Unforgettable Travel Company
  • Lotus Cruises

Lotus Cruises

Lotus Cruises is Vietnam’s only private family-owned and -operated company that builds and operates its own fleet of luxury river cruisers. Uncovering the secrets of Vietnam and Cambodia alike, their design is inspired by the French colonial era manor homes that once lined Old Saigon’s streets while providing modern comforts. Made to be more sustainable, they include unique features like specially designed propellers that enhance efficiency and performance, with automatic water-cooled air conditioning.

Providing a unique and all-inclusive bespoke experience, activities are designed to allow guests to feel, taste, and touch the spirit of Southeast Asia. You’ll delve into the rich culture of the region while discovering everything from breathtaking scenery to archaeological wonders. The chef’s dishes are a highlight, inspired by French-Indochinese gastronomy. The produce is sourced by local farms to help support Indigenous communities while ensuring high-quality meals that are an exceptional fusion of aromas and flavors.

Our Expert Says

“Lotus Cruises are renowned for their premium experience on the Mekong River, combining traditional elegance with modern comforts. Guests enjoy spacious suites and exceptional hospitality. The cruises emphasize cultural immersion, offering onboard activities and excursions that highlight the rich heritage of Southeast Asia and supporting local communities. You’ll get to meet the locals, including a Vietnam War veteran.”

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Simon

Cruise Specialist
simon

Curated Lotus cruises with bespoke land itineraries

Our experts have taken the amazing Lotus Cruises and made them even better by pairing them with bespoke private touring options, all of which can changed to suit your desires and budget.

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What ever you want from your dream trip, our team of
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Why we chose Lotus Cruises

Simon cruise expert

Simon

Cruise Specialist

We chose Lotus for its exceptional blend of cultural enrichment, adventure, and relaxation, ideal for those seeking a truly unique experience on the water. Local traditions and culture are typically incorporated into the itineraries, including art, music, and cuisine, making it easy for guests to fully immerse themselves in the destination. There’s a wide range of activities available daily, from guided excursions that can be customized to focus on what interests you most to water sports, yet leisurely schedules are emphasized for a relaxed trip ideal for unwinding among the tranquility of the surroundings. The atmosphere is conducive to socializing, helping to foster a sense of community while building lasting memories with fellow travelers, while the crew is knowledgeable and attentive. Expect helpful insight into each area visited and exceptional service. We also love that Lotus focuses on sustainable practices so you can enjoy your trip while being mindful of the environment.

What Is Included With Lotus Cruises?

  • Spacious, traditional all-suite accommodation
  • Flat-screen televisions with a select range of movies
  • Spa-quality robes, slippers and bath amenities
  • Fine bed linens, premium mattresses, duvets and a pillow menu
  • All meals while on board your cruise ship including Farewell Gala Dinner
  • Fresh coffee, tea, and purified water available 24/7
  • Free-flow house wines for dinner, and locally produced spirits
  • Cocktail event with champagne sabering
  • All on board group activities
  • Excursions in every port of call
  • Professional English-speaking local guides
  • Guest lectures from local experts
  • Vietnamese spring roll making event
  • Complimentary Wifi (subject to cellular signal)

Life on board a Lotus ship

lotus cruises cuisine

Fine Cuisine

On a Lotus cruise, you’ll enjoy full board meals which include themed dinners, the special welcome dinner, and farewell reception. Complimentary house wine, beer, and soft drinks are available at lunch and dinner, and you’ll enjoy complimentary sundowner cocktails and draft beer too. Enjoyed in an atmospheric dining room, guests can expect a diverse menu featuring local and international dishes that blend Asian and European influences. Prepared by skilled chefs, the dishes include many ingredients from local farms with an emphasis on fresh and locally sourced. There are set menus, meals served buffet-style, and available a la carte, with the diverse tastes and dietary needs of guests catered. All tend to be quite full of flavor and sophistically presented.

lotius cruise prestige suite

Luxury Accommodation

Lotus Cruises’ cabins are all suites and can vary somewhat depending on the ship, but you can expect the style and grace of the French colonial era blended with modern luxuries and conveniences that can rival Asia’s finest hotels. They range between 255 and 545 square feet of living space with the basic category including queen beds with high-end linens, pillow menus, and premium mattresses. Turn-down service is included. Flat-screen TVs with on-demand movies, in-room safes, air-conditioning, spa-quality robes and slippers, upscale bath products, and private bathrooms are all standard. Most come with French balconies. The Prestige and Grand Suites include king-sized beds and have extra perks such as free laundry service, butler service, evening canapes, and a complimentary one-hour spa treatment.

lotus cruises sundeck

Total Relaxation

There are plenty of ways to relax on a Lotus Cruises ship. That includes unwinding in shaded comfort on the sun deck with a glass of fresh-squeezed fruit juice or a cocktail while enjoying a backdrop of the picturesque landscapes unfolding around you. While amenities can vary significantly depending on the specific ship, some feature pools, like the Mekong Jewel which has a Jet Pool with an underwater current to swim against. Most include a spa where you can indulge in pampering treatments, including various massage options like traditional massage, body wraps, and aromatherapy treatments. Avid readers will appreciate the library which offers a wide selection of books, including many written by those who were enchanted by the region.

lotus cruises excursions

Entertainment

With an emphasis on the destinations, most of the entertainment is provided through the many shore excursions each cruise offers, but there are also special themed dinners where guests enjoy a creative introduction to the local fare through performances focused on the traditions of the destinations. For example, you might enjoy live music or a Khmer national dance with a stunning backdrop of a Mekong sunset. The Khmer Aspara dances, combining elaborate gestures and movements with traditional Khmer music, are always a highlight. Lotus is known for its exclusive series of educational talks and cultural performances, plus various classes focused on the local food, and food demonstrations may be offered too.

Lotus Cruise Ships

Mekong Navigator

The 2014 Mekong Navigator offers intimate, all-inclusive French colonial-style cruises, authentic Southeast Asia experiences, and relaxing amenities.

READ MORE

Lotus Cruise Destinations

FAQs

What is included in a Lotus Cruises cruise?

Staterooms: Spacious, traditional all-suite accommodation, most with private verandahs. Flat-screen televisions with a select range of movies. Spa-quality robes, slippers and bath amenities.

Wellness: A spa is available but all treatments are for an additional fee.

Amenities: Expert lectures and educational presentations, traditional spring roll making session, Cambodian clothes demonstration and tropical fruits tasting, library with wide selection of books and board games.

Excursions: Selection of included excursions in every port of call including all transport and entrance fees. Some additional optional excursions are available for a fee and vary by itinerary and ship.

Food & Drink: Welcome drink, brewed coffee & tea, mineral water, complimentary beverage package (free-flow house wines with dinner and locally produced spirits), daily full board meals with buffet breakfast and lunches, along with a la carte dinners. Cocktail Party with champagne sabering and one farewell party.

What is the dress code on board?

While onboard the ships, there is a relaxed dress code for general life and it is recommended to wear smart casual for dinner. Although not required, you can dress a bit more formal (such as evening gown or suit and tie) should you wish.
On land it is essential to bring clothing suitable for the climate, ideally breathable and loose items made of cotton or other natural materials. Please also bring comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes for off-shore excursions.
Depending on the time of year, it can become cooler at night in Northern Vietnam and Cambodia, so a pullover is also useful. While visiting temples, pagodas and other holy sites, you must wear suitable clothing that covers knees and shoulders.

Is internet available on board?

All Lotus ships are equipped with a Wifi network and free Internet access is offered in the library). Please note that as Internet service uses a cellular network, while the 4G signal is strong in the lower Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia, it can be interrupted in remote corners of Southeast Asia.

Is there an elevator on board?

The process of getting on and off river cruise ships, particularly when docked along side other ships, can cause issues for those passengers with walking difficulties.
There are no elevators on board Lotus ships.

Can you reserve a table at the restaurant?

Table reservations are not required while on board in the main restaurants, with their Mekong ships serving buffet breakfasts and lunches on a relaxed freestyle basis, and dinner on a la carte basis, but with open seating.

Is there a laundry service on board?

There is a laundry service on board for a fee, costs of which are provided in the staterooms.

What is the tipping policy on board?

Gratuities are not included on the cruise. There is a tip box in the main lobby area, in which you can leave a group tip for all staff and crew on the day that you disembark. We recommend an amount of roughly $30-40 per day, which would be divided up amongst all staff.
If there are any guides or crew members that you have especially appreciated, we recommend individual tips of around $5 per day.

Why book with Unforgettable Travel Co.

  • 100% Financial Protection

    100% Financial Protection

    We are a licensed and fully bonded tour operator financially protected by both the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (ABTOT). All clients that travel with us are fully financially protected.

  • Destination Experts

    Destination Experts

    Our travel experts live and breathe the destinations they specialise in. This shows in their passionate to create hand crafted trips for our clients. We don’t offer cookie cutter trips, just truly unforgettable journeys unlike any other.

  • The Best Guides

    The Best Guides

    What makes our trips extraordinary is the unique immersive experiences we include. We pride ourselves in our black book of sought after expert guides, game rangers and local contacts who believe in our philosophy, unforgettable.

  • We Care

    We Care

    From the moment you book your trip, we are on hand 24/7 to assist you throughout your journey. With regional offices around the world, we have ground logistics teams on hand to help you every step of the way.