Luxury cruise and safari specialists Sanctuary Retreats have launched a new ship which is set to take to the rivers of Burma.
Sanctuary Ananda will set sail in 2014 and bookings are now being taken for the all-suite ship, which is named after the Ananda Temple in Bagan (above) and translates in Sanskrit as ‘extreme happiness’ – one of the highest states of being.
The new ship will offer eight different sailing itineraries, including three-, four- and seven-nigth ‘Discovery’ Cruises between Bagan and Mandalay. There will also be seven-, ten- and 11-night ‘Exploration’ Cruises which will venture on the Upper Ayeyarwady river towards the gorges and Bhamo; the Chindwin river towards Homalin and sailing down the Lower Ayeyarwady river to Pyay (formerly Prome).
Sanctuary Ananda, seen above in an artist’s rendering, will sail every day on each itinerary, offering plenty of time to combine ‘must-see sights’ with smaller villages where guests can meet the indigenous peoples and see local crafts being made first hand.
All guides will be local, Burmese experts, enhancing the experience still further, and on occasion, guests will experience the fun of local transport, such as horse-drawn carts, trishaws and small boats.
Prices start at £1,669 per person, based on two people sharing a Deluxe Suite including all sightseeing as stated in cruise itinerary, all meals, soft drinks and local beer. Price valid for December 3, 10 & 17, 2014 sailings on a three-night itinerary.
