Legendary Mekong - Upstream

DESCRIPTION

Legendary Mekong - Upstream

From Saigon to Siem Reap

From October 2018 to April 2019

Aboard the RV Mekong Prestige II or RV Mekong Adventurer - 8 days / 7 nights

The Mekong is a legend, a universe where water is the engine of life. A sort of a link between China, Laos, Cambodia ans Vietnam. From Saigon to the Temples of Angkor, our Mekong cruises will gradually introduce you to this world so far away and so close at the same time.

ITINERARY

Day 1 : SAIGON - MY THO - EMBARKATION (Lunch & Dinner on board)

Meet at the Sofitel Plaza hotel in Saigon at 9 am for the transfer arrangement to My Tho, located 70 kilometers away. The transfer includes a stop at the Cholon Market and visit to a lacquer factory. Arrival in My Tho and welcome on board the RV MEKONG ADVENTURER. Lunch on board. Departure in the afternoon. Welcome Dinner on board & traditional Music Show.

Day 2 : CAI BE - SA DEC (All meals on board)

Arrival at Cai Be in the morning. After breakfast we take a morning junk trip around Cai Be to visit a floating market and go ashore to see the French Gothic Cathedral. Take a stroll along the river bank and visit a local manufacturer producing rice paper, and coconut sweets. Return to the ship for lunch. Cruise past Vinh Long Province to arrive at Sa Dec for an afternoon walk. We see the house of Marguerite’s Chinese Lover. The house is a small museum of « The Lover » in Sadec. Visit to a Caodaist Temple and stroll through the colorful local market.

Day 3 : TAN CHAU – BORDER CROSSING (All meals on board)

Arrival at Tan Chau in the morning, a remote town on the main Mekong River. After breakfast, transfer on small boats to visit a fishing farm. We go ashore to visit a local workshop producing woven mats, and take a short walk in the village to visit a silk weaving workshop. A rickshaw ride round this fascinating town takes you back to the pier for lunch. Depart for the Cambodian border. Evening cruise up the broad Mekong River to Phnom Penh.

Day 4 : PHNOM PENH

Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning. The capital city of Cambodia still retains its old French colonial architecture in riverside streets. Visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. The National Museum is another highlight, with outstanding displays of Khmer crafts. Lunch on board. Afternoon excursion to the former High School « S21 », converted to a detention center under the Red Khmer’s rule between 1975 and 1979, followed by a visit to Wat Phnom after which the city was named. Dinner on board. Traditional Khmer Apsara Dancing Show on board.

Day 5 : CHONG KOH - PHNOM PENH (All meals on board)

Early morning sailing from Phnom Penh to Chong Koh or Oknathey (both located in Silk Island). Visit this silk weaving village for a morning walk at leisure and a visit to the local workshop. The excursion includes a visit to a Pagoda and a meeting in a primary school. We cruise past the Mekong’s timeless villages and River life with extensive fishing activities. Return to Phnom Penh and afternoon at leisure. Dinner on board.

Day 6 : OUDONG – KAMPONG TRALACH (All meals on board)

Morning journey upriver heading towards Oudong. Arrival at Prek Dam in the early afternoon, 40 kilometers from Phnom Penh. Excursion by coach to reach Oudong, the former capital city of Cambodia, between 1618 and 1866, Visit of the Vipassana Dhura Pagoda, located at the foot of a hill on the top of which were erected numerous Stupas dating of the last Khmer Kings. This is a place of meditation for Buddhist Monks. After the visit buses depart for Kampong Tralach to visit the very charming Vihara of the Wat Kampong Leu Pagoda dating back to the last century to see the beautiful wall paintings. Return to the ship by ox-drawn carriage. Dinner on board.

Day 7 : KAMPONG CHHNANG (All meals on board)

Morning sailing on the Tonle Sap River, which connects the Mekong River to the Tonle Lake. Arrive at Kampong Chhnang, located approximately 90 km from Phnom Penh. This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. Then board local boats to visit the authentic floating village. The life of the entire population is connected to the river with local people using the canal system which crisscross this little town. We go ashore to stroll through the scenic market. Lunch & Dinner on board.

Day 8 : TONLE - SIEM REAP (Breakfast on board)

We cross the lake early in the morning* (Please note that when there is low water, the transfer to Siem Reap will be made by coach or speed boat). The great lake dominates Cambodia and is over 150 km in length, with interesting and varied bird life resulting from the varied the water levels in the lake and river depending on the time of year and rainfall. Disembarkation after breakfast and transfer to Siem Reap.

*Important notice: it may not be possible to cross Lake Tonle if the water is low. Alternative arrangements will be made to cross the lake either by bus or speed boat to meet the pier. Passengers will be informed of details before departure.
The cruise schedule and program timing are indicative and subject to modification.

MEKONG PRESTIGE II

Length: 68 m
Width: 13 m
Draft: 1.6 m
3 Decks: Main, Upper & Sun
Cabin: 32 doubles
Crew: 30
Flag: Vietnam
Passenger’s capacity: 64
Panoramic restaurant on Upper Deck can accommodate 70 guests
Spa with 2 Massage Salons
Fitness Room

The Cabins

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Cabins are roomy and comfortable. They are all outside and spread over two Decks, Main & Upper Decks.
The 28 Staterooms (14 on each Deck) have a surface area of 20 m² (215 Sq. Ft). They are all equipped with private balcony, large windows with sliding glass doors.
Cabin amenities: twin beds that can be put together, wardrobe and storable space; lounge with sofa, coffee table and a writing desk. Ensuitebathroom with shower, Toilet and sink. Hair Dryer and Safe are also available. Air conditioning and climate control are individually adjustable.
The 2 Junior Suites are located on the Main Deck. They have the same facilities as the staterooms but with a larger private balcony, and they are endowed with a Queen Bed and a larger sofa. The bathroom has a shower and a separated Whirlpool bathtub. They have a surface area of 24 m² (258 Sq. Ft).
The 2 Terrace Suites are on the Upper Deck. They also have a larger sofa and a larger private balcony, shower and separated whirlpool bathtub. They have a surface area of 26 m² (280 Sq. Ft).

Life on board

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The Sun Deck covers the entire surface of the top Deck and is commanding a splendid view onto the River. The Sun Deck is equipped with deckchairs and a whirl pool. The indoor area has 2 Massage Salons, an indoor lounge bar and a Fitness Room.

MEKONG ADVENTURER

Sister-ship to the RV Mekong Prestige II, the RV Mekong Adventurer offers the same facilities onboard. The stateroom cabins on Main and Upper deck are the same in terms of equipment, size and amenities. Only the 4 Suites are different by size and location (See below full description of the cabin structure).

Sundeck 1345 sq. ft./125 m² (32 couch seats, 15 chairs and 20 sun loungers)
Saigon Lounge 561 sq. ft. /52 m²(64 couch seats and 5 bar stools)
Gym Area 590 sq. ftp
Spa Room 16 sq. ftp
Mekong Restaurant 446 sq. ft./41.5 m² (64 seats)
Reception Area 177 sq. ft.
29 Crew with a mix of Cambodian and Vietnamese nationalities

The Cabins

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The Standard Staterooms have a surface area of 20 m² (215 Sq. Ft). They are all equipped with French private balconies, with large windows and sliding glass doors.

There are 28 of them on the Mekong Prestige (14 on each Deck) whereas the Mekong Adventurer features 26 in total (12 on Main Deck and 14 on Upper Deck)

Cabin amenities: twin beds that can be put together, a wardrobe and storable space; a lounge with 2 armchairs, a coffee table and a writing desk. Ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet and sink. Hairs dryer and safe are also available. Air conditioning and climate control can be individually adjustable.

The 2 Junior Suites of the Mekong Prestige are located on the Main Deck. They have the same facilities as the staterooms but with a larger private balcony. The bathroom has a shower and a separate bathtub. The 2 Junior Suites of the Mekong Adventurer are a bit larger (27m²/333 sq. ft.) and are located on the Upper Deck. They have the same facilities as the staterooms but with a larger private balcony. The bathroom has a shower and a separate bathtub. They are equipped with twin beds or one queen bed.

The 2 Deluxe Suites (47 m²/537 sq. ft.) are located on the Main Deck. A large French balcony in the main bedroom and a private balcony in a separate living area provide plenty of space to relax. There is an ensuite bathroom off the main bedroom and separate bathroom off the living area. Deluxe Suites are outfitted with two twin beds or one queen bed as requested. There is also an option for a third person with a sofa bed in the living area.

Cabin amenities: Individual climate control - Mini-safe - Luggage storage –Wardrobe - Writing desk - Flat screen LCD television to play DVD’s - Refrigerator with bottled water replenished daily - Hair dryer

Public Guest Areas: The Sun Deck covers the entire surface of the top Deck and commands a splendid view of the River. The Sun Deck is equipped with deckchairs and a whirl pool. The indoor area has 2 Massage Salons, an indoor lounge bar and a Fitness Room

Daily Life & Onboard Entertainment

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A wide range of recreational and cultural activities are being staged on board. You will be offered, among others, the following leisure activities: Cooking Lesson, Fruit & Vegetable’s Carving, Napkin & Towel Folding, Cultural Quizzes and Screening of films related to local history and culture. Furthermore, our local guides will provide you with an overview about local ways and customs in Vietnam and Cambodia.

DATES & RATES

MEKONG PRESTIGE II

SAIGON - SIEM REAP

October 4 to 11, 2018 (Low season)
October 18 to 25, 2018 (Low season)
November 1 to 8, 2018
November 15 to 22, 2018
November 29 to December 6, 2018
December 13 to 20, 2018 (Low Season)
December 27 to January 3, 2019 (Low Season)
January 10 to 17, 2019
January 24 to 31, 2019
February 07 to 14, 2019
February 21 to 28, 2019
March 07 to 14, 2019
March 21 to 28, 2019
April 4 to 11, 2019 (Low Season)

MEKONG ADVENTURER

SAIGON - SIEM REAP

October 23 to 30, 2018 (Low season)
November 6 to 13, 2018
December 4 to 11, 2018
January 15 to 22, 2019
February 12 to 19, 2019
March 12 to 19, 2019
March 26 to April 2, 2019

NET RATE PER PASSENGER IN USD - $ BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
CABIN CATEGORY & LOCATION Low Season High Season
Stateroom Cabin on Main Deck 1 900$ 2 300$
Stateroom Cabin on Upper Deck 2 060$ 2 490$
Single Occupancy on Main Deck (upon request) 3 380$ 3 980$
Junior Suite on Upper Deck 2 500$ 2 930$
Deluxe Suite on Main Deck 2 950$ 3 480$

Low Season: October 23, December 11, 2018; April 02, 2019
*Third occupancy in the De Luxe Suite: 50% discount

NET RATE PER PASSENGER IN EURO - € BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
CABIN CATEGORY - DECK Low Season High Season
Stateroom Cabin on Main Deck 1 790€ 1 970€
Stateroom Cabin on Upper Deck 1 950€ 2 160€
Single Occupancy on Main Deck 3 000€ 3 460€
Junior Suite on Upper Deck 2 500€ 2 930€
Deluxe Suite on Main Deck 2 950€ 3 480€

Low Season: October 23, December 11, 2018; April 02, 2019
*Third occupancy in the De Luxe Suite: 50% discount

PRICES INCLUDE

PRICES EXCLUDE
Upstream transfers from the Sofitel Plaza hotel in Saigon to the ship in My Tho on day 1 and from the ship to Siem Reap Sokha Angkor Resort hotel on day 8
Downstream transfers from Siem Reap Sokha Angkor Resort Hotel on day 1 to the ship and from My Tho to Sofitel Plaza Hotel in Saigon on day 8.
Full board in the selected category of the R/V Mekong Prestige II
All meals from Lunch on Day 1 until Breakfast on Day 8
Drinks on board : Mineral Water, non-alcoholic beverages, local beers and local wine during meals
On board tips/gratuities
All excursions and entrance fees with English speaking guide as per included excursions in the itinerary
The services of an English-speaking Cruise Director
Port taxes
Overseas flights
Overseas flights
Beverages other than those mentioned above
Tipping/gratuities for land services
Visa arrangements
Insurance

LIFE ON BOARD

Air conditioning

Your cabin has its own air-conditioning unit, which can be adjusted for your comfort. We recommend you do not over-cool your cabin as the sudden change from the outside temperature to a chilled cabin can bring on colds, respiratory illnesses and even stomach upsets. All public rooms on the vessel are air-conditioned. For best results, keep windows closed when air conditioning is switched on.

Alarm

Alarms are situated at regular intervals along the ship. Alarm will be activated in case of emergency.

Announcements

The ship is equipped with a public address system which can transmit throughout the vessel. Shore excursion departure times as well as any changes in the daily program, will be announced.

Bar

The Saigon Bar is the main lounge, is located on top deck and is open every day from 8.00 am until 11.00 pm. It is here where the daily briefing is conducted, our onboard entertainer will entertain you, and guest entertainers will perform. Your bar staff will be delighted to offer you a variety of beverages throughout the day.

Berverages

Imported spirits, liquors, wines, mineral water as well as cappuccino and espresso coffees will be charged to your cabin account. A complimentary daily cocktail made by local spirits will be served during the daily briefing.

On Board account

The ship operates a cashless system and you are not able to pay cash for each individual purchase/service. You will be asked to sign a bill for all purchases and services onboard and your account settlement will be finalized on the last day onboard.

Boarding Passes

When disembarking the ship for your excursions or to explore the ports on your own, please always pick up your boarding pass at the front desk before leaving. Carry your boarding pass with you at all times while ashore. On your boarding pass, you will find the ship’s telephone number in case you need to reach the ship while ashore. When you return to the ship, drop your boarding pass off immediately into the “boarding pass drop off box” located at the front desk. Our onboard staff will count all boarding passes prior to the ship’s departure to ensure all guests are back on board.

Bridge policy / No go areas

These are indicated as “crew only”; please do not enter these areas or the bridge without the permission of the ship manager. A “ship tour” might be conducted during your cruise depending on the time available.

Cabin

All cabins have their own French balcony and private balcony. There is individual air conditioning, mini-safe, luggage storage, wardrobe, writing desk, flat screen LCD, video player and amenities include hair dryer, bath robe and slippers in each cabin. We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your voyage with us. Our housekeeping team will do their best to ensure the highest possible standards of cleanliness and try to make you as much at home as possible. Please dial 100 should you need any services.
Please hang the Cabin Service sign outside your cabin when leaving so that our staff can service your cabin, and hang the Do Not Disturb sign if you desire privacy.

Change of itinerary

We are planning every detail of the cruise in order to ensure a smooth journey. However due to unpredictable events such as high or low water levels etc., changes in the itinerary cannot be always avoided. If unavoidable changes affect an excursion we will try our utmost to adjust the itinerary and/or offer suitable alternatives. The Purser will announce changes immediately. Your safety is our first concern.

Check out

Please settle your account at the front desk before checking out by either credit card or cash. Please do not forget to return your cabin key card to the front desk before your departure.

Coffee and Tea

Complimentary coffee and tea area available from 6:00 am in either the lounge or on the sun deck throughout the day.

Credit Cards

Master Card and Visa Card are accepted on board. Only bills with an amount over $25 can be settled by credit card.
Please note that Amex Card, personal cheques and Traveler’s Cheques are not accepted on RV Mekong Adventurer.

Daily schedule

A printed daily program of the following day will be put in your cabin during dinner time every evening.

Diet

Requests for special diets should have been communicated to us at the time of booking your vacation. Please remind our front office of your special needs immediately on the day of embarkation. Our Chef will try to accommodate your request but facilities to do so aboard are limited.

Dining

All meals onboard the ship are included. Meals are served in the dining room in a single seating. Open seating allows you to sit at different table for each meal if you wish to meet fellow passengers. Table reservations are not accepted.

Disembarkation

Your Cruise Director/Tour Leader will give you detailed disembarkation information prior to the end of your cruise. This will include transfer information (where applicable). If you should have any specific queries, please do not hesitate to talk to the Cruise Director/Tour Leader at any time.

Dress code

Atmosphere on board is informal and relaxed. During the day, the dress code aboard is casual and comfortable. You may wish to wear your “best attire” for the Captain’s Dinner.

Drinking Water

The tap water in your cabin is not for drinking. We provide complimentary bottled water in your cabins for drinking onboard and during excursions.

Electricity

Electric current aboard is 220 volts. The plugs are two round pin type as found in Continental Europe. If you have not brought the correct adapter with you, please see our onboard office to get an adapter. Irons are strictly prohibited in the cabins.

Emergency Procedures

Your ship is fitted with modern smoke detectors, and fire alarms, extinguishers and hoses. Alarms are situated at regular intervals along the ship. Fire extinguishers are located at regular intervals around the corridor and outside all public rooms.

Entertainment

In addition to television reception on your in-room set, for your entertainment a selection of DVD’s are also available at Reception.

Excursions

Group shore excursions are organized almost every day during your cruise and you will be accompanied by a tour guide. Details of these excursions are posted in the daily schedule. Please feel free to choose your group by taking an excursion grouping card.
Passengers should collect their boarding pass when disembarking and return the cards so that we know if anyone has not returned.

Fire Safety

Should you discover, sense, or smell fire please advise reception immediately and wait for further instructions of the crew. Please note that using an iron and smoking in the cabins is a fire hazard and therefore is not permitted.

First Aid

A first aid kit is available at the front office. Should you require further medical attention, please do not hesitate to contact your Purser immediately.

Fitness Area

A small fitness area is located behind the Saigon Lounge. The fitness area is open from 6.00 am to 10.00 pm and is not supervised. Use of all and any facilities is done at the sole risk of the user.

Food Safety and Hygiene

Special sterilized water is used for cooking and food preparation onboard. Off the vessel never accept ice in drinks and avoid ice creams, crushed sugar cane, salads and the skins off fruits.

Footwear

Slippers are provided for your comfort on board the vessel. When ashore guests should use comfortable and safe walking shoes. At certain times the river banks can be muddy and therefore slippery or very dusty and we ask you to remove your footwear when returning on board so that we can clean your shoes and return them to you later.

Gangways

Because of the varying nature of the river bank the method of getting ashore may differ from time to time and on occasions access may be difficult. We will ensure the gangways are safe and that crew and team are on hand to assist you.

Gift Shop

An onboard gift shop is located opposite the reception desk. Regional souvenirs and post cards are available as well as various clothing items. A limited number of toiletries are also available. Should you wish to make a purchase, please take your merchandise to the Reception Desk.

Guides

All guide services are in English or German. Guides required in other languages may be supplied by special arrangement and at an additional cost, which may include using guest accommodation at guest rates.

Insect Precautions

External sliding doors should be kept closed at all times - day and night. Outside urban areas, mosquitoes are less of a problem than other forms of insect life. Make sure to switch off lights when leaving your cabin so as not to attract insects. Between January and March insects, but not mosquitoes, can sometimes be an inconvenience onboard. Fortunately, these insects are relatively harmless. As the river is fast flowing, mosquitoes are rarely to be seen while on the river. When outdoors, the use of a well-known insect repellant is recommended at all times.

Internet

While internet is available onboard, the connectivity is unstable and slow. A free wireless internet connection is available in the Saigon lounge.

Insurance

RV Mekong Adventurer is under P&I policies of the Ship Owners Club with redemption up to USD 500 million maximum in any case.

Jewelry

We recommend that you deposit jewelry, money and other valuables in the mini-safe that is located inside the wardrobe of every cabin. Please remember to remove all items from the safe before disembarking the vessel at the end of your cruise.

Leaving the ship

Whenever we dock you are welcome to leave the ship as soon as port authorities allow it. Our next sailing time will be advised on the daily schedule and passengers are requested to note this before disembarkation. Ten minutes prior to casting off the captain will sound the ship's horn to warn you to return to the ship. Due to its itinerary the ship cannot wait for delayed passengers.
Please collect your boarding pass when disembarking and return it so that we know if anyone has not returned.

Library

There is a cozy library on board located in the Saigon Lounge. Please return the book after reading.

Loud speaker system

The ship is provided with a loud speaker system. Announcements through this system will inform you about the departure time for excursions or exceptionally regarding schedule changes or in case of an emergency.

Massage

Two massage rooms are located behind Saigon Lounge. Appointments for massage may be made at the reception desk.

Meals

Breakfast is buffet, lunch is mixed between salad/desert buffet and served main course, a dinner is served at the tables with selection of dishes. We offer a mixture of Asian and Western cuisine and there are always vegetarian dishes offered. The special hot station is located in the Mekong Restaurant where you can find a noodle and egg station every morning, and different food station during every lunch. Special diets may be catered for with advance notification.

Medical

We carry first aid equipment and some medications. All senior staff have attended first aid courses. On the river we are never far from a local medical station. You should check with your doctor that you are fit for travel and your doctor should check with the relevant organization in your country as to whether any prophylactic drugs or inoculations are required. We do not have facilities for physically challenged guests or wheel chair access. There are no lifts.

Mobile Phones

GSM phones work for nearly all parts of the Mekong where we travel, with the exception of Cambodia for a short section downstream of Kampong Chhnang and in the middle of the Tonle Lake. Other places have excellent coverage.

Payment of Onboard Account

We use a credit system and charge everything that you purchase (drinks, items from the gift shop, massage, laundry, etc.) to your onboard account. A day before the end of the cruise, you will receive your bill showing a summary of charges. This bill can be settled in cash in US Dollars, or by credit cards. We accept MasterCard and Visa. Please note that only bills with an amount over $25 can be settled by credit card. We do not accept Amex card, personal cheques and Traveler’s Cheques on board. The local currencies are the Vietnam Dong and the Cambodian Riel.

Printing

Should you need to print something, you may ask the receptionist for help.

Questionnaire

Before your holiday ends, you will be given a questionnaire. We urge you to take the time to fill this in. We are always looking for ways to maintain and improve your vacation experience and in order to do this we need some help from you. Your comments are important to us. Please deposit your completed questionnaire in the appropriate box at the reception desk at the end of your cruise.

Safety

We do not accept liability for personal injuries or accidents occurred by use of fitness equipment, pool or any other onboard facilities.

Security

In the countries in which we operate tourists are rarely targets for theft and when sailing most of passengers do not bother to lock their doors. When in port a 24 hour watch is kept on the gangplank controlling access to the ship, but please keep your deck door locked when not in use and at night. All cabins have a safe - please use a number you can remember to lock the safe. The company cannot be held liable for loss of money, jewelry or other valuable items from the ship or whilst on an excursion ashore during a voyage.

Smoking

Smoking is permitted only on the aft deck outside of the Saigon Lounge. Please do not throw cigarette butts overboard at any time. There is a strict non-smoking policy in the interior of the vessel and there is no-smoking policy on the cabin balconies. This is a wood finished ship and the danger of fire should never be ignored.

Telephone

Your cabin is equipped with an in-house telephone from which you can dial cabin to cabin, just dial cabin number.
24-hour reception deck telephone is 100. Please ring any time for assistance.

Toiletries

Shampoo & conditioner, shower gel and soap are available in your bathroom. Should you need a toothbrush, toothpaste or razor please call 100 to the Front Office.

Towels

In the interest of the environment, towels will not be automatically changed every day. We ask that you put used towels on the floor or in the washbasin if you wish them to be exchanged for fresh towels. Towels left hanging on the towel rack will not be changed.

Visitors

Visitors must register at the reception desk and are required to wear a visitor badge. Should you wish to have visitor on board, please notify the Ship’s Purser. Overnight visitors are not permitted.

Water

The ship's water supply comes from the river after passing through a sterilization plant. This water is suitable for washing and brushing teeth but should not be drunk. Bottled water is provided for drinking, free of charge.
The ship is equipped with a solar central hot water system. You may have to run the water for two minutes before it gets hot.

Whirlpool

You will find a small pool for your enjoyment located on the sundeck during the cruise. The pool is equipped with jets for your enjoyment but the pool does not function as a Jacuzzi. Please do not take glassware on to the pool deck. Special drink containers are available at the bar for this area. The pool is open from sunrise to sunset.

BROCHURE

Legendary Mekong