by Donald Wood
Last updated: 4:43 PM ET, Mon September 14, 2015
Photo via The Strand Cruise
Responding to luxury traveler demand for historic tours of Myanmar via the Irrawaddy River, The Strand Hotel in Yangon, Myanmar, is now offering journeys on the waterway via the new The Strand Cruise.
The first cruises along the river will be four-night adventures that depart December 22 and 29, and guests can expect to visit Buddhist monasteries and beautiful scenery while making stops in Old Bagan, Mandalay and other locations along the Irrawaddy.
The ship itself is still being built and is expected to be handed over to The Strand Cruise and its crew this fall. The vessel will measure 200 feet long and feature 10 Deluxe Cabins, 13 Strand Cabins, two State Suites and two Strand Suites to accommodate a range of customers.
As for the amenities available onboard the new ship, passengers will find a lounge bar, butler service, cultural performances, pool deck, sun deck, library, wine bar and a wellness center that features a massage, mani-pedi salon, gym and reflexology station.
The Strand Cruise general manager Jerome Seban has released a statement about this new venture:
"Having operated The Strand Hotel in Yangon for the past decade, we know that there has been a steady growth in demand from luxury travelers to explore the ancient monuments of Myanmar by using the Irrawaddy's waterways. This demand presented us with an opportunity to reinvent the legendary style and unique personality of The Strand Hotel within a contemporary river cruise experience.
"What makes a journey along the Irrawaddy River so special is the fascinating landscape through which you glide, from ancient temples to daily life of the communities living at the water's edge. Every aspect of The Strand Cruise is designed to echo this, with floor to ceiling windows welcoming in the views of the riverbanks and our color palette reflecting the natural beauty of the waterways. We are working with Myanmar craftsmen as much as possible and are using traditional materials such as locally carved teak, some of which will be detailed with gold leaf, connecting the golden age of The Strand to Myanmar's golden land."
Once the inaugural sailings are completed, The Strand Cruise will commence its regular schedule of three- and four-night sailings between Bagan and Mandalay January 4, 2016, which will take passengers to the most iconic landmarks of Myanmar like the U-bein Bridge and the Tant Kyi Taung temple.
As for the price, there is a special launch offer available for sailings from January through March 2016 of 20 percent off the high season rate. Prices during high season start at $2,592 and sailings can be booked at The Strand's official website.
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