The Strand Cruise Caters to Families

Think river cruising in exotic locations is just for grown-ups? Meet The Strand Cruise, the first luxury cruise in Myanmar to offer a series of special departures catering specifically to the family travel market.

Pagoda, Bagan in Myanman. Photo: Atit Cumpeerawat | Dreamstime

As an antidote to massive ships that sail the same routes in familiar waters of the Caribbean, for example, along with several thousand other passengers, the Strand Cruise is equipped with only 28 cabins — the perfect size to explore the unique ports of call via many private moorings close to landmarks along the Ayeyarwady River.

The dedicated Family Cruise departures that sail between the ancient cities of Bagan and Mandalay are designed to act like time machines, offering young explorers a glimpse of life in the 11^th century, when Bagan was the capital of ancient Myanmar and locals would typically get around in a horse and cart.

Activities will be tailored to young passengers and will include special shore excursions they can join, or they can stay on board and participate in supervised activities while Mom and Dad visit an ancient temple or hang out in the spa.

Parents can even enjoy a romantic dinner for two while the kids have fun at movie and game nights on board.

Mealtime is an important part of any family vacation, and the Strand Cruise will offer such kid-pleasing fare as pizza and pasta during the Family Cruises, although more adventurous little eaters can join their parents in trying traditional Burmese sharing plates.

The cruises will depart Dec. 8 this year and Jan. 29, March 30 and April 20 in 2018, and are available in three- and four-night versions.

On the banks of the Ayeyarwady Irrawaddy River. Photo: Anupong Intawong | Dreamstime

One child of up to 15 years of age can travel free on these special departures when sharing a Strand Cabin with two adults. Infant cots are available on request, and — good news for parents of infants — there are no age restrictions on these departures.

Cruises are priced from $1,637 per person, double, in a Deluxe Cabin. Rates include all excursions and activities on board, three meals during full sailing days, breakfast on the day of disembarkation, soft drinks and local beer, house wine during meals, port charges and airport/hotel shuttle transportation to point of embarkation and from point of disembarkation. Also included are individually controlled air conditioning in the cabins, the services of English-speaking guides and satellite WiFi in all cabins and public areas.