Operated by the Strand Hotel, this is arguably the best option for any self-confessed foodies out there. Although it’s currently the most expensive cruise option and the entry level rooms are a little bit on the small side, the contemporary style and focus on fine dining puts this experience into a category of its own. The Strand even have their own resident Entertainment and F&B managers who provide 24/7 support to the Myanmar staff to ensure service levels don’t slip. Weather permitting, the BBQ on the side of a sandbank would surely make for a memorable highlight. Most of the dining options are a la carte (not buffet!) and the ship has what we feel is the grandest bar area on the river. The Head Bar Manager at the time of writing, Mr Win, previously worked for the popular Governor’s Residence, and his cocktail and silver service training received in Dubai after that really shows. In the evenings, the Entertainment Manager also keeps passengers amused with witty humour and mind boggling card tricks.

 

A short description, as per The Strand Cruise’s website: “The Strand Cruise is the latest Luxury Cruise to sail the magnificent Ayeyarwady River of Asia’s hidden treasure that is Myanmar. Embark for an authentic journey of discoveries from visiting temples, pagodas, palaces and monasteries to remote villages aboard this ship, which mirrors the heritage and reputation of its sister property.”

 

Currently the Strand only offer a 3-night and a 4-night cruise from Bagan to Mandalay and vice versa. The ship departs on Monday from Bagan to Mandalay (4-nights) and Friday for Mandalay to Bagan (3-nights). They only operate from September to April. For more information about logistics, please click here and select ‘Programme Details’.

 

To give you a better idea of what the experience involves, feel free to read through our detailed firsthand account by clicking here.