River cruising is a hot trend on the contemporary travel scene, and currently comprises some of Abercrombie & Kent’s best-selling packages. They have a range of upcoming programmes perfectly suited totravellers looking to experience multiple beautiful destinations. They provide the convenience of no packing between stop, supremely comfortable ship interiors, most meals included, and planned daily stops with fascinating insights. The range includes trips that wind through Myanmar, the Amazon, China, along the Danube, and Russia’s Volga River. Prices vary for each itinerary.
Sanctuary Ananda
Launching in November 2014, this cruise works its way along the Ayeyarwady River and its tributary, the Chindwin. It visits places rarely seen including the jungles of the north, forgotten villages and ancient towns near the Indian border. The 11-day ‘Myanmar in Style’ journey includes a four-night cruise on Sanctuary Ananda. Prices start from US$6435 pax.
Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer
This is the best way to explore China’s famed Three Gorges. Friendly and intimate with just 124 guests, onboard service is a highlight and the atmosphere is more private club than cruise ship. A&K’s 12-day ‘Highlights of China’ itinerary includes a three-night Yangzi cruise with prices from US$8835 pax.
The Jahan
This boutique 52-passenger river cruiser operates on the mighty Mekong River between the Delta and Siem Reap, Cambodia. Designed with a distinctive British colonial theme, guests will be encouraged to embrace the sights, sounds and smells of the Mekong. The eight-day ‘Cruising the Mekong’ journey is priced from US$2990 pax.
Amadeus Brilliant
Cruising the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers, Amadeus Brilliant features 67 spacious cabins and nine suites. Travellers experience the most beautiful parts of Holland, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany. ‘The Great Rivers of Europe’ is a 10-day journey with prices from US$4495 pax.
Volga Dream
The 112-passenger Volga Dream travels between Moscow and St Petersburg across lakes, through canals and past the quaint villages of rural Russia. The ship has comfortable and well-equipped cabins and is the smallest and most luxurious on the river. A&K’s 12-day ‘Waterways of the Czars’ journey includes a six-night cruise on the Volga and is priced from US$10,145 pax.
The Peruvian Amazon
A&K in partnership with Aqua Expeditions offers two luxury vessels on the Amazon, exploring the remote Pacaya Samiria reserve. MV Aqua and MV Aria carry 24 and 32 passengers respectively and feature outstanding guides, extensive touring, gourmet cuisine and designer cabins. Three-, four- and seven-night cruises are available with prices from US$2850 for a three-night option.