Pandaw Cruises is exploring the possibility of expanding its operations to European waterways as it marks its 30th anniversary with a series of major developments.
A strengthened leadership team, a series of tech updates and additions to its fleet are among the ways the Singapore-registered company is marking the milestone as it reports growing demand for its style of river cruising.
According to the company, 3,500 passengers travelled on its cruises in the 2024–25 season with more than 5,500 already booked for 2025–26, To support this growth Pandaw has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Antoni Strachan as Director of Operations and Yves Van Kerrebroeck as Commercial Director.
“We set out to create a kind of travel that did not exist in Southeast Asia at the time, building small, cultural expeditions where the river itself offered as much character as the ports we visited,” Pandaw Founder and CEO Paul Strachan said.
“Thirty years later, we are still doing that. The ships are more numerous and the routes more diverse, but the philosophy remains unchanged. We go where others do not, and we do so in a way that respects the people and places along the way.”
New itineraries include the upcoming Kerala Backwaters expedition in October 2025, with Pandaw recently revealing that construction on the RV Kochi Pandaw is nearing completion., with the vessel to set sail next month.
The company has also flagged a ”potential expansion into Europe”, highlighting new routes along Italy’s Veneto and Po rivers as of particular interest.
“A river cruise isn’t just about ships or schedules,” Antoni Strachan said. “It’s about the connections we create between our crew and guests and between travelers and the places they visit. Many of these connections last long after the journey, with guests returning year after year.
“As we look to the future, we’re excited to find new ways for our guests to connect with the rivers, the cultures, and each other, all while keeping the Pandaw spirit alive.”
Meanwhile, on the tech front, Pandaw is currently testing an AI-powered travel assistant to provide travellers with real-time guidance and personalised recommendations. Its newly launched mobile app also aims to make life easier for guests, giving them easy access to bookings, onboard schedules and daily menus.
Other new developments include the recent redesign of Pandaw’s loyalty program, and the launch of a new podcast entitled Teak & Tales.
