Sunset visit to Rangoon's Shwedagon Pagoda is the highlight of Voyages to Antiquity's Asian Odyssey

Glimmering gold grandeur - the Shwedagon Pagoda is a highlight of Rangoon

• Introducing a series of guest blogs by Zoe Bromley-Fox, Land Programmes Manager of cruise line Voyages to Antiquity. The line’s one ship, Aegean Odyssey, returns to south-east Asia this winter for the first time since the winter of 2012-13. Zoe looks forward to the forthcoming visit by recalling highlights of the journey two years ago.

When remembering our first Asia season, I must start with a personal highlight – the evening excursion in Yangon, Burma (Myanmar), which was included for every passenger

Visiting the Shwedagon pagoda as the sun went down was a fairy-tale experience that our passengers would never forget. Without the heat of the midday sun when most groups visit the pagoda, everyone could really appreciate the unique ambience of this sacred Buddhist site. Not to mention being able to stand on the ground quite comfortably with no shoes on! When on this excursion, admire the glimmering gold as the lights are turned on and ask your guide to show you the unique spot where you can watch the diamond change colour as you view it from different angles…

Aegean Odyssey returns to Burma in January, on a 21-day cruise departing from Colombo, Sri Lanka, and also visiting Chennai (Madras), Phuket in Thailand, and Penang and Malacca, Malaysia, before reaching Singapore.

Fares from £3,995 pp (two sharing) and a single supplement of 20 per cent. Guest speakers include Prof Ian Brown of the London School of Oriental and African Studies; Robert A. E. Gordon, president of the Britain-Burma Society, and Pamela Gordon of the Diplomatic Service Families Association.

The ship returns in March, during a 30-night grand voyage from Bangkok to Singapore with fares from £5,750 pp (single supplement 15 per cent).

Click here to read Zoe's blog in full, with details of Aegean Odyssey's voyages and the excursions available.

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Michelle Bernstein Highlights New Sanctuary Ananda

Here at World of Cruising we are always ready to highlight a great cruise food story, especially when it features a celebrity chef tie-up with a deluxe travel brand.


In this case, it features luxury cruise and safari specialist Sanctuary Retreats, who have just announced an exclusive partnership with the high-profile American chef Michelle Bernstein, who will be creating a selection of Signature ‘Burmese Fusion’ dishes on board its luxurious new 21-suite Myanmar river cruiser Sanctuary Ananda.

Named after the beautiful Ananda Temple in Bagan, Ananda also translates in Sanskrit as 'extreme happiness' - one of the highest states of being.  Due to set sail for the first time in November, Sanctuary Ananda will offer a choice of six itineraries ranging from 3 and 4-night shorter trips (which can be booked as part of a wider Myanmar tour) to longer exploration cruises for river-cruise lovers, such as a 10-night Chindwin River itinerary. It will offer an authentically Burmese, yet exclusive experience, in line with Sanctuary Retreats’ philosophy of 'Luxury Naturally.'

Bernstein is well known for her appearances on Iron Chef and other top TV culinary shows, as well as her restaurants in Miami that are lauded as some of the best if America and feature a Latin-fusion style. She will bring a unique range of menus to the Sanctuary Ananada, which will also feature Burmese design throughout, with local Myanmar fabrics and artefacts as well as specially commissioned art.  

There are plenty of public areas to relax in, from the stylish Talifoo restaurant, to the spacious Sundeck, and air conditioned Kansi panorama lounge, where guests will be able to enjoy stunning views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, whilst enjoying afternoon tea, or perhaps a sundowner cocktail from the Burma Bar.

Prices start at £1,350 per person, based on two people sharing a Suite including all sightseeing as stated in cruise itinerary, all meals, soft drinks and local beer. Price valid for November 19 and 26, December 3, 10 and 17 sailings on a 3-night itinerary.  

More info: visit www.sanctuaryretreats.com.

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Voyages to Antiquity Unveil Burma & Malaya

When it comes to the Far East, the countries of Burma and Malaysia remain some of the most unknown territory, with an exotic, almost mysterious side to them.

The best way to see as much of possible in a short time is by cruise, which is why Voyages to Antiquity are currently highlighting their voyage to "mysterious Burma & the Malay Peninsula" in January next year.

Cut off from the rest of the world for decades, Burma’s unique culture has been preserved; its incredible landscapes remain unspoilt, the golden temples and pagodas intact.

Much of this will be on display as the Aegean Odyssey will berth in the heart of Yangon for two full nights. With good quality hotels in short supply, the ship offers the perfect base for a full exploration. The voyage also takes in Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and Malaysia before disembarking in the dynamic city of Singapore for a 2-night hotel stay.

Prices start from £3,995 per person for this remarkable 21-day cruise-tour, departing January 4, 2015.

More info: call 0845 437 9737 or visit www.voyagestoantiquity.com.

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Pandaw Feature Burma, Vietnam & Cambodia

Travel to the Far East is booming this year as holiday-makers seek out increasingly exotic destinations, and river-cruises are proving especially popular, hence Pandaw River Expeditions are highlighting their great range of options to Burma, Cambodia and Vietnam in 2014.

Operating a fleet of 12 luxurious river-vessels, Pandaw explore many destinations still largely undiscovered by the European traveller, with many areas accessible only by river. The elegant vessels are designed with the shallowest drafts on the rivers, allowing them to access parts of the Irrawaddy and Chindwin Rivers in Burma and the Mekong River through Cambodia and Vietnam that other ships aren’t always able to reach.

Finished in hand-crafted teak and brass, the unique vessels are designed as replicas of the original colonial river steamers and offer the highest passenger space ratio of any ships in the region, sea going or river, with a crew to passenger ratio of 2:1.

Every Pandaw river expedition includes a superb range of intrepid shore excursions to local - and often inaccessible - communities, and all shore excursions are included within the expedition price, as well as a range of locally sourced and international food, all drinks and gratuities. 

 

Guests are able to dine in open-air dining rooms on deck on most expeditions and, in the evening, enjoy cultural performances from local performers and musicians. Pandaw operates cruises in Burma, Vietnam and Cambodia from June to April.

Their seven-night Mekong cruises cost from £1,095 per person based on two people sharing, including all food and drink, gratuities and all shore excursions.

More info: call 0203 287 6113 or visit www.pandaw.com.

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Titan's New Offerings For 2014

 

Cruises that explore different destinations in high style are always going to catch our attention here at World of Cruising, and here is just that from Titan Travel, who have launched a new series of both ocean and river cruise brochures for 2014. These include a new Escorted River Cruise brochure along with a new Cruise & Tour brochure and the third edition of their deluxe river cruise programme in exclusive partnership with Uniworld.

Uniworld

The third edition of the 2014 Uniworld brochure showcases some of the grandest and most scenic waterways of Europe, Russia, China, Vietnam and Cambodia, aboard Uniworld’s fleet of exquisitely appointed floating boutique-style hotels.

On many of these itineraries there are some significant savings at the moment, such as £2,050 off a 17-day ‘Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong’ tour departing on September 2. The cruise now costs from £2,999 per person (if booked by February 28) and contrasts the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with the tranquillity of the Angkor Temple Complex in Cambodia and an unforgettable 7-night cruise along the Mekong River. Cost includes flights, all meals on board, wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, 7 nights in hotels on a B&B basis, the 7-night cruise, many excursions and Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service.

A further enhancement to the VIP Home Departure Service for passengers travelling with Uniworld this year is the addition of friendly Titan airport representatives to assist in the check-in process.

Escorted River Cruise

Also out this month is the second edition of the escorted river cruise brochure. New for 2014 is the 8-day ‘Highlights of Belgium and the Netherlands’ cruise. This is a no-fly holiday and passengers travel in a comfortable coach to Cologne, via Eurotunnel, and then board the all-inclusive A-ROSA Viva. Highlights include Amsterdam with its romantic canals, the ‘diamond city’ of Antwerp and the charming medieval city of Bruges, famed for its architecture. With departure dates in June and September, prices start from £1,545 per person and include coach travel with experienced drivers, 7-night cruise, 21 meals, all-inclusive drinks package on board, a Titan onboard drinks party, many excursions and Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service.

Cruise & Tour

The second edition of the 2014 Cruise & Tour Brochure is now out and combines the freedom of a journey by sea with all the excitement of a land-based tour. Titan pioneered these innovative style holidays back in the 1990s to deliver the best of both worlds and the popular concept has now developed into an exciting range of globetrotting tours from exotic adventures in far flung corners of the globe, as well as experiences closer to home. 

New for this edition is a series of four tours that have been combined with a Fred. Olsen cruise, such as the 29-day ‘Great South American Odyssey’. Providing the perfect introduction to Latin America the cruise on board the Fred. Olsen’s Black Watch is combined with the rhythms of Rio, the majestic Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires and the spectacular glaciers of Chile. Departing in January 2015, prices start from £4,295 per person including flights, 6 nights in hotels, 20-night cruise, 67 meals, Titan on-board cocktail party, various excursions, and Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service.

More info: call 0800 988 5858 or visit www.titantravel.co.uk.

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AMA Take To The Irrawaddy

Award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways has announced a new ship and new river cruise programme on Burma’s Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River, starting in November 2014.

Two itineraries will be on offer: the 10-night Golden Treasures of Myanmar and 14-night Hidden Wonders of Myanmar, both detailed in a new brochure. All voyages start in Yangon and include pre-cruise hotel accommodation in the city. The first departure is on November 24.

One of the world’s most secretive, mysterious and fascinating places, Burma has a unique, centuries-old culture and spectacular architectural wonders, including sacred structures gilded with gold leaf and encrusted with precious gems, and these two new itineraries are designed to take in all the highlights:
 

• 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 stunning shrine perched at the top of Mt. Popa is considered 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.

Guests will cruise the Ayeyarwady aboard the all-suite AmaPura (above), a 56-passenger vessel furnished with a combination of modern and traditional motifs. All 28 suites feature a balcony (a French balcony, step-out full balcony or twin balconies), a well-appointed en suite bathroom and many other deluxe amenities. The public areas include a restaurant, main lounge and bar, gift shop, spa, refreshing pool and a Sun Deck perfect for lounging, enjoying a cool drink, or simply gazing out at the passing scenery.

An optional four-night post-cruise land extension is available on both itineraries, featuring three nights in Inle Lake and one further night in Yangon.

The Golden Treasures of Myanmar itinerary costs from £4,999pp, including return UK flights from London, two nights pre-cruise and one night post-cruise stay in Yangon, transfers to and from the ship, 10 nights on board, all tours, all meals, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, on-board entertainment including cultural shows and lectures, and port charges.   

More info: call 0808 223 5009 or visit www.amawaterways.co.uk.

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An Asian Odyssey With Voyages To Antiquity

Boutique line Voyages to Antiquity have crafted a fabulous tour through the Indian Ocean to south-east Asia in their new brochure for winter 2014/15, with 12 cruises from November to March combining the most breathtaking natural and man-made sites in the world, from the remarkable beauty of Africa’s big game parks to architectural treasures such as Angkor Wat and the Taj Mahal. 

As with every Voyages To Antiquity cruise, shore excursions are included, pre and post-cruise land stays in major cities are in deluxe hotels and every sailing features outstanding guest speakers.

Key highlights are:

• Inaugural visits to East Africa, each featuring an included 3 day (2 night) safari to Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks
• Inaugural calls to the Indian Ocean Islands of Zanzibar, Seychelles, Mayotte and the Maldives.
• City centre mooring in Yangon (Burma), Bangkok (Thailand) and Ho-Chi Minh City (Vietnam) where the size of the ship enables cruising upriver to the heart of some of Asia’s most fascinating cities.
• A chance to explore Bali, Borneo and the islands of Indonesia – including visits to the stunning temple of Borobudur and the dragons on Komodo
• A return to the fascinating sights and sounds  of South-east Asia: Burma, Cambodia and Vietnam
• Cruising India’s historic Malabar Coast, before passengers disembark to enjoy the included 5-day Golden Triangle tour of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

Brochure prices start from £3,150 per person for an 18-day cruise-tour, including scheduled flights and transfers on arrival. Prices also include free domestic flight connections via London from seven regional airports, shore excursions where available, Quietvox headsets to enhance the sightseeing experience, gratuities to cabin and restaurant staff on-board and wine with dinner on board.

Guests can save up to £5,000 per cabin when booking by December 31 and several itineraries feature special rates for single travellers. 

More info: visit www.voyagestoantiquity.com or call on 0845 437 9737.

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Sanctuary Ananda’s Myanmar Specialities

We are always excited to bring you something new here at Time Spent At Sea and here is a great new river-cruise opportunity from Sanctuary Retreats, with eight enticing itineraries available on the luxurious all-suite Sanctuary Ananda in Myanmar.  

These itineraries include three, four and seven-night ‘Discovery Cruises’ between Bagan and Mandalay as well as a selection of longer and more unusual ‘Exploration Cruises’ allowing guests time to explore the Upper and Lower Ayeyarwady and the shallower Chindwin River. 

Sanctuary Ananda will sail every day on each itinerary and, where possible, guests will experience local transport to reach off the beaten track villages and must-see sights to ensure a true local and unique experience.

Discovery Itineraries include:

Three Nights – Bagan to Mandalay

Setting off from Bagan, this three-night experience includes a visit to some of the most important temples and pagodas in Bagan; a horse-drawn cart visit to Ava, the old imperial capital and archaeological site; Sagaing with its convents, pagodas and silversmiths; and Amarapura to visit textile workshops and drinks at sunset at the mile-long U Bein bridge.

Four Nights – Mandalay to Bagan

This itinerary begins in Mandalay, the cultural capital of Myanmar, and makes its way down to Bagan, the spiritual heart of the country and home to over 2,000 gilded pagodas.  Highlights on the journey include the textile workshops of Amarapura; Sagaing, the centre of Myanmar Buddhist faith; Pakokku with its local markets and traditional shoe factories; and the Sale monasteries

Seven Nights – Bagan-Mandalay-Bagan

This longer cruise is a combination of the three and four-night itineraries but also offers a train ride across the Gokteik Viaduct to Naung Pein and a visit to Pyin Oo Lwin and its Botanical Gardens. There will also be visits to jaggery, lacquerware and brick workshops; the Thone Zu Pagoda with its Nat shrine; and a hike up Mount Popa, an extinct volcano, to see the stunning summit monastery, pagodas and shrines. 

For more info, visit www.sanctuaryretreats.com and, for more luxury adventure-cruise ideas, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's river cruising specialists.

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