Mekong Princess Review - January 2024

[Dazed07]

We are on the final full day on a Mekong River cruise from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap on the Mekong Princess. We can highly recommend this ship and itinerary.

     A relatively small cruise ship with 14 cabins and a 1:1 ratio of staff/crew to guests, the level of personal attention is very high. Eric, the cruise director, has combined the best of eastern and western hospitality. A dining room, a lounge and a sun deck comprise the main public areas. They never felt crowded and staff circulate constantly but unobtrusively to handle drink requests. Soft drinks, beer, and simple mixed drinks are included; specialty cocktails and coffees are extra, but reasonable. Good wines are served with dinner (French, Australian, Chile and Argentina).

     Breakfast and lunch were buffet style with a chef at the hot food station. Indochina offers a wonderful combination of fresh tropical fruit and French bakery goods. Dinner was from a four course a la carte menu with local and international cuisine. Quality was high; portion sizes were European rather than American, which we prefer. Special dietary issues were accommodated readily and quickly.

     The cabins are quite spacious.  Only the two top suites have regular balconies, but with the small number of guests and the large, covered sundeck, we never felt the lack. Our suite had cabin service multiple times per day. Mattress, pillows and linens are high quality. Laundry service is extra with 24 hour turnaround.  A small fitness center had bike, treadmill and hand weights.

      As a small ship, the Mekong Princess is able to dock in Ho Chi Minh City near downtown, avoiding a lengthy bus ride to the main river. The small canals we took cutting across the delta were some of the best cruising of the trip, with the banks often only a few meters from the ship. Unfortunately, all Mekong River cruises terminate at Kampong Thom in Cambodia these days, necessitating a 5 hour bus ride to Siem Riep/Angor Wat at that end.

     Port stops in the cruise included Phnom Penh and Can Tho (history, shopping and other urban adventures) and several small towns on the Mekong with local craftspeople and village life. Local guides (one in Vietnam, one in Cambodia) traveled with us. As less than thirty people, our tour group did not overwhelm the small towns during our visits; many of these towns are not on the standard tourist trail and seemed warm and welcoming. The Mekong Princess supports several local causes and donates a percentage of revenues to them.

     The guest list was pleasantly diverse, with no single nationality more than 30%. A range of ages were represented, with two younger children, but the activities and facilities are really for adults. Very little physical effort is required, with the longest walks less than a kilometer. Given the heat and sun, even in the winter, this was a good match with many of the guests. On-board activities are typical small ship; passengers are mostly expected to entertain themselves.

    In summary, this has been an excellent cruise. If, like us, you like the small ships where the barriers between you and the places you visit are lower, you will be very pleased with the Mekong Princess.

[Roz]

Enjoyed your review.  What is the cruise line? 

[Kristelle]

Thank you for that. 

 

We are booked to go on Mekong river cruise with Scenic in Jan 2025. 

 

Bit bigger ship  - 34 cabins and reverse itinerary - ie we start in Cambodia and finish in  HCMC.

 

 

 

 

[ljandgb]

We did the same with Avalon, also a small ship, so able to go thru the canals.  I agree that was a bonus.  Our cruise sounds much the same, though we were flown to Siem Reap.

[tinkky]

I am thinking of this cruise ship any other reviews??