Delfin becomes first cruise company to join Relais & Chateaux

Delfin Amazon Cruises, which offers upscale river cruising on the Peruvian Amazon, has become the first cruise company to join the Relais Chateaux portfolio.

Founded in 1954, Relais Chateaux is an association of more than 550 hotels, restaurants and now one cruise line operated by independent owners who, according to the association, “share a passion for their businesses and a desire for authenticity in their relationships with their clientele.” Members must also be committed to preserving local heritage and the environment.

Delfin Amazon Cruises was founded in early 2006 by husband-and-wife team Aldo Macchiavello and Lissy Urteaga. The company’s fleet consists of three all-suite vessels: the Delfin I, Delfin II and Delfin III.

The 42-passenger Delfin III is the largest in the company’s fleet and the most recent to have launched, having set sail on its maiden voyage last year.

In addition to their large suites, the vessels have an open-air sun deck, a plunge pool, a gym and spa, where guests can receive wellness treatments inspired by local healing traditions such as volcanic stone massages and coffee scrubs.

The vessels sail three- and four-day itineraries along the Peruvian Amazon through the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, a protected flooded forest region. The ships are outfitted with skiffs and two-person kayaks for further river exploration. The cruises include hiking and wildlife viewing, with possible sightings including Amazon monkeys, three-toed sloths, pink river dolphins and diverse birdlife.