AMA Waterways La Marguerite
Built: 2009
Length: 235 ft.
Width: 41 ft
Staterooms: 46
Guests: 92
Crew: 38
Home Port: Saigon
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The hidden charms along the Mekong River in Vietnam & Cambodia... Join Travelpride as we cruise our most exotic and exclusive river cruise ever!
There's a special mystery the countries of Vietnam and Cambodia hide in the heart along the infamous Mekong River. Experiencing these inner charms by conventional cruise ship would be impossible, if not very inconvenient. Our river cruise allows you entry in the heart of each country and allows you up close convenience by docking in each town along the Mekong. Quite literally this river cruise will offer you a perfect blend of witnessing two countries that have a rich history of centuries old temples and modern day living, still paying respect to its ancient past.

Vietnam's Hidden Charms
Slightly larger than Italy, Vietnam is blessed with natural beauty and a survival instinct that has seen it through a millennium of Chinese rule; a century of French imperialism; an uprising that split the country in two, a prolonged conflict with the U.S., followed by reunification in 1975 and a period of exodus. The U.S. established diplomatic relations during the Clinton Administration, and Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2006.
Our cruise begins in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), a teeming metropolis and the the commercial and economic center of Vietnam. This former capital of South Vietnam is known for its historic French colonial buildings, wide boulevards and eclectic mixture of influences. Historic hotels date back to the French colonial era, and prominent buildings include the former Presidential Palace, Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral, as well as, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, Museum of Vietnamese History and the War Remnants Museum.

Cambodia - The Kingdom of Wonder While its neighbor, Vietnam, bore a millennium of Chinese occupation, Cambodia fell under India's spell. Robust trade with India brought with it the influences of Buddhism and Hinduism, along with Sanskrit, all of which helped shape Cambodia's Khmer language and culture. However, the Khmer Rouge era in the 1970's saw nearly two million killed and the national psyche devastated as the world looked on. A generation later, Cambodia is a resurgent nation, drawing international visitors eager to explore its wealth of treasures as the seat of a great ancient empire.

Experience a perfect blend of cruise, fun and romance.
There's simply a sense of privilege when you cruise on a boutique luxury ship - traveling at a relaxed pace without the crowds... the crew taking the time to talk to you as a guest, not a passenger. Enjoy the feeling of more personal space while you take in the warm sun on the pool deck without the feeling of overwhelming crowds fighting for sun and pool space. Iif you're in the mood for a little more excitement, you'll have the time of your life at our open-bar Tea Dances, enjoy DJ mixed music and videos, and a first-class nightly lineup of live entertainment. There's something for everyone, and everything is perfectly balanced so that you can enjoy your cruise and never feel like you need a vacation from your vacation.

Cruise the Mekong in Style.
This is the most exotic and exclusive vacation we've ever offered and the one you've always dreamed of sailing on...let Travelpride help you live out your dream. And paradise could never be near perfect without the gracious and pampering service of AMA Waterways. Enjoy freshly prepared meals and some very special regional specialties highlighting our visit to Vietnam and Cambodia. And with only 92 guests, AMA's attentive international crew anticipates your every wish, not simply reacts to it.

ms La Marguerite
Overview The brand-new 92-passenger MS La Marguerite was specifically built to provide the most luxurious and immersive experience on South East Asia's legendary Mekong River. With a design that combines colonial elegance with local artifacts and regional Mekong touches, MS La Marguerite is the perfect setting for an unforgettable river odyssey.
• 46 Staterooms; Passenger Capacity: 92
• Length: 235 feet;Width: 41 feet
• 2 Indochina Suites (452 sq.ft) with a large fixed window, private balcony, shower and whirlpool tub
• 6 Sadec Jr. Suites (290 sq.ft.) with a large fixed window and balcony
• 30 Staterooms (226 sq ft) on Tonle and Saigon Deck with a large fixed window and balcony
• 8 Staterooms (226 sq ft) on the Mekong Deck with a Porthole
• Restaurant and Lounges: Mekong Restaurant, Saigon Lounge, Panoramic Lounge/Library, Sun Deck Bar
Amenities
MS La Marguerite features an array of amenities specifically designed for comfort, convenience and luxury on the great Mekong River.
Deluxe Staterooms: The ship's exquisitely decorated 226 sq. ft. deluxe staterooms feature all the amenities of a fine hotel, with 2 twin size beds, a cozy sitting area, individually controlled air-conditioning, writing desk, mini-bar, safety deposit box, in-house telephone, bathroom with shower, bathrobe, slippers, hairdryer and in-house television. All staterooms and suites are outside accommodations, with more than 82% featuring balconies.
Sadec Jr.Suites: These six junior suites offer an extra spacious 290 sq. ft. accommodation. In addition to all the amenities of the deluxe staterooms, Sadec Jr. Suites feature a King-sized bed, balcony, comfortable sitting area, plus a bathroom equipped with both a shower and separate tub.
Indochina Suites: These two suites provide the ultimate in onboard luxury. At 452 sq. ft., the suites feature all the amenities of the deluxe staterooms, plus a King-sized bed, the comfortable sitting area, a bathroom with whirlpool tub and separate shower, plus an extra-spacious private balcony.
Welness Area: Located on the Sun Deck, passengers can relax in an indulgent area that includes a fitness room, spa, beauty salon and outdoor whirlpool.
Dining & Cuisine
MS La Marguerite's culinary staff offers sophisticated menus comprised of wonderful soups, fresh produce, high quality meats and seafood. Start your day with a bright smile and welcome from the Purser Enjoy a lavish gourmet buffet breakfast consisting of assorted pastries, fresh fruits, yogurts, cereals, and daily regional specials. An array of traditional breakfast items is also available from the menu.
After your shore excursions, return back onboard to a delicious buffet lunch. Choose from mouthwatering soups, fresh salads, a selection of Western and Asian hot entrées, plus magnificent desserts and refreshing tropical fruits.
In the evening, be our honored guest for an elegant dinner or a traditional theme night with a feast of regional specialties. Enjoy delicious multi-course cuisine, sure to provide the perfect ending for your daily river cruise odyssey.
Throughout your cruise, enjoy free local beer, soft drinks, house brand spirits, local bottled water and filtered coffee and tea with meals.
La Marguerite Distinctions
• Complimentary standard shore excursions
• Unlimited complimentary house beer and spirits with lunch and dinner
• Bottled Water in every cabin replenished daily
• Elegantly appointed, spacious staterooms & Suites, all with River views (82% with balconies)
• Flat Screen TV, DVD/CD players in all staterooms
• Internet Center

• Luxury cotton linens and duvets
• Mini bar in all staterooms
• Exceptional restaurant, serving exceptional gourmet meals and Theme dinners
• Welcome Dinner and Farewell Cocktail Party & Dinner
• Open bar Tea Dance
• Panoramic Lounge / Library

• Pool Bar and Lounge Bar with ample seating
• Large Pool with Pool Bar
• Sun decks with lounge chairs with ample seating
• Fitness Center
• On board gift shop
• La Marguerite Spa featuring rejuvinating facials and massage

• Welcome Champagne Reception
• Themed Tea Dances
• Outstanding live entertainment featuring our Signaturetainment Series™
• Special Folklore Dances and Music Performances and Culture Discussion Forum

• DJ mixed music and videos
• Commemorative cruise T-Shirt
• Special rates for single travelers
Join Travelpride as we cruise our most exotic and exclusive river cruise ever!
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Vietnam & Cambodia River Cruise Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
| 21 Mar |
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam |
|
2 PM |
| 22 Mar |
Cai Be & Sa Dec, Vietnam |
AM |
PM |
| 23 Mar |
Tan Chau & Border Crossing |
AM |
PM |
| 24 Mar |
Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
AM |
Overnight |
| 25 Mar |
Phnom Penh & Kampong Cham |
AM |
PM |
| 26 Mar |
Kampong Cham |
AM |
PM |
| 27 Mar |
Kampong Chhnang |
AM |
PM |
| 28 Mar |
Tonle Sap Lake / Siem Reap |
AM |
|
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Itinerary is subject of change |



Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Welcome aboard MS La Marguerite, moored at Saigon port. Check-in at 12:00 noon, followed by port and immigration formalities. After settling in, enjoy the fascinating view of the Saigon River from your private balcony or from the sundeck. You can also enjoy cold drinks in the Saigon Lounge while watching bustling river life pass by. At 2:00 p.m., the ship departs up the broad Mekong tributary. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers and the crew at the Welcome Dinner in the Mekong Restaurant.
Embarkation Day (L, D)
Cai Be & Sa Dec, Vietnam
Monday, March 22, 2010
Arriving at Cai Be in the morning, early risers can enjoy the sunrise on the sundeck. After breakfast, take a morning Junk trip around Cai Be to see a floating market, then go ashore to see the French Gothic Cathedral and colorful port area with its colonial buildings. You will also visit the ancient Kiet House, delightful flower gardens and local rice paper manufacturers. Cruise past Vinh Long Province to arrive at Sa Dec for an afternoon walk. Noteworthy as the town where the French writer (and our ship’s namesake) Marguerite Duras spent some of her childhood, Sa Dec is a sprawling town on the Mekong Delta. Visit the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Duras' Chinese paramour, which is now a small museum. That night, cruise through the Mekong Delta to Tan Chau.
Shore Excursions (B,L,D)
Tan Chau & Border Crossing
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Tan Chau is a remote small town on the main Mekong River. After breakfast, transfer to small boats to visit a catfish farm. Onshore, visit a mat-making workshop, and silk-weaving workshop. After a trishaw ride back to the pier, return to the ship for lunch and cast off for the Cambodian border for the usual formalities. In the evening, cruise up the broad Mekong River, mooring mid-stream just outside of Phnom Penh.
Shore Excursions (B,L,D)
Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Overnight)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Early morning, the ship cruises into spectacular Phnom Penh and docks at the passenger port terminal. A morning tour explores the highlights of Cambodia's capital city, famous for its French colonial architecture, busy cafes, vibrant nightlife and renovated river "corniche." Visit the Royal Palace and the magnificent Silver Pagoda. The National Museum is another highlight, with outstanding displays of Khmer crafts. After lunch onboard, another excursion leads to the infamous Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge's grim Tuol Sleng or S21 detention center (Genocide Museum) situated in the suburbs of the city. An overnight on the waterfront provides an opportunity to dine in one of many nearby restaurants, and experience Phnom Penh’s vibrant nightlife.
Shore Excursions (B,L,D)
Phnom Penh & Kampong Cham
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Departing in the morning from Phnom Penh, the ship stops at the quaint Chong Koh silk weaving village for a morning walk. Cruise past the Mekong's timeless villages and observe life on the river. In the afternoon, stop at Peam Chi Kang village to visit the Monastery and school. Explore this peaceful community at your leisure. That evening, the ship anchors mid-stream at Kampong Cham.
Shore Excursions (B,L,D)
Kampong Cham
Friday, March 26, 2010
In the morning, journey upriver to the hilltop pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Then, sail back downstream over lunch to explore the Kampong Cham Area. Travel by motorcoach to the 12th-century Angkorian temple of Wat Nokor, which has been "fused" with a modern Wat. Continue by motorcoach to the Eco-village of Cheung Kok, observing numerous pagodas and shrines on the hilltops.
Shore Excursions (B,L,D)
Kampong Chhnang
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Briefly touch the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh in the early morning to change pilots, then sail the Tonle Sap River which connects Tonle Sap Lake with the Mekong and Bassac Rivers that merge at Phnom Penh. The river journey in this area is a trip highlight. Temples abound along the river banks at Kampong Chhnang, a busy rural port town with bustling markets. After the ship moors mid-stream, take a motor boat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Enjoy a stunning variety of bird life, and observe numerous great fish traps, some over a half-mile long.
Beach Day, Shore Excursions (B,L,D)
Tonle Sap Lake / Siem Reap
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Your cruise comes to an end as you disembark at Tonle Sap Lake - the great lake that dominates Cambodia and is known for its profuse bird life and tranquil fishing villages. The lake virtually disappears during dry season, draining into the Mekong River.
Disembarkation Day (B)


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