ANAWRAHTA CRUISES

With the largest cabin space on the Ayeyarwady river, and the highest crew to passenger ratio, Anawrahta offers the finest on-board experience in Myanmar. This impressive vessel is named after the founder of the Burmese nation, the modern day Myanmar. During his reign, from 1044-1077, he introduced and spread the religion of Theravada Buddhism throughout the land.

Blending the purity and serenity of King Anawrahta’s Buddhist beliefs with the opulence of the British Empire, Anawrahta is the perfect vessel on which to explore Myanmar’s mighty Ayeyarwady River. Built to resemble a British colonial paddle steamer, the elegant 65-meter/ 214 feet long Anawrahta features three spacious decks and 23 luxurious cabins. With its gleaming white rails, polished lacquer, intricately carved woodwork and shining brass, Anawrahta takes guests back in time to an era of bygone elegance.

While the Anawrahta is the perfect stage, the star of the show is the river. Rising early, you make your way to the Sundeck, just as the first rays of gold touch the surface of the Ayeyarwady. A fisherman casts his net, throwing shimmering droplets into the morning light. After enjoying this unforgettable view – and a strong coffee – you are ready to join an open air yoga or Tai Chi class.

You pass all manner of other craft, from simple fishing canoes to boats crowded with fresh produce, household goods, giggling school children.

Villagers come out to wave. Water buffaloes watch you warily. You keep a lookout for the river’s most famous residents, the Ayeyarwady dolphins.

When it’s time for lunch you join your fellow guests in the Hintha Hall dining room, where waiters – who now greet you like an old friend – serve tantalizing dishes from throughout Burma. As you learn about the complex cuisine, you understand more about this nation’s cultural diversity.

Sunset finds you and your friends in the Kipling’s Bar enjoying freshly made cocktails – and freshly inspiring views. As the river turns from blue to violet, you understand Rudyard Kipling’s long-ago nostalgia: “If you’ve ‘eard the East a-callin’, you won’t never ‘need naught-else.”

Deluxe Suites: Anawrahta’s ten beautifully appointed Deluxe and six Deluxe Executive staterooms, all with private balcony, are decorated with original handicrafts, locally-carved wood panels and richly-textured fabrics inspired by the brocade of Burma’s ethnic minority groups. Large windows and serene colors inspire total relaxation. The Deluxe Executive sit on the upper deck while the Deluxe are located on the main deck.