APT Announces New River Cruises in Myanmar (Burma)

River Cruise Line Offers 10- and 14-Night Myanmar Itineraries starting in 2014

Award winning luxury cruise and tour operator, APT, has announced it will launch a new ship and new river cruise program on Myanmar’s Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) River.

APT will offer guests the choice of two exclusive APT-only sailings in February and April 2015 aboard its new AmaPura river ship as well as joint sailings, along with partner AmaWaterways, from November 2014.

Full details of itineraries and pricing will be made available in January 2014 but travel trade partners and guests are being encouraged to pre-register their interest early as APT anticipates high demand.

Commenting on the news, Debra Fox, APT’s General Manager Marketing, said, “These are exciting times for APT, especially with the launch of our new ship in Myanmar. It’s a unique and spellbinding destination and one that has previously been out of reach to the Australian travelling public. Therefore we are anticipating high demand and would encourage guests to pre-register their interest early. We’re looking forward to helping our guests explore this fascinating destination in depth while enjoying the all-inclusive luxury signature style that is synonymous with an APT river cruise.”

One of the world’s most secretive, mysterious and fascinating places, Myanmar has a unique centuries-old culture and spectacular architectural wonders, including sacred structures gilded with gold leaf and encrusted with precious gems. APT’s river cruises are carefully crafted to hit all the country’s highlights:

· Bagan – A cultural treasure trove of more than 2,200 temples, stupas and pagodas, on par with Cambodia’s massive Angkor Wat temple complex.
· Mandalay – The country’s last royal capital and second largest city, the “Golden City” of Mandalay is regarded as Myanmar’s cultural heart, renowned for its master craftsmen and its patronage of the arts.
· Mount Popa – The stunning shrine perched at the top of Mt. Popa is considered the legendary home of spirit gods worshipped by Burmese Buddhists.
· Ancient Royal Cities – Inwa (Ava) was the capital of the Burma for more than 400 years, Amarapura has the world’s longest teak bridge, Sagaing is famous for its tranquil atmosphere, and Mingun has many historic sites to explore.
· Yangon (Rangoon) – The “Garden City of the East,” retains much of its colonial charm with cobblestoned streets, tree-lined avenues and Victorian architecture.

Guests will cruise the Ayeyarwaddy aboard the newly built all-suite AmaPura (2014), a 56-passenger vessel furnished with a combination of modern and traditional motifs. All 28 spacious suites feature a balcony (a French Balcony, a step-out Full Balcony or Twin Balconies), a well-appointed en suite bathroom and many other deluxe amenities. The ship’s elegant public areas include a restaurant, main lounge and bar, gift shop, spa, refreshing pool and a Sun Deck perfect for lounging, enjoying a cool drink, or simply gazing out at the passing scenery.

For further information regarding APT’s Myanmar river cruises, or to register interest prior to the brochure release, please call 1300 278 278 or see your local business development manager.