When it comes to a cruise vacation, most millennials are quick to associate this niche holiday as a boring and claustrophobic experience with mediocre food.

Prior to our adventure onboard Aqua Mekong luxury cruise, we were one of the many cynics who were haunted by unpleasant cruise experiences too – but our impressions have since changed forever after an engaging four-day journey with Aqua Expeditions.

The luxurious 205-foot long Aqua Mekong has defied all traditional notions of a cruise adventure and boy, were we so impressed by the lavish amenities, unrivalled hospitality, top-notch meals and daily optional outdoor excursions! The chic floating home has a cap of 40 passengers – a far cry from most crowded cruises. In just four days, everyone bonded and felt like a family, and we could hardly bear to leave…

Here are 12 Things We Love About Cruising Down Mekong River on Aqua Mekong, and how it changed our perception of a cruise holiday forever.

#1 CHIC AND LUXURIOUS ROOMS

You would have thought that cruise ship means horribly cramped and old-looking cabin rooms. But this award-winning boutique ship embodies the vibes of a swanky five-star hotel; the interiors are elegant to say the least.

There are 20 spacious air-conditioned suites; each indulgent room spans across 30 square meters and is equipped with a sleek en-suite bathroom. The floor-to-ceiling windows grant guests an unobstructed view of Mekong River at any point of time.

#2 FREE WIFI

Complimentary wifi is available throughout.

Fun fact: We were actually told that this is the most frequently asked question onboard! Aqua Mekong understands how crucial it is for modern civilians to stay connected for work and/ or personal reasons.

While it is lovely to disconnect once in awhile, rest assured that any time you need to update your Facebook status or to share with your Instagram followers your lunch, you can do so with the complimentary wifi onboard.

#3 OUTDOOR POOL

Change into your swimming costumes and take a dip in the small but inviting infinity-like pool at the observatory deck. The view changes throughout the day as the cruise moves along, but you are guaranteed the best vantage points of the scenic Mekong River.

Grab a beer, kick back and relax! Perfect me-time there!

#4 BAR + FREE-FLOW ALCOHOLIC HOUSE POURS

The sleek indoor lounge is where guests can grab a refreshing Angkor Beer or a glass of house wine at any time of the day. Listen up, y’all. It is free flow beer and wine!

Really, there is no limit to the number of house beers and house wines guests are entitled to. Bottoms up!

#5 HANDCRAFTED COCKTAILS

Signature handcrafted concoctions include the Aqua Mai Tai and Aqua Mary – the former is a classic Mai Tai infused with pineapple and kaffir lime leaves, while the latter is a classic Bloody Mary spiced with local green peppers.

These cocktails are, however, not part of the complimentary free-flow scheme.

#6 ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT ONBOARD

There is also a private screening room available for booking where you can watch your favourite movies. Alternatively, seek refuge at the library and lose yourself in their collection of educational magazines and books.

An on-board spa with two treatment rooms is run by a team of three professional masseuses who will pamper you with a series of treatments including massages, foot reflexology and manicures.

#7 MEALS FIT FOR KINGS AND QUEENS

Daily meals are well taken care by the excellent culinary team onboard Aqua Mekong. Using only the fresh ingredients procured from the Mekong River itself, expect nothing short of tantalising gourmet Asian creations such as Sweet and Sour Mekong Fish Soup and Beef Pho.

Yes, food onboard a cruise ship need not be bad as long as you are onboard Aqua Mekong!

#8 CHEF DEMONSTRATIONS

We were very honoured to have internationally acclaimed Australian chef David Thompson to host us throughout the sea expedition, where we were granted the opportunity to savour his cooking firsthand.

Chef Thompson is the consulting chef for Aqua Mekong.  He has designed all the menus on board, and he accompanies specific chef-hosted departures to personally cook for guests, and lead market tours and masterclasses to educate them about food in the region.

In case you are clueless, Thompson is the chef-owner of Michelin-star establishment Nahm and celebrated restaurant Long Chim. He also has a TV series of food talks and cooking shows. Chef Thompson was recently awarded the lifetime achievement award at San Pellegrino’s Asia 50 Best Restaurants 2016. Very respectable man, indeed.

#9 DAILY EXCURSIONS

There are two daily outdoor excursions – one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. These trips are optional but we suggest you go for both anyway to get a taste of life along the Mekong River.

#10 EXPLORE MEKONG RIVER LIKE NEVER BEFORE

These riverside expeditions are led by well-informed natives who will take you around villages and other local destinations – something we would otherwise not get to experience if we were travelling on our own.

Guests would be travelling on a 10-seater skiff, meander through the river and meet the local communities that live on/along the river.

#11 IMMERSE IN THE COLOURFUL LOCAL CULTURE

We were warmly welcomed into the homes of villagers along the Mekong River, where we were greeted with an entertaining Unicorn Dance, treated to local delights and serenaded by an old couple – and it doesn’t end there! We managed to traverse around Chau Doc on a rickshaw and visit a chanting ceremony at Long San Pagoda too.

Do note that the excursions for every cruse is inherently different so no two journeys are identical; there will always be surprises in store for everyone.

#12 DISCOVER NEW DELICACIES

We were granted amazing opportunities of discovering native Mekong River delicacies such as preserved fishes and fresh tropical fruits at the local markets. It is such a different world out there!

These customised guided walking tours – led by chefs and tour guides – are a must-do for all keen foodies.

AQUA EXPEDITIONS JOURNEYS: UPCOMING 2016 DEPARTURE SCHEDULE

Founder Hosted Departures:
Aqua Mekong – 3,4,7 Nights: 23 August to 02 September, 2016
Aqua Amazon – 3, 4, 7 Nights: 19 – 26 November, 2016

Chef Hosted Departures
Aqua Amazon (Pedro Schiaffino) – 3,4, 7 Nights: November 26 to December 3, 2016

For more information on Aqua Expeditions, visit their official website at www.aquaexpeditions.com.

This cruise trip aboard the Aqua Mekong is made possible by Aqua Expeditions.