Delfin Amazon Cruises, which offers upscale river cruising on the Peruvian Amazon, quietly became the first cruise line to join the Relais & Chateaux portfolio last fall.
Delfin only began marketing the news this month, after finalizing its membership with the acclaimed association. The river cruise line also recently revamped its website.
Founded in 1954, Relais & Chateaux is an association of more than 550 hotels, restaurants and now one cruise line, all 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." They 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 company's largest ship and the most recently 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.