Off the Cuff: A Q&A with Aqua Expeditions’ Francesco Galli Zugaro

May 16, 2025

Francesco Galli Zugaro is founder and CEO of Aqua Expeditions

“Off the Cuff” is a Q&A series from Luxury Daily exploring the career paths, current projects and next steps of those shaping the world’s best luxury brands.

The interviews feature a Proust-style twist, allowing readers to get to know industry leaders on a personal level. This edition features Francesco Galli Zugaro, founder and CEO of luxury small-ship cruise line Aqua Expeditions.

In this Q&A, Mr. Zugaro discusses responsible tourism, maintaining a sense of adventure and taking time for cooking, swimming and shopping with family.

Here is the dialogue:

What was your first job ever? What did it teach you?
I was a valet parking attendant at weddings at a villa in Rome with my older brother. I learned the importance of customer service, making a good first impression and always smiling.

Which skills have been critical to your success? Did you gain these skills within or outside of the workplace?
Having lived and grown up in 16 countries, I have a deep understanding of multiple cultures and the sensitivities in each one.

This has been fundamental to running a business with 320-plus employees from six to seven different nationalities and cultures, as I am able to relate, understand and connect with them. Only then can I truly share my vision and ensure it’s adopted as a common shared vision for success.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
From my father-in-law: Focus on generating revenue on the top line rather than thinking that business success comes from focusing on savings at the bottom line.

How has your field changed since you started out in luxury, and what do you think your industry will look like in a decade?
As a pioneer in small ship cruising, the industry has come a long way and evolved on many fronts.

I am excited and worried at the same time, as the fragile ecosystems we visit can only bear so much pressure from tourism and the local government agencies need to catch up and ensure public-private partnerships to protect biodiversity hotspots from over-tourism.

The Galapagos is one good example, where high-regulatory ship-based tourism controls work. In the 30 years I have been going to the Galapagos, the guest experience has not changed. It’s still one of the most amazing encounters with wildlife one can have today.

What recent projects have ignited your passion for working in luxury?
I keep my adventurous spirit alive by traveling to destinations and regions that are opportunities for small ship expeditions. I have done 16 safaris and traveled to over 85 countries.

My pursuit of excellence while appealing to our guests sense of adventure and exploration keep the pressure on me to continuously develop new guest experiences via new itineraries and destinations.

Who, in any industry or sphere, would you most like to share a long lunch with and where would you take them?
I know I am going to get a lot of heat from my kids, but it would be George Clooney, as we both share a love for Italy and Lake Como.

How do you get into the right mindset before a big meeting or presentation?
I focus on something completely different and then rely on my passion and business vision to guide me in sharing my excitement for the topic I am presenting.

On your days off, what can you be found doing to relax or have some fun?
Running, biking, swimming and cooking with my wife or any of our three amazing kids.

What does luxury mean to you?
Creating the time and place to sit back, take it all in and reflect on the past and future while surrounded by an incredible setting.

Whether a product or service/experience, what is your favorite luxury indulgence?
So first I need some good 70-percent chocolate after a good meal.

Outside of that, a good swim off one of our ships forces me to disconnect and exercise at the same time.

I have to admit I do enjoy a little retail therapy with my wife, Birgit – but only in Italy.

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Off the Cuff: A Q&A with Aqua Expeditions’ Francesco Galli Zugaro

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