Pandaw Expeditions has responded to the military coup in Myanmar by cancelling all future cruises in the country.
The cruise line’s Founder Paul Strachan said that the “current deplorable situation will only deteriorate further”, referring to the military taking power on 1 February 2021 and declaring a year-long state of emergency.
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Strachan warned that it may be some time before “any kind of normality returns and it is safe to travel”.
“We feel that it is unfair to have to keep rebooking passengers over and over and it would be better to cancel now, offer alternatives or refunds, and then relaunch Myanmar when advisories against travel are lifted.”
Pandaw Expeditions was established in Myanmar and has been on of the company’s most popular destinations over the past 26 years, despite political ups and downs.
Strachan said Pandaw’s seven ships are safe and being watched over by the local community, many of which have worked for the company.
The cruise company is collecting donations to enable it to broaden the reach of its Pandaw Clinics operations that provide medial assistance and humanitarian support to communities traumatised by the coup. Over US$100,000 has been raised in a week. Further donations can be made online at pandawclinics.com.
Images courtesy of Pandaw Expeditions