Belmond Cruise Tips, Activities, and Overview
Who goes on Belmond cruise ships?
Belmond attracts a sophisticated, well-heeled and well-traveled clientele used to the very finest in travel experiences. They are culturally savvy and interested in seeking out new experiences. It's not unusual to see families on the French barges, as well.
Do I have to dress up on a Belmond cruise?
Despite the upscale nature of the cruises, the onboard vibe is relaxed and akin to a floating house party. Passengers in France dress primarily for comfort and weather conditions, and although it's not obligatory to change in the evening, some will don a smarter pair of slacks or similar attire. On Myanmar cruises, the evening dress code is smart-casual.
Is everything free on Belmond cruises?
Belmond's France barge cruises include all meals, wine and onboard beverages, daily excursions with the resident onboard guide and return transfers from Paris. The only extras are gratuities and Belmond-branded clothing.
The company's Road to Mandalay Myanmar sailings include local beer and house wine with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, excursions and onboard activities including lectures and presentations, sunrise yoga classes, meditation sessions and cookery classes. Extras include gratuities, spa treatments and boutique purchases.
What are Belmond’s most popular activities?
In France passengers have a lot of options to personalize their journey, with some of the most popular choices being out-of-hours tours of grand chateau, sipping wines with winemakers and exploring towns and villages with a private guide. The exclusive nature of the cruises enables the crew to create bespoke tours or arrange activities such as ballooning. As the barges move at a walking pace, passengers often get off to stroll along the bank or explore on the onboard bicycles.
In Myanmar, shore excursions are the no. 1 activity; cruisers enjoy engaging with local people, exploring rural villages and participating in an early morning almsgiving ceremony with monks.
Why go with Belmond?
- Luxurious accommodation on small river barges.
- Locally-sourced food and drink.
- Private charter available.
Best for: Luxury-loving couples, families and groups of friends seeking exclusive travel in relaxed, unstuffy surroundings
Not for: Anyone who wants to mix with scores of different passengers or wants a lively vacation with onboard entertainment
