APT Reveals First Images of New Burma Rivership

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Award winning luxury cruise operator APT has revealed the first artist impressions of the interiors of its new boutique rivership, the RV Samatha (pronounced Sa-ma-ta), in its latest Burma River Cruising 2016/17 brochure.

An image of one of the Twin Balcony Suites showcases the design standards APT will apply to the 30 stylish suites, the largest of which is the Executive Suite offering 48.7 square meters. As well as offering a range of sizes, all suites are positioned on the outside of the ship to ensure all guests enjoy either a panoramic or twin balcony.

Also illustrated in the brochure is the main restaurant, which has been heavily influenced by local design.

The restaurant will play host to the cuisine of APT’s Asia Ambassador, celebrity chef, Luke Nguyen, who will play a central role in designing the onboard culinary program.

Guests who set sail aboard the RV Samatha on the Irrawaddy with APT will enjoy exclusive dinners every evening that have been personally designed by Luke.

Also exclusive for APT guests is the chance to sample Luke’s specially designed degustation menu in the ship’s private dining room, an intimate eight-seat venue.

The new vessel also offers guests all the facilities synonymous with an APT luxury rivership, including a sundeck with swimming pool; day spa; complimentary Wi-Fi; and a main lounge and bar.

The onboard experience is matched by exciting and culturally immersive itineraries that feature APT’s Signature Experiences, specially designed once-in-a-lifetime sightseeing experiences

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For example on the 18-day Hidden Wonders of Burma with Inle Lake, priced from $9,395 per person, twin share, guests sail from Mandalay to Yangon aboard the RV Samatha. Cruise highlights include stopping along the way to experience the Mahamuni Buddha Temple; touring Inwa by horse drawn cart and seeing the ‘leaning tower of Inwa’; enjoying a pottery making demonstration in Yandabo; spending a day of discovery at the Bagan Archaeological Zone; wandering through the Bogyoke Aung San Market, a major bazaar in Yangon famous for its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets; and visiting the 99-metre high Shwedagon Pagoda.

After the cruise, guests fly to Heho for a three night stay at Inle Lake where they will explore the southern section of the lake by boat, taking in its stunning gardens, witnessing the ingenious one-legged rowing technique used by local fishermen and visiting the famous Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery (also known at the ‘Jumping Cat Monastery’) where for centuries monks have trained cats to jump through hoops.

This is one of four featured itineraries in the 52-page brochure, which offers a wide choice of departures on river cruises in Burma, as well as combination itineraries that include Vietnam and Cambodia.

The all inclusive lifestyle available to guests travelling on APT’s Burma holidays in 2016 and beyond features most meals (including all meals and beverages with lunch and dinner on its cruises), all flights within Asia, five star luxurious accommodation, an APT cruise or tour director, all sightseeing, transfers, airport taxes, port charges and tipping.

According to APT’s General Manager Sales and Marketing, Debra Fox, Burma is increasing in popularity as a destination, “Burma is one of the most exciting emerging river cruise destinations and we’re delighted to be introducing our first ship there on the Irrawaddy. As well as sailing aboard our stylish new rivership, guests will enjoy menus designed by our Asia Ambassador Luke Nguyen and will be treated to the most fantastic sightseeing program thanks to our expert Asia product team. We’re predicting this will be a hot selling product for our travel agency partners and we’re looking forward to helping them secure bookings.”

APT is offering a choice of two ‘SuperDeals’ on all bookings made by 31 March 2015. For bookings on any holiday to Burma of 15 days or longer a ‘Fly Free, including taxes’ deal is available; or alternatively fly Business Class from $2,995 per person. Offers are subject to availability and terms and conditions apply.

APT’s new Burma River Cruising 2016/17 brochure is available now. Call 1300 196 420, visit aptouring.com.au or see your local business development manager for further information.

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