AMA Launch Second Boat On The Mekong

Award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways has launched its second new vessel on the Mekong River, the 124-passenger MS AmaLotus.

The 7-night maiden voyage set sail this week after a traditional Vietnamese praying ceremony at the shipyard. AmaLotus joins MS La Marguerite (2009) in providing distinctive river cruises from Siem Reap, Cambodia, to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as part of the highly-popular “Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong” programme.

Featuring ultra-spacious 624sq ft Suites; 10 Junior Suites at 290sq ft and standard staterooms at 226sq ft, AmaLotus has outside balconies on 90 per cent of her staterooms.

The décor combines Colonial elegance with regional Khmer accents, with staterooms including comfortable sitting areas, individually controlled air-conditioning, a mini-bar, safety deposit box, kimonos and slippers and luxurious bathtub (in all Suites).

Guests enjoy fine dining consisting of both Asian and Western specialties; complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner with complimentary house-brand spirits and soft drinks throughout the cruise. Onboard highlights include folklore dances, musical performances and culture discussion forums. The ship also features two lounges, a fitness room, spa and gift shop.

Launched in 2009, the “Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong” river cruise and land programme includes two nights in vibrant Hanoi followed by an overnight aboard a luxury junk in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. A short flight then transports guests to Siem Reap, Cambodia, the gateway to the magnificent Angkor Archeological Park. A two-night stay there includes tours of world-renowned sites such as Angkor Wat, Terrace of the Elephants and newly-reopened Baphuon Temple.

From Siem Reap, guests embark on their 7-night odyssey along the Mekong River from Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City.

The 15-night land-cruise option costs from £2,422 per person and includes hotel accommodation, excursions and all meals, wine, beer and soft drinks with meals on board, and the seven night cruise-only option costs from £1,060, including excursions and drinks.

For more info, visit www.amawaterways.co.uk or the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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