Description
This scenic expedition combines two very remote destinations. The Mergui Archipelago with its 800 islands, one of those areas that remain almost totally unvisited by foreigners and the Irrawaddy Delta. The Delta covers an area of over 1000 square miles with Rangoon, its most famous port and capital of all Burma from 1886 to 2005. Originally a vast inhabited wetland and jungle, much of it was cleared and cultivated by the British who annexed Lower Burma in 1855. It subsequently became the rice basket of Asia, effectively feeding much of the Indian Raj.
This trip includes flights from Kawthaung to Rangoon.
Trip Name
Mergui Archipelago & Irrawaddy Delta
Days
16
Overview
Vessel Type: Small Ship
Passenger Capacity: 20
Lenght: 61 meters
Built/Refurbished: 1963/2017
The Andaman Explorer was built as the MV Atlantic Guard in 1963 in Norway as a Norwegian coast guard vessel. She is 61 meters long with her original Rolls Royce engines. The hull is built to 'ice class' with extra thick plates and she has the power to withstand north Atlantic storms or chases out to sea. Very handy when cruising in tropical waters!
She retired from coast guard duties in 1998 and was acquired by one Doctor Bogazzi, an Italian oligarch whose family owns the Carrara marble quarries. Dr Bogazzi lavished many a million on the ship, now renamed the MY Marina, completely refitting her with eleven very generous suites. Much of the ship is floored with Carrara marble, pleasantly cool under foot for those who go unshod.
In recent times she has belonged to a powerful shipping family based in Dubai who maintained the ship to a very high standard. She has now arrived in Thailand and under going redecoration in the Pandaw Style so the photos of the interiors we show here are as she is now and not as she will be when we have finished with her. The Andaman Explorer really is a sixties classic. The sort of plaything associated with Onassis, Jackie Kennedy and more glamorous times. There could be no vessel more appropriate for the exploration of South-East Asia's unknown coasts.
Please note: There is no credit card machine available on the Andaman Explorer due to connectivity issues. Please bring USD cash to settle your on board bill at the end of the cruise.
ACCOMMODATION
• 10 generously proportioned suites (9 x Double and 1 x Twin) with separate sitting room area • Private bathrooms • Carrara marble floors • Saloon • Dining room • Two teak observation decks • Kimonos and slippers • Spa-branded amenities • Unlimited mineral water • Electric mini safe • Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows • Premium mattresses • Convertible bed configuration • Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift • Mirror • Multi-configuration plugs • Generous closet space and under-bed storage • Hair dryer • Daily nightly turndown service • 24hr laundry service • Yoga mats in all cabins
WINING & DINING
• Local master chef heading an experienced international culinary team • Personalized meal services • Daily lean & light menu options • Complimentary coffee, water, tea, soft drinks, local beer, local spirits, juices • Extensive wine list with premium wines • Welcome drink on arrival • Welcome cocktail • Farewell reception • Theme dinners • Open air lounge and bar • Indoor dining room with outside seating and air-conditioning inside • 24hrs hospitality bar
ON EXCURSIONS
• Two RIB (rigid hull inflatable boat) tenders • Admissions • Shoe cleaning after excursions • Bottled drinking water • We give away aluminium water bottles • Cold towel service after excursions • Refreshing drink following excursions • Private guide and transportation for all excursions
SAFETY & SECURITY
• All on-board crew is trained and certified as per international marine standards • Fire alarm system in all cabins, public areas and back areas • Firefighting system in all ship areas • Expert marine superintendent • 24 hrs watch on duty • 61 metres long • Original Rolls Royce engines • Ice class hull
