Information on Pandaw
Cruise
2005
marks the 10th anniversary since we started running river expeditions.
Reviving the old Irrawaddy Flotilla Company in 1995, we were the first
since the Second World War to offer pioneering cruises on Myanmar's
spectacular Irrawaddy River, attempting to reach Bhamo, one thousand
miles from the sea. In 1998 we pioneered the stunningly
attractive Chindwin River.
In 2001
were the first since colonial days to offer a complete cruise from
Rangoon to Mandalay.
In
2002 we took our Pandaw concept to the Mekong River in Indochina
where we now have two Pandaws plying between Saigon in Vietnam
and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Here the Pandaws broke the seemingly
impenetrable river border between two very different countries.
In high water our vessels accomplished the first cross
navigation of the Tonle Sap, an inland sea previously un-navigated by
anything other than local speed boats.
We now
have four beautifully crafted Pandaw ships
in operation that we built ourselves. Each ship, hand finished in brass
and teak by traditional craftsmen are in themselves objects of great
beauty. The secret of our success is that on our ships, whilst luxury
and comfort are discreetly present, it is the colonial character and
friendly atmosphere that
predominate. All our Pandaws have ultra shallow drafts and can travel to
remote areas, which would be unreachable by other vessels, let alone
overland.
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Both the
Irrawaddy and Mekong rivers traverse mountains, jungles and plains and
each empty into the ocean through vast deltas. A variety of cultures,
ways of life and religions are dissected by these great water systems.
Along their banks may be found a number of the most significant centers
of art and architecture in the world including Pagan in Myanmar and
Angkor in Cambodia. Myanmar was once the jewel in the British Imperial
crown; the countries of L'Indochine were once French protectorates.
Today the respective colonial legacies of both the British and the
French may be found in the towns along these rivers.
Pandaw
Cruises are honored by the fact that so many past passengers return on a
regular basis.
It is
always a pleasure for our crew to see familiar faces once again. We
are constantly striving to make our cruises more and more
interesting, enhancing and embellishing itineraries wherever
possible. In fact, the itineraries that follow are skeletal - in
reality we see and do far more than indicated. Many old passengers
tell us that no two cruises are ever the same.
We very
much look forward to seeing our old friends again, on old or new rivers.
Our success is not just in the beauty of our ships, the comfort and
service offered, or even the fascinating lands we journey through. Much
of our success over the past 10 years is the consequence of carrying
such intrepid and generously spirited passengers.
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Comms
Cell phones, Sat phones (where permitted
by local authorities) VHF and SSB radio, internal phone system, PA
system and tannoy system for navigation purposes.
Safety
Smoke detectors in all cabins and public
places, emergency lighting and generator, fire pump, hydrants and hoses,
fire extinguishers, life jackets for all on board and life rafts.
Navigation
Navigation lights, ships horn,
searchlight, GPS, Radar (where permitted by local authorities).
Amenities
On board laundry, bakery, fully equipped
galley and refrigeration units; air conditioning for all inside areas.
Water
Treatment plants for desalination,
desedimentation and purification using UV and osmosis.
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