MYANMAR'S LUXURY STRAND CRUISE ANNOUNCES AN EXCLUSIVE LAUNCH OFFER AND TWO FESTIVE MAIDEN VOYAGE CELEBRATIONS

21 October 2015 – The Strand Cruise, Myanmar's latest and most luxurious river cruiser, has revealed full details of its schedule and pricing, including a special launch offer valid for sailings from January-March 2016.   It has also announced details of two very special Christmas and New Year 2015 maiden voyages between Bagan and Mandalay, for which each passenger booking at published rates can be accompanied by a companion sharing the same cabin on a complimentary basis. 

The two festive maiden voyage departures are scheduled for 22 and 29December, 2015, and follow The Strand Cruise's regular four-night itinerary on the Ayeyarwady River between Bagan and Mandalay, with added surprises and inclusive experiences for its 54 guests, as well as a Golden Age of The Strand Christmas Day gala dinner or New Year's Eve party. The first ten cabins booked on these two December sailings will also receive a complimentary hot air balloon ride over the ancient temple site in Bagan.  Rates for the Strand Cruise's four-night maiden voyages in December are from US$3,592 per person and for each passenger making a booking, their companion sharing the same cabin will travel on a complimentary basis.

The Strand Cruise has also revealed further details of its scheduled itineraries and experiences.  Following its two maiden voyages, the ship will commence its regular schedule on 4 January 2016 offering three-night sailings from Mandalay to Bagan departing every Friday and four-night sailings between Bagan and Mandalay departing every Monday.   There is a special launch offer available for sailings from January to March 2016 of 20% off the high season rate.  During this time, the three-night journey between Mandalay and Bagan will be from US$2,592 (from £1,676) (usually from US$3,240 or from £2,095) per person based on double occupancy, and the four-night journey between Bagan and Mandalay will be from US$2,874 (from £1,858) (usually from US$3,592 or from £2,326) per person based on double occupancy.

The Strand Cruise will be a true cruise experience on the Ayeyarwady, with an itinerary curated intelligently to allow more time for relaxation on board, with the ship moving regularly and using exclusive private moorings close to landmarks, allowing more time for tours and cruising on the river, while reducing the necessity to travel by road.

Shore excursions will take in the iconic landmarks of Myanmar, uniquely offering a visit to the famous U-bein bridge on both north- and south-bound departures, and an exclusive mooring overnight at Ava on the four-night itinerary, allowing Strand Cruise passengers access the beautiful temple of Maha Aungmye Bonzan after the crowds have departed from 5pm until the following morning, when the monks of Ava will join passengers for a very special farewell.

“The Strand name has been associated with luxury hospitality and a pioneering spirit in Myanmar for the past 114 years.  Our unsurpassed knowledge of this beautiful country means that we have been able to secure exclusive moorings and create more authentic experiences onshore, visiting less frequently visited villages and landmarks for a more genuine interaction with local communities,” commented Olivier Trinquand, Vice President, Strand Hotel & Strand Cruise.  “It is an exciting time for the Strand as we extend our presence in Myanmar, bringing to life the legendary style and unique personality of The Strand Hotel within a contemporary river cruise experience.”

Rates quoted include all excursions and activities as described in the set itinerary, three meals during full sailing days, breakfast on day of disembarkation, soft drinks & local beer, house wine during meals, port charges, English speaking guides (alternative language guides can be provided on request subject to availability), satellite WI-FI in all cabins and public areas and complimentary international daily newspapers available on guest's digital tablets.

Passengers booking one of the two Strand Suites will have added extras included in their rate, including a one-hour spa treatment of their choice, a night at The Strand Hotel pre- or post- cruise and private airport transfers between The Strand Cruise and the airport.

Reservation enquiries for The Strand Cruise can be made by contacting captain@thestrandcruise.com, via our website www.thestrandcruise.com or via your trusted travel professional.

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Notes to editors:

High-resolution artist renderings and photography of The Strand Cruise are available.  For further information, please contact Marc Bichet on marcbichet@gcphospitality.com or Vicky Legg on Vicky@thrivecommunications.co.uk