RV Katha Pandaw

This was a radical new design, based on the old K class used in Burma from the 1880s on. This ship is the third Katha to run on the Irrawaddy. The first was built at Dalla in 1887 but lost on the Chindwin in 1889. The second was built by Denny of Dumbarton in 1904 and decommissioned in 1937 and the third was built by us in Vietnam in 2012.We ran her a year on the Mekong before sending to Burma. With only two decks these smaller K class ships have lower air draft so can get under bridges and supposedly a shallower draft, though in fact the Vietnam ship yards were not as successful in achieving this as the Burmese yards and later Burmese-built K class ships achieved remarkable reductions in draft.The Katha general arrangement was radical in that we eliminated the formal indoor dining room. This led to great protests from regular passengers and indeed our staff. In the end all agree it is far more pleasant to eat outside than in a stuffy, noisy enclosed dining room and the bugs are really not that bad. Up river in Burma it can be a little cold in winter but currently we deploy this ship in Middle Burma where the cold is less of an issue.Refitted for expedition sailings in India from September 2019, we have reduced the number of staterooms from sixteen to fourteen to create an enlarged indoor saloon / dining area as winter cruising in India can be chilly first thing.
ACCOMMODATION
4 upper deck staterooms and 10 main deck staterooms
170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
Panoramic French window
Kimonos and slippers
Spa-branded amenities
Unlimited mineral water
Electric mini safe
AC with individual control
Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
Premium mattresses
Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
Mirror
Multi-configuration plugs
Generous closet space and under-bed storage
Hair dryer
Nightly turndown service
24h laundry service
Complimentary evening canapésYoga mats in all cabins
WINING & DINING
Local master chef heading an experienced international culinary team
Semi-buffet breakfast, semi-buffet lunch, and seated theme dinners
Daily lean & light menu options
Complimentary local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes
Extensive wine list with premium wines
Series of cultural performances, educational talks, cooking classes, and ship tour
Welcome drink on arrival
Welcome cocktail
Farewell reception
Theme dinners
Open air lounge and bar
24hrs hospitality bar
Onboard bakery with daily freshly baked breads and rolls
ON EXCURSIONS
Admissions
Shoe cleaning after excursions
Bottled drinking water
We give away aluminium water bottles
Cold towel service after excursions
Refreshing drink following excursions
1st aid trained assistant guide to follow all tours and excursions
SAFETY & SECURITY
All onboard crew is trained and certified as per international marine standards
Fire alarm system in all cabins, public areas and back areas
Fire fighting system in all ship areas
Expert marine superintendant
24 hrs watch on duty
ONBOARD STAFF
Captain
River Pilot
First Officer
Chief Engineer
1st Engineer
Electrician
Bosun & nautical crew
Ship manager
Housekeeping
Dining
Bar keeper
Chefs
Local tour guides
PUBLIC SPACES
Guest relation desk
Shop, supporting fair trade
Library with contemporary and classic literature