AMA Waterways announce new ship for Mekong

Just months after launching the Mekong River program, AMA Waterways announced it is building a second ship that will sail to Vietnam and Cambodia starting in late spring 2011. When completed, the ship will join La Marguerite in offering seven-day Mekong river cruises between Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Siem Reap, Cambodia. The two vessels will depart on the same day of the week, one sailing downstream from Siem Reap, and the other sailing upstream from Ho Chi Minh City.

“The Mekong is a magnificent river, ideal for river cruising for a number of reasons,” said AMA Waterways President Rudi Schreiner. “The first advantage of the Mekong is its size. The river is huge, in most places almost a mile wide, so it has a whole lot of potential. The scenery is incredible, with many small villages, islands and temples. The other remarkable thing about the Mekong is that it includes three major cities. You have Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon, the metropolis of Vietnam, and Phnom Penh, the capital and largest city of Cambodia, located on the river front with beautiful cafes and restaurants. And, then you have the fascinating town of Siem Reap, with the temples of Angkor. It’s the perfect backdrop for river cruising.”

Launched in September, AMA Waterways’ 15-day “Vietnam, Cambodia & the Riches of the Mekong” itinerary highlights historical and cultural treasures of Southeast Asia. In addition to the Mekong River cruise, the program includes two nights in Hanoi, an overnight cruise on a luxurious traditional junk in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, three nights in Siem Reap, Cambodia, gateway to the Angkor Archeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the legendary Angkor Wat; and an overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

The new Mekong vessel will be larger than the newly-built La Marguerite -- it will be 295 feet long, as opposed to 246 feet long, and will accommodate 124 passengers in 62 balcony cabins. It will feature 10 junior suites as well as two suites. Cabin layout and décor will be similar to that of La Marguerite, featuring tropical woods, textiles and regional Khmer artifacts.

For more information visit www.amawaterways.com.