We did a short 2 night cruise from Bagan to Mandalay. The ship can accommodate ca 60 passengers but there were only 5 couples on board (3 Brits, 1 Australian and 1 German). The fact that we all got on so well compensated for other disappointments. The ship is very well appointed, the staff are helpful and the cabins are fine for a couple of nights but are on the small side for any longer. The best feature of the ship was the bathroom shower! Our cabin was 301, front port side, one of the 2 best positions on the ship.

Considering the cost of the cruise it was not good value for money. Overall, the food was very average, the coffee almost undrinkable, the pastries solid and although there is unlimited free local beer and spirits, no house wine was provided; Myanmar wine was $23/bottle. Only one excursion (Yandabo pottery-making village) was worthwhile and the quality of guide/excursions was not good for the price paid. There was confusion about tipping - some guests had it included, others didn't. The staff seemed to expect it.

Having previously cruised down the Mekong and had a very good experience, this short cruise was a bit of a disappointment for us, especially considering that it was far more expensive on a per diem basis.