‘When the journey becomes the destination’ is a maxim that perfectly sums up the cruise ship experience. Journeying to exotic lands on gargantuan ‘floating cities’ and stopping almost every day at a fascinating new port of call makes cruising seem like the perfect way to do the world — minus the jet lag. Now, how about revving it all up a few degrees? Simply replace the ubiquitous and, dare we say, pedestrian cruise ship with smaller, bespoke luxury vessels from some of the world’s top hospitality names, and you get vessels that are as exclusive as they are decadent.
Amandira, Amanwana Resort, Moyo Island, Indonesia
This one’s for those who regard the word ‘luxury’ as much more than the mere sum of its alphabet parts and for whom the‘good life’ is simply, well, a way of life. If the glamping, tented camp-resort feel of Amanwana on Indonesia’s Moyo Island doesn’t add up to much, then how about combining a weekend stay at this tropical haven with a five-night journey aboard Amanwana’s very own floating extension —Amandira. This 170-foot, double-masted, five-cabin sailboat — called a pinisi in the local language — cuts an impressive figure as it cruises through the archipelago, depositing guests at the famed Lesser Sunda Islands for a glimpse of its famous residents, the Komodo dragons. With an on-board crew of 14, including a private chef and diving instructor, this hand-crafted vessel by the Konjo tribe is fitted with all the creature comforts and diving gadgets and gizmos.
Cost:Starts from USD$42,850 for two, all-inclusive for a seven-night stay (two nights at the Amanwana and five nights on-board the Amandira) ( www.aman.com)
The Strand Cruise, The Strand, Yangon, Myanmar
A perfect reflection of the unbridled charm and hospitality that one has, over the years, come to expect of The Strand — itself a 114-year-old icon of Myanmar — The Strand Cruise, the hotel’s latest trump card, turns it all up a few notches higher. Promising ‘a mystical journey in Myanmar’, this 27-cabin riverboat languidly cruises along the placid waters of the Ayeyarwady River, offering a range of itineraries, with the three-nights ‘Bagan to Mandalay’ option being the most sought after.
With all mod cons in place, including a spa, luxurious en suite cabins, and an on-board sommelier, getting pampered silly should be your only concern, as you take in the serenity of Myanmar passing you by.
For the gourmets, The Strand Cruise offers up a plethora of dining options that range from sampling local delicacies, like the sublime tea-leaf salad, to more informal BBQ nights organised on the upper deck. For sundowners, Sparkies Bar is the place to nurse the classic ‘Strand Sour’ cocktail, rumoured to be George Orwell’s favourite tipple during his stay at The Strand. Need we say more?
Cost:Starts from USD$2,592 per person, all-inclusive for a three-night cruise. ( www.thestrandcruise.com)
The Oberoi MV Vrinda, The Oberoi Group, Kerala
While Kerala’s much-celebrated epithet as ‘god’s own country’ might seem a bit overused, the luxury-seeking traveller would beg to differ. And amply reinforcing this truism is The Oberoi MV Vrinda that serves as a vehicle that not just transports guests down the southern Indian state’s meandering, coconut tree-lined backwaters, but provides them with a complete immersive (pardon the pun) ‘Kerala’ experience. While it may be relatively small in size when pitted against the other vessels on this list, the Vrinda has eight deluxe cabins, each revelling in their king-size beds and polished teak flooring, among a host of other luxury features.
Offering guests a choice of either two or three nights of cruising down the vibrant waterways of Alleppey or a ride along Lake Vembanad, the Vrinda offers guests the option of daily check-ins. A complimentary 24-hour butler service, on-board Mohiniyattam and Kathakali performances, and local delicacies like meen pollichathu and appams with stew add those extra special touches to The Oberoi’s legendary brand of luxury and pampering.
Cost:Starts from INRRs. 1,10,000 per cabin, all-inclusive for a two-night cruise.( www.oberoihotels.com)
Four Seasons Explorer, Four Seasons, Maldives
Perfect for worshippers of sun, sand and surf, Four Seasons Explorer glides over the transparent, cerulean waters of the Maldives as it sails from Kuda Huraa to Landaa Giraavaru via Malé and Baa Atolls on its most popular itinerary, that is, the three-night Northward Cruise. With a maximum of 22 guests on board, at any given point, your experience on the Explorer is guaranteed to be an exclusive and personalised one. Why, you can even charter the entire vessel, replete with your very own customised itinerary and fine dining options.
The 39-meter-long, three-deck catamaran has 11 spacious, fully kitted-out cabins and comes with its own on-board chef, spa therapist and marine biologist, who makes sure that the three daily dives that are a part of the package are the perfect introduction to the wondrous marine life down below. And for those hard-to-reach diving and fishing spots, the Explorer’s very own dhoni (a local Maldivian fishing boat) steps in for an authentic Maldivian experience. Dining options on the Explorer range from beach Robinson Crusoe-esque BBQs featuring Maldivian classics like maashuni (fish cooked with coconut) and roshi , to dining with the captain. Aye, aye!
Cost:Starts from USD$2,250 per person, all-inclusive for a three-night cruise. ( www.fourseasons.com)
The Oberoi Zahra, The Oberoi Group, Egypt
Picture this. You’re cruising down the Nile in Egypt aboard a plush vessel with the wind in your hair. Historical and archaeological wonders like the Temple of Edfu and the Valley of the Kings slowly drift past, while you sip that nth cup of sweet mint shai (tea). It’s fantasies like these that are an everyday reality aboard The Oberoi Zahra, from the group’s newest jewel on the Nile. Along with its sister, The Oberoi Philae, it rules the waters. The 27-cabin cruiser offers everything from a pillow menu to a spa where post-excursion comfort can be sought. Speaking of which, the five-night cruise snakes its way down one of the world’s most enigmatic rivers, stopping to pay obeisance at exotic-sounding ports such as Aswan, Edfu, Komo Ombo and Luxor, where experienced guides await to show you around ancient Egypt’s marvels. Once back on board the Zahra, expect to be pampered by the on-board team of chefs who whip up dishes like a roasted, spice-rubbed Nile perch and saffron pilaf as you sit back and savour the sweet wispy smoke of an apple sheesha.
Cost:Starts from EUR€870 per double occupancy cabin, all-inclusive per night for a minimum of five nights.
Raul Dias is a Mumbai-based food and travel writer who is an ardent devotee of the peripatetic way of life.
