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Heritage Line’s Anouvong to return to the Upper Mekong after nine month refurbishment

Heritage Line is returning newly enhanced Anouvong to the Upper Mekong River in Laos on January 1, 2025. Originally launched in August 2023, after completing the first season, the ship was taken out of operation for nine months for refurbishment.

Mary Bond, Editor in Chief

October 22, 2024

2 Min Read
Upper Mekong River experiences including local craft making PHOTO: Heritage Line

Offering a blend of traditional Laotian ambiance and French-Colonial elegance, Heritage Line will re-introduce Anouvong to the Upper Mekong River starting January and following a nine month refurbishment centred on a refined design and navigation capabilities.

Originally launched in August 2023, after completing its first season, Heritage Line took the ten stateroom and suite ship out of operation for refurbishment.

Outdoor enhancements

Notable improvements include an upgraded sun deck, now equipped with an outdoor jacuzzi pool and a refreshed shading concept. A small gym has also been introduced opposite the spa room. Additionally, the reimagined layout of the deluxe executive staterooms now provides an extra square meter (approximately 10.8 square feet) of space. These staterooms boast double beds positioned to face panoramic windows with French Colonial balconies.

Technical upgrades

The renovation project also includes technical upgrades with a more powerful engine, a redesigned rudder system for enhanced maneuverability.

Heritage Line director of sales and marketing Andreas Schroetter, commented: ‘These enhancements on the ship underline our commitment to crafting extraordinary experience off and on the ship. The re-designed sundeck with the pool and the much nicer alfresco ambiance together with the gym and the pretty tucked away couples spa make a Laos cruise adventure now a truly holistic lifestyle experience.’

3,7 and 9-night itineraries

Itinerary options include a 3-night cruise from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang (and vice versa), where the journey winds through the Golden Triangle, or an extended 7-night sailing to Vientiane, featuring an sightseeing tour of Luang Prabang and the chance to uncover remote corners of the country.

Along the way, guests can explore the sacred Pak Ou Caves, experience the traditional Baci ceremony, and visit diverse riverside villages, engaging in activities such as kayaking, local craft demonstrations, and cultural performances. The longest voyage is the 9-night cruise from Vientiane to Huay Xai.

Southeast Asia river cruising

Founded in August 2008, Heritage Line has a fleet of seven ships sailing the waterways of Southeast Asia in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Ginger, Ylang and Violet sail Vietnam’s Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay; The Jahan and Jayavarman travel the lower Mekong River within Vietnam and Cambodia;  Anouvong cruises the upper Mekong River in Laos and Anawrahta (returning January 2025) plies the upper and central Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River as well as the Chindwin.

Read more about:

Asiashore excursions

About the Author

Mary Bond

Editor in Chief

Mary Bond is Group Director, Seatrade Cruise a division within Informa Markets and responsible for the Seatrade portfolio of global cruise events, print and online cruise publishing.

Mary is also the publisher and editor-in-chief of Seatrade Cruise News and Seatrade Cruise Review magazine.

Mary has worked in the shipping industry for 39 years, first for Lloyd’s Register of Shipping before joining Seatrade’s editorial team in 1985.

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