Under the auspices of its exalted sister property The Strand Hotel in Yangon, The Strand Cruise, also in Myanmar, set out on its inaugural sail in early 2016. Traversing the Ayeyarwady River, the lifeblood of modern Myanmar, three or four day itineraries commence either from Bagan or Mandalay, and conclude at the alternate destination. Myanmar in South-East Asia is a country laden with cultural treasures that will become your daily vistas aboard this luxury vessel. Architectural feats like the Shwezigon Pagoda and the noteworthy U-Bein Bridge, the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world, pierce the landscape of Myanmar and have placed the country on the international stage for history and culture.
Accommodation
With echoes of an earlier time, The Strand Cruise’s Cabins and Suites proudly display mementoes of a former era; black and white photographs of Burma cast a historic significance over the ship (the former name of Myanmar: the country in past times was rife with political conflict and issues, hence the name change signalled the start of a more stable and flourishing future.) The craftsmanship of local Burmese men can be seen in the teakwood floors, a nod to The Strand Hotel’s heritage, and in pieces of regional art. Saturated citrus shades like bright yellows and greens dominate the décor, creating a bold aesthetic, and floor to ceiling windows permit guests to enjoy the sights that represent the cultural heartland of Myanmar. A twenty-four hour butler is on hand to provide seamless service.
The Upper Deck
Enjoy a more languorous pace of life atop the boat’s Upper Deck, the heart of the cruise, which boasts a custom-made pool and sun loungers to bask in the glorious Myanmar heat. After an adventure-filled day exploring the evocative sights, take refuge in the ship’s Spa, then feast on global flavours at The Strand Cruise’s Restaurant, replenishing on hearty meals ready for an exciting day ahead. A must-try is the Strand Classic Afternoon Tea, a cosmopolitan blend of Burmese, British and French influences; Burmese tea leaf salad, potato cakes, buttery scones and chocolate dipped fruit skewers await! Sarkies Bar mirrors the bar at The Strand Hotel of the same name; with an interior that showcases sleek wood and muted colours, the focus is on the discerning travellers chatting with others over a cocktail – sample the legendary Strand Cocktail.
Bagan
One of the most iconic, and surely photographed, travel experiences ever, the hot air balloon excursion is available to guests during their itinerary, and offers spectacular unprecedented scenic pleasure. Fly over the temple-strewn terrain of Bagan, a World Heritage Site, and witness the oft-talked about sites of religious reverence and even the world’s largest Buddha! A fairy tale-like city almost too quaint to be true, many have said that Bagan can rival the ‘greats’ in the realm of ruins, such as Angkor Wat and Machu Picchu.
The Strand Cruise not only takes guests on a sojourn across the spiritual heartland of Myanmar, it also enables them to embark upon a transformative voyage of discovery and learning, in one of South-East Asia’s most fascinating regions. While providing endless activities in the form of cultural awakening, The Strand Cruise is brimming with charm that never compromises on luxury, appealing to the most discerning of travellers. Step onboard and gather a whole catalogue of anecdotes to last forever. For more information on this luxury liveaboard, call one of our specialists on 0161 233 0110.