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Pandaw River Cruises

History, review, itineraries, ships, deck plans, news.

•   Fleet
•   Review
•   Itinerary
•   News

Pandaw River Cruises fleet

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"Pandaw River Cruises" is a trademarked brand owned by Pandaw Expeditions Co (1995-founded, owned by the Strachan family). The company is the successor of the 1865-founded "Irrawaddy Flotilla Company", which specialized in passenger and cargo river shipping in Burma.

Company history

Pandaw (pandaw.com) is a river cruisetour company operating itineraries in Southeast Asia - Burma (Myanmar), Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China, India and Malaysia (Borneo). The list of rivers on which Pandaw ships navigate includes Mekong, Irrawaddy, Chindwin (Irrawaddy's largest tributary), Ganges, Brahmaputra, Red River (and Halong Bay), Tonle River and Tonle Sap Lake (central Cambodia). The company's out-of-Burma itinerary program was inaugurated in 2002 - with cruises on Mekong River. Laos and China (Upper Mekong) cruises were introduced in 2015 as roundtrips from Bangkok (Thailand) to China's Yunnan province.

In 2015, Pandaw entered the ocean cruising market by purchasing the 1963-built, 22-passenger luxury yacht Andaman Explorer . The vessel started operations in June 2016. After the purchase, the vessel was repositioned from Dubai to Rangoon/Yangon , where was redecorated and drydock-refurbished . The full refit was completed in 2017. In 2019, the superyacht was sold to a Dubai -based family and no longer operates cruises.

In 2018, the company reported over 45% repeat passenger bookings. International travelers prefer Pandaw boats for their traditional Burmese design (all vessels are made of wood and handcrafted), special ambiance (marked by colonial-style furniture, teak wood and brass throughout, highly personalized service), authentic experiences on the ship (gourmet dining and traditional entertainment) and ashore (unique land tours), as well as the amazing scenery along the regularly scheduled itinerary routes.

Onboard dining is complimentary and offered indoors (at the Dining Room Restaurant) and outdoor/al-fresco (on Sun Deck). Most dietary requirements are catered for. The company's quality of food and level of service are legendary. The ships are advertised as family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Younger travelers can enjoy mountain biking (quality bicycles are provided complimentary), hiking and trekking ashore, while teenagers can gain valuable real-life experiences from interacting with local kids during port stays in villages along the route. Older tourists will highly appreciate Pandaw expeditions' tranquillity, cultural richness and some of Asia's most unique sceneries.

Due to their small passenger capacity (20-30-60 pax), Pandaw riverboats are regularly chartered (often as rebranded vessels) by some of the world's largest river cruise companies , including Uniworld , Viking , CroisiEurope , Fred Olsen , Saga UK . Private full-boat ("time charter" and "voyage charter") arrangements are also offered.

Fleet's largest boats are named Tonle (2002), Orient (2008), Indochina (2009) and Bassac (2012). The smallest ship is Kalay (2013-built, 10 pax). The newest boat is Song Hong Pandaw (2023).

Due to the ongoing COVID crisis, in October 2021 the company officially announced that permanently ceases its cruise shipping operations in Asia (on rivers in India, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam). The main reason for the closure, cited by Pandaw, was the critical political situation in Burma. In February 2021, the military overthrew the government and established a stratocracy (government headed by military chiefs). Following the coup, the country's acting President proclaimed a year-long emergency state. Due to lack of financial liquidity and failure to find investors/funding, Pandaw was unable to sustain its business during the 2+ years of suspension (2020-2022). The main expenses were the cold layups (of the 17 riverboats) and the needed refurbishments before restarting voyages (which timing was also uncertain).

Prior to the COVID crisis, Pandaw enjoyed a high percentage of loyal customers, resulting in high cabin occupancy, growing revenues, and positive financial results. Paul Strachan (the company's founder) commented:

"It marks the end of an era for all of us after twenty-five years of real adventure. We are truly sorry to disappoint our regular passengers who were so looking forward to making a trip after the lifting of travel restrictions. We are also heartbroken for our 300+ crew members and shoreside personnel who have stood by Pandaw and were hoping to get going again next year."

In December 2021, Pandaw announced they had secured funding through September 2022, when the company plans to restart operations.

Pandaw ships

Pandaw riverboats also feature the highest passenger-to-space ratio on the Asian market. The boats offer plenty of quiet areas for relaxation and spacious partially-covered sundecks. All ships have at least one 360-degree (wraparound) Promenade Deck that also serves as a "common balcony" for all staterooms.

Next video shows some of Pandaw's vessel construction stages.

Breakfast is buffet-style but preceded by light bites, tea and coffee for early risers. Lunch is either buffet-style or sit-down (waiter-served, with a la carte menu choices), while dinners are 4-course and waiter-served. Pandaw's food ingredients are locally sourced and always fresh. Excepting premium spirits, all beverages on the ship are complimentary, including domestic beers and spirits, soft drinks, coffee and tea, unlimited bottled water. The open-bridge policy allows passengers to visit the Wheelhouse (Navigation Bridge) and interact with the officers on duty.

All cruise cabins offer as standard amenities twin beds (some converting to double, all with premium mattresses, quality linens, duvet, two kinds of pillows), French windows (opening onto Promenade Deck), air-conditioning, spacious wardrobe, electronic safe box (in the closet), writing desk (mirrored vanity table with chair and make-up mirror), under-bed storage, en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, washbasin, hairdryer, towels, slippers, bathrobes/kimonos, Spa-branded premium bath amenities), unlimited bottled water, Yoga mats (for in-cabin use), nightly turndown service.

On all shore excursions are complimentary provided shoe cleaning and cold towel services (upon re-boarding the ship), unlimited bottled water (including Pandaw-branded aluminum bottles as giveaways), English-speaking tour guides, first aid-trained assistant guide. Onboard 24-hour laundry is available at extra charge.

Pandaw cruise deals

Cruise fares are inclusive of all shore excursions (with local guides, also sampan boat tours), onboard meals and drinks (including local alcoholic and non-alcoholic, international wines and beverages cost ~USD 5 per drink), Wi-Fi, domestic flights and bus transfers. Not included in the fares are international flights, visas, laundry, travel insurance.

In January 2021, the company announced its new "Pandaw Suite" offer featuring double-sized cruise suites available for booking on the larger riverboats (P-Class) in Burma, Cambodia and Vietnam.

The new Pandaw Suite (sized 335 ft2 / 31 m2) features a step-out private balcony, separate bedroom-lounge room, bonus perks like dedicated butler service, complimentary bottle of champagne (upon boarding), espresso machine, fully-stocked minibar (complimentary beverages/brand waters, soft drinks), free body massage (1-hour), free foot massage (15-min). Pandaw Suites were also available as upgrades on existing bookings.

In February 2021 were announced new and improved activities providing more choices of shore excursions and entertainment during the voyage. Pandaw's new activities program covers the topics "Food and Drink", "Health and Wellness", Sport and Adventure" and "Wildlife and Conservation". Also new are the "Pandaw Golf Packages". Pandaw Activities can be booked before the cruise or shipboard and are optional (additions to the complimentary daily land tours) so surcharge is applied.

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, Pandaw suspended its entire fleet's passenger shipping operations (all Asia-deployed riverboats) by canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 2020 thru July 2021. The officially ceased operations in October 2021.

All affected bookings received a 125% refund as FCC (future cruise credit with rebooking within a year) or a 100% monetary refund. The FCC offer was for all itineraries scheduled for 2021-2022.

Itinerary of Pandaw River Cruises

When Pandaw owned the superyacht Andaman Explorer (2016-2019), the ship cruises in Southeast Asia and Mergui Archipelago, with Indonesian itineraries leaving from homeport Benoa (Bali) and visits to Lombok, Sumbawa Island , Komodo Island and Flores Island.

Another itinerary set offered voyages between Ranong (Thailand) and Rangoon (Burma), stopping in Mergui Archipelago and Moulmein (Mawlamyine). Signature destinations included Lampi Marine National Park (mangrove forests, birds), Naung Wee Island (Moken / gipsy village visit), Nga Man Islands (beaches, trekking, snorkeling), Kyun Pila Island (South Bay / kayaking, swimming, beaches).

Pandaw also used to operate (in 2018-2019) two "partner boats" ( Amazon Dream , and Mahabaahu ) deployed, respectively, on Amazon River (Brazil) and Brahmaputra River (India). In 2018, Pandaw introduced a new B2B (back-to-back cruise) itinerary program. The "combo itineraries" offer river cruising in Southeast Asia and India (also coastal cruising in Mergui Archipelago). The combo expeditions range in length between 15-21 nights and can be booked with discount flights and hotels.

In December 2023, Pandaw Cruises officially announced adjustments to its Ganges River itineraries, effective September 2024, to accommodate navigational modifications along the renowned Indian river. As a prominent river cruise specialist in India and Southeast Asia, Pandaw is revising its 14-night 'All Ganges' expedition from  Kolkata  to Varanasi and the 7-night 'Lower Ganges' journey from Kolkata to Farakka. Additionally, a new 7-night 'Upper Ganges' itinerary is to be introduced, exploring the picturesque state of Bihar between Varanasi and Farakka.

Pandaw highlighted that these changes are a result of ongoing efforts to address navigational challenges and align Pandaw operations with the evolving conditions on the Ganges. The alterations apply to sailings from September 2024 onward, while all sailings through April 2024, including the Brahmaputra itinerary, remain unaffected.

Next YouTube videos are official (Pandaw Expeditions) releases that review the company's river cruise itineraries by destination.

Mekong River (Cambodia-Vietnam-Laos)

Ganges River (India)

Brahmaputra River (India)

Irrawaddy Delta

Chindwin River

Halong Bay and Red River (Vietnam)

Pandaw River Cruises related cruise news

Pandaw Cruises adapts Ganges itineraries for enhanced navigational experience

Pandaw Cruises has officially announced adjustments to its Ganges River cruisetour itineraries (effective September 2024) to accommodate navigational...

Pandaw Cruises introduces new 15-night India Land & River Tour

Pandaw Cruises announced a new river cruisetour in India that will cater to adventurous travelers seeking to explore the heart of this vibrant and...

Pandaw’s new 10-night Mekong itinerary to commence in October 2023

Pandaw River Cruises announced a new expedition to commence in October 2023 that will go deeper into the Mekong Delta and the main Mekong River than...

Pandaw restarts Mekong River cruises between Vietnam and Cambodia

After the successful ventures on the Red River last month, it was the turn of RV Bassac to take the spotlight as Pandaw River Cruises returned to the...

Pandaw River Cruises welcomes passengers back onboard after 2.5 years

This week, RV Angkor Pandaw completed her first 10-night voyage of the season along Vietnam's Hong River/Red River, full of tourists who experienced...

Pandaw River Cruises to launch newbuild RV Song Hong in mid-2023

Launching in mid-2023 Pandaw's RV Song Hong ("Red River") will join the fleetmate RV Angkor on her routing through the Red and Black River network in...

Pandaw River Cruises announces new 2023 dates for its 10-night Laos Mekong expedition

Pandaw River Cruises announced that from January 2023 the company would activate a 3rd boat - RV Sabaidee Pandaw, on their 10-night Laos expedition...

Pandaw to restart operations on Asian waterways in September 2022

Pandaw River Cruises announced they had secured funding to see them through to September next year when the line anticipates restarting operations on...

River cruise operator Pandaw goes out of business

Pandaw Expeditions announced that due to the continuing COVID crisis impacting international travel, the company was closing its operations in Asia...

Pandaw River Cruises launches new 2021 activities schedule

Pandaw River Cruises announced a new and improved activities schedule for their cruise expeditions, providing potential customers with more choices...

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12-Day China Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

Family tour for yangtze river cruise and panda.

Explore the modern metropolises of Beijing and Shanghai in an authentic way. Tour around a panda breeding base and meet the lovely creatures up close. Cruise along the picturesque Yangtze River, enjoying the peace and having some quality family time.

from US$2,699 p/p

Apr. to Oct.

Tour Highlights

Itinerary details.

After arriving at the airport, your guide and driver will escort you to your hotel and assist you with the check-in process, eliminating any potential problems.

Tian'anmen Square was the front court of the imperial palace in ancient times. Now, it has been divided by a main road and is no longer part of the Forbidden City. The palace-like building at the southern end is the Gate of Heavenly Peace (Tian'anmen). The Forbidden City is also known as the Palace Museum and you will be amazed by the rich exhibitions hidden in its side courts.

Take a walk around the hutongs, which are traditional Chinese alleyways, and experience old Beijing. While you are visiting a local family, don't be shy in accepting their hospitality — join their dumpling-making group and dine with them. Immerse yourself in a local Beijinger's lifestyle.

Good to Know

1. In addition to making dumplings, you can also choose to experience traditional handicrafts. These include paper cutting and Chinese knot weaving, admiring the fantastic Chinese diabolo technique used by a professional performer, and creating the unique facial makeup of a Beijing opera character.

2. For nighttime activities, you can watch a kung fu show or an acrobatic performance. It is suggested to book the show one day in advance — just check the availability with your guide.

The Mutianyu section is a good choice for your exciting visit to the Great Wall. This is because the Badaling section is much more crowded and has fewer watchtowers to see. Take a cable car ride up to the wall to save your energy, allowing you to have more time to appreciate the beautiful scenery from the top of the wall.

Relax as you head to your private vehicle after having a nice lunch at a local restaurant where world leaders have been served. In the evening, a delicious Beijing roast duck feast will help ease the fatigue of the day. Learn how to enjoy this famous cuisine in an authentic way from your guide.

1. Do you want to have a special experience on the Great Wall? We can prepare a picnic lunch for you! Have a sandwich, a cake, and a cup of coffee amid the beautiful scenery on the Great Wall.

2. If the weather conditions allow, slide down the wall in a toboggan for an unforgettable memory. For your safety, a helmet will be provided and you can control the speed of the toboggan.

Fly to Chengdu in the morning and meet your guide who will show you how to follow the tracks of some pandas. While visiting the only panda-themed post office in the world, you can get different kinds of special panda items, such as stamps, envelopes, toys, and more. Don't forget to send some cute postcards to your friends around the world — you can even mail a postcard to your future self!

After having a satisfying Chinese lunch, take some nice selfies with the largest panda sculpture in China. "I Am Here" is the name of this amazing work, made by the outstanding artist, Lawrence Argent. This wall climbing panda has become a popular landmark and attracts people from different places.

At the end of the day, you will roam around People's Park. Relax among the emerald green trees and colorful flowers, and linger in the traditional pavilions in peace. Blend in with the local people and see their simple way of life at a traditional teahouse nearby.

You will be driven to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the morning, which is remotely located from Chengdu city center but is a suitable habitat for giant pandas. After visiting the nursery, you will be amazed by the achievements of the panda breeding program. You can watch the adorable pandas playing or resting among the bamboo groves. Their cuteness will intrigue you and you will want to learn more about them at the panda museum.

After having lunch, visit a recently discovered major archaeological site – Jinsha Site Museum – which is located in northwest Chengdu. The secret of the 3,000-year-old Sun and Immortal Bird is waiting for you to discover it.

Can you believe that a commercial street has existed for over 2,000 years? Relax in Jinli Ancient Street where you can try various delicious Sichuan street snacks and buy some souvenirs at the craftsmen's stalls. Wandering among the traditional architecture may give you the illusion of traveling back to ancient times.

Due to the canine distemper virus event that occurred in 2015, all panda bases suspended close contact with pandas to protect the giant pandas' health. In March of the same year, Dujiangyan Panda Base restarted the panda volunteer program, which includes having your photograph taken with a panda by your side. If you are interested, we can arrange a 1-day Dujiangyan Panda Base tour.

Your exciting Yangtze cruise starts on this day. First, have some breakfast and then you will be transferred from your hotel to the train station. Take a 2-hour high-speed train ride to Chongqing where your guide and driver will be expecting you and will escort you to the pier.

It is suggested to take some beverages and snacks with you before boarding as you may find it expensive on the cruise. Your guide will assist you by preparing some food if you prefer.

Embrace the wonderful natural views along the river, breathe in the clean air, and have a refreshing morning. At about 2pm, go ashore and stroll around Shibaozhai, one of the eight most fantastic buildings in the world. Ascend to the top of the hill and appreciate the beauty from a bird's-eye view. If you are keen to understand the mysterious Chinese ghost culture, visit Fengdu Ghost City to satisfy your curiosity (this is optional).

After the day tour, a welcome dinner party awaits you at night. There is no need to dress up, just have fun!

In the morning, be ready to marvel at the uncanny works of nature: Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge. The majestic and steep cliff at Qutang Gorge and the meandering Wu Gorge will never cease to amaze you. It' s a wonderful chance to capture the fabulous scenery with your family.

In the afternoon, appreciate the unusual shapes of rocks and the mysterious ancient coffins hanging on the cliff at Shennong Stream. Later, you can choose to visit another optional spot, White Emperor City.

At night, enjoy the entertaining show that's presented by the crew.

The world's largest water conservancy and power generation project – the Three Gorges Dam – will be the best part of the day. Go up to the dam and be impressed by this spectacular man-made creation. Your Yangtze cruise ends here. A bus arranged by the cruise company will be waiting to drive you to Yichang. Meet your guide there and transfer to Shanghai by air or bullet train. Your Shanghai guide will accompany you to your hotel.

Feel the fusion of both tradition and modernity in Shanghai. First, visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center in the morning to discover the progress of the past few decades and to get a glimpse of the city's future development. Ascend to the highest glass viewing platform in the Shanghai World Financial Center and have a panoramic view of the city. As for lunch, your guide will recommend some nice restaurants for you and you are also free to make your own choices.

After experiencing the modern side to Shanghai, see it from a different aspect when you visit Yu Garden, the hidden jewel among the forest of concrete. This Chinese classical garden has a long history and is filled with abundant themes and ideal conditions. Blend in with the crowds at Yuyuan Market as you try some local snacks and pick out some handicrafts, antiques, and souvenirs for your friends.

Based on the reviews from our previous customers, a free day to explore the city by yourself is strongly recommended. You can go shopping in Nanjing Road or enjoy a leisurely walk around the Bund. Here are some recommended destinations to visit:

Scenic Options

Water town day tour: There are over 10 water towns with unique features scattered around Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. Rowing a boat with a dark awning on the glittering river, passing under the ancient stone arch bridges with classic Chinese architecture alongside the shore, you are already part of the landscape.

Day tour in Suzhou or Hangzhou: Since ancient times, these two cities have been considered to be paradise on Earth. It only takes an hour to get from Shanghai to Hangzhou by bullet train. Wander around the lake and be enchanted by the fascinating West Lake view. If you are a fan of Chinese gardens, then you won't want to miss Suzhou, which features various gardens that have elegant architectural styles.

Local Interactive Options

In-depth tour of Shanghai's old alleyways (3 hours): Want to experience the authentic way of life for Shanghai's locals? Your guide will reveal the history behind these hidden alleys, which remain in modern society. Visit a local family, dine together, and learn some interesting stories from the past.

Sidecar day tour (2 hours): Care for a ride? Jump into a sidecar and explore this thriving city with a Western driver who has lived for many years in China. As you listen to his words, you will understand Shanghai at a new level.

Enjoy a buffet breakfast in your hotel. Then your guide and driver will ensure that you catch your flight on time. Take all of the wonderful memories from this China tour with you — until next time!

Price Includes

Price from: $2,699 (Tour code: gh-cht-ft-07)

1. Tailoring your tour

This tour is very flexible. You can alter the itinerary, extend or shorten it to suit your price, interest and schedule. Feel free to tell us your requirements, and we are happy to help you arrange with our professional knowledge and experience.

(1) Hotels with a convenient location and swimming pool are recommended. Please note that a swimsuit/trunks and swimming cap are required to enter the swimming pool. (2) If you prefer other hotel options : economical choices, Chinese-style hotels, home stay, apartment , or would like to book the hotels on your own, please feel free to inform us and we will be happy to adjust the details. (3) Most hotels in China allow at most three people in one room. If there are more than three people in your group, we will check if there is family room available or do our best to arrange interconnecting rooms or adjoin rooms .

Lunches at popular local restaurants are included for you in order to taste authentic Chinese food . Your guide will assist you with ordering dishes loved by both adults and children. Most families enjoy eating local Chinese food as there is plenty of variety and different flavors , and the food is so much better and different from the Chinese food served back home. Some children may prefer Western food or have some special requirements for meals. Please inform us and we will do our best to cater to your needs

4. Car Seats, Stroller, and Baby Crib

To maximize the safety of your children, we can arrange for car seats to be fitted at your request during the private transfers in Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Guilin, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Suzhou . A baby stroller can be provided in Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, and Hangzhou . For a baby under two years old, we will inform the hotel to arrange a crib for you. No extra cost is needed. The number of car seats, strollers, and cribs are limited. Please inquire and confirm early to reserve them.

5. First Aid Kit

We all know how active kids can be. In case of some small injury, our guides will take a first aid kit with them during the tour, including alcohol prep pads, sterile gauze sponges, and bandages .

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Katha Pandaw

The pioneering 28-guest RV Katha Pandaw is a trailblazing vessel of Asian river exploration. Built in 2011 in Saigon and having already previously embarked on both Mekong cruises across Vietnam and Cambodia and Irrawaddy voyages through Myanmar, she now sails India’s mighty Ganges as part of epic overland-plus-cruise expeditions exploring the riches of one of the world’s most remarkable and sacred rivers.

Originally an ‘all Ganges’ voyage sailing one thousand miles from Kolkata all the way to Varanasi, and despite her ultra shallow draft, due to navigational challenges and the obstruction of numerous pontoon bridges, the itinerary now only sails on the great Mother Ganga’s upper stretches as far as Patna, from where guests will travel overland to Gaya for a night and then on to Varanasi for two nights.

Astonishing Itineraries

This means that during your 15-day journey you’ll spend three nights in the best available hotels but will still get to sail and spend eleven nights on board the Katha Pandaw, covering the best of the Ganges through the enchanting rural arcadia of West Bengal along the Hooghly River and the great expanse of the Ganga itself with its pristine wildlife and cultural treasures dotted along its banks and beyond.

Be immersed in the local way of life as you venture downstream from Varanasi—the most sacred city of Hinduism and oldest inhabited city on the planet, a place of overwhelming beauty at the same time poignantly moving with its cremation ghats—to the other end of the holy river, Kolkata and all its colonial splendors and Raj-like magnificence, or vice-versa on the upstream version of the itinerary.

Ride on rickshaws, witness terracotta temples, and dine alongside Gangetic dolphins en route as you explore over 20 towns and villages, the sacred Buddhist sites of Sarnath, Nalanda and Bodh Gaya, battlefields, workshops, the famous Bihar School of Yoga, the world’s largest opium factory, and so much more.

Guests should note that due to unforeseen seasonal weather conditions—or indeed to take advantage of unexpected opportunities—last minute schedule shifts and slight itinerary alterations may occur. In the event this does happen, the helpful crew will be on hand to keep you apprised of any changes to excursion logistics.

A Remarkable Vessel

Previously without an indoor dining room and once catering to 36 guests, upon her September 2019 move to India where winter cruising can be chilly first thing, a refit altered the Upper Deck to create an enlarged indoor saloon/dining area, and reduced the number of staterooms aboard from sixteen to fourteen (four on the Upper deck, ten on the Lower Deck), thereby providing guests aboard the Katha Pandaw one of the largest space per guest ratios available on the Ganges.

Her identical, air-conditioned staterooms all measure 170 square feet, delightfully finished in teak and brass, feature desks and safes, and come fitted with panoramic French windows which lead out onto the walk-around decks. Bathrooms have good showers, with bathrobes, hair dryers, and slippers provided. Thoughtfully there is 24 hour laundry service and the crew will even clean your shoes after excursions.

Passengers are able to spend leisure time on the aft part of the covered Upper Deck where they can take in the sights from teak loungers and wicker furniture whilst enjoying a drink from the bar, or in the cozy comforts of the new lounge where complimentary soft drinks are served, guide briefings held, and evening cultural performances, educational talks, and cooking classes take place. An open-bridge policy allows access to the wheelhouse for those inquisitive about the boat’s navigation, and there is also a small on board shop selling fair trade products.

Meals are prepared by a local master chef who heads an experienced international culinary team, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and served bistro-style both indoor and outdoor on the Upper Deck. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, with sit-down multi-course, themed dinners. Combined with the complimentary evening canapés and daily freshly baked breads from the onboard bakery, the cuisine on board your cruise—in conjunction with the exciting and authentic excursions—really does encompass the Indian lifestyle completely.

A World Away From Convential Cruising

Embark on a Ganges river cruise aboard the much-loved Katha Pandaw—great for adventurous explorers, intrepid families and daring single travelers—and experience a world away from conventional cruising exploring this extraordinary, chaotic, and charming country, a veritable melange of color and culture, in a way that you’d never imagined.

Please note that the Katha Pandaw itineraries pass through the state of Bihar in which it is illegal to serve any alcoholic drinks. For this reason alcohol cannot be served on the Upstream itinerary from day 6 until the afternoon of day 12, and for the Downstream itinerary from day 3 until the afternoon of day 9 while in the state of Bihar.

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

Accommodations

Social areas.

Suites & Cabins

Main deck stateroom.

These ample-sized rooms feature various amenities to ensure guests have a comfortable stay. The room also comes with a private ensuite bathroom, spa-branded amenities, and a hairdryer to ensure guests stay refreshed.

Upper Deck Stateroom

These ample-sized rooms feature various amenities to ensure guests have a comfortable stay. The rooms also feature unlimited mineral water for guests to stay dehydrated at all times, kimonos, slippers, a hairdryer, and spa-branded amenities with a private ensuite bathroom.

Technical Information

• Air conditioning
• Lecture room
• WIFI available
• Kosher Meals
• Medical staff
• Souvenir shop
• Hot showers
• All inclusive
• Charging areas for electronic equipment
• Flash lights
• Water canteen/bottle
• Insect repellent

Related Cruises

Ganga Vilas

MV Bhitarkanika

Kindat Pandaw

Kalaw Pandaw

Ganges Voyager

Bengal Ganga

• I'd like to be contacted via WhatsApp.
• I'd prefer not to be contacted by phone or SMS.
• All prices displayed are per person
• When 1 adult and 1 child (from 5 to 18 years old) share 1 cabin, the child receives 50% reduction from the adult price
• When 2 adults and 1 child (from 5 to 18 years old) share 2 cabins, 1 cabin with no single supplement and 50% reduction for the child
• When 2 adults and 2 children (from 5 to 18 years old) share 2 cabins, both children receive a 50% reduction
• River cruising on the Lower and Upper Ganges can be severely affected by fog during the months of December and January. This may impact the sailing schedules and the planned excursions.
• The cruise schedule may shift due to the weather or to take advantage of unexpected opportunities, so please be aware that last-minute adjustments may occur.
• Entry to the Bihar School of Yoga is subject to approval and may not always be possible.
• Food and beverage taken at local restaurants will be chargeable directly to the venue.
• We suggest you change money before your arrival or at a bank at the international airport before exiting as currently there is a shortage of new money bills in India.
• 1st Class train tickets are subject to availability.
• Please note that the Katha Pandaw itineraries pass through the state of Bihar in which it is illegal to serve any alcoholic drinks. For this reason, alcohol cannot be served on the Upstream itinerary from day 6 until the end of the cruise and arrival in Varanasi, and for the Downstream itinerary from arrival onboard to an afternoon of day 6.

Dr. Panda Town: Vacation 4+

Go camping, sailing, and more‪‬, dr. panda ltd, designed for ipad.

• 3.7 • 1.5K Ratings
• Offers In-App Purchases

Screenshots

Description.

EXPLORE EXCITING LOCATIONS! Check out your fancy cruise ship as you choose where to visit first! Hit the beach and play volleyball with friends, or grab your snorkel and scuba-dive in the deep sea and uncover a huge underwater city. Travel to new islands, and experience the great outdoors where you can go camping in the woods or set off on a winter adventure to the snow covered mountain. With tons of fun places to visit and things to do, there’s something for everyone! TELL YOUR OWN STORIES! With more places to go, there’s even more fun to be had! If being the captain of the ship floats your boat, entertain guests with a live band or even a rooftop pool party. Go hiking in the woods to discover a secret hideaway and camp out after dark, or brave the scorching sands of the desert and unlock the mysteries of the Pharaoh in the ancient ruins for the coolest vacation ever! KEY FEATURES: - Over 30 characters to play with - 15 adorable pets to take on vacation - Tons of fun outfits to take on vacation - Play in lots of diverse and exciting locations - Choose between day and night, and change how you play - Discover tons of secret and hidden play areas - Bring items, characters and more between other Dr. Panda Town games for even more fun - Free play! No time limits or rules - Go on your own adventures, or play along with friends - Designed for kids, but anyone can play and have fun! - Safe for kids Offers in-app purchases to unlock additional content. These are one-time purchases which will permanently unlock the content for your account. Please check your device settings for more detailed parental options regarding in-app purchases, and feel free to contact us at [email protected] if you have feedback or concerns. Privacy Policy As a designer of kids’ games, we understand how important privacy is in this modern, digital world. You can read our privacy policy here: http://www.drpanda.com/privacy About Dr. Panda Dr. Panda is a developer of games for kids. We develop games with educational values that help kids learn about the world. All of our games are safe and do not contain inappropriate content. If you’d like to know more about us and how we design games for kids, visit our website www.drpanda.com/about. If you have any questions, feel free to send us an email at [email protected] or contact us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/drpandagames) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/drpandagames) or Instagram (www.instagram.com/drpandagames).

Version 2.0

- Minor improvements We've made a couple of cool new changes to enhance your experience.  If you have any feedback, leave a review or send us a message at [email protected]

Ratings and Reviews

1.5K Ratings

A lot like Toca Life games

I’ve noticed that this game was very similar to Toca Life games. They both have a very similar setup and style. This doesn’t seem very fair for the developers of Toca Life games, I think a way to improve this game and not really be a comparison to Toca Life games is to not have to pay for more expansions (Because everyone doesn’t have parents that will buy them anything they want) and also to have everything in smaller areas and to take away the things that are similar to Toca Life games. Overall, I rate this game 4 out of 5 stars, one reason I give it this rating is because it is similar to Toca Life games. I hope the developers of this app realizes some of these problems and will try and improve this app

You can’t put more maps? Kids love dr panda 🐼 but like you have to spend like 20$ on all the games that you put that need money. The people are cute and all but when you cook you spend like a big amount of money again like 10$ kid wanna enjoy the games they got by waiting for Xmas or birthdays they take a year or you don’t even get money on any of those I just said. How does kid like their game even though they need to spend more money on gamepasses like who be willing to take kids parents money to spend on your GAME. Just please lower the price or you’re just wasting the parents money on like 7 games you cannot just lower the game price like 1 dollar for a cooking games or game you put that you need a big Amount on the game kid will understand why you put gamepasses because it will be extremely expensive and if you still put the prices that way you will have kid hating the game and you have under the rating 4.0 you have 3.9 you under the game should feel like it’s a game but you create games that feel like it’s grabbing your money☹️ you should have kids feel like it’s a good game after the money They spended! Stop taking kid money they probably earned.

My cousins have been wondering why this game can’t let you get all the places for free. How about you make everything free? If you can thank you! Because that will be fair so that you can meet all the characters and it will it be ok? If it is I am glad. I’m sorry I’m writing such small reviews today but I have to because I have to investigate other apps too. I hope you add more places to this app and also make all the places free! I hope to hear from you soon. 🙏🏻🤞🏻If you make it I will be so pleased because that will be awesome because YOU are awesome at these awesome apps! They are so awesome! Thank you for reading my review. From, Mackanize Arzikaya #thankyouformakingit

App Privacy

The developer, Dr. Panda Ltd , has not provided details about its privacy practices and handling of data to Apple. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

No Details Provided

The developer will be required to provide privacy details when they submit their next app update.

Information

English, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian Bokmål, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Traditional Chinese, Turkish

• Unlock all 7! $5.99
• Unlock 5 Areas! $3.99
• Ancient Ruin & Underwater City $1.99
• Forest, Pool & Deep Sea Areas $3.99
• Winter Island & Spa Areas $2.99
• Ancient Ruins $1.99
• Underwater City $1.99
• Deep Sea Area $1.99
• Pool Deck $1.99
• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

Family Sharing

Some in‑app purchases, including subscriptions, may be shareable with your family group when family sharing is enabled., more by this developer.

Dr. Panda Town Tales: New Life

Dr. Panda Restaurant: Asia

Dr. Panda Restaurant 3

Dr. Panda Town: Mall

Dr. Panda - Learn & Play

Dr. Panda Cafe

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ELEVEN NIGHT LAND & RIVER EXPLORER

CLASSIC VIETNAM & CAMBODIA TOUR

New Land & River adventures

Explore all the wonders of Southern Vietnam and the temples of Angkor in Cambodia in this new extended river & land tour from Pandaw. Combining our timeless 7-night river expedition between Saigon and Siem Reap with specially selected pre and post-cruise tours to enhance your journey, it has never been easier to book your Vietnam and Cambodia adventure with Pandaw.

CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK ONLINE

EXPEDITION MAP

YOUR HOTELS

Hotel des Arts Saigon

Visit Hotel Website

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS

5 Night Vietnam's Heritage Road: Hue, Hoi An & Saigon Pre Tour

Kratie and the Dolphin Grounds 2 Night Post Tour

Private Dining

Pre-Bookable House Wine Package

Free Flow Drinks

Free Flow Drinks & Wine Package

Language Guides (Classic Mekong cruise portion only)

Pandaw Spa (Vietnam & Cambodia)

Day 1 arrival in saigon.

Our guide will be waiting for you at the airport to transfer you to your hotel. Free time in the evening, we suggest heading to Nguyen Hue walking street to see the various artists, performers and local residents relaxing in true Vietnamese style.

Overnight Saigon Meals: none

DAY 2 SAIGON CITY TOUR - CUCHI TUNNELS

In the morning, drive to the extraordinary Cu Chi tunnels, about 65 Km (1.5 hours drive) from Saigon. The complicated system of underground network was built by the Viet Cong guerillas. We return to the city for lunch at a local restaurant before taking in the sights of Saigon. Visit the Reunification Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office, Former US Embassy, City Hall and War Museum of Remnants. End the day with some shopping at Ben Thanh market, one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon and symbol of the city turned tourist shopping hotspot.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3 SAIGON - MY THO - BEN TRE

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the ship at My Tho.

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer from Saigon to the river port for embarkation. After lunch, we journey by sampans through mangroves and bamboo forests to the fruit orchards of Ben Tre. This is an area rich in birdlife which we will explore via local transport before transferring to a local rowboat. We will journey slowly through the bamboo covered canals before arriving at a village specialising in making local products. In the evening you will be entertained by a Vietnamese dance troupe on deck.

DAY 4 CON PHUOC

Sailing through the delta offers a real insight into life along this vast waterway. After lunch, we pass through a small canal and head ashore to Con Phuoc Island where we visit local craftspeople weaving bamboo baskets the traditional way. After a demonstration, we try our hand at making our own. We then take a local tuk tuk for a drive through this peaceful village, stopping at a 100 year old church and meeting more of the friendly local community. After onboard lunch, the ship sails to Tan Chau for overnight.

DAY 5 CHAU DOC - VIETNAM/CAMBODIA BORDER

In the morning, taking minivans for a short drive to Sam Mountain, location of Phuoc Dien Tu or the Hang Pagoda. We climb the 400 steps to the top to visit the pagoda. Then we go alongside at the picturesque border town of Chau Doc where we visit the floating fish farms by sampan. We make a stop at a Chham Village and observe the lives of Vietnamese Muslims. Lion dance is presented at the Cham Village.

Upon return to ship, we navigate a web of canals before dropping anchor on the Vietnam/Cambodia border to undergo Immigration formalities.

DAY 6 PHNOM PENH

Morning orientation of Phnom Penh by cyclo visiting the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda followed by the National Museum with its marvelous collection of Angkorian statuary. In the afternoon we visit the Killing Fields and Genocide museum to learn more about the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. Overnight in Phnom Penh city port with its lively bars, restaurants and night life.

DAY 7 KAMPONG TRALACH

We leave the dock at Phnom Penh early morning and sail up the winding channels of the Tonle Sap river to Kampong Tralach. We travel by ox-cart around the river-side villages, markets and temples to get a sense of life along the river. In the evening cocktails are round a village fire pit where we will be joined by village folk keen to show us their traditional dancing show us more of the delightful Khmer culture.

DAY 8 OUDONG - SILK ISLAND

In the morning, travel by coach to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong. On the way we stop to visit the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre before taking a drive around the old capital. We re-join our ship at Prek Kdam before returning to the Mekong. After lunch we sail to Koh Nghe Tei (Silk Island) to study the entire silk-making process from worms to weavers. We visit silk makers and can buy from them their lovely silk scarves and other fabrics. This village is a centre of the ancient martial art of L’bokator which roughly translates as 'pounding a lion'. It includes weapons techniques and is one of the oldest combat techniques in Cambodia and believed to date back to the Angkor empire.

DAY 9 ANGKOR BAN VILLAGE & WAT HANCHEY

Sunrise cruise to Angkor Ban village to see how local villagers live and visit the library which was donated by Pandaw to Angkor Ban secondary school.

NOTE : if you want to donate books, please bring along some Children’s books in English language (suitable for age 8 to 15 yrs) which you can personally gift to the library.

In the afternoon we sail north to Wat Hanchey, an important centre of worship during the Chenla period located on top of a hill above the mighty Mekong River with some of the best Mekong views in Cambodia. Visit 8th century structures some destroyed by American bombings during the Vietnam War.

DAY 10 ARRIVAL SIEM REAP - ANGKOR WAT

Disembark and travel by coach from Kampong Cham through stunningly lovely countryside to reach Siem Reap, adjacent to Angkor Wat.

Your guide will meet you upon arrival to Siem Reap then arrange lunch before check in. In the afternoon we visit the most famous temple of Cambodia, Angkor Wat. It is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking with a massive three tiered pyramid crowned by five beehive-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. This temple is the centerpiece of any visit to the temples of Angkor. Take in the romantic view at sunset from Bakheng Hill.

Overnight at hotel Meals: Dinner

DAY 11 TEMPLES OF ANGKOR

Following breakfast in your hotel, set out for a day of exploration amongst the various temples and ruins of the Angkor Empire. The morning we will cover the large complex surrounding the imposing Bayon Temple. After lunch at a local restaurant, we discover more secluded temples including the awe inspiring and overgrown Ta Prohm, made famous by the Tomb Raider movie.

In the evening we experience a true highlight of Cambodia and meet talented young performers in a breathtaking and original Cambodian show at Phare Ponleu Selpak's Circus. Not just for entertainment, Phare is also a social enterprise supporting the youth of Cambodia gain skills and employment.

Overnight at hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12 DEPARTURE

After breakfast check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your onward flight.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY Upstream

Whats included.

Cruise Price Includes : Entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew, main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes. Transfers between the meeting point and the ship at the start and end of a voyage, hotel accommodation as specified (or similar), excursions and meals as outlined in the itinerary

Cruise Price Excludes : International flights, port dues (if levied), laundry, all visa costs, fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions), all beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes and tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers. NOTE: Drink packages are only available on the cruise section.

TRANSFERS & JOINING

Please take note your driver/guide will be waiting for you at Column No 12 outside the arrival area (either the International Arrival area or Domestic Arrival area, depending on your flight). Upon exiting the Arrival Terminal please look for column No 12. In case you do not see the driver/guide at column No 12, please call the Pandaw hotline number and remain standing at the column No 12 in order for the guide/driver to locate you. Please be on the lookout for the Pandaw welcome sign in front of Column No 12.

Our meeting point for embarkation will be Hotel Des Arts Saigon (address: 76-78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Quan 1, Thành pho Ho Chí Minh).

For guests staying at Hotel Des Arts, please meet in reception at 10am for Pandaw check in and registration.

For guests staying elsewhere in Saigon, we will arrange a taxi transfer from your chosen hotel to Hotel Des Arts for registration. We will contact your hotel the night before to advise pick up time which will be between 09:30 and 09:45am. Please note transfers to Hotel Des Arts can only be arranged from hotels within central Saigon (District 1 or 3).

Group departure from Hotel Des Arts to the ship is at 10:30am.

Early morning coach transfer to the FCC Angkor by Avani hotel in Siem Reap, arriving mid-afternoon (approx. 13.30). Transfer by coach from Kampong Cham to Siem Reap takes approx 4 hours.

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Moscow Boat Tour

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Description

See all the gems of historical and cultural center of the capital in short time and without traffic jams or tiresome walking.

Depending on the itinerary and duration of the Moscow River boat trip, the tour can be 3 or 5 hours.

Highlights of the tour

• St Basil’s Cathedral;
• Stalin skyscraper on Kotelnicheskaya (Tinkers) embankment;
• The Kremlin;
• “House on the Embankment” Stalin skyscraper;
• Monument to Peter I;
• The Central House of Artists;
• Christ the Savior Cathedral;
• Gorky Park;
• Moscow State University;
• Russian Academy of Sciences;
• Luzhniki stadium;
• Novodevichy Monastery;
• Kiev railway station;
• Europe Square;
• Moscow City Hall;
• Government House;
• Expocentre Exhibition Complex;
• and other famous sights.

You will learn about the different epochs of the city from the foundation in 1147 till Soviet times of 20 th  century.

Moscow River

Moskva river has the form of a snake and is the main waterway of Moscow, consisting of a cascade of reservoirs. Within the city, Moskva river is 80 km long, 120 m - 200 m wide and up to 14 m deep. The narrowest part of the river is the Kremlin area in the city center, and the most extensive is around the Luzhniki Stadium in the south. 

Bridges in Moscow

Undoubtedly, bridges and embankments are among the most scenic spots and main attractions of Moscow. Plus, they are so romantic.

• Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge –  Great Stone Bridge –  is the main bridge of Moscow . The first stone bridge was constructed here in the 17th century.
• Patriarshy Bridge  is one of the youngest pedestrian bridges, built in 2004. The bridge connects the iconic Christ the Saviour Cathedral with funky Bersenevskaya embankment, extremely popular place among locals for its trendy art galleries, cafes and panoramic views. Patriarshy Bridge used to be a shooting location for ex-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's New Year speech to the nation.
• Borodinsky Bridge,  erected in honor of the 100th anniversary of the glorious victory in the Battle of Borodino (which every Russian kid knows about), a fierce legendary battle during the Russo-French war of 1812.
• Bagration Bridge  one of the  pedestrian bridges with most picturesque views of the Moskva River with its numerous upper-level observation platforms. The bridge was erected to celebrate the 850th anniversary of Moscow city in 1997.
• Krymsky Bridge  used to be in Top 5 Europe’s longest bridges some 100 years ago. The bridge got its name after the ancient Krymsky ford which Crimean Tartars used to invade Moscow in the 16 th  century.

Embankments of Moscow

Moscow river boats 37 embankments, the most popular being Kremlevskaya, Sofiyskaya, Pushkinskaya, Vorobyovskaya and Kolomenskaya.

You can get the most spectacular views of the Kremlin from  Kremlevskaya and Sofiyskaya embankments.

• Pushkinkaya embankment  is the most romantic in Moscow. It meanders along Gorky Park and Neskuchnyi garden and is rich for all kinds of entertainment as well as cozy nooks, including Olivkovy beach, the famous Zeleny theater as well as a pier for river cruisers.
• Vorobyevskaya embankment  is part of Sparrow Hills nature reserve. This place opens a beautiful panorama of the river and city from the observation deck and is considered to be the place for taking serious decisions in life.
• Embankment in Kolomenskoye  Museum-Reserve has a special charm due to its peculiar geographical relief. The boat trip around Kolomenskoye would be the most peaceful in your life.
• Taras Shevchenko embankment  is popular among photographers for its modern Moscow City skyscrapers. Highly recommended for your night boat trip.
• Embankments of Moscow are the pride of the capital. A distinctive feature of each of the promenades is its architecture and beautiful views. In addition, almost all the embankments of Moscow have a rich history and a lot of notable buildings.

Different epochs

Taking a walk along the Moskva River by boat, you will witness the architecture of Moscow from different eras and styles. Archaeological studies indicate that already in the XI century there stood a fortified settlement on Borovitsky hill, which is now called the Kremlin. Little fortress could not accommodate all the residents of the rapidly growing city, and the Grand Duke ordered the construction of a new Kremlin, larger than the former.

Boat trip around Kolomenskoe Park

Moscow river boat trip starts from the pier Klenovy (Maple) Boulevard and provides reat views of Nicholas Perervinsky monastery.

Nicholas Perervinsky monastery was founded at the time of the Battle of Kulikov (1380). The monastery, got its name from the surrounding area – “Pererva”, which can be translated like “tear off” and because of the location –  here it abruptly changed its course, turning to Kolomna, standing on the opposite bank.

Nowadays Kolomenskoye is State Art, Historical, Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve, which doors are open to everyone who wants to get in touch with the ancient history of Russia.

Take a break from the big city hustle in the shady parks and gardens of the Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve. Don’t miss a wonderful Church of the Ascension and Tsar Alexey’s Palace in Kolomenskoye!

Monasteries and temples

• Novospassky Monastery
• Founded in the 13th century on the site where now is located the Danilovsky monastery. After a few decades, in 1330, Ivan Kalita moved the monastery onto the Borovitskii hill of the Kremlin. However, in the 15th century, Spassky Monastery again moved, this time to a more spacious place on Krasnoholmskaya waterfront.
• Church of St. Nicholas in Zayaitskom
• Erected in the middle of the XVIII century in baroque style. The building survived after the 1812 fire, but the utensils were destoyed. Parishioners collected donations and restored the temple on their own. In Soviet times, it was closed and re-opened only in 1992.
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• The church was originally erected in honor of the victory over Napoleon and was being under construction for long 44 years. Notoriously demolished in 1937 to be a giant swimming pool under open sky. The current building was constructed in 1990s. It is the tallest and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
• The temple was built in 1679-82, during the reign of Tsar Fedor Alekseevich, in late Muscovite Baroque style and can be characterized as bonfire temple. Each gable is a symbol of a heavenly fire.
• Novodevichy Convent
• The most famous concent and monastery in Moscow, presumably founded in 1524. Novodevichy’s status has always been high among other monasteries, it was in this monastery where the women of the royal blood, the wives of Tsars and local rulers of Moscow were kept in prison as nuns.
• St. Andrew’s church  (male acts as Compound Patriarch of Moscow)
• St. Andrew’s church stands right on the slopes of the Sparrow Hills, on the way down to the Moskva River, on the territory of the Nature Reserve “Sparrow Hills”. The monastery is small in size but is very cozy. It’s situated in a quiet courtyard surrounded by temples, fruit trees and flowers.

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow river cruise.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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Is the Radisson boat tour the best for a river cruise? - Moscow Forum

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Is the Radisson boat tour the best for a river cruise?

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This post has been removed at the author's request.

In the winter? You have no choice.

Radisson boats are the best, yes.

And only radissons operate in winter (because only they can break the ice on the river).

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Moscow Hotels and Places to Stay

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Kung Fu Panda 4 breaks eye-opening box office record; 5 best $2 billion franchises

Kung Fu Panda 4 ‘s box office haul ($268 million) has helped the franchise top $2 billion cumulatively.

However, it’s far from the first franchise to reach that milestone. From the MCU to Star Wars to Mission: Impossible , there have been several $2 billion franchises.

But not all are created equally. We ranked the five best franchises that have grossed over $2 billion at the box office.

Kung Fu Panda (2008-present; $2 billion ) 

The Kung Fu Panda franchise just released its fourth installment. Say what you want, the franchise has been one of the steadiest in Hollywood. Families seem to go in droves any time a new installment in the franchise is released.

I can appreciate that the fourth film — which looks gorgeous — also advanced Po’s (Jack Black) story. It’d be easy to continue a copy-and-paste formula where the Dragon Warrior continued to kick butt in each film.

However, Kung Fu Panda 4 forces Po to choose a new Dragon Warrior. He becomes the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace by the end of the film. That effort helped Kung Fu Panda 4 excel past the third film, which was middling at best, and get back on track with the first two films.

Now, let’s hope the Furious Five come back in Kung Fu Panda 5.

The MCU (2008-present; $29 billion)

I know, I know — the MCU has been on a skid recently. We’re long removed from the glory days of the franchise.

However, post-Endgame blunders aside, the MCU’s impact on Hollywood and pop culture alike cannot be ignored.

And let’s be real — the MCU was great in its heyday. 2017-19 in particular were filled with hits like Spider-Man: Homecoming; Black Panther; Avengers Infinity War and Endgame.

Even post-Endgame, the MCU has had its moments.  Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings; Spider-Man: No Way Home; Thor: Love and Thunder; and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever all had their moments.

Hopefully, Deadpool and Wolverine and Fantastic Four can help get the MCU back on track. The franchise has seemingly lost its magic since Endgame was released.

Planet of the Apes (1968-present; $2.1 billion)

Granted, I’m talking about the recent remake trilogy that was released between 2011-17. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the fourth film in the series, will be released in 2024.

While the old films are classics, the recent trilogy of films are all great. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes was by far the best film in the series, with a heart-wrenching Lion King-like story that propels it above the rest. The religious imagery in War for the Planet of the Apes also added a new twist to the franchise.

Mission: Impossible (1996-present; $4.4 billion)

The Mission: Impossible franchise has aged like a fine wine like the Kung Fu Panda series. Somehow, the Tom Cruise-led series has continued upping the stakes with each film.

While Rogue Nation was a bit of a misfire. Christopher McQuarrie has otherwise had a nearly perfect track record. Both Fallout and Dead Reckoning are great installments in the franchise. From Henry Cavill’s bicep reload to the train sequence in Dead Reckoning, the last two films are amongst the best in the entire series.

The adrenaline-fueled sequences are what capture the minds of viewers. But the Mission: Impossible films need to be applauded for how well they are made. Sure, their stories are occasionally bloated and confusing, but there is not another major tentpole franchise that looks better.

Fast and Furious (2001-present; $7.3 billion)

Call me crazy, but the Fast and Furious franchise is the best of the bunch. It’s not about the quality of the films, frankly, but rather the ridiculousness of them.

I’ve never not been entertained seeing Vin Diesel leap across a bridge to save Michelle Rodriguez. And with each passing installment, more A-listers are added to the list of shameless cash-grabbing actors in the series like Charlize Theron, Jason Momoa, and John Cena.

Again, the films aren’t meant to be taken seriously. The more you allow yourself to laugh at the stupidity, the better the ride is. That’s what movies are about.

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The post Kung Fu Panda 4 breaks eye-opening box office record; 5 best $2 billion franchises appeared first on ClutchPoints .

Israel’s Iron Dome

How layers of air defences protected the country against the biggest onslaught of missiles and drones in its history

Israel used all four tiers of its air defences — and help from allies — to block Iran's mass drone and missile attack on Israeli territory on April 13, officials say.

The Israeli and U.S. governments said a combination of air-, sea- and ground-launched missiles destroyed nearly all of the hundreds of weapons Iran sent toward Israel. U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the region, said U.S. forces destroyed more than 80 drones and at least six ballistic missiles.

Israel has been honing its air defences since enduring Iraqi Scud missile salvoes in the 1991 Gulf War, said Dr. Yehoshua Kalisky, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. That work resulted in a multi-layered air defence network linked by central control nodes, he said.

The outer layers are the Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 systems, designed to intercept ballistic missiles fired from thousands of kilometres away. The Arrow-2 is optimised for destroying missiles in the atmosphere, while the Arrow-3 can hit them while they are coasting in space. Both are meant to minimise the chance that warheads or payloads from the destroyed targets cause harm on the ground.

David’s Sling provides the middle layer of protection, Kalisky said, and is meant to engage shorter-range ballistic missiles launched 100km to 200km (62 to 124 miles) away. Developed and manufactured jointly by Israel’s state-owned Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the U.S. Raytheon Co, David’s Sling can also intercept aircraft, drones and cruise missiles.

The final ring of protection comes from what is most likely the best-known and most-used of Israel’s air defence systems: the short-range Iron Dome, which is optimised for destroying small, slow, unguided targets such as short-range rockets and drones, he said.

A graphic shows four types of interceptor missile systems Israel uses and the ranges within which they operate.

Iron Dome was built to intercept the kind of low-tech rockets fired by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas in Gaza. Developed by state-owned Rafael Advanced Defense Systems with U.S. backing, it became operational in 2011. Each truck-towed unit can direct radar-guided missiles against short-range threats such as rockets, mortars and drones.

A key part of Iron Dome is its control system’s ability to discern what incoming targets pose a threat. If an adversary’s rocket will land harmlessly - in an unpopulated area or in the sea, for instance - it will not be intercepted. That makes it ideal for “saturation” scenarios in which an enemy tries to fire so many missiles that not all of them will be shot down, said Uzi Rubin, a senior researcher at the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security.

“Its radar and battle management systems are designed to handle a huge number of targets simultaneously,” Rubin said. “Each launcher can fire its full load of 20 interceptors within 10 seconds or so.”

When Hamas began its attack on Israel in October 2023, it fired several thousand rockets into Israel, with a reported interception rate of about 90%.

Rafael says that over the course of its service, Iron Dome has intercepted thousands of targets.

The company says it delivered two Iron Dome batteries to the U.S. Army in 2020. Ukraine is seeking the system to protect cities in its war with Russia, but Israel has so far only provided Kyiv with humanitarian support and civil defence supplies.

A video shows the sky over Jerusalem at night during Iran’s attack. Missiles from Israel’s Iron Dome defence system are launched to intercept incoming missiles or drones.

How it works

Iron Dome was originally billed as providing city-sized coverage against rockets with ranges of 4 to 70 km (2.5 to 43 miles), but experts say this has been expanded as the system has been improved over time.

A graphic shows parts of Israel’s missile defence system. The radar detects incoming targets within a 100 km radius and provides midcourse guidance for the Tamir interceptor missile. The battle management control system (BMC) calculates the impact point of an incoming missile and only intercepts those that will fall in a protected area. Each missile launcher can fire up to 20 interceptor missiles against incoming targets.

The systems work to create a protective space above Israeli towns and settlements. Any incoming projectile determined to be a threat can be targeted.

A graphic shows a city being protected from attack by Iron Dome. Iron Dome is a mobile system designed to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells that endanger populated areas in Israel. Each battery – a combination of missile launcher, control station and radar – can defend about 150 square kilometres (58 square miles), about the size of a medium-sized city.

The mission of shooting down numerous cheap, low-end threats means Iron Dome’s interceptors must also be inexpensive. Each Tamir missile costs about $50,000, Kalisky said, which is low relative to a multimillion-dollar Patriot missile. The price of not stopping an incoming threat must also be factored in, said Ankit Panda of the U.S.-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

“It’s not that Iron Dome is a 100% effective capability, but you have to consider the alternative,” of much more damage from enemy rockets, he said.

A graphic shows a Tamir interceptor missile and how it works. The solid propellant motor in a Tamir missile allows it to reach Mach 2. The proximity fuse warhead activates as the missile approaches its target. Within 10 metres (33 feet) of the target, the warhead detonates, destroying the enemy missile with fragments of high-speed metal.

The high rate of fire, especially during a full-blown conflict, puts a strain on the ammunition supply of any air defence system, Kalisky said. That is why saturation attacks are an attractive tactic, and why countries must stockpile air defence missiles, he added.

“It’s a problem with any type of ammunition,” he said. “You have to prepare in advance. You have to prepare for that kind of attack.”

Israel does not publicise the number of Tamir interceptors it produces or stockpiles. It also does not disclose the number of missiles fired by its air defence systems, although Kalisky said Iron Dome is designed to fire two missiles at each target.

The layers of defences and the use of systems tailor-made for Israel’s specific situation make Iron Dome especially potent, Panda said.

“Israel I think has the most effective missile defence solution for the threats it faces as a country,” he said. “It’s been pretty well established that Iron Dome has a concept of operation that is incredibly effective.”

Title photo

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, as seen from the city of Ashkelon, Israel, Oct. 9, 2023. REUTERS/Amir Cohen

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

Simon Scarr, Jon McClure and Ros Russell

Text: A A A Print Sci-tech

• China's 2nd homegrown large cruise ship enters shipyard for final assembly

A keel laying ceremony of China's second domestically-produced large cruise ship is held on April 20, 2024 in Shanghai, marking the onset of the vessel's hull structure assembly and another achievement of China's shipbuilding prowess. (Photo by Chen Mengze/for China Daily)

A keel laying ceremony of China's second domestically-produced large cruise ship was held on Saturday morning in Shanghai, marking the onset of the vessel's hull structure assembly and another achievement of China's shipbuilding prowess, according to official sources. 

Chen Gang, general manager of the vessel's builder China State Shipbuilding Corporation's (CSSC) Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co Ltd called the ceremony a milestone in China's cruise industry development. 

"In comparison with the first one, the second homegrown cruise ship was built more efficiently in terms of design and construction, with higher quality and standards," said Chen. 

The vessel has currently completed 20 percent of its total construction workload, with its design, construction, procurement and logistics well underway. 

Garnering ample experience from building the first China-made cruise ship Adora Magic City, CSSC has optimized the construction of a second large cruise ship and enhanced the efficiency by 20 percent, said Chen Jianwei, assistant to the general manager of China State Shipbuilding Corporation's (CSSC) Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co Ltd. 

The efficiency improvement will come along with design optimization, including supply chain development and management, as well as process innovation, according to Chen. 

To be named and delivered by the end of 2026, the vessel is expected to get floated in May 2025, which means its construction is at the halfway mark and ready for undocking in March 2026, said Chen, who is also the construction director of Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding's large cruise project. 

The 141,900-gross-tonnage ship will be 341-meter-long and 37.2-meter-wide, 17.4 meters longer than the first one. In the meantime, the vessel will add 19 more guest rooms to expand its rooms to 2,144. 

China's first self-made cruise ship Adora Magic City launched its maiden commercial voyage on the first day of 2024, and has successfully completed 26 trips and served more than 100,000 passengers home and abroad so far, official sources said.

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