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.
The ship has quality mountain bikes for your independent exploration.
ACCOMMODATION
6 upper deck, 10 main deck
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
Daily nightly turndown service
24h laundry service
Complimentary evening canapés
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 coffee, water, tea, soft drinks, local beer, local spirits, juices
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