The New Sanctuary Retreats deluxe river cruiser, specifically designed for the Irrawaddy, or if you are up to date with current name changes, the Ayeyarwady river, began sailing in November 2014 and I was a lucky guest. Just 21 suites (14 deluxe suites 291-301 sq ft), 4 Luxury suites ( 334 -356 sq ftt)
and the Aloungpayah owners suite with 721 sq ft of space)
Every cabin has it's own balcony.
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| A shallow draft especially adaptable for the many sand bars along the river. |
An open deck policy meant you could check out what depth the river was, inquire what was cooking, have a cooking lesson, a longhi tying lesson, and even a Myanmar make up lesson on how to prepare and apply thanaka, the traditional Myanmar cosmetic.
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| Great corners |
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| for inviting chats. |
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| Luxury suite |
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| Luxury suite sitting area. |
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| Aloungpayah owners suite sitting room |
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| Aloungepayah owners suite bedroom |
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| Aloungepayah suite bathroom |
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| Aloungpayah suite bathtub. |
I was invited to partake in the soft sailing of Sanctuary's new ship the Ananda, on the Irrawaddy river, an offer I couldn't refuse, leaving me with earnings to return. It's not just that she is a beautiful explorer ship specifically built to handle the sand bars on these famous rivers but it's the people.
The people of Myanmar are so hospitable, so warm, so friendly, their English is not quite there yet but that's half the charm.
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Teak wood furniture on the private balconies with all suites.
Here the river boat is moored at it's temporary 'dock' due river flooding
that washed away the pier three weeks before I arrived. |
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| My large teak floored bathroom. |
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| More teak flooring in the bedroom with a raised bed suitable for suitcase storage below. |
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| And the wonderful panorama through windows and doors. |
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