One for the diary! Orient-Express has announced that it will launch a new river cruiser in Myanmar, to commence cruising in July 2013.

Currently under construction in Yangon, the 50-guest ship will be named Orcaella after the dolphins known to inhabit the Ayeyarwady River. The Irrawaddy Flotilla style ship will offer a collection of cruises giving passengers access to the very heart of this beguiling country. Operating between January to April and July to December, Orcaella will offer seven and 11 night cruise itineraries with plenty of leisurely cruising time.

Orcaella will meander the Ayeyarwady River between Yangon and Bhamo stopping at the key cultural sites and towns as well as dropping anchor at interesting sites off the beaten track. The nimble ship with its low draft will also cruise on the Chindwin River, passing extensive mountain ranges, winding its way through western Myanmar as far north as Homalin which is less than 30 miles from the Indian border.

With 40 staff onboard, and a maximum of 50 guests, the ship will maintain Orient-Express' reputation for offering unparalled service and great attention to detail. The ship's small size and low draft will enable it to ply remote areas of both rivers giving the rare opportunity to explore this magical country's rich heritage, natural beauty and friendly people, further adding to Orient-Express' portfolio offering enriching journeys of discovery.

All the 25 spacious cabins will open on to the river via floor to ceiling sliding glass doors and Juliette balconies providing the perfect frame to the river and its banks. The elegant four- deck river cruiser will feature two Balcony Suites at the bow on the Main Deck, 15 State and eight Deluxe Cabins, across the Main Deck and Upper Deck. All cabins will have air conditioning and en-suite facilities and four cabins will be interconnecting.On the Observation Deck, there will be a dedicated relaxing area with a retractable awning and reclining chairs providing the perfect vantage point to watch the dramatic scenery pass by. A lounge and bar, which will be open all day for refreshments and alfresco dining, will be the social hub of this ship, and will be complemented by a separate swimming pool.

All itineraries will include many elements of Orient-Express' delightful touches, including local entertainment onboard, informative and interactive lectures, cocktail parties and yoga and meditation on the Sun Deck.

Orcaella is a further testament to Orient-Express as curators of authentic travel experiences and demonstrates its further commitment to Myanmar. Further details....