FAQ

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones work on all the rivers we ply in most places, you need to ensure your mobile is on international roaming. 

Money

The currency on board in Vietnam and Cambodia is US$. In Malaysia it is the Ringiit and India the Rupe. All passengers will have their own ship account, which allows you to sign a bill for all purchases and services throughout your cruise. All bills on board the ships will be in in one of the above currencies or credit card (Master or Visa card not Amex). Please note that we do not accept traveller cheques on board. In Cambodia and Vietnam most vendors ashore take dollars. If required, there is a limited money exchange service available on board but please try and change money at a bank or hotel before embarkation. ATMs are available in major cities in Cambodia and Vietnam, rarely work in India.

River Conditions

For India and the Mekong, conditions vary depending on the season. In the dry season (November-March) the water level of the river will be quite low and in places will have dropped more than 50 foot from its monsoon level (June-Sept). Though the river can be miles wide, channels may be narrow and hard to follow. There is thus some risk of running aground on submerged sand banks and our captain has to take extreme care. The Tonle Sap lake in Cambodia is not navigable approximately from November to August due to extremely low water. In Borneo there is less seasonal change in water level. Though the river can be wide, channels may be narrow and hard to follow. There is thus some risk of running aground on submerged sand banks and our captain has to take extreme care.

Fire Risk and Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in your cabin or any internal areas. Smoking is permitted in outside areas only, namely the Observation Deck and Promenade Decks but please be considerate of people sitting down wind. This is a wood-finished ship and the danger of fire should never be ignored.

Emergency Procedures

The ship is fitted with modern smoke detectors, and fire alarms, extinguishers and hoses. Alarms are situated at regular intervals along the Promenade Decks. Fire extinguishers are located at regular intervals around the promenade decks and outside all public rooms.

Life Jackets

These are kept in the wardrobe in your cabin.

Medical

We carry first aid equipment and some medicines. All our senior staff has attended First Aid courses. On the river we are never far from a local medical station and we have found that some local doctors usually speak English or French and practice a good standard of field medicine. In the event of serious illness or accident we are never more than 2 hours by car or speed boat from a hospital or clinic. In the Conditions of Carriage you are required to take out an insurance policy that includes repatriation in the event of an emergency.

Ship's Shop, Post Cards and Stamps

We have a small boutique on board with a collection of locally made handicrafts. Post Cards and stamps are also from the Ship's Shop. Outside of the tourist centres of Saigon, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, opportunities to buy postcards are virtually non-existent.

Bar and Dining Room and Shop Bills

You will be asked to sign a bill for all items ordered and you will be presented with the account in US$ on the last day aboard. Included beverages differ for each destination, please check the itinerary for more information.

Meals on board

Breakfast is a buffet, lunch and dinner served at the tables. We offer a fusion of Asian and Western cuisine and there are always vegetarian dishes offered. Special diets may be catered for with advance notification and agreement. Our policy is to use as much locally purchased produce as possible to help the economies of the villages and towns we stop at. We try and avoid imported products and give our passengers a real taste of the lands through which they pass. Exotic fruit, fresh organic vegetables, locally caught fish and prawns are the preference of most of our passengers.

Food Safety and Hygiene

Bottled water is used for cooking and food preparation onboard. Off the vessel never accept ice in drinks and avoid ice creams, crushed sugar cane, salads and the skins of fruits.

Air-conditioning

Your cabin has its own air-conditioning unit, which can be adjusted for your comfort. For upper and main deck cabins: At night you may prefer to use the fan only, and have the windows open. Insect netting covers the windows to enable you to do this.

Water and Towels

The ship's water supply comes from the river after passing through a sterilisation plant. This water is suitable for washing and brushing teeth but should not be drunk. Bottled mineral water is provided for drinking, free of charge.

Laundry

A laundry bag is provided for your laundry needs, and a laundry list is to be found in the rattan folder by your bed. Laundry is collected each morning when your room is made up and will be returned to you by the following day. Please leave items in the bag provided and mark up the list. The charges will go on your bill in US$. If there is an item that you do not wish ironed please advise us.

Hairdryers

Hairdryers are installed in all cabins on the Mekong

Electricity

230 volts two round pin type as found in Continental Europe - we carry adapters for other types of plug you might bring (i.e. UK ones).

Guides

All guides services are in the English language. Guides in other languages may be supplied by special arrangement at additional cost which may include using guest accommodation at guest rates.

Time

Vietnam and Cambodia: 7 hours ahead of GMT
Myanmar: 6 hrs 30 mins ahead of GMT
Malaysia: 8 hours ahead of GMT
India: 5 hours 30 mins ahead of GMT
One less hour for summer time and one less hour for European time.