Pandaw's New Ship For Burma

Luxury river expedition company Pandaw has announced it is building a unique new river-cruise ship for Burma that will allow it to sail the Chindwin River year-round.

The Kha Byoo will feature an ultra-shallow draft and enter service at the end of 2014 on the Chindwin between Monywa and Homalin. Currently being built in Rangoon, the new vessel will be 40 metres in length and feature just 10 cabins, and its small size and draft of just 75cm will allow it to explore the Chindwin after the monsoon season ends and the larger ships have departed.

Like all of Pandaw’s K-class ships, the Kha Byoo is named after one of the original Irrawaddy Flotilla Company’s ships of a similar class and design, built in 1882 by Denny of Dumbarton. The 2014 reincarnation is essentially an enlarged version of another of Pandaw’s current vessels, the Kalay (above). It features the same design features, such as an owner’s stateroom and Louvre French windows in the nine other staterooms that open on either side of the ship to create a light and airy feeling of space.

On a series of seven-night expeditions, the Kha Byoo will explore the rich cultural life of the Upper Chindwin valley, visiting delightful colonial towns like Mawlaik, bustling India border towns like Kalaywa and the capital of Burmese Nagaland, Homalin. Guests are also able to explore some of the oldest teak-carved monasteries around the ancient royal town of Mingkin. In addition, for those looking to enhance their Burma experience, the Kha Byoo can also be booked back-to-back with the Kindat on Pandaw’s Mandalay to Bhamo routing on the Upper Irrawaddy.

Seven-night Chindwin cruises start from £1,890 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.

The next edition of World of Cruising will be out on March 17, and you can see the current version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.

 

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'Godmother' Twiggy For Emerald

Stylish new river-cruise line Emerald Waterways have announced that super-model, actress and British icon Twiggy will be godmother to their first two ships.

The first of the revolutionary Star-class vessels will be officially named in Amsterdam on April 9 by the trend-setting star of runway, stage, screen and music, who will join the Emerald Star for its maiden voyage to Basel.

Twiggy will then perform the naming ceremony for sister ship Emerald Sky in June.

Emerald Waterways are a brand new name on the European river-cruise scene this year and aim to be different from the start, with an all-new ship design and a fresh approach that also hopes to appeal to a younger audience.

The two ships will both feature state-of-the-art features like the on-board swimming pool that converts into an evening cinema, as well as optional alfresco dining when permissible. And the christening and maiden voyage will be featured in depth in the May issue of World of Cruising.

An Emerald spokesman explained: "We’re extremely excited to announce our first ‘Star-Ships’ will be christened by none other than a British style icon. Think ‘Twiggy’ and words

like iconic, trendsetter, chic and stylish spring to mind – the exact words we had in mind when we carefully sculpted our ships. 

"So there really was no one better to appoint as Godmother of our revolutionary vessels than the world’s first supermodel, who set the benchmark for those who followed.

"Ahead of the christening in Amsterdam, we visited our ships in their final stage of production and were extremely impressed by their incredibly sleek, stylish and innovative interior. 

"Perfectly accessorised with cutting-edge features and contemporary décor, like Twiggy, our ships will set the standard for future generations. And we’re delighted Twiggy will be on the front row as their striking designs are unveiled."

More info: call 0808 102 0109 or visit www.emeraldwaterways.co.uk.

The next edition of World of Cruising will be out on March 17, and you can see the current version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.  

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

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AMA's National Cruise Week Discounts

In keeping with all the fun - and special offers - of National Cruise Week this week (Sept 21-29), AMA Waterways have come up with some tempting offers to sample their luxury river-cruise style either this year or in 2014.

Take your pick from:

Enticing Douro
Sail from the historic city of Porto through the vineyards of the Douro Valley, calling at small towns and visiting port producers along the way. Take an excursion (included) from Bara d'Alva to Salamanca, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Departing March 25, 2014, now from £1,428pp (was £1,662) or April 1, from £1,534pp (was £1,787).

Paris & Normandy
Cruise the Seine for seven nights, calling at Vernon, Caudebex-en-caux (for special excursions to the D-Day beaches), Rouen (for Honfleur), Les Andelys and Conflans, visiting chateaux and beautiful landscapes that inspired great artists such as Monet. Departing November 13 and 20, now from £1,693pp (was £1,974).

Provence
Spend seven nights cruising the Rhône, from Arles to Lyon, tasting the Beaujolais wines, exploring Avignon and Arles and admiring the stunning scenery of vineyards, dramatic gorges and lavender fields. Departing November 20, now from £1,693pp (was £1,974).

Enchanting Rhine
Sail between Amsterdam and Basel through the steep-sided Rhine Gorge, exploring towns and cities including Cologne, Rudesheim, Heidelberg and medieval Strasbourg. Departing April 1, 2014, now from £1,480pp (was £1,724); November 9, from £1,587pp (was £1,849); November 16 (on AmaReina) and November 17 (on AmaCerto), from £1,534pp (was £1,787).

Romantic Danube
Cruise from Vilshofen in Germany to Budapest, calling at Passau, Linz (for Salzburg), Melk, with its magnificent abbey, Vienna, and Bratislava. There's an overnight in Budapest, with a cruise of the Danube after dark to admire the glittering lights festooning all the bridges. Departing November 11 (on AmaPrima) or 12 (on AmaSonata), now from £1,534pp (was £1,787).
 

All prices include the 15% discount; full board on the ship; complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; daily guided tours and excursions; free wi-fi; free use of on board bicycles (excluding the Douro); and port taxes. Travel to and from the ship is extra. The discount applies to the cruise-only price and is based on two adults sharing.

For more details on National Cruise Week, see this link: http://www.discovercruises.co.uk/national-cruise-week.aspxhttp://www.discovercruises.co.uk/national-cruise-week.aspx

For bookings, be sure to see this link for The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury cruising specialists.

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More Luxury For European Waterways

European Waterways, Europe's largest luxury hotel barge cruising company, is proud to announce the latest addition to its fleet, Absoluut2, a charter-only, deluxe 8-passenger hotel barge that cruises in Southern Burgundy between Dijon and Vandenesse. 

Absoluut2 was designed to exacting standards for cruising the inland waterways and canals of Europe and is perfect for families or groups of friends interested in the privacy of a whole-boat charter.    

The newcomer features a comfortable saloon and dining area, two sun decks and a spa pool ideal for relaxing in while enjoying the picturesque countryside of Burgundy. The spacious accommodations include four deluxe air-conditioned cabins—two junior suites and two staterooms—which can be configured as either double or twin beds. 

The highly professional crew of four is comprised of a master chef, tour guide and hostess, led by a knowledgeable and experienced captain. As with all of European Waterways cruises, the charters aboard Absoluut2 are all-inclusive of gourmet meals, fine wines, an open bar, all excursions and transfers, plus a bicycle on board for every passenger.

Itinerary Highlights

Cruise highlights include fascinating tours of Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, and Dijon, home to the former Ducal Palace and the Cathedral of Saint Benign. Guests will also visit the medieval village of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, the Château de Commarin and will enjoy a private wine tour and tasting at the renowned Château de Meursault. 

For more info and bookings, see www.gobarging.com.

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