Scenic Launches Mekong River Cruise Program
Boston & Vancouver, November 2015 – Scenic expands its destinations into the heart of South East Asia with eight brand new itineraries exploring the culturally rich Mekong River destinations of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand.
Along the delta between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap, guests will see floating canal villages, verdant paddy fields and picturesque islands, as well as the 12th-century Angkor Wat and World Heritage cities of Luang Prabang and Hoi An. In Myanmar, the imprint of colonial legacies is revealed in iconic temples, Buddhist art and the gold- and diamond-encrusted Shwedagon Pagoda.
The new purpose-built ship, Scenic Spirit, will provide an intimate boutique cruising experience with only 34 private balcony suites – the largest available suites on the Mekong River at sizes up to 861 sq. ft.
Itineraries ranging from eight to 27 days are priced from US $2,445/CAD $2,645 per person, double, with special incentives ranging from CAD$700 off to free flights from the US, depending on itinerary. You can find more details in Scenic’s new 2016 Southeast Asia brochure.
The eight-day “Luxury Mekong River Cruise,” sails from Siem Reap, Cambodia – home of the 12th-century Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument – to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, along a route that includes a stop in Kampong Cham for a visit to the Wat Nokor old-and-new fusion temple complex for a traditional monk’s blessing. Cruise guests share high tea at the landmark Raffles, Hotel de Royal, followed by a private shadow dance puppet performance accompanied by a traditional Khmer orchestra.
During the 17-day “Gems of South East Asia,” guests learn about Phare, a uniquely Cambodian circus performance that blends juggling, acrobatics and contortion with energetic music and dance to tell traditional stories. Several itineraries include a multi-day cruise through Halong Bay, woven with secluded waterways and towering limestone karsts. Routes that include Laos may include riding an elephant through the jungle, tasting coffee grown on the Boloven Plateau, as well as spending extended time in the spiritual capital of Luang Prabang to witness monks silently collecting alms in the streets.
Scenic Space-Ships include private butler service, unlimited complimentary beverages, included gratuities, cultural entertainment and regional cuisine in customized settings: poolside to cabin, al fresco to fine dining. The next-generation Spirit also includes cabins configured as 344- to 861-square foot suites, each with a queen-sized bed, separate living area and a private balcony fitted with Scenic’s exclusive Sun Lounge. Additional amenities include personal service with nearly 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio; elevator access to all service decks; on-board English-speaking guides for lectures and local insight; plus fitness center, steam sauna, beauty salon, guest laundry, library and open-air cinema.
Additional information on other cruises, brochures, and reservations can be obtained in the US: at www.scenicusa.com; phone (844)788-7985; or e-mail: [email protected]: and in Canada: www.scenic.ca; phone (844-788-7987); or e-mail: [email protected].
