Dogster, upstream or downstream, does it matter?

If I were going, I'd definitely vote for upstream. I thought the change between Vietnam and Cambodia was dramatic and interesting, and would probably be less so going the other way.

Leslie, in checking with Cheryl, she says Dec 10th would be difficult for her.

I'd personally vote for upstream, but let's see what dogster says.

Would love to consider this trip, but November is impossible, as is early December. Our family does not arrive in BKK until mid-December, but we stay for about 3 weeks.

I would be interested--second half of November or December work for me.

I thought November was the rainy season?

November is very rainy to the point of flooding in central VN (Hue, Hoi An, DaNang), but it is not rainy season in HCMC or Siem Reap.

We're onboard but have to (not the same as want to) be back for Christmas.

I just checked further--rainy season usually ends by late October but precipitation is still high during the month of October. November is much drier and December, drier still.

We're filling up!

It may be a couple of weeks before I get prices from Thomas.

Marija, I hear ya about Xmas. I've been escaping T'giving lately because my husband's birthday is then and my excuse is I always take him somewhere.

I am interested if I can get the specific dates off from work.

We could be too if the dates work, end nov is better for us.

I'm down. Novembah, Decembah, Whatevah.

Anything new on the Love Boat front?

I'm waiting for Thomas to let me know the prices.

Are you back from the Caribbean, LA? How's your foot? And, of course, any news from Thomas?

Funny you should ask today Marija. Computer crashed just before we left and we've just got a new one up and running today.

Foot's better, thanks. Caribbean is like a supermodel, beautiful but boring. Just saw your Europe TR (brilliant lead-in, but haven't had a chance to read).

And....Thomas HAS sent the discount offer. It's on a scanned attachment, however, and a bit complicatd. So I can't link. When I figure out how to post it, I will.

OK, here's the offer:


‘FODORITES’ cruise on The Jahan


Heritage Line is delighted to offer the below cruise package for the Fodor’s Forum members.
The ‘Fodorites’ discount on the internet rates of Jahan cruise in 2011 applies to every booked cabin on following dates.


1. 25% group discount on the Dec 3 (downstream cruise) and Dec 10 (upstream cruise)


The Lost Civilization: 8 Day Cruise
Price in USD

Double cabin Internet rate 25% discount SUP 5,726 4,295 DLX 6,907 5,180 SIG 7,419 5,564 SUITE 8,064 6,048

Single cabin 25% discount
SUP 3,221
DLX 3,885
SIG 4,173
SUITE 4,536





2. Soft opening rates with 40% discount on the maiden voyage Oct 29 (upstream cruise)
The Lost Civilization : 8 Day cruise


Double 40% discount cabin SUP 3,436
DLX 4,144
SIG 4,451 SUITE 4,838

Single cabin 40% discount
SUP 2,577
DLX 3,108
SIG 3,338
SUITE 3,639

More on what's included to follow...

Plus:
Applies to every booked cabin.
• 1 Complimentary 60 minutes. body or foot massage.
• 1 Prosecco-Balcony breakfast.
• Complimentary house wine during dinner
• Complimentary laundry
• 1 book gift: Heritage Lines “The Journey on the Jayavarman” travel diary (80 pages) for each cabin booked.

Applies for the group booking:
• Private tour guide for a minimum of 10 booked cabins or more.
• Privatized cocktail reception with open bar and canapés for 1.5 hour.
• 1 day complimentary private shore-ex package “Mekong at your own pace”: Chose an excursion on the day you want from the shore-ex menu. A choice of up to 4 different
privatized excursions per day is available. This offer is applicable for the whole group only.
Inclusions/Exclusions
a. Inclusions
All excursions include entrance fees, transportation, tour guide services (English speaking), taxes, fuel,
pilots, port dues, full board, welcome and farewell dinner, mineral water, coffee and tea during
breakfast. Transfers in Saigon and Siem Reap from/to the meeting point to/from
embarkation/disembarkation point or vice versa are included.
b. Exclusions
Phnom Penh port taxes per passenger of 65 USD levied by the Cambodian port authority (will be
collected once the booking is confirmed), gratuities (5 USD per passenger/day are recommended),
Visa (cost for Cambodian visa is 27 USD) and fuel surcharges if any (see terms and conditions

ARGGH! Trying to copy their grid. On the first cruise, double cabins, it's:

Internet rate
SUP 5,726
DLX 6,907
SIG 7,419
SUITE 8,064

25% discount rate

SUP 4,295
DLX 5,180
SIG 5,564
SUITE 6,048

Obviously the maiden voyage is the real deal. You save lots, but it's always more of a gamble, though this is not a new itinerary for them, just a new boat. And you gotta bet it'll be delivered on time, etc. Also, weather iffier earlier I do b'leeve.