APT heads to Burma

source: Cruise Weekly

APT’s first-ever river-cruising program in Myanmar (Burma) on the newly built AmaPura will include companion fly-free deals on selected departures, TD Cruise Update can exclusively reveal.

The company today confirmed it will enter the rapidly expanding cruise destination at the end of this year (CW 26 Nov), offering two SuperDeals for bookings made and deposited by 31 May.

Launch offers include ‘Companion Fly Free, including taxes’, available on the 20 Feb or 14 Apr 2015 departures, as well as return flights from ustralia – a saving of up to $1,670 per couple – when clients book the package through APT.

Alternatively, $500 per couple can be saved on any Burma package of 16 days (departing 24 Nov 2014 or 5 Feb 2015).

APT’s gm marketing Debra Fox said the company was “really excited” to announce the new holiday option for clients.

“Adding to the intimacy of our program is that fact they will travel aboard the AmaPura, our brand new river ship which, with just 28 suites, is quite unique to the rest of our fleet and offers guests the chance to enjoy boutique river cruising at its finest.”

The new brochure features 18 departures, with three itineraries ranging from 14 to 20 days. The 14-day Golden Treasures of Burma itinerary takes pax
between Pyay (Prome) and Mandalay; and the 16-day Hidden Wonders of Burma travels from Mandalay to Yangon, with an extension to Inle Lake on a 20-day
itinerary.

Available to Australians and New Zealanders only through APT, the 56-pax AmaPura features a French balcony, full balcony or twin balconies in every
suite, and an onboard staff to guest ratio of 2:1. The ship’s public areas include a pool, restaurant, main lounge and bar, gift shop, spa and sun deck. House wine, local beer and soft drinks are also included with every lunch and dinner on board.

APT’s “Signature Experiences” include visits to Bagan’s 2,200 Buddhist temples, stupas and pagodas; a horse-drawn cart tour to see monasteries and the
‘Leaning Tower of Inwa’ and more.

Hotel accom is at the Traders Hotel in Yangon and the Amata Garden Resort, Inle Lake.

Prices start at $7,275 ppts for the 14-day itinerary – see aptouring.com.au.