| New line Haimark to debut in Asia

Former executives of Pandaw are set to
launch three vessels on the Ganges, Irrawaddy
and Mekong rivers.
Haimark Travel has confirmed that its fleet
of newly built “five star” ships will start
operations from Sep 2014, commencing with
the 28-suite Irrawaddy Explorer in Myanmar
and the 34-suite Mekong Navigator in Vietnam
and Cambodia.
The 28-suite Ganges Voyager, claimed to
be the first luxury ship in India, is expected to
launch in Jan 2015.
Australian travellers are among the prime
targets for the US-based company, which aims
to set a new benchmark for levels of service
and luxury on the rivers of Asia.
Damien Van Eyk, the Melbourne-based
director of sales Australasia, told CW that
Haimark was drawn by the annual double-digit
growth of the Australian cruise industry.
“Haimark’s luxury vessels and unique
programs across the Ganges, Irrawaddy and
Mekong rivers aim to take advantage of this
expanding market,” he said.
Australia’s proximity to these destinations
and good air connections also made it an
obvious decision, he added.
The modern boutique vessels, which are
under construction in Vietnam by local
shipbuilding company Binh An, have French or
full balconies, internationally trained service
personnel, and will provide high-quality
regional and international cuisine, as well as
“inspiring” shore excursions.
“With the popularity of European river
cruising, we recognised there is a large and
growing segment of guests seeking the
equivalent standards on their journeys across
Asia,’ said Van Eyk.
“It is this standard we are developing our
vessels to, yet still infusing the distinctive
history, cuisine and culture of the region.”
All vessels are currently open for group and
charter sales, with FIT sales to open shortly.
Haimark was established in 2012 by former
Pandaw America executives Tom Markwell and
Marcus Leskovar along with Giang Hai who has
many years of cruise operational experience
in Asia.