8 Things Travel Advisors Should Know About Pandaw Cruises

Pandaw, a privately-owned family run company was founded by Scottish traveler and historian Paul Strachan, whose passion for colonial-era steamers, and classic small ships helped shape the brand. Rather than copy modern cruise trends, Pandaw embraced old-world design, creating a growing fleet of 12 ships with polished teak decks, brass details, wide promenades, shallow drafts, and the romance of a bygone age.

Over the past 15 years, TMR contributing writer Judi Cohen has sailed with Pandaw in Myanmar on the Irrawaddy River, Vietnam and Cambodia on the Mekong, Laos on the Upper Mekong, and most recently in India through the backwaters of Kerala.

Those first-hand experiences confirmed that for well-traveled clients seeking something different, beyond mainstream ocean cruising or European river cruising, Pandaw is a solid option.

For travel advisors not yet familiar with Pandaw Cruises, here are eight things to know when considering which clients to pitch Pandaw to.

1. Pandaw Appeals to Travelers — Not “Cruisers”

Pandaw appeals to clients who care more about destination access and authentic experiences than flashy onboard amenities. These are intimate expedition-style

journeys where the river and surrounding culture are the main attraction. Clients who enjoy boutique hotels, luxury rail journeys, safari lodges, or expedition cruises often click with Pandaw immediately.

2. Pandaw Was Doing Slow Travel Before It Was Trendy

Long before “slow travel” became a buzzword, Pandaw was already delivering it. These journeys are about watching river life unfold, spending time in communities, and traveling at an unhurried pace. While destinations differ dramatically, Pandaw’s appeal remains remarkably consistent. The line attracts travelers who value authenticity, access, and substance over flash. 

Between the rivers that Pandaw covers, we found the itineraries in Laos on the Upper Mekong River and the Backwaters of Kerala in India to be the slowest and most tranquil, as compared with those in Cambodia and Vietnam.

3. Pandaw’s Small Ships

With between just 10 to 28 cabins on its ships, Pandaw offers a level of space, calm, and personal attention that larger ships cannot match. Guests quickly get to know fellow travelers and crew, and the atmosphere becomes social without ever feeling crowded. For solo travelers and couples alike, this smallness can be a major advantage. 

On a recent cruise in the backwaters of Kerala, India onboard the 10-cabin Kochi Pandaw, like-minded guests from Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and the USA quickly became a 19-person floating community, sharing our past Pandaw experiences, enjoying family style meals at two long tables, and exchanging contact information to stay in touch for future cruises.

All guests had previously cruised with Pandaw in several countries between five and 18 times and were all already planning their next Pandaw adventure.

4. Ships with Character

Pandaw vessels are not floating resorts. They are charming, stylish ships designed to reflect the rivers they sail. Think shaded promenade decks, open-air lounges, teak woodwork, and understated cabins rather than casinos, rooftop pools, shopping malls, or shiny atriums. Pandaw vessels are intimate and purpose-built for remote waterways, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a country home than an ocean or European cruise ship.

5. Personal Service

One of Pandaw’s strongest assets is its crew culture. Because guest numbers are low, staff learn names, preferences, and routines quickly. Service feels warm and genuine rather than scripted. That personal touch is one reason repeat guests are so common.

6. Excursions Reach Places Larger Ships Cannot

Pandaw cruises remote stretches of rivers many travelers would never reach independently and the company’s shore program focuses on local life rather than manufactured attractions. Depending on itinerary, guests might visit markets, monasteries, farms, schools, workshops, Pandaw -supported medical clinics, or neighborhood communities. Experiences feel genuine and connected to daily life which resonates with culturally curious travelers.

For advisors selling unique experiences, this is one of the line’s biggest advantages.

7. Dining Is Relaxed, Regionally Inspired

Dining onboard is informal, friendly, flavorful, and one of the highlights throughout a Pandaw cruise.

Menus usually combine local specialties with international favorites, making the cuisine approachable while still reflecting the destination. Across multiple sailings, we’ve found the onboard cuisine to be one of the brand’s underrated strengths.

8. Pandaw Ships Are Not Accessible

There are no elevators or accessible cabins on the ships and guests require good mobility to climb the stairs between decks and to disembark in some remote locations.

Staff happily provide needed assistance to guests, but their services are limited. A first aid trained staff crewmember is onboard and escorts guests during excursions.

Bottom Line for Travel Advisors

Pandaw Cruises is a unique niche product. Most cruises include all meals, local beer and spirts, guided excursions with an onboard guide, transfers to and from the ship, and cultural performances onboard. Guests who join the Pandaw Members Club also receive $50 for laundry and a wine package. Reasonable (discretionary) tipping guidelines are provided in advance by Pandaw for the crew and guides.

Pandaw suits experienced travelers who prioritize intimacy, authenticity, and destination immersion when they travel. Advisors who understand that distinction may find Pandaw becomes one of their most rewarding specialty recommendations. For the right client, it often turns into a repeat relationship rather than a one-time booking.