AmaWaterways to Debut New River Cruises in Myanmar (Burma)

River Cruise Line Offers 10- and 14-Night Myanmar Itineraries Starting in 2014; 2015 Cruises in Europe and Asia Now Open for Booking

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AmaWaterways

Nov 21, 2013, 03:16 ET

CALABASAS, Calif., Nov. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning AmaWaterways will launch a new ship and new river cruise program on Myanmar's Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River in November 2014. Complete details for two itineraries – the 10-night Golden Treasures of Myanmar and 14-night Hidden Wonders of Myanmar – are outlined in the company's just-published "River Cruises through Myanmar (Burma) 2014–2016" brochure. Information can also be found on the AmaWaterways' website www.amawaterways.com.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131121/LA22052)

AmaWaterways' passengers will visit Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, the world's oldest pagoda and the most sacred Buddhist site in Myanmar. (PRNewsFoto/AmaWaterways) (PRNewsFoto/AMAWATERWAYS)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120607/LA21079LOGO)

AmaWaterways is now accepting bookings for its Myanmar cruises (November 2014 through April 2016), as well as its 2015 cruises in Vietnam & Cambodia and in Europe (including departures on the newest additions to the European fleet, AmaSonata and AmaReina). This is welcome news to travel agents eager to book clients planning AmaWaterways vacations in 2014 and/or 2015, especially as demand for the company's cruises continues to grow.

"We have so many exciting developments in the works, especially our new program and new ship in Myanmar," said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways Executive Vice President and Co-Owner. "My own experiences in Myanmar have been absolutely amazing. Our new cruises there will immerse our guests in a place that has long been shut off from the rest of the world, and that's an opportunity no world traveler will want to pass up."

One of the world's most secretive, mysterious and fascinating places, Myanmar has a unique centuries-old culture and spectacular architectural wonders, including sacred structures gilded with gold leaf and encrusted with precious gems. AmaWaterways' river cruises are carefully crafted to hit all the country's highlights:

Bagan – A cultural treasure trove of more than 2,200 temples, stupas and pagodas, on par with Cambodia's massive Angkor Wat temple complex.
Mandalay – The country's last royal capital and second largest city, the "Golden City" of Mandalay is regarded as Myanmar's cultural heart, renowned for its master craftsmen and its patronage of the arts.
Mount Popa – The stunning shrine perched at the top of Mt. Popa is considered the legendary home of spirit gods worshipped by Burmese Buddhists.
Ancient Royal Cities – Inwa (Ava) was the capital of the Burma for more than 400 years, Amarapura has the world's longest teak bridge, Sagaing is famous for its tranquil atmosphere, and Mingun has many historic sites to explore.
Yangon (Rangoon) – The "Garden City of the East," retains much of its colonial charm with cobblestoned streets, tree-lined avenues and Victorian architecture.

Guests will cruise the Ayeyarwady aboard the newly built all-suite AmaPura (2014), a 56-passenger vessel furnished with a combination of modern and traditional motifs. All 28 spacious suites feature a balcony (a French Balcony, a step-out Full Balcony or Twin Balconies), a well-appointed en suite bathroom and many other deluxe amenities. The ship's elegant public areas include a restaurant, main lounge and bar, gift shop, spa, refreshing pool and a Sun Deck perfect for lounging, enjoying a cool drink, or simply gazing out at the passing scenery.

An optional 4-night post-cruise land extension is available on both itineraries, featuring three nights in Inle Lake and one night in Yangon. A 3-day/2-night pre –or post-cruise extension in Bangkok is also available.

For additional information or to request a "River Cruises through Myanmar (Burma) 2014-2016" brochure, please visit www.amawaterways.com. To book a cruise, please contact a professional travel agent or call AmaWaterways at 800-626-0126. Join AmaWaterways' growing online community on Facebook and Twitter.

About AmaWaterways
Founded in 2002 by river cruise pioneers Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy, AmaWaterways is the premier river cruise line on Europe's Danube, Douro, Main, Mosel, Rhine, Rhone and Seine rivers. Known for its custom-designed ships, complimentary amenities and friendly service, family-owned and -operated AmaWaterways consistently leads the way in river cruising. With itineraries in Europe, Russia, Asia and Africa, AmaWaterways offers an enticing variety of authentic, in-depth experiences for the most discriminating travelers.

AmaWaterways' current European fleet includes AmaReina (2014), AmaSonata (2014), AmaPrima (2013), AmaCerto (2012), AmaVerde (2011), AmaBella (2010), AmaLyra (2009), AmaDolce (2009), AmaCello (2008), AmaDante (2008), AmaLegro (2007) and the AmaDagio (2006). The line's newest ships feature Twin Balcony Staterooms, multiple dining venues, complimentary in-room Internet and Infotainment, a heated swimming pool or whirlpool, plus many more unique design elements. The company's AmaVoyages division has a fleet of five ships that includes AmaPura (2014) on the Ayeyarwady in Myanmar; AmaVida (2013) on the Douro River in Portugal; AmaLotus (2011) and La Marguerite (2009) on the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia; AmaKatarina (rebuilt 2011) on the Volga in Russia; and the Zambezi Queen (2009) on the Chobe in Botswana.