Pandaw builds smaller vessels to sail less explored routes
NewsThe next big thing in cruising is not what on board features a cruise line can offer, but where a cruise can take you.
This year alone, Viking Cruises is preparing to launch 14 new vessels and in the ocean sector there are at least three new major ships including Quantum of the Seas, Regal Princess and Costa Diadema.
Cruisers are spoilt for choice when it comes to ships, but are their itinerary choices equally as broad?
Jumping in ahead of the other cruise lines, Pandaw Cruises has announced it is building smaller ships to take cruisers where no other ships can go.
The shallowest draft passenger vessel in Burma was launched late last year. Kalay Pandaw draws no more than 75 centimeters or 2.5 feet.
Next week, the line plans to put its second shallow vessel, RV Kindat Pandaw, to work in Rangoon.
According to the cruise line, as the Burmese river silts up north of Mandalay, it becomes more difficult for larger ship to sail.
However, ships like Kalay Pandaw and Kindat Pandaw will be able to cruise through easily with their shallow base.
The Kalay will be used to sail the upper Chindwin weekly to take guests between Monywa and Homalin. Meanwhile, the Kindat will sail weekly between Mandalay and Bhamo to take guests to the most northerly navigable point on the Irrawaddy and to a small local town, Katha, which was once home to George Orwell.
