Bagan to Mandalay River Cruise: The Strand Cruise (Price & Booking 2021)

Bagan to Mandalay River Cruise ( 5 days / 4 nights)

DAY ONE

We begin our journey through this golden land with a freshly made welcome breakfast in the tranquille shaded gardens of the oldest lacquer ware house in Bagan. Lacquerware is a traditional art that began when the Pagodas of Bagan were first being built in the 11th century and is still practiced today.

10:00

We will then move onto the nearby Shwezigon Pagoda, famous for its gold leaf decor, and the Ananda temple, which is one of the four great temples of Bagan and one of the most exquisite temples in Myanmar.

12:00

The crew will be waiting to greet and welcome you on board.

12:15

The safety and security of our passenger is our top priority, safety briefing will conduct on Sundeck prior to departure.

12:30 to 14:30 Mediterranean lunch.

14:30

We will continue our exploration of the Bagan Heritage Trail. Return to the ship and as the sun sets, admire Bagan’s magnificent sights over the Ayarwaddy River from the ship’s Sundeck.

18:00

Enjoy the sunset with our special Strand signature cocktail

18:30

Passengers are cordially invited to a “Myanmar Traditional Cultural Show” on the sundeck.

19:30 to 21:30 Myanmar dinner.

DAY TWO

07:00 – 10:00

Breakfast at the Strand Restaurant.

We begin cruising upstream toward Mandalay. The passing landscapes and typical Ayeyarwaddy villages have inspired many authors and artists throughout history, including Rudyard Kipling.

12:30 to 14:00

Cruising lunch at the Strand Restaurant.

We will spend the afternoon drifting on the gentle waters of the Ayeyarwaddy. Feel free to relax, meditate, just lie by the pool or enjoy our SPA treatments.

16:00

Traditional Strand Afternoon Tea at the Strand Restaurant.

16:30

Lecture by renowned speaker, subject will be chosen as availability.

18:00

Cruise Manager invites you to a cocktail on the Sundeck

19:30 to 21:00 Tapas dinner.

21:00

Traditional cultural performance, Puppet Show.

DAY THREE

Enjoy the morning as the ship will cruise until mid afternoon when we arrive in Ava. Throughout the morning, relax by the pool with a book or participate in the many activities and workshops prepared by the crew as we pass through the wonderful countryside.

7:00-10:00

Breakfast in the Strand Restaurant

11:15

Cooking demonstration at the Sarkies Bar.

11:30

Myanmar traditional “Thanaka and Longyi demonstration” by RV.Strand crew on the Sundeck. (Thanaka has been used by Myanmar people for over 2000 year. It has fragrant scent somewhat similar to Sandalwood. Thanaka also gives a cooling sensation and provides protection from the sunburn).

12:30 to 14:00

Thai lunch at the Sundeck / Bar.

14:30

Ava, the ancient imperial capital of successive Burmese kingdoms from the 14th to 19th centuries. Horse carts wait to transport you for a delightful ride through the naturally preserved Ava landscape and key landmarks.

18:00

Cocktail at the Sarkies Bar

19:00 to 21:30

BBQ Dinner at Sandbank

DAY FOUR

7:00-10:00

Breakfast in the Strand Restaurant.

ETA 08:30

Visit to U-Bein Bridge, a crossing that spans the Taungthaman Lake near Amarapura. The bridge is believed to be the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world.

We continue the Mandalay Heritage trail by visiting the Mahamuni Buddha temple before rejoining the Strand Cruise.

12:30 to 14:30

International Buffet lunch at the Sarkies Bar.

15:00

Depart for Mingun, one of the country’s former capitals, at the foot of the unfinished pagoda, one of the largest pagodas ever constructed in the history of Myanmar. Visit the pagoda by a popular local means of transportation, the Tuk Tuk. The pagoda is home to the magnificent Mingun Bell, claimed to be the largest uncracked hanging bell in the world. We will also visit Paya Hsinbyume, an impressive pagoda that rises in seven curved whitewashed terraces representing the seven mountain ranges around Mt Meru, the mountain at the center of the Buddhist universe.

18:00

Sunset Cocktail.

19:00

Crew Presentation at the Sarkies Bar

19:30 to 21:00

Signature Dinner at the Strand Restaurant

DAY FIVE

07:00 to 09:00

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast prior to disembarkation.

09:30

Transfer arrangements are in place as you commerce your onward journey, and the crew of The R.V Strand bid you farewell.

Cabin Prices

Months: September, October, March, April

Months: November, December, January, February

Departure Dates The Strand Cruise 2020 / 2021

Rates quoted in this agreement are valid from 1^st November 2019 to 30^th April 2021.

*Rates are based per person / on double/twin cabin occupancy, single cabin suppl. apply.

Cruise Rates Include

• Accommodation on a per person basis
• Three meals during full sailing days, breakfast on day of disembarkation
• All sightseeing as stated in set itineraries
• Soft drinks & local beer. House wine during meals
• Transfer from Point of embarking/disembarking to airport or hotel in either Bagan or Mandalay
• Port charges
• English speaking guide. Alternative language guides can be provided on request and subject to availability (additional cost may apply)
• Wifi available in all cabins and public areas with satellite internet connection. Due to the current environment and its infrastructure, the internet connection might be unstable.
• Complimentary International daily newspapers.

Child Policy

• We welcome children of four years and over sharing a Strand Cabin category or above with accompanying adult(s)*
• The active land excursions and intimate atmosphere of The Strand Cruise make the experience not suitable for younger children
• Children over 12 years will need to have their own cabin and will be charged the applicable adult rates
• Children must be supervised at all time.

* Our rates do not Include:

• Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls and purchases from the gift shop
• Imported wines or spirit
•  Extra optional excursions
•  International flights
•  Medical services, travel insurance of all kinds or visas fees

The Strand Cruise

The Strand Cruise was custom built in 2015 in a shipyard in Yangon with a shallow 1.4m draft, designed to successfully navigate the shallow rivers of Myanmar. The 61m ship carries up to 50 passengers in 25 cabins along the mystical waterways of the Ayeyarwady River. Named and styled after its sister property, the luxury heritage hotel, The Strand Yangon, The Strand Cruise offers all the features passengers would expect from a Strand product, from flawless service and gourmet a la carte cuisine, to signature elements celebrating the golden age of the Strand as a meeting place for explorers and raconteurs.

The Strand Yangon was one of the first luxury colonial outposts to open in South East Asia, founded in 1901 by famous hoteliers, the Sarkies brothers, and remains one of the most architecturally beautiful landmarks in the region. In 2016, The Strand Yangon entered a new era as it reopened after a six-month restoration project that saw the iconic hotel ushered elegantly into the 21st century.

The renovation project preserved the heritage at the heart of the hotel and honoured the Strand’s part in Myanmar’s history whilst creating a more relaxed, refined and glamorous setting for 21st century travellers. No retreat on the Ayeyarwady River would be complete without an exquisite yet comfortable cabin where you can relax to the gentle sounds of the lapping waters of the river.

Designed for your total enjoyment and well-being, each of our 25 cabins have been furnished with style, with handsome pieces of regional art and indigenous teak wood flooring. If you wish to retire from the rest of the world in your cabin, yet still enjoy the magnificent river views and little personal luxuries, fear not. Every cabin offers floor-to-ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, international TV channels and 24h reception service for your convenience.

Our comfortable Deluxe cabins provide a king bed – convertible to two single beds – and a floor-to-ceiling window from which to gaze at the river and passing landscape during your journey. Read a book comfortably nestled in the armchair, or write correspondence to your loved ones at the desk. Ample storage will make you feel at home while the bathroom provides a separate toilet and rain shower.

Our Strand cabins feature a king bed – convertible to two single beds – and a floor-to-ceiling window to gaze at the river and landscapes during the journey.

Our spacious State Suites include a king bed – convertible to two single beds – and a floor-to-ceiling window to gaze at the river and landscapes during the journey. Relax in total intimacy at the sitting area complete with sofa and compose tales of your voyage. Ample storage will make you feel home.

Airy and plush, our two Strand Suites feature a king bed – convertible to two single beds – and floor-to-ceiling windows with a separate private balcony from which to sit gaze at the river and landscapes during the journey. Relax in total intimacy at the sitting area complete with sofa, armchair and low table or sit at the desk and compose a memoir of your journey.

Deck Plans

The Strand Cruise has all the features passengers would expect from a luxury river cruise experience, from flawless service standards to insightful guides and exceptional levels of comfort throughout the ship. Passengers can choose to spend their time on board on the Upper Deck, relaxing by the pool or on the shaded sofas of the Sun Deck, or relaxing in one of our 25 beautifully appointed cabins, spread across two lower decks.

Terms and Conditions

1. 1. Travel Terms & Conditions

   The purchase of any travel services offered by MyanMarvels Travel and Tours, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Traveler) and MyanMarvels Travel and Tours, based in Yangon, Myanmar, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking.

   Important Notes

   • Cruises departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change
   • A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for MyanMarvels Travel and Tours to secure the cabin for you.

   The following charges are not included in the river cruise holiday  price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; domestic flights, unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; port fee, unless specified in the itinerary; guide tips, alcoholic drinks unless specified in the cruise itinerary, Myanmar Visa, Vaccinations, Travel Insurance, Laundry, Telephone.

    

   2. PRICE GUARANTEE Once you have paid in full for your trip, you are safe from any additional charges.

    

   Cruise Price

   The ‘Myanmar Cruises Price’ is the total amount listed on your itinerary. All Tour Prices are quoted in U.S. Dollars. MyanMarvels Travel and Tours reserves the right to vary Cruise Prices at any time to account for any increase in costs, including but not limited to airfares, fuel, government taxes and charges, exchange rate fluctuations or other tour related costs or tariffs. If payment if received received the full amount of the River Cruise from the customer , there will be no increases to your Cruise price, regardless of any increases in the tour costs inside or outside of our control.

   Incoming Taxes. Sales taxes assessed by Myanmar & Local authorities  as identified on your itinerary are included in the Cruise Price.

    

   3. Booking/Payment.

   Booking / Deposit. You must pay the deposit listed on the itinerary (the “Deposit”) within 5 days of booking your travel. Your Booking will be automatically canceled if your Deposit is not received by MyanMarvels Travel and Tours on or before the due date. A 20% deposit of your total booking value with The Strand is required upon confirmation and is non-refundable.

    

   Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable, except as otherwise expressly stated herein.

   Final Payment. The balance of the Tour Price must be paid no later than 90 days prior to the tour departure date. Failure to pay the balance within 90 days of the tour departure date will result in cancellation of your trip and loss of the Deposit.

   Please note that the remitting party must cover their own bank charges.

   Bookings Within 90 Days. If you place a river cruise booking with MyaMarvels Travel and Tours within 90 days or less of your chosen departure date, full payment of the Tour Price is required before we can request and confirm your booking. If the tour is not able to be fully confirmed, then we will refund all funds paid to us, and MyanMarvels Travel and Tours will have no further obligations or liability to you in respect of your booking.

   INFORMATION REQUIRED

   • Full name as in your passport
   • Date of birth
   • Full passport details
   • Email address & Phone Number
   • Disabilities
   • Medical conditions
   • Dietary restrictions you make known to river cruise company
   • Emergency contact (non-participant)

   If any additional information is required, it will be requested from you with your reservation.

   4. CANCELLATIONS Terms for The Strand River Cruise Ships:

   No OF DAYS’ NOTICE PRIOR TO CRUISE COMMENCEMENT – CANCELLATION CHARGE (per person)

   • 90 days and greater Loss of the  Deposit
   • 89-60 days 35% of Cruise Price
   • 59-30 days 50% of Cruise Price
   • Less than 30 days 100% of Cruise Price

    

   5. Cruise Variation, Cancellation or Delay.

   Itinerary Variations. While MyanMarvels  Travel and Tours & its local cruise partners will make reasonable efforts to operate the tour in accordance with your itinerary, changes or substitutions may be necessary for reasons outside Cruise company control or other Force Majeure Events.

   On tours that include cruises, the ship may be changed due to operational reasons. For departures in early and late season operated in cool weather conditions, itinerary variations may occur and certain activities may not be available due to seasonality or weather conditions. Availability of certain activities may also be limited due to itinerary variations.

   Minimum Required Bookings. Your booking is conditional on The Strand River Cruise Myanmar receiving a minimum number of bookings to operate the tour and ensure an enjoyable group atmosphere.

   For cruise departures where occupancy is less than 5 cabins the company reserve the right to cancel the departure giving all passengers with confirmed bookings 30 days prior notice of this intention. An alternative departure date will be offered subject to availability. If this alternative date is not acceptable to the passenger any down payments made for the cancelled cruise will be refunded. In the event that a passenger has cancelled and paid cancellation fees and the Company subsequently cancel that departure then any cancellation fees (and down payment) will be refunded in full on the request of the passenger. The company reserves the right to change a cabin allocated without notice and in the event that a passenger is downgraded to a cheaper cabin then the difference in cost between the cabins will be refunded to the passenger or the passenger’s agents.

   MyanMarvels Travel and Tours  will endeavor to notify you of any changes to your tour itinerary in the following  manner: (a) if prior to  your tour departure, we will notify you by telephone, email or mail; and (b) if during your tour, personally by your Cruise Director.

   6. Force Majeure. For the purposes of these terms and conditions, a ‘Force Majeure Event’ means any act of God; war; terrorism; fire; flood or any other extreme weather condition; loss of power; epidemics or pandemics; industrial disputes, slow-downs or other strike activities; riots or civil disturbances; acts of government, semi-government or other authorities; inability to obtain any necessary license or consent; delays caused by subcontractors, suppliers or other third parties (including telecommunications carriers); material shortages; or other any other disruption, delay, damage or loss resulting from any action, omission or event outside the reasonable control of The Strand River Cruise.

   You hereby acknowledge and agree that The Strand River Cruise is not liable for any delay or any failure by The Strand River Cruise to perform its obligations under these Terms and Conditions resulting from or as a consequence of a Force Majeure Event. lf a delay or failure occurs or is anticipated due to Force Majeure Event, The Strand River Cruise obligations are suspended for the duration of the Force Majeure Event. If the Force Majeure Event delays performance for a period of 7 days or more, calculated from the date MyanMarvels notifies you of the Force Majeure Event, then MyanMarvels may terminate this agreement and, in such event, you will be issued a future travel credit equal to the amount You paid to MyanMarvels hereunder, less any non-refundable third-party costs. Please note that you are limited to the future travel credit and will not be entitled to a cash refund.

   In these circumstances, The Strand will offer all affected bookings an alternative departure date and itinerary. If no suitable alternative can be offered, a credit for future cruise will be provided for the guests to make a new booking at a later date. In the event of a cruise being cancelled as a result of the above force majeure situations following the commencement of that cruise period then The Strand is under no obligation to provide any such offer.