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AmaWaterways Announces New 2015 Mekong Program

Ralph Grizzle

AmaWaterways has just announced details of its 2015 itineraries along the Mekong, including the launch of the brand-new AmaDara, which will make her inaugural sailing on August 17, 2015.

River cruise lines can have different beverage policies for cruises sailing to different regions of the world. Shown here is AmaWaterways' AmaLotus. Photo © 2013 Aaron Saunders
AmaWaterways’ 124-guest AmaLotus will be getting a new sister along the Mekong in 2015. She’s shown here in Tan Chau, Vietnam. Photo © 2013 Aaron Saunders

Designed as a near-sister-ship to the line’s popular 124-guest AmaLotus, AmaDara will join her fleetmate in operating cruises along the Mekong that sail from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and reverse. These can be booked as cruise-only options, or as a long 16-day overland journey that includes popular highlights like a stop in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay.

“AmaWaterways continues to meet traveler demand for more river cruise options by expanding our fleet of custom-built ships in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations,” says Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways. “The new AmaDara will be a welcome addition to our family, as we enhance our offerings of unforgettable journeys on the magnificent Mekong River.”

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Photo ©  Aaron Saunders
The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Photo © 2013 Aaron Saunders

The new AmaDara will replace the smaller La Marguerite, which will end service with AmaWaterways this year. The new AmaDara will be largely similar to AmaLotus, but with a few key differences.

To start with, AmaDara will be an all-balcony ship; no fixed-window “riverview” staterooms will be available. Each stateroom will feature both French and full step-out balconies for increased flexibility, and all staterooms will be positioned aft, rather than forward, of the reception area as they are aboard AmaLotus.

AmaDara will also join AmaLotus in being one of the few ships along the Mekong to feature staterooms and suites accessed by an interior, climate-controlled corridor. Many other vessels along the Mekong feature staterooms with doors that open to exterior decks.

The attractive Saigon Lounge aboard AmaLotus. Photo ©  Aaron Saunders
The attractive Saigon Lounge aboard AmaLotus. Photo © 2013 Aaron Saunders

“At AmaWaterways, one of our core philosophies is to focus on building the most innovative ships on the market,” Karst says. “With AmaDara, travelers will see the benefits of this innovation in the form of authentic Southeast Asian touches, the comforts of home like air-conditioning and Wi-Fi, and the largest cabins on the Mekong. When you see AmaDara in port, there is a clear distinction in design and décor and we are excited to see the reaction of our guests.”

AmaDara, like AmaLotus, shown above, is one of the few vessels along the Mekong to feature staterooms and suites accessed via an interior corridor. Photo ©  2013 Aaron Saunders
AmaDara, like AmaLotus, shown above, is one of the few vessels along the Mekong to feature staterooms and suites accessed via an interior corridor. Photo © 2013 Aaron Saunders

More from my site

  • River Cruise of the Week: Vietnam & Cambodia with AmaWaterwaysRiver Cruise of the Week: Vietnam & Cambodia with AmaWaterways
  • Angkor Wat Tour on the 2017 Grand World VoyageAngkor Wat Tour on the 2017 Grand World Voyage
  • Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Offers New Land and Sea Adventures in AsiaUniworld Boutique River Cruise Offers New Land and Sea Adventures in Asia
  • Six Frequently Asked Questions: Cruising the MekongSix Frequently Asked Questions: Cruising the Mekong

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Maggie Blehert

Her ideal travel day: venturing to a new place, learning something interesting and sharing a smile.
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Steve and Wendy Bodenheimer
Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts reporting on their round the world journeys.
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Ralph Grizzle

The Avid Cruiser. Well-traveled and insightful. Helping you make informed cruise decisions.
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