the Peruvian Amazon and grew into a fleet spanning Indonesia, the Mekong, the Galápagos and soon East Africa and the Arctic. Francesco shares the realities behind that growth: the logistical improbability of building ships in remote regions, the family dynamics woven into the brand, and why Aqua will never chase scale for its own sake.

Together they unpack:
• The origins of Aqua’s small-ship philosophy and why intimacy beats scale
• Designing for high-touch luxury — from world-class dining to near 1:1 staff ratios
• Creating moments of wonder for guests who are used to the exceptional
• The rising appetite for multi-generational and younger expedition travellers
• Conservation partnerships and operating responsibly in fragile ecosystems
• Aqua’s next chapter, including new routes and new vessels

A rich conversation about adventure, restraint, craftsmanship and the discipline required to build a brand that stays true to its values.