Orient-Express to Launch New Luxury River Cruiser in Myanmar

  • June 3, 2013
Orient-Express to Launch New Luxury River Cruiser in Myanmar
Departing from Mandalay, the 11 night maiden voyage sets sail up The Chindwin River in the foothills of the Himalayas. Orcaella's combination of draft and length means she can reach lesser visited destinations providing guests with the opportunity to engage with fascinating and remote communities.

Named after the dolphins known to inhabit the Ayeyarwady River, Orcaella is a traditional Irrawaddy Flotilla ship built by local craftsman in Yangon. The stylish, contemporary interiors by Francois Greck, a French architect based in South East-Asia, reflect the local surroundings with traditional furniture and works of art by Burmese artists. There are 25 cabins (some interconnecting) and suites on board Orcaella, all featuring floor to ceiling sliding glass doors with Juliet balconies opening onto the river.

The two largest suites onboard Orcaella have been named in honour of Burmese traditions and symbols of Buddhism. ‘The Eugenia Suite' - named after the special branches that are traditionally attached to the bow of a boat to ensure a safe passage, and ‘The Chinthe Suite' - the Buddhist symbol of the lion, a protector of places of worship.

Orcaella joins sister ship, Road To Mandalay that has been cruising the Ayeyarwady River for the past 17 years. The experienced, local staff offer guests the warmest of Burmese welcomes and provide travellers, with a spirit of adventure and cultural curiosity, the opportunity to experience Myanmar's most remote and enchanting waterways.

The 11 night maiden voyage departs Mandalay on 22 July setting sail up The Chindwin River along the foothills of the Himalayas. Highlights include a visit to the mid-12th century temple, Thanbodday Pagoda covered in images of tiny Bhuddas, a visit to the site of 1,000 Buddhas at Bodhi Tataung, a journey into Kalay, known as the trade gateway to India and a tour of the candlelit street market.

Prices start from £3,660 per person on the 11 night ‘Discovering The Chindwin River' cruise including all meals onboard, excursions, transfers and domestic flights.

More information: www.orcaella.net