River cruise newcomer launches in ANZ

River cruise newcomer launches in ANZ
By admin


Asia will welcome a river cruise newcomer to its waterways from September 2014 with the launch of Haimark and its inaugural program featuring three new vessels each dedicated to a different river.

US-based Haimark was established in 2012 by former Pandaw America executives Tom Markwell and Marcus Leskovar in partnership with local ground operator Giang Hai. It has just launched in Australia and New Zealand with the aim of capitalising on the growing popularity of river cruise locally and proximity to its destinations.

The 34-suite Mekong Navigator will operate itineraries in Vietnam and Cambodia while the 28-suite Irrawaddy Explorer to be based in Burma. Both will launch in September 2014, with the 28-suite Ganges Voyager to follow in January 2015.

“The launch of these new vessels across Asia will set a new benchmark in luxury for Asian river cruising,” Haimark's Melbourne-based director of sales, Damien Van Eyk, said.

 “With the popularity of European river cruising, we recognised there is a large and growing segment of guests seeking the equivalent standards on their journeys across Asia.”

He stressed the vessels will also reflect the history, culture and cuisine of each destination.

A seven-night cruise aboard the Mekong Navigator starts from US$1,999.

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