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Frequently Asked Questions |
Life On Board
Are all my meals included?
Are drinks included in the price?
Can you cater for special meal requirements?
Are disabled people able to travel on the Road To Mandalay?
What is the accommodation on board like?
Will there be room in my cabin for my all my luggage?
What do I take to wear on board the Road To Mandalay?
Is there a doctor on board the ship?
What currency do I need on board the Road To Mandalay?
What sort of service can I expect on board?
Will I need to tip the staff?
Can I buy souvenirs or presents on board the ship?
Are there any beauty facilities on board?
Is there sightseeing during the cruise?
The Journey
What is the Road To Mandalay?
Where does the Road To Mandalay travel to?
How many days does a cruise last?
Where can I book my journey?
Is the Road To Mandalay similar to an 'ocean-going' cruise ship?
How much does a journey on the Road To Mandalay cost?
Other
Will I require visas for my journey?
Will I need insurance for my journey?
Can you arrange for my flights and hotel accommodation?
Do you offer a honeymoon package?
Where can I find out more about Myanmar?
Is it safe to visit Myanmar?
What about Myanmars human rights record?
Are all my meals included?
Yes. While you are on board the Road To Mandalay, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. For full details please see the Dining section of this web-site.
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Are drinks included in the price?
Alcoholic drinks are not included. Tea, regular coffee, soft drinks and bottled still water are available, complimentary at all times.
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Can you cater for special meal requirements?
We will do our best to cater for special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan etc. provided a detailed request has been made at the time of booking. We do however regret that we are unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.
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Are disabled people able to travel on the Road To Mandalay?
The ship itself and the sites visited on-shore, are not suitable for wheel-chair bound passengers or those with severe walking difficulties. Passengers with slight walking difficulties should be escorted by an able-bodied passenger.
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What is the accommodation on board like?
Passengers may select from three types of cabins – State, Superior and Single.
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Will there be room in my cabin for my all my luggage?
When you plan your packing, please bear in mind that all luggage must be stored in your cabin. In each cabin there is a wardrobe with hangers. There are no facilities for storage of luggage not required during your cruise. It is recommended that any excess luggage is stored at your hotel in Yangon or Bangkok.
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What do I take to wear on board the Road To Mandalay?
The atmosphere on board is relaxed. For dinner, appropriate dress is smart casual, e.g. open-neck shirt and jacket for men. Formal wear is not required. Between September and February it is advisable to pack a light sweater for the evenings. Shoes, which can be easily slipped on and off for visits to temples are also recommended.
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Is there a doctor on board the ship?
Yes. The ship carries a doctor on board. A small fee is charged for medical services and prescriptions.
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What currency do I need on board the Road To Mandalay?
The local currency in Myanmar is Kyat. US Dollar bills are widely used in Myanmar and accepted almost everywhere. FEC's (Foreign Exchange Certificates) used to be compulsory but this is no longer the case and they are not really used by visitors anymore. We recommend that passengers carry US dollars in small denominations for miscellaneous spending.
Credit cards are not generally accepted in Myanmar. Vendors who do accept cards usually add a handling commission and also currency exchange charges. On the Road To Mandalay, major international credit cards are accepted for on board costs including MasterCard, Visa, and Amex (10% commission on cash withdrawals).
The Governor’s Residence accepts Master and Visa and charges a 7% commission on cash withdrawals. The Inle Princess Resort accepts Master and Visa and charges a 5% surcharge on transactions
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What sort of service can I expect on board?
In short, dedicated. Your Hotel Manager and team of multi-lingual staff are on board to make your cruise a memorable one.
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Will I need to tip the staff?
The price you pay for a journey aboard the Road To Mandalay is fully inclusive of all service charges. However, if a member of staff has helped make your journey particularly special then any gratuities you wish to give are entirely at your discretion.
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Can I buy souvenirs or presents on board the ship?
Yes. In the on-board boutique you will find a range of lacquerware as well as traditional Burmese fabrics, silver and gold jewellery and objets d'art. There is also a range of international gifts exclusively designed for the Road To Mandalay. Camera film and batteries are also stocked. However, the range of film is limited and if you require a special type of film it is recommended that you bring your own supply.
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Are there any beauty facilities on board?
La Source Beauty Spa offers guests facials, aromatherapy massages, manicures, traditional Burmese head massage, hair wash and western styling (blowdry, curler set) etc.
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Is there sightseeing during the cruise?
Yes. Everyday there is an excursion to visit some of the fascinating sights Myanmar has to offer. Tours are escorted by guides, or you may prefer to do your own thing. Alternatively, cars can be arranged, including your own tour guide, for private use.
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What is the Road To Mandalay?
The Road To Mandalay is a deluxe river cruiser operated by Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Fitted to the high standards you would expect from Orient-Express, the Road To Mandalay cruises the Ayeryarwady River in Myanmar (Burma).
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Where does the Road To Mandalay travel to?
Along the Ayeryarwady river in Myanmar (Burma) between Mandalay and Bagan with occasional longer cruises to Bhamo and Pyi.
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How many days does a cruise last?
You can join the Road To Mandalay for different lengths of time. The shortest cruise is 3 nights, but there are other options available up to 11 nights. The most common complaint from passengers who travel for 3 or 4 nights is that they wish they had booked for longer!
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Where can I book my journey?
You can book your journey via our secure on-line booking form or by contacting your nearest Orient-Express office.
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Is the Road To Mandalay similar to an 'ocean-going' cruise ship?
No. The Road To Mandalay is more intimate, and passengers enjoy a number of opportunities to go ashore and explore Myanmar. The other main difference is in the entertainment. While you'll see none of the cabaret shows found on cruise ships, you will enjoy a relaxing pianist, and more cultural entertainment which gives you an enhanced experience of this fascinating country.
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How much does a journey on the Road To Mandalay cost?
For full details please see the Fares section of this web-site.
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Will I require visas for my journey?
Advice on up to date requirements should be sought from the consulate office in your country of residence, or from your local travel agent. For general guidance:
- Your passport must be valid for ten years and have at least six months remaining at the time of entry into your country of residence.
- Visas are required by all visitors to Myanmar and are valid for 28 days. A visa must be obtained before entering Myanmar. Your Reservations Office/travel agent will issue you with a package tour letter prior to you contacting your local Myanmar Embassy or Consulate for a package tour visa. Please note that it is the responsibility of each passenger to ensure that they are in possession of any necessary and valid documentation and for the consequences of any failure to comply. Any passenger without a valid visa will not be allowed to board their flight to Myanmar.
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Will I need insurance for my journey?
Passengers are strongly recommended to take out travel and luggage insurance as soon as the journey is booked.
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Can you arrange for my flights and hotel accommodation?
Yes. Many people make the Road To Mandalay experience the centre-piece of their Asian holiday. Your nearest Orient-Express office will be happy to arrange any flights, hotel accommodation and transfers you require, around your trip on the Road To Mandalay.
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Do you offer a honeymoon package?
A journey on the Road To Mandalay is an occasion to remember in itself. We can, with advance notice arrange flowers, champagne or a gift to be waiting for you in your cabin.
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Where can I find out more about Myanmar?
Information on Myanmar and its culture and traditions can be found in the Beauty of Burma section of this web-site or a good quality guide book will provide the necessary background to make your visit even more rewarding.
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Is it safe to visit Myanmar?
Yes. Until recently, this fascinating country has kept itself in isolation from the rest of the world. As a result its beauty and charm have remained unspoilt. Myanmar is now welcoming travellers - and the Road To Mandalay is the best way to experience this unique country.
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What about Myanmars human rights record?
Orient-Express makes no apology for the actions of any of the countries our guests visit. It is our view that any form of travel between countries encourages positive communication between people and helps to broaden everyone’s outlook. It is up to individuals own conscience to determine whether or not they should visit a particular country. At Orient-Express we present this fabulous opportunity for those who choose to visit Myanmar, where locals will make visitors feel very welcome.
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