Cruise News A Burmese Sanctuary
Luxury cruise and safari specialists SANCTUARY RETREATS will have new ship Sanctuary Ananda setting sail in late 2014 and bookings are now being taken for this sumptuous all-suite vessel, which will offer an authentically Burmese, exclusive experience, in line with the company’s ‘Luxury Naturally’ philosophy.
Oceania’s Big Refurb
OCEANIA CRUISES have announced a big $50million upgrade for their original trio of ships Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, with a significant transforma- tion starting early next year.
The consecutive six-week time-frame includes the refurbishment of suites, staterooms and many of the public rooms to dovetail with the decor and style of the line’s newest duo, Marina and Riviera. All three will see the Owner’s and
N
amed after the beautiful Ananda Temple in Bagan, Ananda also translates in Sanskrit as ‘extreme happiness’ – one of the highest states of being. Sanctuary Ananda will offer eight itineraries in Myanmar, including 3, 4 and 7-night ‘Discovery Cruises’ between Bagan and Mandalay as well as 7, 10 and 11-night ‘Exploration Cruises’ which allow more time to explore the Upper Ayeyarwady river towards the gorges and Bhamo, the Chindwin river towards Homalin and down the Lower Ayeyarwady to Pyay (formerly Prome) and twice a year down to Yangon.
Accommodation for 48 guests will be spread over three decks – the Bhamo, Mandalay and Bagan decks with a fourth deck, the Yangon, housing the Tham-bayadine Spa and Gym (where local treatments and massages will be available) and additional accommodation for private guides. There are 20 spacious suites and the
exclusive Aloungpayah Suite, all offering large private balconies with room to sit and enjoy uninterrupted views of the surrounding countryside, towns and villages and riverside life. Burmese design echoes throughout the ship, with local fabrics and artefacts as well as specially commissioned art. There are plenty of public areas to relax in, from
the stylish Talifoo restaurant to the spacious Sundeck and air-conditioned Kansi panorama lounge, with it floor-to- ceiling windows, as well as the Burma Bar. Food will also have a Burmese focus, with guests being able to choose between international cuisine and local dishes selected to reflect the diversity of Myanmar’s cuisine. The Talifoo restaurant will offer an early breakfast, including Myanmar’s traditional breakfast mohinga (fish noodle soup) as well as cooked and continental breakfasts.
the Mandalay deck. Days will start with complimentary early morning meditation and sunrise yoga on the Sundeck. During the day, the Sundeck will be the ideal spot for relaxing on a sun lounger under the shade of a canopy and watching Myanmar drift by, or taking a dip in the outdoor plunge pool.
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In the afternoons and evenings, there will be lectures and demonstrations of local customs held in the Kansi lounge, where guests can learn more about the country’s culture, history and wonders. More info: call 020 7190 7728 or visit
www.sanctuaryretreats.com.
unch and dinner can be enjoyed in the Talifoo, on the Bagan deck or al fresco in the Mindoon restaurant, on
Vista suites receive new bathrooms, including oversized showers and new vanities, with new original artwork in all staterooms. The Terrace Café will be refurbished to add the latest grill that allows for dinner specialties like lobster tails, steaks and lamb chops that have proved so popular on Marina and Riviera while another addition will be the Baristas coffee bar. Observation lounge Horizon will be
refurbished with a new colours and décor while the Grand Dining Room as well as Toscana, the line’s signature Italian restaurant, will be expanded with more tables for two.
The ships’ show lounges will also be
refurbished; Martinis will be outfitted with new furniture; and the Canyon Ranch SpaClub will receive new steam and changing rooms. Oceania president Kunal Kamlani explained: “This refurbishment is an incredible undertaking but we are excited by the opportunity to bring some of the best features of our O-class ships to Regatta, Insignia and Nautica. “We will preserve the personality, elegance and comfort of these vessels while furnishing certain areas with the updated décor and amenities found on Marina and Riviera. This will ensure a consistent experience across the fleet that we know our guests will love and appreciate.”
The dry-docks are scheduled from April 24 to June 6, with Insignia and Nautica being refurbished in Marseilles and Regatta in Vancouver. More info: in the UK, call 0845 505 1920; in the US, 1800 531 5619; or
www.oceaniacruises.com.
Autumn 2013 I WORLD OF CRUISING 13
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