Jetsettersblog

AMAWATERWAYS, the fastest growing river cruise line in Europe, is launching a new seven night river cruising itinerary on the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia aboard the luxurious, newly launched 92-passenger MS La Marguerite, the most deluxe vessel on the Mekong.

The cruise can also be booked as a 14 night land-cruise holiday, inclusive of hotels, transfers, internal flights and excursions, visiting Hanoi; Angkor Wat, one of the largest archaeological parks in the world and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Siem Reap; Saigon; and Vietnam’s hauntingly beautiful Ha Long Bay, with a night spent on a luxury junk.

The cruises start in September 2009, with the inaugural sailing on 20thth September and thereafter, weekly departures embarking alternately from Saigon and Siam Rep, cruising along one of the most important rivers in South East Asia, through Vietnam and Cambodia.

Highlights include visiting rural villages, dazzling temples, colourful floating markets and silk workshops while cruising on the brand new ship, whose traditional design combines colonial elegance with contemporary touches.

Prices start from £857 for the seven night cruise (excluding flights), including all meals on board (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner), unlimited local beer and house brand spirits with meals, bottled water in cabins, a daily sightseeing programme and on board folklore and musical performances. The 14 night land cruise holiday costs from £1825 per person, excluding long haul flights.

Steve Williams, managing director of Fred. Olsen Travel, the company’s UK representative, said: “This is an exciting new departure for a company which has already proved itself to be Europe’s fastest growing premier river cruise operator. River cruising is becoming more and more popular among British guests and this is such an exciting and interesting itinerary we’re already seeing a good level of interest from agents and clients, particularly for the land cruise, which we believe will appeal to the majority of British guests”.