Boutique cruise agency Rainforest Cruises begin the new year and new decade with a significant portfolio expansion to include the most luxurious cruises on the iconic rivers, bays and archipelagos of Southeast Asia.
(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - January 23rd, 2020
Amazon River and Galapagos cruise specialists Rainforest Cruises today revealed the significant expansion of its portfolio of exotic cruise destinations to include six of Southeast Asia’s emerging hotspots for 2020: Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River, Laos and Thailand’s Upper Mekong, Cambodia and Vietnam’s Lower Mekong, Halong and Lan Ha Bay in Vietnam and Indonesia’s Coral Triangle; thereby adding 25 new vessels and 90 cruise itineraries to its product mix.
“Demand for cruising in Southeast Asia is booming thanks to a combination of the region’s prolific natural wonders, historic sites and cultural experiences, together with the ever-escalating levels of luxury aboard the latest vessels. When you consider the differences to the European waterways, it’s not hard to see why. Firstly, rivers such as the Mekong are a much more important lifeline for the locals than European rivers, which is culturally fascinating,” says Jeremy Clubb, the company’s visionary founder. “Secondly, the hospitality levels aboard Southeast Asian cruises often surpass those elsewhere thanks to vessels having bigger staterooms, beautiful spa offerings and better service as a result of the unrivalled warmth, openness and positivity of the local crew and guides.”
Lower Mekong
The Mekong, whose name translates to ‘Mother Water’, is the lifeblood of Southeast Asia, not only for its 70 million human inhabitants of its shores, but its basin is considered one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. The neighboring countries of Vietnam and Cambodia nearest its delta form the destination for Lower Mekong river cruises. You can now visit their famed floating markets, Buddhist wing-tipped pagodas, the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat on 9 different boutique vessels, with 30 itineraries ranging from 4 to 11 days in length to choose from.
Currently travelers can save 30% when booking a Lower Mekong cruise departing between 1 May and 6 August 2020 aboard the luxury category Aqua Mekong vessel.
Upper Mekong
For centuries the Upper Mekong has not been fully navigable and cruise ships stayed away from it whilst the Lower Mekong gained popularity. However the Upper Mekong is now opening up thanks to some pioneering operators in Laos and Thailand offering adventurous itineraries from 4 to 10 days in length.
This lesser-traveled stretch of one of the world’s most spectacular waterways is home to serene nature, quaint villages, stunning temples and now the luxurious Anouvong, the newest expedition vessel to cruise the Mekong, scheduled to begin operations in September 2020. Named after the Vientiane Kingdom’s last monarch, King Anouvong, it has only eight spacious staterooms and two luxurious suites, all featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto elegant French balconies or a private terrace.
Irrawaddy River
Flowing from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, the Irrawaddy winds through the heart of Myanmar (Burma), witness to an ever-changing landscape of timeless villages, shimmering stupas, and enchanting ancient sites. From the glorious temples of Bagan to the glittering Shwesandaw Pagoda in Pyay, with Rainforest Cruises you can now explore some of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights, and experience a culture long cut off from the world, with 10 unique vessels and 40 different itineraries ranging from 3 to 12 days in length to choose from.
An early-bird offer is currently available for the luxury category Anawrahta cruise offering travelers 20% off any 2020 or 2021 cruises in her Deluxe, Deluxe Executive or Junior Suites booked before 15 July 2020.
Vietnam's Halong and Lan Ha Bays
Derived from the ancient Vietnamese-Chinese meaning “Descending Dragon”, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, famed for its dragon-like limestone karsts, has always been a legendary day-cruise mecca for locals and tourists alike. However it wasn’t until recently that luxury overnight cruise offerings have become available, so now you can discover one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature on a 2 or 3-day cruise aboard either of the luxury junk-style sister ships Jasmine (23 suites) or Violet (6 suites).
Just south of Halong Bay is Lan Ha Bay, a new tourist destination consisting of around 300 islets geologically similar to Ha Long but arguably more appealing due to less boat traffic and the popularity of its quiet coves and sandy beaches. Discover this untouched region aboard a 2-day cruise on the luxurious Ginger (12 suites) or a 3-day cruise on her wellness-themed sister ship Ylang (10 suites).
A last-minute deal is currently available offering 20% off all 2 or 3-day bay cruises between January and March 2020 in Superior, Deluxe, Junior and Signature Suites.
Indonesia
With Rainforest Cruises you can now sail to some of Indonesia’s most prized destinations, including the Komodo National Park, Spice Islands, and Raja Ampat, the jewel of the Coral Triangle, on 10 unforgettable itineraries ranging from 8 to 13-days duration aboard the 30-passenger Aqua Blu, the very first expedition yacht to be permanently based in the Indonesian Archipelago.
The vessel has a 1:1 crew-to-passenger ratio and meals on board are a particular highlight, with chef Benjamin Cross having orchestrated over 100 dishes solely for the cruise harnessing the offerings from Indonesia's land and seas to form a narrative that showcases the flavors found throughout the length and breadth of the spice trade route.
For more details on these destinations or all of Rainforest Cruises’ small ship cruises worldwide, itineraries, availability and for 2020-2021 reservations, please call 888 215 355 toll-free or visit rainforestcruises.com.
About Rainforest Cruises
Founded in 2011, Rainforest Cruises are the world’s leading purveyor of river cruises in South America and Southeast Asia, pioneering experiential travel on the world’s most iconic waterways, from the Amazon to the Mekong, aboard their curated collection of unique cruise vessels. As members of the International Ecotourism Society the company are advocates for responsible cruising, sustainable tourism and rainforest conservation, and their travel expertise has led to recognition in Fodor’s ’World’s Best Cruises’, as well as USA Today, NY Times, Travel & Leisure, Bloomberg and the Lonely Planet.
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