The River Vessel RV Irrawaddy Voyager I is one of two identical vessels designed by international naval architects and launched in Yangon - 2014. Designed and built specifically to meet the challenges of long distance cruising, these modern sleek vessels have set new standards in onboard operations, authentic innovative shore excursions and pioneering new routes along Myanmar’s waterways. Both RV Irrawaddy Voyager I and her sister ship RV Irrawaddy Voyager II, were commissioned to journey the navigable waters of not only the Irrawaddy River, but other uncharted waterways, such as the Chindwin River.
The ships hulls are of marine steel and therefore tough, safe and ‘invincible’. Shallow drafts, by design, enable each vessel to traverse tributaries, estuaries, deltas and other remote locations, particularly during the monsoon season’s fluctuating water levels.
The decks and superstructure of each vessel is a combination of Myanmar teak, aluminum features and full length ‘deck to deck-head’ (floor to ceiling) imported glass.
Some more delicate features include handcrafted paintings from commissioned Myanmar artists based in Yangon. These were inspired by nature and a landscape of cultural diversity and feature water festivals and historic events dating back to the 19th and 20th Centuries.
Welcome Aboard the Irrawaddy Voyager I (IVI)
As a tribute to the British colonial days of old, the RV Irrawaddy Voyager I hull is classic Royal Navy Blue, making her distinctive & unique amongst the flotilla of vessels along the river.
Throughout four decks are a variety of services and facilities, created for both guest and crew comfort. Below the waterline sits two of the latest design 470 HP Cummins marine engines, capable of plying the waterways at 10 knots (18kmh) average, or 12knots (23kmh) downstream…!
On the main deck aft, guests enjoy the spacious sixty seat restaurant aptly named Bama Dining. Here a young culinary-ambitious Chefing brigade prepares bountiful buffet breakfasts, luscious luncheons and delectable dinners.
Amidships and we find the highly attentive Ship’s Purser, at your service from within the Pursers Bureau. Actually there are two Pursers onboard; allowing us to meet guest needs 24 hours daily.
Accommodation onboard is stylishly understated with a classic nautical design theme, combining light and dark timbers to contrast against white walls & deck-heads (ceilings) and crisp white linen.
To complement the artworks, we run a pale Green paint-finish throughout the accommodations, to reflect a Mother-earth contrast against the rivers earthy rustic tones and the tropical, more luscious landscapes.
Ideal for celebrating those very special occasions, such as honeymoons & anniversaries, the Royal Suites and Grand Suites are created for the romantics onboard, who enjoy the pleasures of a private Jacuzzi indoors and a private outdoor balcony, with unrivalled 270 degree views. Two deluxe Royal Suites are located on the upper deck bow area, and two exclusive Grand Suites occupy the upper deck, stern area. As we generally cruise in a north to south heading downstream, and south to north upstream, guests occupying these suites enjoy the hue of both sunrise & sunsets.
The forward section of the upper deck is home to fourteen spaciously seductive Pyu Suites. Named after the World Heritage listed Pyu Ancient Cities, your Pyu Suites are appointed with Myanmar teak timber decks, speckled granite tops, mahogany dark timber furniture, plush bed linen and King size beds.
For a slightly different perspective, on the main deck waterline, we present ten Prome Suites. A feature of the main deck Prome Suites is their closeness to the water and sightlines of the daily activities along the riverbank. This river level perspective is ‘up close and personal’ and a photographers delight. Prome Suites boast 180 degree panoramic views through the French styled balconies….full length ‘deck to deck-head’ (floor to ceiling) windows ensures the very best views. Prome Suites are appointed with Myanmar teak timber decks, speckled granite tops, mahogany dark timber furniture, plush bed linen and King size beds.
Welcome Aboard the Irrawaddy Voyager II (IV2)
The RV Irrawaddy Voyager II is 57 meters in length, with a beam (width) of 12 meters, accommodating a range of twenty-eight beautifully styled suites. With a total of only fifty-six guests onboard, a vessel of this size offers all the space, comforts and options to enjoy onboard facilities, without feeling confined in anyway. Guests are invited to do as much or as little as they like to do.
Besides rest & relaxation within your suite, onboard services are all about guests being pampered and cared for. Two qualified & experienced massage therapists get to grips with your muscular aches and pains, using a broad range of soothing spa & traditional oriental massage treatments.
In-room telephones are linked direct to the Ship’s Purser to provide those personalized onboard or onshore services. Each suite has wall mounted LCD televisions which broadcast live local & international news - when in signal range.
The ‘heads’ (bathrooms) are handsomely spacious, with a hand-shower & high-water pressure rain shower. Amenities are as you would expect in today’s 5-star environment, including a natural range of soaps and lotions imported with Lemongrass House www.lemongrasshousethailand.com.
Four luxurious suite options await you, each with their own distinctive style and features. Colour schemes are intentionally designed to reflect the earthy tones of Myanmar, with themes embracing the landscapes and waterscapes, as they pass before your eyes.
The Sagaing Suites and Ava Suites are spaciously plush at 26sqm. Many veteran river cruise guests prefer to be on the main deck, closer to the water & riverbanks and so they prefer Ava Suites, with French styled balconies. These suites are appointed with Myanmar teak timber decks, speckled granite tops, mahogany dark timber furniture, plush bed linen and King size beds.
Alternatively, the Sagaing Suites, on the upper deck, provide a higher elevation and a slightly different point of view from which to enjoy the scenery. The Sagaing Suites enjoy outdoor viewing balconies, complete with director’s chairs, from which to enjoy 180 degree panoramic views. These suites are stylishly appointed with Myanmar teak timber decks, speckled granite tops, mahogany dark timber furniture, plush bed linen and King size beds.
Ideal for celebrating those very special occasions, such as honeymoons & anniversaries, the Mindon Suites and Kanaung Suites are created for the romantics onboard, who enjoy the pleasures of a private indoor Jacuzzi and a private outdoor balcony, with unrivalled 270 degree views. Two deluxe Mindon Suites are located on the upper deck bow, and two exclusive Kanaung Suites occupy the upper deck, stern. As we generally cruise in a north to south heading downstream, and south to north upstream, these suites enjoy the hue of both sunrise & sunset highlights.
On both the main and upper decks, guests are treated to a very special ‘Butler style’ service. Your most attentive housekeeping crew is on call at all times, on each deck, to offer a helping hand as you make your way around the vessel and to provide your daily room service needs.
The most popular, social arena and viewing area is the Sun Deck. From here guests enjoy the most expansive, panoramic views available, complemented with sun loungers, (port & starboard), for guests seeking that ‘Asian suntan’. The aft Sun Deck area provides excellent viewing sightlines to the stern of the vessel, with a full deck-awning overhead, for those preferring sun-protection.
Amidships is the Amarapura Lounge, providing a world-class cocktail bar and barista trained coffee service; available from sunrise until late at night. This spacious lounge area can comfortably seat up to sixty guests and is the most social, versatile and entertaining area onboard. From here the Ship’s Manager conducts daily briefings; visiting dance troupes & puppeteers present their tantalizing talents…..and guests simply relax, mingle, exchange their travel experiences and stay connected to the outside world via Wi-Fi.
Located on the main deck aft is the all-important Mandalay Dining restaurant. With panoramic views port & starboard and across the stern, this area presents an array of culinary options, ranging from Anglo-Oriental buffet breakfasts, buffet or table d’hote lunches to al-la-carte or table d’hote dinners. An extensive ‘climate controlled’ wine cellar presents both fashionably imported favorites with little known Asian vineyards, including Myanmar’s own ‘finest vintage’ from the Eastern part of Shan State.
THE LOTUS SPA by Irrawaddy Voyages - 2019
Designed to enliven your senses, evoking the true essence of river cruising by "going with the flow", absorbing our therapeutic treatments. Guests indulge in a multi-sensory experience; a sense of timelessness.
From signature spa remedies to classic oriental massages, THE LOTUS SPA by Irrawaddy Voyages creates a self-indulgent cruising sanctuary, devoted to a wellness experience for your mind, body & spirit.
Not only are guests pampered by professional hands-on spa therapists, they are truly overwhelmed by the natural friendliness, warmth, good humor and genuine hospitality from the entire ship’s crew. It’s all about Team Spirit…which comes naturally to the Burmese people, with their inherent culture for sharing & caring.
Revive your senses with our oriental massage treatments, designed to alleviate stress & tension. Practicing the ancient traditions of oriental massage, handed-down by generation, our therapists apply deep movements with stretching techniques, acupressure and a few hidden secrets… rest assured.
