river cruise Vessel

RV Kochi Pandaw

Pandaw Cruises

Kerala Backwaters, India

River System

Yes

Sun Deck

Not available (canal cruising)

Bicycles

Passengers

Crew

10 knots cruising (standard for Pandaw river vessels) knots

Speed

None — river cruise vessels do not require stabilisers

Stabilizers

2025

Built

Decks

Singapore (operating company), with operational registration in country of voyage

About RV Kochi Pandaw

3 photos

Twin Caterpillar / Cummins marine diesel engines

Propulsion

220V / 50Hz, BS 1363 + CEE 7/16 outlets in every cabin

Voltage

RV Kochi Pandaw is a new 10-cabin vessel commissioned in 2025 to expand Pandaw's Kerala Backwaters operation. Purpose-built for the narrow, lily-filled Vembanad Lake and connecting canals around Alleppey and Kumarakom, she carries 20 guests with the same teak-and-brass colonial finish as the rest of the fleet.

Deck Plans

All Decks (Elevation + Upper + Main)

Good to Know

Dress Code

Dress on board is informal and resort-style throughout the day. Comfortable cotton clothing in light, breathable fabrics is recommended for both shore excursions and on-board life. Smart-casual is suggested for the Captain's Welcome Dinner. There is no formal evening attire; bare feet, vests and beachwear are not permitted in the dining room.

Smoking Policy

Pandaw is committed to a healthy environment for all guests and crew. Smoking is permitted only on the open Sun Deck in designated areas. Smoking is prohibited in all interior spaces including cabins, lounge, dining room, library and corridors.

Electrical Outlets

All cabins have 220V AC power outlets accepting British 3-pin (BS 1363) and European 2-pin (CEE 7/16) plug standards. Universal travel adapters are recommended; the ship does not stock dedicated US-style 110V converters. There is a hair-dryer in every cabin.

Currency

All on-board purchases (bar drinks outside the included beverage list, spa, boutique, laundry) are charged in US Dollars and settled by credit card or cash on the final evening. Local currencies (VND, USD, KHR, INR, THB, LAK) are useful for shore-excursion gratuities and small market purchases.

Gratuities to Crew

Gratuities to the on-board crew are INCLUDED in the cruise fare on all Pandaw expeditions, in keeping with Pandaw's all-inclusive philosophy. Discretionary tips for shore guides, drivers and local boat operators are not included; we suggest USD 5–10 per guide per day for excellent service.

Wi-Fi & Connectivity

Complimentary satellite Wi-Fi is provided in lounge areas on most ships when sailing within range of cellular networks. Speed and availability are limited on remote upper-river sections (the Brahmaputra Basin, Upper Mekong, Lower Ganges) where there is no land coverage. We recommend pre-loading offline content for journeys.

Health & Medical

All Pandaw ships carry a comprehensive medical kit and the crew is trained in basic first aid. There is no doctor on board on regular sailings; serious medical events require disembarkation to a shore hospital. Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended for all guests, especially those with pre-existing conditions.

Visa & Travel Documents

Visa requirements vary by country and nationality. Most Pandaw expeditions cross national borders (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, India). Please refer to pandaw.com/passenger-information/visas for current advice or use the CIBT Visas service. Passports must have at least 6 months validity beyond the return date and 2 blank pages.

Laundry Service

Same-day laundry service available throughout each voyage. Tariff is published in the cabin folder and charged to the on-board account.

other

Sun Deck Bar

Open-air bar on the upper Sun Deck. Complimentary local beer, house wine, soft drinks, jugged coffee, teas and tisanes from sunrise to sunset.

bar

Open Dining Room

Single-seating air-conditioned dining room serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. International, pan-Asian and regional menus designed by the on-board master chef.

restaurant

Spa & Massage Room

Quiet treatment room offering traditional massages from a local certified spa therapist (Cambodian, Vietnamese or Indian Ayurvedic depending on route). Treatments billed in USD.

spa

Tender Boats

Small wooden tender boats used to transfer guests from the main ship to land for excursions. Each tender seats 8–10 guests with a quiet inboard engine.

outdoor

Bridge Visits

Open-bridge policy on Pandaw — guests are welcome to visit the wheelhouse and watch the captain navigate the river outside of approach manoeuvres.

outdoor

Lecture Programme

On longer expeditions a guest lecturer presents talks on regional history, river ecology, Buddhist iconography or colonial trade routes in the lounge after dinner.

entertainment

Lounge & Library

Air-conditioned lounge with cane armchairs, Mahjong tables, an upright piano on most ships, and a small library of regional history and travelogues.

lounge

Medical Cabinet

Comprehensive shipboard medical kit. The crew is trained in basic first aid; serious medical events require disembarkation to a shore hospital. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is required.

medical

Sun Deck

Open teakwood Sun Deck running the full length of the upper deck, fitted with reclining sun loungers, parasols and an open-air bar. Best vantage for river photography.

outdoor

Boutique

Small on-board boutique stocking Pandaw-branded teak souvenirs, traditional textiles sourced from voyage ports of call, and basic cruise essentials. Cash or USD card.

retail