Emerald Waterways expands Asia offerings for 2019

Emerald Waterways will feature a newly expanded offering of cruises and tours in Southeast Asia, with nine itineraries on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia, and, new in 2019, on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar.

Travellers can choose from a variety of Emerald Waterways itineraries ranging from eight to 19 days aboard the purpose-built Mekong Navigator. The shortest of these sailings — the Magnificent Mekong — includes seven nights cruising between Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City.

In addition, Emerald Waterways also offers longer land and river journeys to allow guests a deeper look into this fascinating region. On the 12-day Mekong Discovery Cruise, guests stay two extra nights in Siem Reap and in Ho Chi Minh City, giving them time to explore. The 16-day Highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia and Mekong sailing adds two nights aboard a traditional-style Vietnamese junk for a two-night cruise on Halong Bay and an overnight in Hanoi, while the 19-day Vietnam and Cambodia Explorer and Mekong Cruise includes two nights in Hanoi and three nights in the historic port town of Hoi An.

Also for 2019, the company has added three brand new itineraries on the Irrawaddy River through Myanmar. These journeys on board the Irrawaddy Explorer range from 11 to 17 days. All itineraries along the Irrawaddy, including the 11-day Irrawaddy Discoverer Cruise, feature time in capital Yangon; a visit to the Shwesandaw Pagoda complex, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites; a morning spend in Bagan, where a signature Discover More excursion takes guests on a hot air balloon flight over the temples; a visit to a local school in Hnaw Kone; and a trip to Ava Kingdom by horse cart to discover the 200-year-old teak Bagaya Monastery dating back to 1593.

Emerald Waterways is offering guests their choice of free, roundtrip airfare on itineraries of 12 days or longer, and a $350 CAD per person discount on the 11-day Irrawaddy sailing and $500 CAD per person discount on eight or ten day Mekong and Vietnam journeys. Offer applies to all bookings for 2019 Southeast Asian river cruises, and must be booked by April 30.