2nd Jan 2025 | 14 nights | Uniworld | Mekong Jewel
Two of the most beautiful, historic, and friendly places in all of Asia, dynamic Vietnam and pastoral Cambodia, are intriguing studies in contrast. Each possesses its own unique charm and social traditions, its own tragic history and complex past.
Ho Chi Minh City offers a heady mixture of old and new, often surprising visitors with its charm. As the lifeblood of Southeast Asia, the Mekong teems with colorful floating villages. Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s thriving capital, is fast-forwarding to the future yet retains a provincial intimacy. And colorful Siem Reap provides the gateway to the vast UNESCO-designated jungle temple complex of Angkor Wat.
*Note: Due to cultural differences and other factors, the beverage policy for our Vietnam & Cambodia program differs from our European programs. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more details.
Though not a Uniworld-owned ship, Mekong Jewel will offer all the lavishness that passengers of the line have come to expect. Carrying 68 passengers in 34 cabins, Mekong Jewel has been designed with the elegance of a colonial-inspired hotel. Expect to find sumptuous wall treatments, recessed lighting and elaborate woodwork throughout.
Mekong Jewel will feature two separate dining venues along with a swimming pool; a spa, sauna and steam room; a fitness centre; salon; two inviting lounges; and even an onboard library.
At 263 feet in length, Mekong Jewel offers plenty of space per passenger -- another form of luxury. Just a decade ago, most Mekong vessels were comfortable but uncomplicated. Mekong Jewel is set to substantially raise the bar when it comes to luxury river cruising on the Mekong.
Top Deck Attractions
Top deck amenities include an outdoor swimming pool flanked by an attractive terrace and outdoor lounge, where refreshing libations are on offer throughout the day. This open partition takes up the rear two-thirds of the Sun Deck and is bordered by the ship's interior atrium and library.
Entertainment
Local entertainers sometimes come aboard in different ports of call along this journey, though like most river cruises, entertainment onboard generally revolves around socializing in the afternoons and evenings with your fellow cruisers.
Two separate dining venues are offered aboard Mekong Jewel, both of which offer regionally inspired cuisines alongside Western favourites.
The ship's Main Restaurant on Lotus Deck is the more formal dining area, while a casual venue on Orchid Deck offers the ability to dine alfresco. Seating is always open, and meals tend to be served at set times throughout the day. Dietary restrictions can be catered to with advance notice provided at the time of booking.
As with other Uniworld ships, all beverages are complimentary.
There are three basic grades of accommodation aboard Mekong Jewel: Suites, Grand Suites and Royal Suites.
Suites are the most common cabin grade found onboard and are spread across all three accommodation decks. These range from 323 to 333 square feet and are lavishly decorated with hardwood floors, crown-moulded ceilings adorned with a wooden ceiling fan, attractive headboards, decorative wall sconce lighting and elegant soft furnishings. All suites feature French balconies, interactive television systems and marble bathrooms.
Two Grand Suites (307 and 308) are situated on the Sun Deck and are substantially larger at 548 square feet. These lavish rooms include separate living and sleeping areas, a separate desk and makeup area, and a marble bathroom.
The top-of-the-line accommodations onboard are the two Royal Suites situated all the way forward on the Sun Deck. These forward-facing suites (rooms 309 and 310) are an incredible 915 square feet apiece, almost unheard of on the Mekong. Enlarged living and sleeping areas give way to a separated desk and makeup vanity area; an enlarged marble bathroom complete with window, dual vanity and soaker tub; and full French doors opening onto a wraparound balcony.
Affluent travellers who enjoy a touch of opulence with their luxury.
Young families, passengers with mobility issues and anyone who prefers subtle elegance over opulence.
Uniworld attracts affluent, sophisticated travellers. The bulk of passengers fall into the traditional 60-plus river cruise age group, but a good sprinkling of people aged 40 to 60 are also drawn to the stylish onboard ambience. In addition, Uniworld was one of the first lines to offer themed family cruising, and those sailings attract multigenerational groups.
Somewhat. Uniworld passengers run to smart-casual by day, but at night they almost always opt for dressier outfits, especially at the captain's welcome and farewell festivities. For those meals, as well as select dining ashore or concert options, the line suggests men bring a sports jacket and women, a cocktail dress or pantsuit. With that said, Uniworld only asks that cruisers not wear shorts to dinner.
No, but the experience is fairly inclusive with some differences depending on the itinerary. In general, unlimited drinks, most shore excursions, Wi-Fi and gratuities (onboard and on shore) are all included in the cruise fare. Access to onboard bikes and a self-service launderette are also complimentary. You will pay extra for some shore excursions, as well as spa and beauty treatments.
The ports of call draw passengers off the ship for much of the day and when they return onboard, they tend to spend quite a lot of time in the public rooms socializing. The indoor and outdoor pools attract more passengers than usual on river cruises, and the gym and spa facilities get plenty of use. Whenever offered, passengers gather for onboard programs, such as wine tastings, culinary classes and local group performance of traditional regional arts. Speakers from the line's Signature Lecture Series also usually draw a crowd. Dancing in the evening can prove popular depending on the passenger mix.