New Mekong river cruise ship launched

26 Sep 2017 2080 | Cambodia Travel News

Croisi Europe launched its newest river cruise ship, the RV Indochine II, on Saturday in a bid to attract more high-end tourists from western countries to the kingdom.

Naidah Yazdani, Asia director of Croisi Europe, said that the river cruise business has been growing steadily in Cambodia for the past 10 years and is a source of income for many Cambodian people while contributing to the country’s economy.

The cruise line’s new vessel will travel between Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City with an itinerary that presents guests with a bevy of attractions along the Mekong River.

“Indochine II will depart from Siem Reap, passing Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh and then on to Siem Reap. The cruise takes about nine days and eight nights,” said Mr Yazdani.

Mr Yazdani said Croisi Europe was the first river cruise ship company that started operations in Cambodia and Vietnam.

Founded in 1976, the company is the largest river cruise line based in Europe and is now marketing itself to an English-speaking audience.

“We are the registered company, so it is a very good thing for Cambodia as we bring business to the country,” Mr Yazdani said. “I think we can certainly see that this industry has a positive impact on the economy especially the tourism sector.”

Mr Yazdani said Croisi Europe’s target customers were foreigners and high-end tourists.

“The starting price for the river cruise on the Indochine II is $2,750 per person. Most of our customers are from France, Australia, and the United States and also from other English-speaking countries. Most of them want to see exciting places along the Mekong River,” he added.

Mr Yazdani said the Indochine II successfully combines colonial and modern styles.

“It has been entirely renovated using the finest materials and start-of-the-art technology.

“This river cruise ship with 30 spacious cabins measures 66 by 14 metres and boasts of detailed wood finishing. Onboard passengers can enjoy movies, fine dining, conferences, and numerous cultural activities in Indochine’s air conditioned bar and lounge.”