A new luxury option was unveiled in Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection’s newly released 2014 Asia Boutique River Cruise and Tour brochure, which lists itineraries throughout China, Vietnam and Cambodia. A combination of land touring and cruising the Yangtze and Mekong rivers, the new trip brings together culture and pampering both onboard and on land.
The Yangtze cruise-tour combines the dramatic landscape and villages on the river with the amenities of the brand-new 398-passenger Century Paragon and Century Legend, each with soaring atriums, two restaurants, two bars, a movie theater, an indoor lap pool with relaxation area and pool bar, a fitness center, a spa, game rooms, a boutique and a reading room.
Signature Suites
Uniworld passengers are accommodated in the ships’ specially designed Signature Suites with private balconies, complimentary Wi-Fi access, satellite televisions, sitting areas, minibars and bathrooms with tubs, robes, slippers and fine bath products. VIP benefits extend to all Uniworld guests, who enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and snacks in the Executive Reception area 24 hours a day, dedicated concierge services, a complimentary cocktail reception before dinner and dining in the VIP restaurant with complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served during dinner.
On land, guests stay in five-star hotels such as the Sofitel and The Ritz Carlton in Beijing, the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai, the InterContinental Hanoi and the Park Hyatt Saigon.
Regional Meals and Immersive Experiences
Uniworld’s shore excursions provide guests an opportunity to see what life is like along the Mekong and Yangtze rivers. During the Mekong River cruise onboard the 58-passenger River Orchid, passengers can take a sampan among traditional floating markets to a village and fish farm. Shore excursions along the Yangtze include a smaller riverboat cruise to the beautiful Lesser Gorges and a visit to the landmark Shibao Pagoda.
Immersive culinary experiences are also a hallmark for the line.
“As with our European cruises, the culinary experience is key,” said president Guy Young. “The combination of cruising and city touring means we can incorporate special regionally themed meals from a dim sum lunch in Shanghai, to a traditional dumpling and Tang Dynasty dinner show in Xian, to a hutongs tour with home-hosted dinner and, of course, Beijing's signature Peking duck. In Cambodia, a real highlight is the Apsara dance show accompanied by a traditional Cambodian meal.”
Itinerary Options
The new 12-day Treasures of China and the Yangtze runs from Shanghai to Beijing, with a visit to Xian. Priced from $3,999, the journey includes a four-night Yangtze River cruise and seven nights in centrally located luxury hotels, all transportation throughout the trip, many of the meals, 10 days of fully escorted excursions with English-speaking local experts, the services of a Uniworld Cruise/Tour Manager and all transfers on arrival and departure days.
The 18-day Grand China & the Yangtze itinerary takes travelers from Beijing to Hong Kong to see both traditional and modern China. Visits include Xian and Shanghai, Hong Kong and the four-night Yangtze cruise. The cruise-tour is priced from $5,999.
Uniworld’s 15-day Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong explores the region from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Guests experience ancient Angkor Wat along with the lively cities and floating villages of the Mekong. The fare, priced from $4,499, includes a seven-night Mekong River cruise onboard the 58-passenger River Orchid; seven nights in deluxe hotels; all transportation throughout the trip, many meals, complimentary wine and beer with all dinners throughout the cruise, 12 days of fully escorted excursions with English-speaking local experts, the services of a Uniworld Cruise/Tour Manager and all transfers on arrival and departure days.
Early Booking savings of up to $600 per couple are also available to guests who book and pay a deposit at the time of reservation, before Jan. 15.
The Details
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collectionwww.uniworld.com
