Asia specialist, Wendy Wu Tours, says it’s taking control of its “own destiny” on the Mekong by removing its reliance on ship owners and building its very own $10 million river cruise ship.
Arriving in 2020 is Wendy Wu Tours’ first ship the Victoria Mekong, a four-star vessel with 35-cabins, a swim up bar, a spa, open kitchen restaurant and more.
Speaking about the new venture, the tour operator’s Founder, Wendy Wu, said that although there are a number of ships already sailing along the Mekong, there’s still demand that “needs to be filled”.
“It means we can control our own destination.”
Wendy Wu, Wendy Wu Tours Founder
Wendy Wu continued, explaining to travelweekly.co.uk that the new ship won’t necessarily be luxury but it will be “good value” and “very comfortable”, which fits in perfectly with the operator’s recent move into ‘budget friendly’ tours.
Group Chief Executive, Joe Karbo added that the expansion into cruising is part of the company’s “strategic plans” to move into new areas of travel.
“The Victoria Mekong is part of company’s strategic plans in moving towards new areas of travel related assets, and we’re pleased with its developments thus far.”
Joe Kardo, Wendy Wu Tours Group Chief Executive
First itineraries on Victoria Mekong will differ from existing Mekong river cruises by taking off on three, four and seven-night cruises from Can Tho in southern Vietnam, instead of the traditional departure points of Ho Chi Minh and Phnom Penh.
Onboard, guests will have access to an open kitchen restaurant, a lounge bar, swimming pool, swim up bar, sundeck, spa, library and game rooms, while offshore they’ll be able to book specialist Wendy Wu Tours-curated shore excursions.
Victoria Mekong is scheduled to launch in 2020, however, cruises will go on sale later this year or early 2019.
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