by Capucine Gougenheim Geagea

A dream cruise on the Mekong: Rivages du Monde’s new ship, the Mekong Romance, is set to launch this fall

With Mekong Romance, Rivages du Monde is introducing much more than just a new ship; it is crafting a new way of traveling on this legendary river, a reconnection with the very essence of travel: taking one’s time, contemplating, soaking in the surrounding beauty, letting go of one’s habits, and allowing the landscape to set the pace. 

Set to launch in the fall of 2026, the Mekong Romance is the newest gem in the Rivages du Monde fleet

There are rivers we simply cross, and others that invite us on a journey—like the Mekong, which inspires the desire to design an exceptional cruise ship.
Conceived as a luxurious and intimate retreat, the Mekong Romance breathes new life into the company’s iconic cruises. Here, romance defines the journey and permeates the entire atmosphere of the new ship. It is woven into every detail: in the soft light filtering through large floor-to-ceiling windows, in the hushed silence of the salons opening onto the river, in the elegance of bathrooms designed like living rooms, in the patterns of the fabrics, and in the arabesques of the door frames.

The common areas, designed as true floating living rooms, are deeply soothing and cultivate a gentle, warm atmosphere, enhanced by a touch of sophistication that makes all the difference: deep-toned woodwork, contemporary lines softened by colonial influences, and carefully selected furniture. An atmosphere that doesn’t overlook decorative touches evoking a bygone Vietnam—the Vietnam of grand colonial mansions, literature, and distant romances. The result is a luxury that straddles the line between charming classical echoes and a modernity that captivates with its comfort.
On board, everything invites you to slow down.

A Celebration of Slowing Down to the Rhythm of the Mekong: The Promise of an Exceptional Journey

The journey unfolds to the rhythm of the Mekong. In the morning, waking up to the water, you’re lulled by the landscapes that slowly drift by along the river. The cabins, all open to the outside, become luminous cocoons where your gaze drifts between the sky and the lush green banks.
Here, there’s no rush. Time stretches out, true to the spirit of slow travel, so dear to Rivages du Monde.

At the table, the culinary journey continues with the same attention to detail. The cuisine draws inspiration from the regions traversed, blending Vietnamese and Cambodian traditions with influences from further afield.
At lunchtime, the buffets celebrate diversity; in the evening, à la carte dinners take on the feel of special occasions, punctuated by themed evenings that pay homage to local cultures.
For a select few, private lounges offer more intimate, almost secret moments.

The elegance of the Mekong Romance is also reflected in the art of self-care.
Spa, hammam, sauna, and the pool on the Sun Deck: all these experiences are designed to enhance your journey with gentle sensations, extend your relaxation, or simply allow you to contemplate the scenery in silence. Here, well-being is a constant.

As it navigates between Vietnam and Cambodia, the Mekong Romance restores the river’s role as a bridge, a witness to civilizations, and the guiding thread of a journey that is as much an inner exploration as it is a geographical one. A cruise like a gentle, elegant, and unhurried romance—above all, a journey within oneself—that aptly reaffirms Rivages du Monde’s signature philosophy: traveling to new places in a different way, with mindfulness, depth, and poetry.
An inexhaustible source of daydreams, adventures, and a complete change of scenery in a setting as romantic as one could wish for, the Mekong, in addition to its rich history, offers all the ingredients to make this journey an exceptional experience.


Through April 2026, a cruise on the Mekong aboard La Marguerite, from Angkor to Saigon

Rivages du Monde brings a unique approach to all its cruises, which take place on intimate-sized vessels and focus on culture, responsible travel, and an “all-inclusive” package that offers affordable luxury.
Rivages du Monde offers the opportunity to cruise the Mekong River with a full river immersion experience through April 2026 aboard its iconic ship, La Marguerite.
Fully renovated, this intimate vessel cruises the “King of Rivers” in close contact with local life, connecting Angkor, Phnom Penh, and Saigon, with two new stops in Ben Tre and Vinh Long in the delta, amidst villages, agricultural landscapes, and sacred riverbanks.
A gentle way to discover the Mekong before the arrival of the Mekong Romance.
Starting at 6,040 euros per person for 11 nights

Rivages du Monde
Travel advisor: 01 83 79 80 79

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