Delfin Amazon Cruises Announces the Grand Return of Delfin I
A Celebration of Authentic Elegance and Peruvian Craftsmanship
Delfin Amazon Cruises, the first Relais & Châteaux Cruise company in the world and an upscale river cruise operator in the Upper Peruvian Amazon, is thrilled to share exciting news for 2025. This April, the Delfin I will make its highly anticipated return after a three-month, full-scale renovation that redefines authentic elegance, comfort, and sustainability.
As Peru’s only family-owned and operated river cruise company in the high end market, Delfin Amazon Cruises is deeply proud of its heritage and its role in fostering local prosperity and supporting the Amazon’s vibrant ecosystem. Under the dedicated guidance of founders, husband & wife Aldo Macchiavello and Lissy Urteaga, the company continues to weave the cultural richness and natural splendor of the Amazon into every journey.
The newly reimagined Delfin I combines timeless design with contemporary updates, offering oversized suites that feature private panoramic terraces—two of which include a private whirlpool for an indulgent retreat. Floor-to-ceiling windows invite the rainforest into your suite, creating an immersive connection with nature. Guests will also enjoy newly remodeled bathrooms, three-times-daily personalized cabin service, and updates to the vessel’s exterior, including an air-conditioned observation deck and observatory balconies.
On the top deck, guests can relax in a newly designed lounge area, enjoy handcrafted cocktails at the bar, and stargaze under one of the clearest skies in the world. These thoughtful enhancements reflect Delfin’s commitment to creating elevated, intimate experiences while harmonizing with the natural environment.
The vessel’s new solar panels generate clean energy, further advancing Delfin’s pledge to sustainability and stewardship of the Amazon. Whether booked suite by suite or reserved as a private floating villa, the Delfin I offers a serene retreat that blends privacy, authenticity, and harmony with nature.
Peruvian Craftsmanship at its Finest
The Delfin I’s refurbishment is a family affair, brought to life by the innovative vision of Vicca Verde, an architectural studio founded by Mateo Peschiera, Gonzalo Zegarra and Horacio Goitre, son-in-law of Delfin’s owners. Horacio worked closely with Lissy to ensure every detail of the renovation honors the cultural and natural heritage of the Amazon, while he works shoulder to shoulder with Aldo to supervise the renovation in Iquitos.
Drawing inspiration from the geometric patterns of Shipibo art, the vessel’s ornamental railings echo the spiritual essence of this ancestral culture. Handwoven ceilings, crafted by local artisans using natural fibers, reflect the rich traditions of the region, while the use of sustainable Anacaspi wood celebrates the biodiversity of the Amazon.
“We take immense pride in our collaboration as a family and our dedication to promoting Peru’s cultural and natural treasures, this is our country, this is our home,” says Lissy Urteaga. “This renovation is a tribute to the beauty of the Amazon and the communities that make it so special.”
Elevated Culinary Experiences
The culinary team onboard the Delfin I has curated a flexitarian menu designed to delight the palate while encouraging sustainability. Highlighting fresh, exotic ingredients sourced locally, the menu features plant-based options as a thoughtful alternative, aligning with UNESCO and Relais & Châteaux’s recent pledge to support sustainable food systems. Guests can savor flavors that honor the Amazon’s biodiversity while enjoying the care and creativity of Delfin’s culinary artisans.
The return of the Delfin I is more than a renovation; it is a celebration of family, heritage, and the Amazon’s extraordinary beauty. With every voyage, Delfin Amazon Cruises reaffirms its commitment to authentic Peruvian hospitality and creating lasting connections between guests and the rainforest.
We are thrilled to unveil a fresh chapter in our story also in April: the relaunch of Delfin Amazon Cruises’ new brand identity. Rooted in our Peruvian heritage and crafted with authenticity and purpose, our rebranding reflects a renewed vision of elevated travel, rich community connections, and harmonious exploration of the Amazon. Stay tuned for an exciting reveal that celebrates the heart and soul of who we are! Woven by nature, crafted for you.
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