RV Mekong Jewel

The 2020-built RV Mekong Jewel ship cruises on the Mekong River on a regularly scheduled itinerary visiting ports in Vietnam and Cambodia. Departures are offered between the homeports of Saigon (Vietnam) and Siem Reap (Cambodia).

The vessel is ranked as a 5-star hotel ship currently cruise-chartered by Uniworld. Mekong Jewel's sistership and fleetmate is Mekong Mystique (2028).

Mekong Jewel was originally intended to replace the Uniworld-chartered smaller riverboat Mekong Navigator (2014), which effectively happened in January 2020. Uniworld's other 2020-introduced newbuilds are SS Sao Gabriel (on the Douro River in Portugal) and SS Sphinx (on the Nile River in Egypt).

The shipbuilder is Binh An Shipping Company Ltd (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam).

Mekong Jewel's shipowner is Lotus Cruises Co Ltd (a Halong Bay, Vietnam-based family.

The ship operator (Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection) is a major river cruise company and subsidiary of The Travel Corporation (TTC).

The vessel is also chartered by Rainforest Cruises - a luxury travel company that specializes in cruisetours on the Amazon River (Peru, Brazil, and Ecuador), the Mekong and Irrawaddy rivers (Southeast Asia), and the Galapagos Islands (South America).

Among the newest riverboats on the Mekong River, Mekong Jewel was specifically designed as an eco-friendly vessel, featuring special hull coating (to reduce drag), energy-efficient air-conditioning, LED lighting throughout, and a latest-generation propulsion system with advanced propellers that minimize noise and vibration.

UNIWORLD Mekong River cruise itineraries

Mekong Jewel's inaugural cruise/maiden voyage was on January 3, 2020.

The ship operates Uniworld's 13-day cruisetour itinerary "Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong".

The route is between Saigon and Siem Reap (northbound and southbound), with ports of call (northbound sequence) in Vietnam's Mekong Delta (My Tho, Cai Be, Vinh Long, Sa Dec, Cu Lao Gieng Island, Tan Chau), Phnom Penh (Cambodia's capital), Angkor Ban, Kampong Cham, and Wat Hanchey Temple.

Follows Mekong Jewel's day-by-day schedule as officially announced by Uniworld:

• DAY 1: Saigon - arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, optional group or private transfer, Uniworld representative meet-and-greet, bus transfer to a luxury hotel, private check-in with welcome drinks
• DAY 2: Saigon excursions (Ho Chi Minh City, dinner cruise on Saigon Princess)
• DAY 3: Saigon - bus transfer to My Tho (embarkation), cruising to Cai Be, excursion (Cu Chi Tunnels)
• DAY 4: Cai Be, Vinh Long
• DAY 5: Sa Dec, Gieng Island, Hong Ngu, Mekong River cruising
• DAY 6: Hong Ngu, Mekong River cruising, Phnom Penh
• DAY 7: Phnom Penh
• DAY 8: Phnom Penh, Mekong River cruising
• DAY 9: Angkor Ban, Wat Hanchey
• DAY 10: Kampong Cham (morning debarkation), bus transfer to Siem Reap
• DAY 11: Siem Reap - excursions (Angkor Wat Temples, Khmer Noodle House / Preah Dak Village)
• DAY 12: Siem Reap - excursions (Angkor Thom ruins, Bayon, Ta Prohm), Apsara dance show and gala dinner
• DAY 13: Siem Reap - hotel check-out and transfer to Siem Reap-Angkor Airport for the return flight.

Decks and Cabins

Mekong Jewel has a total of 34 staterooms, all of which are outside, balconied, and with double-occupancy.

The modern ship offers 5-star hotel amenities and services.

All passenger accommodations include as standard (complimentary / cruise fare-inclusive) amenities: floor-to-ceiling windows (opening to either a French balcony or a step-out balcony), one Queen-size bed (most are convertible to two twin beds), luxury bedding sets and pillow menu, bedside tables with reading lamps, premium laminate flooring, mini-bar (fully stocked refrigerator), wardrobe, digital safe (in the closet), HDTV, en-suite bathroom (single-sink vanity with under-sink storage, WC-toilet, glass-enclosed shower with rainfall showerhead, large gold-framed mirror, hairdryer, premium bath amenities, towels), individual air-conditioning (thermostat-controlled), lounge area (glass-top coffee table, armchairs, mirrored vanity table/writing desk with chair), recessed ceiling with LED lighting, and ceiling fan.

The French Balcony Vista Suites (Lotus Deck/2nd floor) and the Balcony Signature Suites (Orchid Deck/3rd floor) are similarly sized (30-31 m2) and offer the same amenities.

The largest and most luxurious accommodations are located forward (bow-facing on Sun Deck/4th floor) and in categories Grande Royal Suites (86 m2, wraparound terrace with Jacuzzi) and Prestige Grand Suites (51 m2). Both top-tier cabin categories feature full step-out balconies, a King-size bed (non-convertible to twins), larger bathrooms (with bathtub, separate shower, and double-sink vanity), and expanded lounge areas (with round 3-seat sofa and armchair). Additional suite perks include complimentary daily laundry service, dedicated butler service, one 1-hour spa treatment, and one 1-hour sauna session.

The Grande Royal Suite's terrace has an outdoor hot tub and premium seating (two padded sun loungers, low table with two chairs), daybed, and exclusive private in-suite dining option.

The boat has 4 decks, of which 3 have cabins.

Shipboard facilities

Uniworld's Mekong Jewel features the elegant Emerald Dining Room (main indoor restaurant), Diamond Alfresco Restaurant (Orchid Deck), and two spacious bar lounges: an indoor (Sapphire Lounge & Bar) and an outdoor (Jade Spirit Sky Lounge).

The spacious Sundeck has two sections - an indoor (roof-covered, with cabins) and an outdoor (Jade Spirit Sky Lounge). The aft section offers comfortable seating and is served by the Sky Bar.

The Navigation Bridge/Wheelhouse and the officers' quarters are forward on Orchid Deck (3rd).

Modern navigation technologies, high service standards, and a professionally trained and experienced crew ensure a premium cruising experience.

Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, while dinner is waiter-served. Dining menus feature traditional Western and Asian specialties, with vegan and vegetarian options always available. Meals are freshly prepared, using mainly locally sourced and freshly purchased (from local markets along the route) products such as organic vegetables, exotic fruits, fish, and prawns. Breakfast can also be served on the cabin balcony upon request by completing a menu form the day before.

Complimentary Wi-Fi and Internet access are available in all public areas (free of charge, though connections may be slow depending on the vessel's location).

The Topaz Library offers books, popular board games, and Internet-connected computer stations.

The ship's wellness complex is on Jasmine Deck (1st floor).

The Cochinchine Spa (with massage rooms and lounge) provides a range of treatments by professional staff. Suite guests enjoy one complimentary 1-hour spa service (choice of massage) during the voyage.

The Fitness Center is a large, windowed gym equipped with modern training machines and free weights.

Additional onboard facilities include an outdoor swimming pool (aft on the Sun Deck, served by the Sky Bar), Beauty Parlor (Nail Bar and Hair Salon with hairdresser and barber services), Gift Shop, spacious Foyer (Lobby Hall housing the Reception Desk and a 24-hour self-service coffee station), infrared Sauna Room, Steam Room, and self-service Laundry Room.

One Lift (passenger elevator) and a grand staircase in the Atrium interconnect decks 2-3-4 (Lotus-Orchid-Sun).