AmaWaterways will launch a new ship and a new river cruise program on Myanmar’s Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) River in November 2014.
“We have so many exciting developments in the works, especially our new program and new ship in Myanmar,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner. “My own experiences in Myanmar have been absolutely amazing. Our new cruises there will immerse our guests in a place that has long been shut off from the rest of the world, and that’s an opportunity no world traveler will want to pass up.”
The company is launching the new 56-passenger, all-suite AmaPura on the Irrawaddy, with staterooms of 285-420 square feet, all with either a French Balcony, a step-out full balcony or twin balconies. Public areas include a restaurant, the main lounge and bar, a gift shop, the spa, a refreshing pool and a Sun Deck.
Myanmar has a unique centuries-old culture and spectacular architectural wonders including sacred structures gilded with gold leaf and encrusted with precious gems. Ama’s cruises are designed to hit the country highlights such as:
- Bagan: a cultural treasure trove of more than 2,200 temples, stupas and pagodas, on par with Cambodia’s massive Angkor Wat temple complex.
- Mandalay: The country’s last royal capital and second largest city, the “Golden City” of Mandalay is regarded as Myanmar’s cultural heart, renowned for its master craftsmen and its patronage of the arts.
- Mount Popa: The shrine perched at the top of Mount Popa is considered to be the legendary home of spirit gods worshipped by Burmese Buddhists.
- Ancient Royal Cities: Inwa (Ava) was the capital of Burma for more than 400 years. Amarapura has the world’s longest teak bridge. Sagaing is famous for its tranquil atmosphere and Mingun has many historic sites to explore.
- Yangon (Rangoon): The “Garden City of the East,” retains much of its colonial charm with cobblestoned streets, tree-lined avenues and Victorian architecture.
Complete details for 14- and 16-day itineraries between Yangon and Mandalay, with hotel stays at both ends, are available in the new brochure and online. Fares start at $4,899 plus $190-$266 in port fees and $190 for intra-Myanmar air.
Ama is now accepting bookings for November 2014 through April 2016, as well as for its 2015 cruises in Vietnam, Cambodia and Europe, giving guests a chance to book well ahead to get the dates and staterooms they want.
An optional four-night post-cruise land extension is available on both itineraries, featuring three nights in Inle Lake and one night in Yangon. A three-day, two-night pre- or post-cruise extension in Bangkok is also available.
The Details
AmaWaterwayswww.amawaterways.com
