THE GOLDEN LAND REVIEW

EDWARD TAMAGNO, USA, THE GOLDEN LAND, JAN 2019

I have just completed a 10-night Pandaw cruise on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar. I am not a 'cruise person'. I like to see places in depth, so a few hours in a major city or an important historical location just doesn't satisfy me. But the Pandaw cruise on the Irrawaddy was an eye-opener. I had been to Myanmar once before, so I had spent two full-days in the amazing archaeological site of Bagan. I didn't mind, therefore, that we only spent two half-days in Bagan because I got to see so many other small, out-of-the-way places in Myanmar to which I had not been before ... and which it would have been difficult to see except on a boat. The itinerary of the cruise was excellent. The tour lead was exceptional, both because of his knowledge and also because of his passion for his country and its sometimes difficult history. The ship's crew could not have been more helpful and friendly. Their dedication to service-excellence was constant. The meals were very good, with the choice of Myanmar, international and vegetarian main courses for both lunch and dinner.

My only quibble was with the coffee, which was not memorable. However, when I suggested to Pandaw that they might want to consider espresso machines on their ships, I immediately received a reply saying that they are working on this. I am looking forward to taking another Pandaw cruise in the not-too-distant future.