Passenger Feedback

We appreciate that this was a new expedition so we anticipated a few problems. Surprisingly we didn't feel that any little blip we encountered was enough to warrant a complaint, and our only negative comment of the trip for us was that the beds are rock hard and not at all comfortable but feel that this is very easily addressed by Pandaw.

I now must go on to the staff on board who were excellent throughout the whole trip despite some of them being relatively new to the job, they really did work so hard to please everyone. We would not normally single any one member of staff out but I have to say Ram head of housekeeping is a real asset to Pandaw to keep smiling and still be so helpful and hard working is to be commended.

We have to say that the food was lovely and plenty of it, some people complaining whilst we sat at their table all had "empty" plates at the end of the meal, I know food can be a very subjective issue but I think the empty plates themselves speak for the food.

I just want to finish by saying that we have already booked our next Pandaw trip for next March on the Red River and we are already looking forward to it.

Regards
Jim and Margaret Goddard

Now that we have returned home I just thought I would send you an update. After an interesting vist in Varanasi and the frustrations of the early part of the cruise the Boat Manager and his crew did a tremendous job of getting things back on schedule. Though from what I hear this resulted in the need for what sounds like expensive repairs to the boat's propulsion system.

The extra excursions that the Boat Manager added went down very well.

The arrival of the new executive chef on the fifth day greatly improved the quality of the food. His willingness to engage with the passengers and listen to and act on their requests resulted in happier meal times.

The crew as always was great, very friendly and helpful. Sunil and Aman, the two boys who run the dining room are amazing personalities, are in tune with the passengers and do their jobs well. It's a shame that they don't get the opportuinity to see the places the passengers visit on their excursions as that would provide them with further topics for conversation.

Ram, the Housekeeping Supervisor, is perhaps the outstanding crew member. Always immaculate in his appearance he did so much more than his job title suggests. Yes, he made beds and cleaned cabins but also served drinks in the dining room, accompanied us and looked after us on excursions. Very importantly on this trip he was very concerned for the welfare of those passengers who came down with sickness, providing food and drink suggestions to ease their discomfort. He even turned his hand to entertainment with his Mehendi and Saree and Dhoti demonstrations.

Yes, there is room for improvement and I am sure Brett will brief you on the discussions he had with us all. The problems with the river, its lack of water and shifting sands, together with the issue of the pontoons are perhaps more difficult to solve.

Overall though it was agreat experience. We have new friends and a lot of memories.

Regards
Steve

I have just completed one of your cruises on the Lower Ganges in India (Kolkata - Baranagar - Kolkata) from December 1st to December 8th.

I would like to let you know that I was very impressed with the boat, and the services and particularly the Crew. I could not fault any of it.

The crew went out of their way to do things for us, and were so friendly and joined in everything. They kept a constant eye on us when ashore to make sure we didn't get lost or hurt ourselves getting in and out of the Country Boat. Vijay runs a very good team and everybody looked happy. (he is an excellent dancer too) I know there were only 10 of us, which made things easier.

I was also happy that Brett (India Area Manager?) came to our guest house and organised for us to get picked up from there for the trip out to the boat.

Aditi was an excellent guide and organised lots of things for us that she knew we would like.

Please pass on my wishes and thanks to Vijay and his crew.

So thank you very much for everything and I hope all goes well in future for your cruises.

Lorna Saunders (Perth)