Southeast Asian boutique ship operator Heritage Line has earmarked a 27 August 2023 maiden voyage date for its long-awaited new ship, Anouvong.
The 10-cabin Anouvong will operate a series of three-, seven- and nine-night itineraries along the Upper Mekong River in Laos in Southeast Asia. Heritage Line’s Upper Mekong sailings invite guests to experience the sights, sounds, culture, and cuisine of one of the region’s most remarkable travel destinations. From dramatic mountainous landscapes to taking in the daily routines of riverside life whilst meandering along the waterways, these itineraries call at ports ranging from vibrant villages to some of the most secluded communities.
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Several years ago Heritage Line had flagged the launch of Anouvong for mid-2020, however, the global COVID pandemic saw that vision postponed, until now.
“Our compelling new Upper Mekong itineraries tap into the current ‘slow travel’ trend and guests’ growing demand for more exotic and educational cruise experiences to far-flung and fascinating destinations,” said Andreas Schroetter, Director of Sales & Marketing for Heritage Line.
“This new cruise destination further consolidates our position as Southeast Asia’s premier boutique luxury river cruise line, building upon our existing offering in Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar, where our luxurious ships sail other fascinating waterways such as the Lower Mekong, Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay and the Irrawaddy River.”
“Heritage Line Anouvong has been thoughtfully designed in the ideal size to navigate the fluctuating water levels and winding curves of Laos’ Upper Mekong, without compromising on guests’ desire for plenty of personal space on board,” explained Schroetter.
Anouvong is comprised of four deluxe staterooms, four deluxe executive staterooms, and two generous suites with jacuzzis – all decked out with a bold blend of traditional Laotian handicrafts, textiles and artworks alongside French-inspired accents, guests will enjoy the most spacious accommodation of any vessel sailing the Upper Mekong.
Guests can take indulge in a range of wellness therapies, including couples’ massage and reflexology, in the onboard Bodhi Spa, relax in the glass-walled Café-Bar and Lounge, enjoy a cocktail with a view on a rooftop sun lounger, and look forward to dining on flavourful local fare and international favourites with expansive river views in the elegant ‘Delaporte’ Dining Lounge whose interiors were inspired by ancient Laotian temples.
Heritage Line’s adventurous trips also feature sandbank barbecues and other one-of-a-kind alfresco culinary events, both on and off the ship. Sunrise yoga and Tai Chai on the rooftop, an open-air evening cinema, a hands-on Laotian cooking class, and a range of cultural performances and spiritual ceremonies are further examples of the array of exclusive activities included in the cruise.
Each cruise fare includes onboard meals, a welcome drink, mineral water, coffee, tea, soft drinks and juices’ daily group shore excursions and entrance fees, onboard entertainment and activities as outlined in the program, onboard wi-fi and English-speaking guides, both on the ship and ashore.
For more information on Heritage Line’s Upper Mekong sailings for 2023 and 2024, go to heritage-line.com/cruise/upper-mekong-river/