Free or Reduced Air on All 2019 Mekong and Irrawaddy River Cruises for Guests Booking by April
Boston, MA (February 15th, 2018) – As the popularity of European river cruising continues to soar, experienced travelers are looking for more destinations to explore in the same leisurely fashion—by winding slowly down rivers, taking time to explore big cities and small towns, and becoming enmeshed in the local culture and history through tours and immersive events. Emerald Waterways, winner of Cruise Critic’s “Best River Line for Value” for the third consecutive year, is announcing a newly expanded offering of cruises and tours in Southeast Asia, with nine exciting river cruise itineraries on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia, and—new in 2019—on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar. To entice travelers looking to explore this magical part of the globe, Emerald Waterways is offering guests their choice of free, roundtrip airfare or $1,500 per person off itineraries of 12 days or longer, and reduced airfare of $495 or $1,000 per person off itineraries of eight to 11 days. Offer applies to all bookings for 2019 Southeast Asian river cruises, and must be booked by April 30.
The Mekong River, the longest in Southeast Asia and the lifeblood of the region, encapsulates the region’s centuries-old culture while supporting nearly 60 million people who live, work and play in the heart of Indochina. Travelers looking to explore this iconic river through Vietnam and Cambodia can choose from a variety of Emerald Waterways itineraries ranging from eight to 19 days aboard the purpose-built Mekong Navigator. The shortest of these sailings—the Magnificent Mekong—includes seven nights cruising between Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City with ports including Cai Be to visit the bustling floating markets; Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh, where the elaborate Royal Palace complex stands in contrast with the tragic reminders of the Khmer Rouge regime at the Killing Fields; Wat Hanchy for a stop at a local monastery and a traditional Buddhist blessing; and Siem Reap, where guests visit the ruins of the world’s largest temple, Angkor Wat.
In addition, Emerald Waterways also offers longer land and river journeys to allow guests a deeper look into this fascinating region. On the 12-day Mekong Discovery Cruise, guests stay two extra nights in Siem Reap and in Ho Chi Minh City, giving time to explore these flourishing cities before and after the sailing. The 16-day Highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia and Mekong sailing adds two nights aboard a traditional style Vietnamese junk for a two-night cruise on the stunning Halong Bay and an overnight in Hanoi, while the 19-day Vietnam and Cambodia Explorer and Mekong Cruise includes two nights in Hanoi and three nights in the historic port town of Hoi An.
Also for 2019, the company added three brand new itineraries on the Irrawaddy River through mystical Myanmar. These journeys on board the Irrawaddy Explorer range from 11 to 17 days and introduce guests to this incredible 2,500-year old country where the cultural tapestry, threaded by more than 130 ethnic tribes and scenic geography that ascends from tropical rainforests to snow-capped highlands, is sure to captivate their imaginations. All itineraries along the Irrawaddy, including the 11-day Irrawaddy Discoverer Cruise—feature time in the capital Yangon, where bustling markets are built on ancient cobblestones; a visit to the Shwesandaw Pagoda complex, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites; a morning spend in Bagan, where a signature Discover More excursion takes guests on a hot air balloon flight over the temples; a visit to a local school in Hnaw Kone; and a trip to Ava Kingdom by horse cart to discover the 200-year-old teak Bagaya Monastery dating back to 1593.
Emerald Waterways’ river cruises offer contemporary, deluxe ships, outstanding service and an incredibly inclusive pricing plan. Cruise fares include all transfers; all port charges; all onboard (and some on-shore) meals; unlimited specialty tea and coffee, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; bottled water in the cabins replenished daily; continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in the top suites; complimentary Wi-Fi onboard the ship; most shore excursions as well as all onboard and excursion gratuities.
Part of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Waterways’ seven Star-Ships offer sailings in Europe and an exclusive charter on the RV Mekong Navigator and Irrawaddy Explorer for sailings in South East Asia. Scenic’s 15 Space-Ships offer truly all-inclusive, five-star river cruises in the same destinations as well as the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar and the Volga River in Russia. In 2018, Scenic is introducing the world’s first Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse, that will take 228 guests on polar adventures as well as the Mediterranean, Caribbean, the Americas and Europe.
Additional information can be found by contacting your local travel agent; on Emerald Waterways’ website, www.emeraldwaterways.com; or by calling the US consumer/travel agent reservations line (855-222-3214). Brochure orders may be placed on the website, or a digital downloadable version is available.