ROBYN WATERS & GARY SPRINGER, MANDALAY PAGAN PACKET, SEP 2015
My husband and I just completed a week cruising the Irrawaddy from Bagan to Mingun/Mandalay on the Kindat Pandaw. We had an absolutely delightful experience. The boat was simply yet elegantly appointed. We had every convenience we could need or want. We met fascinating fellow travelers. Your staff and crew were stellar--the service was impeccable AND kind and friendly. We feel as though we experienced magical Myanmar in the best way possible.
I want to especially compliment our Purser, Bo Bo. He ensured that our travels were beyond our expectations. He took extra care with the older passengers, was always available when needed, and answered all of our questions. His demeanor was professional yet friendly. I hope he goes far with your company!
I would like to comment on the local guides that led our excursions. Unfortunately, their command of the English language was quite poor. All of the passengers (Americans, Brits, Canadians and Australians) had a lot of trouble understanding their comments. The guides were unable to put things into context, tell a compelling story, or even keep a group together, focused, and moving along. On a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being excellent, everything about the boat and our cruising experience was a 5+. But I would rate our guides as a 2. They were kind and well-intentioned, just not very effective.
Finally, I have a merchandising suggestion for your company. The second to the last evening we were shown a film of the history of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company. It was fascinating, and I would like to inquire as to the possibility of purchasing a copy for personal enjoyment. My husband and I would love to have a copy of the DVD to show our friends at home--I know it would spark interest for others to travel on one of your fleet. I think if you made it available for purchase in the small gift shop on the boat, you would sell one to at least half, if not more, of the passengers. You could make it available for purchase on the rest of your fleet as well. Watching it helped me put together the bits and pieces of history of both The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company AND the beautiful country of Burma in a meaningful way.
One last merchandising suggestion. I think you should sell postcards with a photo of the Kindat Pandaw (actually of all of your passenger boats.) I would have purchased a dozen or more to send home to friends and family (especially the grandkids.). I know my fellow passengers would agree. Think of the marketing that could do for future customers!
Lastly, thank you for your efforts in bringing the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company back to life. It is a wonderful accomplishment, one that helps preserve the beautiful country of Myanmar for future generations. Thank you also for the gift of the book of the history of the company.
We hope to travel again with you at another destination.
Kind regards,
Robyn Waters and Gary Springer
Cruise dates: September 26 through October 3rd, 2015