Orcaella, the new luxury river cruiser from Orient-Express, set off on its maiden voyage this week.
Following a traditional Buddhist blessing in Myanmar’s cultural capital, Mandalay, the 25 cabin ship set sail for 11 nights along the foothills of the Himalayas on the Chindwin River.
Trains and cruises managing director Gary Franklin said: “Orient-Express Hotels Ltd, was one of the early tourism pioneers in Myanmar.
We have been operating river cruises on board Road To Mandalay for the past 18 years and offering hotel accommodation at The Governor’s Residence, a 48-key colonial-style hotel in Yangon.
“We’ve seen a dramatic increase in demand for river cruises in Myanmar and so now feel this is the right time to increase the diversity of experiences we can offer our guests.
Orcaella will complement the river cruising itineraries offered on board Road To Mandalay as well as introduce new journeys.”
Operating between January to April and July to December, Orcaella will offer seven and 11 night cruise itineraries in 2013 with journeys departing from Mandalay, Yangon and Bagan.
The ship’s combination of draft and length means she can reach lesser visited destinations, such as the Chindwin River, providing guests with the opportunity to engage with remote communities Orient-Express has spent many years getting to know.
All itineraries can be combined with stays in Yangon, Inle Lake or Ngapali on the Indian Ocean.
Prices start from £3270 per person for a seven night cruise and includes all meals onboard, excursions, transfers and domestic flights.
Road To Mandalay and Orcaella are both available for private charter and can be chartered in tandem, making a total occupancy of 132 guests.
orcaella.net