Wendy Wu Tours saw the launch of its new deluxe river cruise ship, Victoria Mekong, on December 11 and it set sail on its maiden voyage on December 12 from Can Tho, Vietnam to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Wendy Wu, founder and chairwoman, was accompanied on the maiden voyage by a number of VIP guests including Gareth Ward, Her Majesty's Ambassador to Vietnam.
The 35-cabin Victoria Mekong boasts contemporary design, fused with an Asian twist. The ship is a key feature on the operator's four new group tours and two new private tours through Vietnam and Cambodia, all with a maximum of 18 people per group.
John Warr, global sales director for the operator, said: ?The Victoria Mekong is an incredibly exciting addition to our portfolio. The ship has all the deluxe facilities of a 5-star standard ship, with all cabins enjoying private balconies and air conditioning, all at the price of a 4-star cruise, offering the utmost in comfort for customers.
?We are very proud of the environmental credentials of the new ship, which set new standards in river cruising, as Victoria Mekong is now one of the greenest ships on the Mekong. The ship is equipped with a freshwater generator, processing river water into both fresh and drinkable water. Solar energy is used to help power the ship's operating systems whilst its innovative and high-spec power plant enables a top speed of 11 knots. In addition every effort has been made to eliminate plastic from the ship including complimentary reusable bottles throughout.?
The ship's features include its signature infinity pool and pool bar, contemporary Asia-themed bar and lounge plus signature restaurant with a locally-inspired menu that showcases native cuisine from the region. The ship boasts 33 spacious deluxe cabins plus two luxurious VIP suites, all with private bathrooms and private balconies.
Wendy Wu Tours offers six unique itineraries which, for the first time, will sail from the much quieter port at Can Tho Pier to Phnom Penh and return whereas most cruises sail from M? Tho, a much busier and crowded port. This route also allows Victoria Mekong to explore the off-beat areas and to experience more offshore excursions along the Mekong Delta.
The new tours include the 14-day 'A Mekong Experience', from ?2,990 per person, which includes a sunset cruise on the moat of Angkor Thom plus a cyclo tour of Phnom Penh; the 17-day 'Classic Mekong' from ?3,390 per person which includes Tai Chi lessons on Halong Bay as well as an opportunity to learn ancient farming techniques in Hoi An. Two longer group tours have been added including the 22-day 'Mekong Explorer' from ?3,890 per person and 23-day 'Inspiring Indochina' from ?4,490 per person, both of which include a cyclo tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter and a night at Cambodia's famous Phare Circus. Two new private tours have been added to the portfolio, the 12-day 'Mekong Impressions' from ?3,190 per person and 19-day 'Mekong Discovery' from ?4,190 per person.
For more information, go to www.wendywutours.co.uk
