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.

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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.

Avalon Waterways launches a dedicated Vietnam, Cambodia & China brochure.

Luxury river cruise specialist, Avalon Waterways has announced the delivery of a new river cruise ship, the ‘Avalon Angkor’ as it launches a dedicated Vietnam, Cambodia & China brochure with a fascinating choice of river cruises and tours in the region.

The new brochure will go on sale on 24 November 2011 including a tour of Vietnam & Cambodia including a Mekong river cruise as well as two China tours including a Yangtze River cruise. Tour and cruise departures are from April 2012 to March 2013.

Due for delivery in 2012, the Avalon Angkor (Above) has been specially designed to be the first ship in the industry to cruise all the way from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, avoiding over 7 hours travelling time by coach. Built by local craftsmen with a colonial design, the Avalon Angkor is the first Avalon vessel to be launched outside of Europe but will feature all the modern amenities Avalon is renowned for.

Accommodating just 32 guests in 16 deluxe staterooms over two decks with a Sun Deck, this small and intimate ship will feature the standard spacious 172 sq ft staterooms as all Avalon ships. The floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors provide an open-air experience without losing any space in the stateroom and are the best way to enjoy the stunning passing scenery. All Avalon cruises are full packaged with flights, transfers, airport taxes, port charges and gratuities as well as a private door-to-door transfer service(within 75 miles of your chosen International airport), local guided sightseeing and a full board cruise with complimentary wine served at dinner. 

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out http://www.avaloncruises.co.uk or river cruise specialists The Cruise Line

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

Vietnam with Orion

From Ho Chi Minh to My Son, Nha Trang to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam is intoxicating. With energy and charm of equal proportions, and a regal history of passion, war and conquests to rival any European history, Orion II’s nine-night Vietnam Explorer voyages include not one, or two, but four UNESCO World Heritage sites - Hue, Hoi An, My Son and Ha Long Bay. Extraordinary, even by Orion standards!

Whether it is the organised chaos of cruising the Saigon River with its junks, exploring the traditional fishing village of Baie de Cu Mon, rarely seen by outsiders, or exploring Nha Trang with its Communist Party headquarters, beach brewery and $1 lobsters for lunch, a voyage with Orion promises, and delivers, the unexpected.

Even Ha Long Bay is explored with fresh eyes. Seen from onboard a traditional junk, wending peacefully through the islands, the soaring limestone karsts are spectacular; venturing into limestone caves with the expedition team on Orion II’s Zodiacs adds another dimension completely.

In both 2011 and 2012 there are three scheduled nine-night Orion II Vietnam Explorer voyages alternating between Haiphong (for Hanoi) and Ho Chi Minh City and including Nha Trang, Baie de Cu Mon/Bai Nam Beach, Da Nang (for My Son and Hoi An), Chan May (for Hue) and Ha Long Bay & Cat Ba. 2011 departures are 18th November, 27th November and 6th December while 2012 departures are 12th, 21st and 30th March.

Prices start from £4,295 per person including nine nights onboard Orion, all meals, entertainment and educational programmes, use of the ship’s sporting equipment and facilities, Zodiac excursions, port and handling charges, tender transfers and government fees and taxes.

For further information visit http://www.orionexpeditions.com/ or The Cruise Line.

Orion launches New 2012 Expedition Brochure

Free Flights on Selected Kimberley, Borneo & Vietnam Itineraries plus 15% Early Booking Discounts on Selected Sailings.

Orion Expedition Cruises has released an expanded range of path-less-travelled itineraries for 2012, which include free flights from the UK on selected Kimberley, Borneo and Vietnam voyages as well as early booking discounts of up to 15% on most sailings.

Incorporating the first full year of voyages for Orion II, as well as their original boutique cruiser Orion, these expeditions - well off the marine superhighway - include rarely visited destinations from polar ice cap to the tropics.

In addition to existing itineraries, Orion takes a fresh look at New Zealand with new Pure New Zealand and Bay of Islands voyages. Orion II’s new sailings feature the islands of Micronesia and additional voyages to Japan with Art of Japan and Culinary Voyage of Japan itineraries. China is included for the first time, with expeditions that includes the Yangtze Delta (Kobe to Shanghai) and Shanghai to Tawau (Yangtze, Taiwan, Philippines), while an inaugural visit to Java includes Borobudur.

Free flights are available on all Kimberley sailings between April 13 and September 10; on three Vietnam sailings departing March 12, 21, 30 and on one Borneo sailing departing February 17.

In all, 2012 will see the two purpose-built expedition cruise ships undertake 68 voyages to 17 countries and 174 destinations stretching from Antarctica to the Russian Far East, including Borneo, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, the Inland Sea of Japan, Korea, China and Micronesia (onboard Orion II). Australia’s Kimberley coast, Arnhem Land, Great Barrier Reef, the Spice Islands, New Zealand, the Sub Antarctic islands and Papua New Guinea feature in Orion’s range of expeditions.

The complete 2012 Calendar of Sailings is now on sale. Prices start from £1,630 per person, cruise-only, for a five-night Great Barrier Reef voyage on September 27 and from £4,400 per person for a nine-night Vietnam Explorer voyage, including free flights, with departures on March 12, 21 and 30.

For more info, visit http://www.orionexpeditions.com/ or the UK's expedition cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd