AmaWaterways will offer more river cruise opportunities in Vietnam and Cambodia for 2018, the award-winning river cruise company has announced.

The AmaDara will sail either up or downriver along the Mekong River for seven nights, tacking on pre- and post-cruise land extension options.

“We are pleased to offer our guests more opportunities to experience the unique authenticity of the Mekong and the villages that line the riverbanks,” Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways, said in a statement. 

2018-19 Southeast Asia itineraries are as follows:

Charms of the Mekong - Upstream

7-night cruise from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap

• 15-night cruise and land program: two nights in Ho Chi Minh City, 7-night cruise, two nights in Siem Reap, three nights in Hanoi and one night in Ha Long Bay
• 10-night cruise and land program: a 7-night cruise from Ho Chi Minh City and three nights in Siem Reap

Riches of the Mekong - Downstream

7-night cruise from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City

• 15-night cruise and land program: two nights in Hanoi, one night in Ha Long Bay, three nights in Siem Reap, 7-night cruise and two nights in Ho Chi Minh City
• 10-night cruise and land program: three nights in Siem Reap and a 7-night cruise to Ho Chi Minh City

AmaWaterways' first wine hosted cruise in Asia

On March 26, 2018, Sbragia Family Vineyards from the California Dry Creek Valley will lead AmaWaterways' first wine hosted cruise in Asia. Wine lectures and tastings onboard will be showcased, in addition to the included shore excursions.

Such tours head to a Buddhist monastery, the royal palace in Phnom Penh, Xeo Quyt and a rice paper and candy-making workshop in Cai Be. Beyond excursions, experiences on the “Charms of the Mekong” and “Riches of the Mekong” itineraries will encompass cultural encounters and tasty cuisine. Experts along for the ride will convey Asian religions, architecture and history.

The award-winning 124-guest AmaDara features a French colonial aesthetic along with Mekong artifacts and accents. Private accommodations include a French and outside balcony in each cabin while other onboard amenities extend to a spa, sun deck pool and fitness room.

Culinary features are the main dining room and The Chef’s Table restaurant with its fusion menu from award-winning executive chef, Primus Perchtold.

“By combining the cruise with pre and post land programs in Siem Reap, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, our guests have the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into the culture and history of this fascinating region,” Karst added.

Mekong 2018-19 itinerary savings can be had thanks to early booking rewards and past guest benefits. Select sailing reservations are eligible for triple rewards prior to July 31, 2017. 7-night cruises start at $1,549 per person.

Interested in an AmaWaterways cruise?

If you're interested in an AmaWaterways cruise, contact a Cruiseable travel expert by email or call 1-877-322-3773.

— Cruiseable news services