Asian River Cruise Line Pandaw Announces Their Return
The pandemic was terrible for everyone, but cruise lines in particular felt the financial wrath of an industry-wide shutdown and some weren’t able to make it. Pandaw looked to be one of those cruise lines when they announced late October that they would be shutting their doors. At the time, th
Sea, Sky, and Mangroves
“That fish is walking!” gasps my wide-eyed son Freddie, pointing to a sludgy mud bank within Langkawi’s mangrove forest. He is right. Or rather, he is almost right. For this amphibious mudskipper is, in fact, shimmying with one fin fanned out like a sail on a boat; just one in a menagerie of s
Thailand Ends Travel Restrictions for Dozens of Countries
One of the world’s most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia is reopening for international tourism! Thailand has ended the mandatory quarantine requirements for vaccinated travelers from an approved list of more than 60 countries. The country is also opening up to locals as Thailand
Asian River Cruise Line Pandaw Shuts Down After 25 Years
Some sad news in the cruise world this morning. Pandaw, a river expedition cruise line sailing Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and India has announced they’re closing their doors after more than 25 years in business. In the press release, Pandaw cited “lack of financial liquidity a
Singapore Opens For Vaccinated Americans, Canadians
Americans with plans on visiting Singapore are in luck! The island city-state in Southeast Asia announced that fully vaccinated travelers from U.S. and Canadian would now be allowed to visit, but there are still protocols to follow upon arrival. Singapore made headlines in late 2020 when Royal Carib
Viking Sets Sail in Joint Venture with China Merchants
Viking has a new joint venture with China Merchants Shekou to offer 8-day China Coastal Cultural Cruises from Shenzhen Shekou Port and the first cruise left over the weekend. Viking first entered the Chinese cruise market around five years ago and since then, have established a reputa
Thailand Begins Tourism Revival with Phuket Sandbox Program
In 2019, nearly 40 million people traveled to the country of Thailand in Southeast Asia, a new record for tourism. 2020, on the other hand, was not so robust. The Tourism Authority of Thailand reported tourism revenue was down 74% in 2020 because of the country’s strict travel restrictions due
Royal Caribbean Extends Singapore Season to October
Since Royal Caribbean International began cruising from Singapore in December of 2020, more than 50,000 cruisers have sailed safely on board. As a result, Royal Caribbean International today announced Quantum of the Seas will continue sailing from Singapore through October 2
Cruising Returns to Singapore Today
‘Twas the night before cruising and all through the ship, the team at Royal Caribbean was stirring to make it a great trip! The masks were all hung by the gangway with care, with hope that happy passengers would soon be there. The crew were nestled all snug in their beds while visions of lido [&he
The Royal Promise
After receiving approval from the Singapore Government to restart cruising operations, Royal Caribbean International unveiled a new comprehensive prevention protocols designed to keep guests safe. They’re calling the new protocols “The Royal Promise” and it includes enhancements al
This Cruise to Nowhere Leaves November 6th
One of Asia’s most popular cruise lines is preparing to sail again on November 6th, but it will look a little different than the cruises we’re used to. Singapore has given Dream Cruises, owned by Genting Hong Kong, and Royal Caribbean the green light to begin sailing again, but with upda
Will Expedition Yachts Be the Future of Cruising?
One thing we’ve heard a lot of lately is that small ship cruise lines will have an easier time returning to full operation following the COVID-19 pandemic. Aqua Expeditions seems to be proving this theory correct as they’ve now returned to operation in select parts of the world. The cruise
Bali Resort Looks to Entice Guests with Extended Stays
The Indonesian island of Bali takes up a spot on most bucket lists and one resort on the island is offering extended stay options for people looking for an isolated vacation away from the crowds. Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana has a new “Extended Stay for Greater Value” package in which gues
48 Hours in Singapore
Singapore is famously known as clean, green, and safe, not to mention rule-obsessed. Located just above the equator, it’s a modern and super-efficient city-state of gleaming skyscrapers, bustling shopping malls, and lush parks. A multi-ethnic melting pot, Singapore embraces the old and the new, as
Pandaw’s Pursuit Of Laos
Experiential river cruising provides an opportunity to discover new lands, cultures, and people, deviating from the path well-traveled. Intrepid travelers recognize that going off the radar has its perks, and cruising the Mekong River, as it dissects intriguing Laos, is as rewarding as it gets. Fasc
World Spa by Windstar to Feature Regional Treatments
It’s fairly common for luxury cruise lines to incorporate bits of the places they sail into the cuisine on board, but Windstar Cruises is taking things further with their upgraded World Spa by Windstar. On board the cruise line’s small ships, World Spa will feature regional spa treatments and de
Silver Shadow: From Sea to Silversea
A luxury cruise can sail in one of two divergent styles. The first is a liberating escape, coddled with ultra-luxe amenities and service; the second, an exploration of diverse cultures in remote destinations. Silversea’s Silver Shadow accomplishes both with a fabulous itinerary into exotic Southea
Cruise Deal of the Week – November 8, 2019
Is there a better way to explore the world than on a handcrafted luxury river ship going to exotic destinations, with a glass of something refreshing in your hand whenever you want it? We sure didn’t think so. That’s the concept behind Pandaw’s latest offering on select short cruises to Vietna
The Heart of Vietnam
I first visited Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in 1995; Vietnam tourism was evolving and beginning to take root as an integral part of daily life in major cities. By my next visit in December 2012, tourism was booming. Brand-name hotels shared the skyline near the legendary Rex Hotel. Restaurants caterin
48 Hours: Shimmering South Korea
Dubbed the “Hawaii of Korea,” this volcanic island has been named a World Natural Heritage Site and one of the New7Wonders of Nature. The scenery is beyond gorgeous. Hallasan Mountain, the tallest peak in South Korea, rises nearly 6,400 feet in the center of the island, with its slopes tumbling
