By
Rebecca Gibson |
River cruise operator AmaWaterways’ latest newbuild AmaDara is to sail on the Mekong River when she launches on 17 August 2015.
Joining sister ship AmaLotus, the vessel will operate 16-day cruises on the line’s ‘Vietnam, Cambodia & The Riches of The Mekong’ itinerary in 2015 and 2016.
AmaWaterways’ Mekong River itineraries begin in Vietnam’s capital Hanoi, taking guests on sightseeing tours to various historical sites and Ha Long Bay, enabling them to sail overnight on a contemporary junk. Guests will then take a short flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, to visit sites associated with the ancient Khmer empire, before embarking on a three-day trip touring the temples of Angkor Archeological Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and beginning their Mekong cruise on the Tonle Sap Lake. The journey will conclude with an overnight stay in Phnom Phen, the capital of Cambodia, followed by two nights in Ho Chi Minh City.
Visitors touring the Angkor Archaeological Park will have the chance to visit the Oprhans and Disabled Arts Association’s (ODA) Free Village English School in Siem Reap. As a sponsor of ODA, AmaWaterways supports the institution by offering young children free English language instruction and providing a community centre for the village’s residents.
“AmaWaterways continues to meet traveller demand for more river cruise options by expanding our fleet of custom-built ships in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways. “The new AmaDara will be a welcome addition to our family, as we enhance our offerings of unforgettable journeys on the magnificent Mekong River.”
AmaDora will feature 62 outside staterooms and luxury suites, which include a private ‘Twin Balcony’ consisting of a French Balcony with a second, full-sized step-out balcony. The ship will feature French Colonial décor with authentic Mekong artefacts and will offer two restaurants serving Western-style cuisine, as well as regionally inspired dishes.
Guests can enjoy a range of amenities onboard AmaDara including salon and spa services, a sun deck and swimming pool, a fitness centre and complimentary in-room Infotainment system with internet, music, popular new release movies and English-language TV programmes. They can also enjoy folklore dances, live musical performances, cultural discussion forums, themed dinners and more. In addition, guests can take advantage of complimentary unlimited wine with lunch and dinner, while complimentary house spirits, local beer, soft drinks and bottled water are available every day.
“At AmaWaterways, one of our core philosophies is to focus on building the most innovative ships on the market,” said Karst. “With AmaDara travellers will see the benefits of this innovation in the form of authentic Southeast Asian touches, the comforts of home like air-conditioning and wi-fi and the largest cabins on the Mekong. When you see AmaDara in port, there is a clear distinction in design and décor and we are excited to see the reaction of our guests.”