FTB30: Unveiling Burma

issue 30 summer 2011/12

bridge FROM THE BRIDGE | Xxxx Xxxx

from the

Zest for Life Brazil’s vibrant ports

African Adventure Where the luxury ships go

golden lands

Discover Burma on a colonial-style cruise in 2012 Presented with THE compliments of:

UNVEILING

Burma In 2012, Cruiseco will reveal the mystical world along the Irrawaddy in Burma with an exclusive river cruise charter.

Words: Roderick Eime

There are plenty of vantage points to take in the views on board RV Orient Pandaw 2 summer 2011/12

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Cover Story | FROM THE BRIDGE

Friendly, personalised service is a hallmark of the ship

T

he concept of luxury river cruising is a rapidly growing worldwide phenomenon. Europe has been renowned for many years as the destination of choice for the swelling legions of river cruise fans. But what happens when you have cruised every bend in the Rhine or Danube and want a different territory to explore? You start looking for new horizons.

Cruiseco’s immensely successful charters along Southeast Asia’s mighty Mekong have introduced both new and seasoned river cruisers to the wonders of the region and all the treasures therein. Cruise passengers can now look across to the mysterious and once secretive land of Burma (Myanmar) for enticing new cruising waters.

Building on the overwhelming popularity established with RV Indochina Pandaw on the Mekong River, Cruiseco is delighted to announce an expansion of river operations to include the Irrawaddy River with an exclusive all-inclusive charter of RV Orient Pandaw.

Choose from two eight-night ‘Golden Lands’ explorations of the Irrawaddy River (upstream or downstream) between Prome and Mandalay, where you can choose to extend your stay at the Hill Resort. Interspersed with visits to monasteries and iconic spiritual, archaeological and cultural sites, this is a rare opportunity to meet and interact with an authentic people living a lifestyle unsullied by Western influences. > summer 2011/12 3

RV Orient Pandaw harks back to the colonial era

If there is one country in Southeast Asia that represents everything exotic and mysterious, then it is Burma. Rich and colourful civilisations have created a multi-hued ethnic tapestry that embraces diverse cultures, customs and religions, offering a perfect extension to the contrasting experiences in neighbouring China, Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh and India.

From Yangon (Rangoon) to Mandalay, every day you’ll enter seldom-seen cities and well-preserved ancient sites. Whether it is the significant, UNESCO-recognised archaeological heritage site of Pagan, where thousands of Buddhist monuments sprawl across the countryside as a testament to the might and power of Burma’s first empire, the Bagan, almost 1000 years ago; or the serene and remote riverside villages such as Yandabo, where terracotta pots are made from river clay, Burma is a land as yet untouched by the hand of globalised conformity.

Pagodas are a common sight in Burma and in the capital city of Yangon, guests enjoy an introduction to Burmese urban life and visit cultural icons such as the Sule Paya, a glittering pagoda believed by many to be more than 2500 years old. Along with the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, it is among the most revered Buddhist sites in the region.

At the old colonial port town of Prome (also known locally as Pyay) guests embark RV Orient Pandaw for a journey to the city of legend and folktales, Mandalay, also home to the world’s largest book that forms part of the city’s Kuthodaw Pagoda. On another excursion through the jungle, there is the 1500-year-old Thiri-ya-kittiya archeological site that was once

More than 2000 religious monuments still stand on the Plain of Bagan

4 summer 2011/12

Beyond the immaculate cocoon of the 60-guest steamer, the vast, unhurried landscape of Burma is there for exploring. a gleaming walled palace city and a place where early Buddhists would congregate.

Along the way, as you pass sleepy villages and local sampans, revisit one of the enduring visions of old British colonial Burma, that of the many steamboats of the 1865-formed Irrawaddy Flotilla Company (IFC) that traversed this and Chindwin River in the service of the British Empire. The enchanting border post town of Thayetmyo perfectly captures this colonial heritage that could be lifted from the pages of a Rudyard Kipling tale.

For decades, the rivers were the lifeline of Southeast Asia and the IFC fleet grew to the point where by the early- to mid-20th century, more than 600 Scottish-built vessels plied the rivers, carrying nine million people each year.

At its zenith, the IFC was the largest privately owned shipping company in the world.

Today the original vessels of the IFC are gone, but their spirit lives on in a new and rebuilt fleet of replica vessels constructed with absolute authenticity to recapture that romantic colonial spirit.

The name ‘Pandaw’ derives from the last of the original, Clyde-built vessels restored to former glory in the late 1990s, thus reviving the concept of Asian retro river cruising.

Today’s RV Orient Pandaw is a beautifully crafted, scratch-built vessel launched in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in 2008. She recalls the glamour and romance of the era in every part of her; from the gleaming brass fittings and teak decking, down to the personalised service delivered by doting Burmese crew to every guest who sails aboard her.

Each of the 30 air-conditioned and insectscreened suites are superbly appointed with period-style fittings and décor complete with private facilities. Guests won’t find out-of-character distractions like mini-bars, televisions or phones. Instead, every window opens and the door leads to a tasteful teaklined promenade.

Meals reflect the abundant flavours and styles of the region. Dinner is served à la carte, with breakfast and lunch enhanced by buffet offerings. Western food options are available at all times in the bright and airy dining room, styled to seamlessly blend with the character of the surroundings. Fares even include soft drinks, local beers and spirits.

Cover Story | FROM THE BRIDGE Villages of Inle Lake are built high above the waterline

Monks and monasteries are a peaceful sight in Burma

Menus feature a mix of Burmese and western cuisine

Relax in style on the rooftop sundeck as you sip a gin and tonic or read a novel, watching the world slowly pass you by. Nothing happens in a rush in Burma and the relaxed pace of life soon has you unwinding.

Beyond the immaculate cocoon of the 60-guest steamer, the vast, unhurried landscape of Burma is there for exploring. Cruiseco’s immersive shore excursions are designed to educate and enhance guests’ understanding of this multi-layered cultural panorama while delivering sensitive, tangible benefits to the local economies. Knowledgeable local guides accompany the tours throughout and speak excellent English.

You may also choose to extend your experience with a three-night tour to Inle Lake, a destination only recently opened to tourists, where lake-side villages sit against a mountainous backdrop. You can immerse yourself in village life with markets, temples and the tranquil surroundings of the lush environment.

In the south of Inle Lake, Sagar will reveal 108 stupas from the 16th and 17th centuries that are underwater for a few months a year, and guests can spend time with a local family preparing and sharing in a traditional meal.

These experiences are outside the ordinary and an opportunity to learn about traditional Burmese cooking and ingredients.

Cabins are decorated with old-world fittings

Sagaing

Mandalay

Inle Lake

Prome

Yangon

Upstream or downstream, each day of the itinerary is saturated with vibrant Burmese culture still in a delightfully undeveloped fashion, something that will surely change as the world’s economic influence creeps back into this reclusive republic.

This ‘Golden Lands’ cruise goes beyond a mere holiday. It embraces the warm and welcoming Burmese culture and wraps it in a package that delivers a rich cultural and ecological experience, embodying the ethos of these generous people. n

FACT FILE Cruise line: Cruiseco Vessel: RV Orient Pandaw Max guest capacity: 60 GRT: 750 Entered service: 2008 Facilities: Onboard laundry, bakery, fully equipped galley and refrigeration units; air conditioning for all inside areas.

> summer 2011/12 5

Burma unlocked

Nowhere offers more mystery and intrigue than Burma. And no one shows you more of it than cruising on the Orient Pandaw.

Bedecked in brass and teak, this faithful replica of a colonial steamer will take you deep into a land of warm welcomes and a thousand temples.

So, if you’re looking for somewhere very, very different, welcome aboard.

FROM JUST

$4,999

†

PER PERSON TWIN SHARE

A million mysteries and the cruise of a lifetime

Inclusions: Return international airfare • 8 night luxury river cruise • 3 nights deluxe hotel accommodation • Sightseeing, meals, drinks and transfers^ • Gratuities and taxes † Price includes an EarlyBird Discount, $1,000 per person •

Qantas Frequent Flyer Points* awarded on cruiseco holidays

Prices are in AUD as stated above based on twin-share accommodation. Price includes Return Economy Class international airfare from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth including air taxes, 8 night cruise aboard Orient Pandaw with port charges and on board gratuities, one night accommodation in Yangon, two nights accommodation in Mandalay, extensive sightseeing and all transfers as specified in the itinerary. Early bird discount can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Single passengers must pay a single supplement. ^Does not include any additional accommodation or transfers made necessary due to flight schedules. Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in charges, taxes and currency. Subject to availability at time of booking. Cancellation penalties and conditions apply. *You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn points in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. A joining fee applies. Points are not awarded on port charges, government fees, on board gratuities and air taxes.

QUEEN ELIZABETH MAIDEN MEDITERRANEAN SEASON

S

ee the most captivating destinations in this storied region from the decks of Queen Elizabeth. Enjoy the irresistible glamour, luxury and service that so eloquently defines the Cunard experience and luxuriate in the legendary White Star Service. Your voyage includes return economy class airfares and pre/post accommodation as specified.

HOLY LAND EXPLORER

FLY/CRUISE & STAY 16 NIGHTS FROM $5,710 ROME TO ATHENS

Departs 6 Sep 2012 – 12-night voyage

GREEK ISLES & AEGEAN TREASURES GREEK ISLES & TURKISH SPLENDOURS FLY/CRUISE & STAY 15 NIGHTS FROM $5,515 ATHENS TO VENICE

Departs 18 Sep 2012 – 12-night voyage

FLY/CRUISE & STAY 14 NIGHTS FROM $5,150 ATHENS TO ATHENS

Departs 5 Nov 2012 – 12-night voyage

Venice

Rome

To Australia

Naples

Mykonos Athens

Dubrovnik

Limassol

Corfu

Haifa

From Australia

Enquire about Earlybird airfares today and save!

Istanbul

Ephesus

Santorini

Mykonos Athens

Mytilene Ephesus

Jerusalem Alexandria

Santorini

To Australia

To & From Australia

Rhodes

Olympia

From Australia

Fares pp twin share ex Syd, Melb, Bris from

Fares pp twin share ex Syd, Melb, Bris from

Fares pp twin share ex Syd, Melb, Bris from

Standard Inside (D5)

Standard Inside (D5)

Standard Inside (D5)

$5,710^

Oceanview (C4)

$6,010^

Balcony (A4)

$6,745^

$5,515^

Oceanview (C2)

$6,110^

Balcony (A4)

$6,525^

$5,150^

The Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World ^Prices are per person in AUD for complete twin share lead-in standard inside, oceanview and balcony category accommodation. Prices include return Economy Class international airfare from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, cruise fare, port and handling charges, government taxes and air taxes which are subject to change. 6 Sep cruise includes two nights pre cruise accommodation at the Empire Palace Hotel, Rome, including breakfast and two nights post cruise accommodation at the Hilton Hotel, Athens, including breakfast. 18 Sep cruise includes two nights pre cruise accommodation at the Hilton Hotel, Athens, including breakfast and one night post cruise accommodation at the Hilton Molino Stucky Hotel, Venice, including breakfast. 5 Nov cruise includes two nights pre cruise accommodation at the Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens, including breakfast. Does not include any additional accommodation made necessary due to flight schedules. Prices are subject to availability at the time of booking, may be withdrawn at any time, and are subject to change due to fluctuations in charges, taxes and currency. Conditions apply. To be read in conjunction with the Booking & Passage Conditions in Cunard Voyages 2012/13 brochure which passengers will be bound by. *You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn points in accordance with the Terms & Conditions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. A joining fee applies.

Points are not awarded on port charges, government fees, on board gratuities & air taxes. Carnival plc trading as Agent, ABN 23 107 998 443. 2 TA 558. CU111130

Oceanview (C2)

$5,695^

Balcony (A5)

$5,940^