Thursday, May 8, 2014

The cruise in 2015

Shin Arahan Cruises, the luxury Collectors, Artisans and Hosts of luxury, boutique cruising in Southeast Asia is proud to announce the latest addition to their fleet. Slated for launch in latter 2015, the Shin Arahan will ply the waters of the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar.

According to John Tue Nguyen, Chairman of Shin Arahan Cruise, “A hallmark of Shin Arahan Cruise is the way we integrate historical period themes and amenities into all our vessels. And the new Shin Arahan will be no exception, reflecting the British Colonial era throughout the vessel.” The new 65-metre, purpose built paddle-wheeler will have 23 elegantly appointed cabins along with spacious public areas and a host of upscale amenities.

The Shin Arahan will join her sisters on Ha Long Bay – Violet, Ginger and Jasmine and her venerable brothers, Jayavarman and The Jahan on the Mekong – as the newest member of the First Choice family.

The Shin Arahan vessel project reached a new milestone with the steel cutting ceremony held on April 11, 2014.  After a traditional ceremony in which monks blessed the ship, the machine was activated to cut the first steel for our keel. Representatives from Shin Arahan Cruises, travel partners and suppliers were in attendance.

The Irrawaddy is Myanmar’s largest river from north to south of the country and the most important commercial waterway.

The Shin Arahan aims to ensure the matchless comfort of its guests. The architects have painstakingly ensured that a strong Myanmarese flavour permeates every aspect of the ship, which is made out of mostly brass and teakwood.

Three kinds of cabin categories are offered – each with its private balcony.  The two Royal Suites (84 sqm.) sit grandly on the terrace deck with the front view of the bow and the gorgeous Irrawaddy.  Wide glass doors open to an extra large teak wood balcony where a private Jacuzzi extends that extra floating feeling.

Two, slightly smaller, Junior Suites, accompany with the Royal Suites on this floor. There are other three Junior Suites on the Upper Deck.  They are equally impressive; in the mean time, their splendid interior design, peppered with fine Burmese artefacts are visually captivating.  The other six Deluxe Cabins stand at attention are situated on the Upper Deck – with just a short walk to the Grand Lounge and its ample reception area.

The other ten Deluxe Cabins are arrayed on the Main Deck like British cavalry whose uniforms are decked in fine insignia, portraying understated British elegance.

Guests will be spoilt for choice as various packages and excursions are offered, ranging from a 4-night stay option from Bagan to Mandalay or a 7-night stay option from Bagan to Yangon to a 11-night extravaganza from Mandalay – Homalin – Bagan or Mandalay – Bhamo – Bagan.

To unwind, Shin Arahan will boast of having one of the most luxurious Spa on the river. Facilities include three massage rooms and a foot massage room – the perfect way to unwind after an excursion.

In addition, the restaurant is able to serve up to 48 guests at one sitting and the region’s top chefs are currently preparing a list of the finest cuisine to tantalize guests’ palates.

Maarten Perdok
Maarten is quick to point out that the Shin Arahan offers an experience like no other. “Guests can explore the length and breadth of Myanmar – which spans to about 600 kms. Based on the hotel concept, guests need not pack and unpack as it is a single continuous journey.”

But most importantly, Maarten is proud of the highly trained crew who will tend to everyone’s whims and needs. “We will have the highest crew to passenger ratio of any cruise ship on the Irrawaddy.”


Setting up cruising in Myanmar is a natural choice for Shin Arahan Cruises. “We are constantly in search of the exotic and the exquisite. And the Irrawaddy is certainly one of the world’s most exotic waterways”, said Chief Executive Officer, . He adds: “One advantage of choosing the Irrawaddy is that The Shin Arahan is able to cruise throughout the year.”
 
 

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