Pandaw and the Irrawaddy Dolphin

Pandaw has announced two special 10-night departures on 8 and 18 July 2015 – The Mekong Unexplored.

Guests onboard the Mekong Pandaw will hope to spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphin with its distinctive bulging forehead and short beak in the WWF protected area of Kratie. In the afternoon, board the small Pandaw Explorer boat and visit the remote Koh Trong Island for a chance to see Mekong mud turtles as well as visiting a remote floating village. Other additions to the Mekong Unexplored itinerary include an excursion to the Chhlong, known for its French colonial buildings.

The 10-night sailing also offers excursions to the local markets in Vinh Long, a day exploring the vibrant city of Phnom Penh and a visit to the pagodas at Preak Bong Kong and Angkor Ban.

Cruise-only from £1,550 per person based on two people sharing a main deck stateroom, fully inclusive of all excursions, crew gratuities, meals and non-premium drinks. Transfers between ports of embarkation and the international airport at the start and end of the voyage. All excursions and local soft drinks, beer and spirits are included in this unique itinerary.

Aqua Expeditions is launching its third luxury vessel in October, on the Mekong River in Cambodia and Vietnam. Aqua Mekong will be in keeping with the style of the compny’s Peruvian vessels – Aqua Amazon and Aria Amazon – with just 20-suites and beautiful, local designs - small enough to be intimate but equally spacious and luxurious.

Aqua Mekong has been designed by renowned Saigon-based architectural firm Noor Design. Measuring 62.4m in length, she will have 20 outward-facing design suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for guests to relax and watch the scenery float by.

Upstairs on the Observation Deck, guests will be able to slide onto sleek, contemporary interpretations of the region’s cane planters chairs, unwind on cushioned loungers or ease into the river-facing plunge pool.

Dishes include local ingredients such as Khmer Kampot Pepper and Mekong River Prawns.  Aqua Mekong’s bar will showcase the flavours, colours and cultures of the Mekong River Basin along with the leisurely and romantic drinking rituals of colonial Indochina.

Subscribe to World of Crusing magazine  here      Timespentatsea blog

 Facebook 

Riches of the Mekong form AMA Waterways

AmaWaterways’ Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong 15 night land-cruise includes two nights in vibrant Hanoi followed by an overnight aboard a luxury junk in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. A short flight then transports guests to Siem Reap, Cambodia, the gateway to the magnificent Angkor Archeological Park to experience tours of world-renowned sites such as Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, the Bayon and the newly-reopened Baphuon Temple. The journey continues with a 7 night voyage along the Mekong River from Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, calling into the bustling capital of Phnom Penh and numerous points of historical and scenic interest, including Kampong Chhnang, Oudong, Tan Chau, Sa Dec, Xeo Quyt and Cai Be. Along the way, guests visit floating markets, rainforests and Buddhist monasteries; ride an oxcart and a trishaw and participate in the delicate craft of rice-paper making.

AmaWaterways’ 15 night land-cruise costs from £2422 per person and includes hotel accommodation, excursions and all meals, wine, beer, local sprits and soft drinks with meals on board, and the seven night cruise-only option costs from £1060 per person, including excursions and drinks. Contact AmaWaterways on freephone 0808 223 5009, www.amawaterways.co.

Uniworld is launches 14-night itinerary – Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong

In January 2012, Uniworld is launching a new and very exciting 14-night itinerary – Vietnam, Cambodia  and the Mekong. The NEW River Saigon cruise ship has a limited capacity of just 60 guests, ensuring each will receive an intimate and personalised experience in pure luxury.

The comprehensive itinerary starts at Ho Chi Minh City where guests will stay for three days exploring the city and visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels. From there guests sail down the narrow canals of the Mekong River stopping off for excursions at small towns and visit floating markets and homes. From there the cruise continues down to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, where guests learn about the Khmer Rouge violent regime, as well as a visit to the National museum. Guests continue then on their cruise up the Mekong towards Siem Reap, stopping off at small towns along the way. At Siem Reap, two days are dedicated to exploring the UNESCO heritage site of Angkor Wat. A short flight from Siem Reap to Hanoi where guests will stay in the luxury of the Inter Continental Hotel before departing for home.

UK prices for this package are still to be confirmed but are being finalised shortly. The package will include:

7 night Mekong River Cruise in a riverview stateroom onboard the beautiful NEW River Saigon, 7 nights in centrally located deluxe hotels featuring luxurious accommodations, buffet breakfast, and all services charges, taxes and porterage, Captivating, fully escorted excursions with English-speaking local guides made up of more than 20 people. Highlights include: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap – getaway to the Khmer Empire, and the Angkor Wat Temple Complex.

14 buffet breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 11 dinners, complimentary wine with dinner onboard, and complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, local beer and local spirits are available onboard throughout the day. Domestic flight from Siem Reap to Hanoi or Hanoi to Siem Reap. All transfers on arrival and departure days.

For further information on Uniworld visit, www.uniworldrivercruises.co.uk or Luxury river crusie specialists The Cruise Line

Subscribe to World of Cruising magazine

AMA launches second boat on the Mekong

Award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways has launched its second new vessel on the Mekong River, the 124-passenger MS AmaLotus. The 7-night maiden voyage set sail this week after a traditional Vietnamese praying ceremony at the shipyard. The MS AmaLotus joins the MS La Marguerite (2009) in providing distinctive river cruises from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam as part of the highly-popular “Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong” program.  

Featuring ultra-spacious 624-sq. ft. Suites; ten Jr. Suites at 290 sq. ft. and standard staterooms at 226 sq. ft., the MS AmaLotus has outside balconies on 90 percent of her staterooms. The décor combines Colonial elegance with regional Khmer accents, staterooms include comfortable sitting areas, individually controlled air-conditioning, a mini-bar, safety deposit box, kimonos and slippers and luxurious bathtub (Jr. Suites/Suites). Guests enjoy fine dining consisting of both Asian and Western specialties; free-flowing complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner with complimentary house-brand spirits and soft drinks throughout the cruise. Onboard highlights include folklore dances, musical performances and culture discussion forums.

The expansive Sun Deck on the MS AmaLotus provides the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing cool drink, take a swim in the outdoor pool or simply admire the spectacular sunsets over the Mekong. The ship also features two lounges, a fitness room, spa and gift shop. The hotel manager aboard the MS AmaLotus is European, and the entire staff is fully English-speaking.

Launched in 2009, the “Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong” river cruise and land programme is part of the “AmaVoyages” line of river cruises. Separate and distinct from the AmaWaterways European river cruise product, “AmaVoyages” deliver an exceptional experience in some of the world’s most intriguing destinations. The “Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong” itinerary includes two nights in vibrant Hanoi followed by an overnight aboard a luxury junk in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. A short flight then transports guests to Siem Reap, Cambodia, the gateway to the magnificent Angkor Archeological Park. A two-night stay there includes tours of world-renowned sites such as Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, the Bayon and newly-reopened Baphuon Temple.

From Siem Reap, guests embark on their 7-night odyssey along the Mekong River from Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam. Calls include the bustling capital of Phnom Penh and numerous points of historical and scenic interest, including Kampong Chhnang, Oudong, Tan Chau, Sa Dec, Xeo Quyt and Cai Be. Along the way, guests experience the unforgettable hospitality and ancient traditions of this singular part of the world as they visit floating markets, rainforests and Buddhist monasteries; ride an oxcart and a trishaw and participate in the delicate craft of rice-paper making. The “Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong” program concludes with an overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

The 15 night land-cruise option costs from £2422 per person and includes hotel accommodation, excursions and all meals, wine, beer and soft drinks with meals on board, and the seven night cruise-only option costs from £1060, including excursions and drinks. Contact   www.amawaterways.co.uk or The Cruise Line