The Strand Cruise, the latest and most luxurious ship to ply Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady River, has announced details of its extended schedule through April 2016, including special rates for departures over the country’s New Year Water Festival celebrations. The Strand Cruise is one of the few truly luxury operators able to continue to operate between Bagan and Mandalay throughout April, when water levels on the river are typically too low for most ships, thanks to its custom built design and 1.4m shallow draft.
April is a very special time to visit Myanmar. Not only is weather warm and dry, another highlight of the month is Thingyan, the New Year Water Festival, which is a time of great celebration and merriment for local communities. The Strand Cruise is operating three departures that coincide with Thingyan, departing on the 8th, 11th and 15th April 2016, and priced at a special rate of US$2,800 for two passengers sharing a cabin (from £1,960).
A reinvention of the legendary style of its sister property, the iconic Strand Hotel in Yangon, the Strand Cruise has been created complete with the latest on-board technology, such as individually controlled air conditioning, WI-FI from satellite communication and the international standard marine technology. The Strand name has been associated with luxury hospitality and a pioneering spirit in Myanmar for the past 114 years and its unsurpassed knowledge of the country has meant it has been able to not only construct a ship suitable for the Ayeyarwady, but also to secure moorings at private jetties close to landmarks along the river. A highlight of the cruise’s itinerary is an exclusive overnight mooring at Ava on the journey from Bagan to Mandalay, allowing passengers access the beautiful temple of Maha Aungmye Bonzan after the crowds have departed in the evening until the following morning, when monks join passengers for a very special farewell.
The Strand Cruise is offering a schedule of three- and four-night sailings between Mandalay and Bagan throughout April 2016. During this time, the three-night journey between Mandalay and Bagan is priced from US$1,426 per person (from £1,000) based on double occupancy, and the four-night journey between Bagan and Mandalay is priced from US$1,581 per person (from £1,107) based on double occupancy. The rate includes a Strand Cruise launch offer of 20% off published rates, which is valid until 30 April 2016.
Rates quoted include all excursions and activities as described in the set itinerary, three meals during full sailing days, breakfast on day of disembarkation, soft drinks & local beer, house wine during meals, port charges, English speaking guides (alternative language guides can be provided on request subject to availability), satellite WI-FI in all cabins and public areas and complimentary international daily newspapers available on guest’s digital tablets. Passengers booking one of the two Strand Suites will have added extras included in their rate, including a one-hour spa treatment of their choice, a night at The Strand Hotel pre- or post- cruise and private airport transfers between The Strand Cruise and the airport.
Reservation enquiries for The Strand Cruise can be made by contacting captain@thestrandcruise.com, via our website www.thestrandcruise.com or via your trusted travel professional.
SOURCE: The Strand Cruise