RV Mekong Navigator

The 2014-built RV Mekong Navigator ship cruises on the Mekong River, on an itinerary visiting ports in Vietnam and Cambodia. The 7-day itineraries depart from Kampong Cham and My Tho, with optional hotel stays in Bangkok, Hanoi, Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City, and Halong City.

The shipbuilder is Saigon Shipbuilding & Marine Industry Co Ltd/SSMI (Saigon Shipmarin, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam).

The shipowner is Lotus Cruises Co Ltd (a Halong Bay, Vietnam-based family business). Until 2020, the riverboat was chartered by Uniworld (officially “Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection,” a subsidiary of TTC–The Travel Corporation).

Currently, the ship is frequently chartered to other major European river cruise companies, including Lueftner/Amadeus, Emerald Waterways, Saga Travel (UK), Haimark Travel (USA), and Vantage Deluxe World Travel (USA).

Decks and Cabins

RV Mekong Navigator has 34 staterooms in suite categories (all are outside and with private balconies) featuring handcrafted furniture and contemporary amenities.

By the amenities provided, the riverboat is ranked a 5-star ship hotel.

Standard (complimentary / cruise fare-inclusive) cabin amenities include: 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 boat has 4 decks, of which 3 have cabins.

Shipboard facilities

Mekong Navigator features a premium indoor restaurant (Le Marche Dining Hall), Le Salon Lounge & Bar, a large Sun Deck with comfortable seating.

Modern navigation technology, 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. The ship’s menus feature traditional Western and Asian specialties, with vegan and vegetarian options available. Meals are freshly prepared using mainly locally sourced ingredients, such as organic vegetables, exotic fruits, fish, and prawns. Breakfast can also be served on the cabin balcony upon request (by submitting a menu form the previous day).

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

The Opal Library is equipped with Internet-connected computer stations.

The wellness complex includes La Vie Spa (massage rooms and lounge), which offers a range of treatments provided by professional staff. Suite guests enjoy one complimentary 1-hour spa treatment (choice of massage) during the voyage. La Vie Fitness Center is a large-windowed gym equipped with modern exercise machines and free weights. The ship also has an Infrared Sauna Room, a Steam Room, and a self-service Laundry Room.

Additional facilities include an outdoor swimming pool (aft on the Sun Deck), Beauty Parlor (Nail Bar and Hair Salon), Gift Shop, spacious Foyer/Lobby Hall (with Reception Desk and 24-hour self-service coffee station)

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

Itineraries

The following table shows a classic 7-night/8-day Mekong River cruise itinerary (between My Tho and Kampong Cham). Prices start from approximately USD 6,500 per cabin (double-occupancy suite).

Note: You can see CruiseMapper’s list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the “itinerary” section of our River Cruises hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there.