FOR cruisers wanting a really exotic
experience, North Korea has begun operating
its first ever cruise ship.
The rustic Mangyongbong, which launched
in 1972 as a ferry/cargo ship, operates a 21-
hour journey between the northeastern city
of Rajin to picturesque Mount Kumgang, and
carried about 120 media and tour operators
from China on its inaugural trip this week.
A key initiative to boost the country’s
flagging economy, the cruise tour looks to be
a real bargain, with one Chinese agent saying
pricing starts at about $300 for a five day trip.
But the facilities may take some getting
used to, with some guests sleeping on the
floor, no water in lower deck bathrooms and
the only onboard entertainment being
karaoke performances by the crew.
