4 November 2015

AVALON WATERWAYS LAUNCHES ASIA BROCHURE WITH NEW MYANMAR SUITE SHIP

Avalon Waterways UK has launched its first dedicated Asia brochure featuring the rivers Mekong and Irrawaddy with departures available up to April 2017.   The launch of the new brochure coincides with the first sailing of Avalon's new Suite ship, the Avalon Myanmar (Irrawaddy) and joins sister ship, 'Avalon Siem Reap' (Mekong) started service in January.

Built by local craftsmen, both Suite Ships have a passenger capacity of 36 and are specially designed to provide the best way of experiencing the unique sights and landscapes from the river.  All staterooms are sized at a spacious 245 square feet (larger than the European Avalon Suite Ships) and feature a wall-to-wall panoramic window measuring 14-feet wide which opens to transform the living space into a large open air balcony, a large bathroom, spacious storage space and Comfort Collection beds. 

The new ships have been designed to sail to places on the rivers not currently available with other cruise companies.  Avalon Myanmar will sail further north on the spectacular Upper Northern Irrawaddy and Avalon Siem Reap sails into Ho Chi Minh City harbour eliminating over seven hours of coach travel.

The 15 day 'Golden Myanmar & the Irrawaddy' is a 10 night cruise on the Irrawaddy River combined with a three night Yangon city stay available on a reverse itinerary south or north.  Pre or post cruise hotel stays are available in Yangon, Bangkok or the scenic lake area of Inle.  Often referred to as the 'Road to Mandalay', the river is the centre of the historical, cultural and economic heart of Myanmar. The new Avalon cruise will sail past traditional riverside villages, ancient cities with intricate pagodas and temples as well as beautiful teak forests. Cruise highlights include the capital city of Yangon, the ancient city of Bagan, the U Bein Bridge at Amarapura, the spectacular sights of Mandalay, Bhamo, the religious site of Sagaing as well as the Islands of Kyun Daw.  Prices are from £3,775 per person**.

The 16 day 'Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong' includes two nights at InterContinental Asiana Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, a seven night cruise on the River Mekong aboard the Avalon Siem Reap; two nights at the Park Hyatt Siem Reap. Highlights include Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap guided city sightseeing, Cu Chi Tunnels, Cai Be, Phnom Penh, and the Temples of Angkor.  Prices are from £2,627** per person. Customers can add a few nights in Bangkok to their cruising holiday, pre cruise stays in Hanoi & Ha Long Bay or a post cruise stay in Luang Prabang.  A combination of all extensions is available for a 22 day holiday from Hanoi to Bangkok.

David Binns, Avalon UK's General Manager commented: “The Asia Suite Ships feature a similar high specification design as our European Suite Ships with spacious suites to include full sized bathrooms and a colonial feel to reflect the environment. Our guests can look forward to the same high level of personalised service available on all Avalon cruises as well as a la carte dining with authentic local dishes or alternative Western cuisine to suit all.  We can offer the opportunity to experience more by sailing further upstream on the Irrawaddy to visit a monastery, a local school and market and even an elephant camp in the teak forest.   Being able to sail into Ho Chi Minh City harbour is a big plus point and will make it a far more relaxing experience compared to hours of coach travel.”

He added: “We are offering our clients the flexibility of booking just the cruise and land arrangements for any of our Asia or Amazon cruises or an inclusive package with international flights included.”

Other Asian and South American Avalon river cruises include the Yangtze in China, the Amazon in Brazil as well as small ship coastal cruising around the Galapagos Islands.

For further information ring Avalon Waterways on 0800 668 1801 or visit  www.avaloncruises.co.uk . 

**Prices quoted do not include international flights.  The Prices include a private chauffeur home pick up service, airport transfers, deluxe full board cruise accommodation with wine served with dinner, local beers/spirits and soft drinks, hotel accommodation, included shore excursions with local guides as well as on board gratuities.

Ends

Avalon ships and launch dates:  Avalon Passion and Avalon Imagery II (2016); Avalon Tapestry II and Avalon Tranquility (2015); Avalon Myanmar and Avalon Siem Reap (2015); Avalon Impression, Avalon Poetry II and Avalon Illumination (2014); Avalon Artistry II & Avalon Expression (2013); Avalon Vista & Visionary (2012); Avalon Panorama (2011); Avalon Felicity (2010); Avalon Luminary (2010);  Avalon Affinity (2009);  Avalon Creativity (2009);  Avalon Scenery (2008).

For further press information or images please contact:  Helen McNaught at the Avalon UK Press Office on 020 8315 4520 or email  hmcnaught@avaloncruises.co.uk