Minor Hotel Group has an exciting new acquisition in the form of Mekong Kingdoms river cruises. Marion Walsh Hedouin, vice president of marketing and public relations, shares how this product can be a perfect complement to luxury trips that include Laos and Thailand.
What prompted Minor Hotels to expand its cruise offerings on the Mekong River?
Minor Hotels has been in the river cruise business for quite some time with Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas’ fleet of Manohra Dining Cruises in Bangkok and Anantara Overnight Cruises that sail from Bangkok to Thailand’s ancient capital of Ayutthaya. Minor Hotels also recently expanded into Laos with a new brand extension, Avani+. The launch of its first hotel in Luang Prabang presented an opportunity to expand the river cruise operations.
Mekong Kingdoms’ cruise offerings between Luang Prabang in Laos and Chiang Saen in Thailand also link Avani+ Luang Prabang and the group’s world renowned Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in Chiang Saen, offering travelers an exceptional journey.
Mekong Kingdoms’ Gypsy has been completely refurbished.
Credit: 2018 Mekong Kingdoms
Are there any refurbishments planned for the ships during the acquisition?
The three existing day boats and the ultra-luxurious two-cabin river cruiser, Gypsy, have been completely refurbished. Mekong Kingdoms’ flagship Boheme, a 42-meter, 13-cabin luxury barge, is a newbuild and will be launched late in 2018.
Is the entire cruise portfolio now available or just Gypsy for now?
The fleet currently consists of four vessels. For day trips in around Luang Prabang in complete privacy, Nomad provides couples with an exclusive romantic getaway for sunset cruises. Play is a floating lounge ideal for private events or family adventure, suitable for up to 15 passengers with a sundeck, a private room and a sound system. Monsoon is a scheduled touring shuttle to the Pak Ou caves with canapes, coffee, tea and soft drinks, offering a lavish option to visit the sacred site. Gypsy is an exclusive two-cabin river cruiser for a private tailored three-night, four-day cruise from Luang Prabang to Chiang Saen, and a two-night, three-day cruise from Chiang Saen to Luang Prabang for up to four passengers.
Boheme will be launched late in 2018 and will offer scheduled three-night, four-day cruises from Luang Prabang to Chiang Saen and two-night, three-day cruises from Chiang Saen to Luang Prabang.
Cruises on Gypsy are either two or three-nights in length, and are totally customized.
Credit: 2018 Mekong KingdomsHow does the cruise product compare to the group’s hotel product?
Mekong Kingdoms is positioned in the same luxury hospitality category as Minor Hotels’ Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas and Elewana Collection brands, and the product offers a harmonious social atmosphere of modern homely design, juxtaposed with hints of the glamorized bygone era of romantic voyaging.
How will Mekong Kingdoms cruises differ from competitors in the region?
As the only operator that offers voyages between Luang Prabang and Chiang Sean, Mekong Kingdoms is pioneering a stylish new way of exploring the Mekong River with modern boats, bespoke itineraries and a playful, artistic spirit. It’s for those who seek a superior cruise experience that can be as spirited, laid-back or personalized to their heart’s desire.
How to Book
Mekong Kingdoms works with a selective portfolio of travel agents and travel agent programs globally. The company services domestic agents, international agents and DMCs, as well as direct consumer sales.
The Details
Mekong Kingdoms
www.mekongkingdoms.com
