Scenic Tours to launch all-inclusive Mekong River cruises

An artist’s impression of Scenic Spirit

Scenic Tours have unveiled their range of all-inclusive river cruises on the mighty Mekong River in South-east Asia planned for when their latest river cruise ship, the Scenic Spirit, enters service in January 2016.

Scenic Spirit is set to be the most spacious river cruise vessel to sail along the Mekong River. Measuring 85 metres in length the all-suite all-balcony vessel will carry a maximum of 68 passengers per voyage with a guest-to-crew ratio of nearly 1:1.

A choice of suites will be offered, including 24 Deluxe Suites measuring 32 square metres, eight  Grande Deluxe Suites measuring 40 square metres, and two Royal Panorama Suites measuring 80 square metres.

The vessel will offer three dining venues as well as in-room dining.  The vessel will also offer a pool and a spa and fitness centre.

On the launch of the Mekong river itineraries Chris Townson, Managing Director of Scenic Tours UK, said “We believe there’s now no better way to sail these waters; we’ve got the newest ship with the best features and the most spacious cabins; our diverse itineraries are meticulously planned and cover a wealth of mustsee and lesser-travelled treasures, plus everything is included in the price of your cruise.”

Scenic Tours are offering 15 to 29-day long voyages along the Mekong River planned for 2016, calling into destinations including Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos.

Key itineraries include: “Treasures of the Mekong Cruise” (sailing between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap); “Essence of Vietnam, Cambodia & Mekong Cruise” (sailing between Hanoi and Siem Reap); “Grand Indochina & Mekong Cruise” (sailing between Hanoi and Luang Prabang); “Journey along the Mekong” (sailing between Ho Chi Minh City and Luang Prabang); and “Gems of South East Asia” (sailing between Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City).

(Photo credit to Scenic Tours)

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Celebrity Chef David Thompson Set For Aqua's New Mekong Ship

Aqua Expeditions has announced the appointment of Michelin-starred Chef David Thompson to its culinary team. Australian-born Thompson joins Aqua as Executive Chef of the new Aqua Mekong river-cruise ship, scheduled to launch in September. Thompson's Nahm restaurant in Bangkok is considered a destination in itself for international travelers.

The Chef was selected by Francesco Galli Zugaro, CEO and founder of Aqua Expeditions, who sets great store by Aqua's culinary offerings, which are a notably feature of their original cruises on the Upper Amazon in Peru (also featured in the Autumn issue of World of Cruising - click on this link).

Galli Zugaro said: "I was determined to identify the very best and most creative chef in the region for my second river destination. As Asia's top ranked chef on 'San Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants,' David is the perfect fit for the exclusive Aqua Mekong. His unique culinary experience and first-hand knowledge of Asian ingredients and palates will enable us to provide guests with the authentic culinary experience they expect from an Aqua cruise."

With a reputation for first-class cuisine influenced by South-east Asia, Thompson will create an exclusive menu for Aqua guests, combining the culinary traditions of Mekong River culture with the freshest local ingredients from the markets of Saigon, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

 

He says: "Working with Aqua Mekong will be an exciting challenge and the food will be based on the cooking of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, the countries which depend on the Mekong River. I look forward to setting sail."

 

Aqua was the first adventure travel company to introduce five-star luxury cruises to the Amazon in Peru. The Aqua Mekong will be the company's first vessel in Asia and will take guests on a journey on the Mekong River, between Cambodia and Vietnam. 

More info: call +511 434 5544 or visit www.aquaexpeditions.com.

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