The story is especially poignant for me after cruising the Mekong on AMAWATERWAYS La Marguerite.

In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, we visited the Killing Fields as well as the torture camp known as S-21.

For me, it was important that my daughter and I saw the Killing Fields and the torture camp so that we would never forget the atrocities committed there, just as it is important to see holocaust memorials and museums. Nonetheless, it was a gut-wrenching day in Phnom Penh, especially when confronted with a tree against which babies were beaten to death.

The New York Times article was of particular interest, and I admit some disappointment in such a light sentence for such horrible crimes.

A grim but necessary morning in Phnom Penh. We visited one of the Khmer Rouge's many 'Killing Fields,' where the renegade regime committed genocidal atrocities during its rule from 1975 to 1979. Our guide (pictured) told us how his father was captured and imprisoned by the Khmer Rouge and how out of thousands at S-31, was only one of six to survive. How? He noticed that the Khmer Rouge used hundreds of padlocks to incarcerate prisoners but had no system to organize the keys, so they were forced to cut the locks with bolt-cutters each time they took a prisoner away (for interrogation and torture likely). Upon arriving at S-31, our guide's father told the guards he could pick the locks, saving the padlocks for future use. Although he had never picked a lock before, he had observed someone doing so years before. Each morning at a cafe in Phnom Penh, the father had watched a shopkeeper pick a padlock to enter his store. In a test before the prison commander, the father succeeded in unlocking 7 of 10 padlocks. As a worker in the prison, he was no longer treated in the same way as prisoners. However, he was shackled each day. Never mind that he could pick the lock any time he wanted to. After the Khmer Rouge was toppled, his father returned to the village where he had been given up for dead.

At The Killing Fields In Phnom Penh. It is estimated that the Khmer Rouge exterminated as much as one third of Cambodian's population between 1975 and 1979.

Phnom Penh's Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is situated at the site of the notorious Security Prison 21 (or S-21). A former high school, S-21 was used a prison and torture chambers during the Khmer Rouge's rule of Cambodia.

Small prison cells at Phnom Penh's Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, situated on the site of the notorious Security Prison 21 (or S-21). A former high school, S-21 was used a prison and torture chambers during the Khmer Rouge's rule of Cambodia.

Adventures by Disney, The Walt Disney Co.’s family tour program, has introduced an Egypt itinerary in 2011 that includes cruising the Nile River.

In 2011, Adventures by Disney, which offers family vacations around the world, will be adding an eight-day “Egypt: Pyramids, Pharaohs & Ancient Treasures” vacation, which begins with three days in Cairo followed by a three-day cruise on the Nile River aboard the ship Tulip. An additional night in Cairo finishes the trip.

A second 10-day itinerary adds two days in Sharm el Sheikh, a resort destination at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula at the Red Sea.

While the itineraries include traditional sites such as the Pyramids, and important temples such as Luxor, Edfu and Karnak, they also include kid-friendly activities such as a ride on a horse and carriage through Luxor, an Egyptian cooking class and a Disney movie night onboard.

The Tulip is a 77-passenger Nile river ship owned by the Cairo, Egypt-based Wings Group. It was built in 1999 and renovated in 2009. It has five decks, on which there are 56 cabins, including 16 suites. There are four suite categories, including two royal panoramic suites, eight jacuzzi suites, four junior suites, and two executive suites.

Billed as a five-star vessel, the Tulip also has a rooftop pool (pictured), sundeck, pool cafe and bar, a lounge, restaurant, health club, spa, games lounge and gift shop.

There is internet service as well as laundry and dry cleaning services on board.

There are four scheduled departures for the eight-day itinerary in 2011 between April 19 and Dec. 27. An additional departure is scheduled for April 2012. There are five scheduled departures for the 10-day Egypt itinerary between April 26 and Dec. 20. Two additional departures are scheduled in 2012, one in March and one in April.

Prices range from $3,999 to $5,249 for adults (based on double occupancy) for the eight-day itinerary; and from $4,999 to $6,289 for adults (based on double occupancy) for the 10-day trip.

My friend Gary McLaughlin, a professional videographer, has produced a couple of informative and inspirational videos featuring AMAWATERWAYS Mekong River cruises. I cruised with AMAWATERWAYS  on the Mekong this past spring, and the cruise definitely rated as one of the top travel experiences of my life. You can see my articles at a mini-site on River Cruise Advisor, Cruising The Mekong. Meantime, enjoy Gary’s videos. The top video is titled, Mekong River Cruises by AMAWATERWAYS. The video below features AMAWATERWAYS Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights. Enjoy!

A wine-lovers dream cruise! AMAWATERWAYS will cruise along the Wine, er, make that Rhine and Mosel rivers on a wine cruise this coming November. In Bernkastel, pictured, visit the castle ruin overlooking the city center of half-timbered buildings and cobblestone streets.

AMAWATERWAYS will offer a “Vineyards of the Rhine and Mosel” cruise this fall, departing November 12, 2010, on the luxurious MS AMALEGRO.

The special 7-night itinerary includes visits to world-famous wineries, off-site dinners hosted by renowned winemakers, onboard lectures and more.  Hosted by AMAWATERWAYS President Rudi Schreiner, the 7-night cruise will travel from Amsterdam to Trier, Germany, followed by three nights in Paris.

Accompanying the cruise will be winemaker Jim Clendenen, owner of the internationally-acclaimed Au Bon Climat winery in Santa Maria, California and Archie McLaren, founder and chairman of the Central Coast Wine Classic.  A portion of the cruise proceeds will be donated to charities supported by the Central Coast Wine Classic, one of the country’s preeminent wine auctions.

Moselle River cruises offer wine tastings in such wine villages as Cochem, settled by the Celts and later by Romans before being granted a town charter in 1332.

Cruise Highlights Include Dinners & Wine Tastings

Highlights of the “Vineyards of the Rhine and Mosel” itinerary include a dinner and wine tasting with a representative from the renown Georg Breuer winery at the Ruedesheimer Schloss in Rudesheim, Germany.  The scenic Rhine Gorge town of Rudesheim is famous for its quaint wine taverns and surrounding vineyards, including the family-owned Breuer estate.

In Koblenz, guests will discover a 2,000-year old wine town at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine Rivers.

Mosying Along The Mosel

Continuing through the Mosel river valley, the world’s steepest vineyards and certainly one of the world’s most beautiful rivers, picturesque villages and charming wine towns appear at every turn. During the cruise from Koblenz to the riverside wine town of Winnigen, guests will enjoy an exceptional luncheon, with menu items paired with wines from the Heymann-Lowenstein winery.

In Cochem, guests will discover perfectly preserved timber-framed homes, medieval squares and the spectacular Reichsburg Castle perched above the Mosel.  A welcoming wine fest awaits in the Mosel town of Zell, famous for its “Zeller Schwarze Katz” (Black Cat) wine.

An evening wine tasting in a local underground wine cellar showcases the area’s famous varietals.  In Bernkastel, guests will enjoy a walking tour followed by a wine tasting at the Wine Museum hosted by Michael Stahlmann from the famous Dr. Loosen winery.   Strategically located in the heart of the Mosel wine-producing region, Bernkastel boasts more than 500 years of documented wine history, and is known as “the international town of vine and wine.”

Situated on the Moselle River is the Romanesque city of Trier, Germany’s oldest city and also one that claims to be 1,300 years older than Rome itself. Trier's Porta Nigra (Black Gate) dates from the 2nd century, when Trier was a Roman city.

Of course, throughout the cruise, guests will enjoy gourmet dining accompanied by complimentary local wines (plus beer and soft drinks) at dinner.  Additional AMAWATERWAYS amenities include French Balconies, complimentary 3G high-speed Internet and Wi-Fi; complimentary first-run Hollywood films; complimentary specialty coffees and bottled water, a fleet of bicycles on board plus much more.

After the 7-night cruise, guests will head to Luxembourg for a city tour of the Grand Duchy, followed by a high-speed TGV transfer to Paris.  The three-night stay in the City of Lights includes a guided city tour, plus an exclusive excursion to the Champagne region.

Uniworld will be chartering the River Victoria from a Russian company, starting in May. The design team from Red Carnation Hotels, Uniworld’s sister company, will be working together with its Russian partners on the refurbishment plans, according to Guy Young, president of Uniworld.

Young would not disclose how much is being invested in the refurbishment of the ship, which is being stripped down to its hull.

Series of three cabins are being combined into two, which will create cabins ranging in size between 135 square feet and 210 square feet. The majority of cabins, category 1-3, will be 210 square feet, with 70% of all cabins featuring balconies. Category 4-5 cabins will be 135 square feet and category 6 cabins will be 161 square feet.

There will also be 10 suites: two junior suites at 334 square feet each; six deluxe suites at 269 square feet each; and two presidential suites at 409 square feet each. As part of the refurbishment an elevator will be added and all public areas will be renovated.

The 423 foot-long, 55 foot-wide River Victoria will be a 206-passenger vessel. It has four decks and features a restaurant, bar, library and fitness room.

In 2011, the River Victoria will sail the 13-day Imperial Waterways of Russia itinerary along the Volga River between St. Petersburg and Moscow, as well as the reverse itinerary. Uniworld will operate 12 departures between May 20 and September 29, 2011.

Cruise-only prices range from $3,299 to $3,699, based on double occupancy and not including port charges.

The news comes on the heels of AMAWATERAYS announcing that it is signing a five-year lease on the newly renovated river cruise ship, the 212-passenger Amakatarina, which will set sail on the Volga River on May 10, 2011.

The Amakatarina will replace the company’s existing leased vessel in Russia, the 160-passenger Tolstoy, which will sail through the remaining 2010 season. ”We are overseeing every detail of the ship’s renovation,” said Rudi Schreiner, president of AMAWATERWAYS. “This will allow us to make sure the vessel is perfectly tailored to the high standards that Ama Waterways passengers expect.”

In addition to lending capital, Schreiner said that AMA would consult on the ship’s redesign and interior renovations. The ship is going to be stripped entirely and is being converted from a 400-passenger to a 212-passenger vessel, Schreiner said.

Of the 106 cabins, 76 will feature balconies. There will be 10 cabin categories, including four suite categories, with suites ranging from 280 to 432 square feet.

The ship will have a total of 24,025 square feet of interior space. The public areas will include a restaurant, panorama lounge, conference hall, sauna, bar and nightclub and solarium.

AMAWATERWAYS is offering 11-day itineraries on the Amakatarina along the Volga-Baltic Waterway, including three days in St. Petersburg and two days in Moscow. The cruise also includes visits to Uglich and Yaroslavl, then transit across the two lakes of Onega and Ladoga. The Amakatarina will sail 14 departures for the 2011 season.

Viking River Cruises also plans on completely refurbishing the Viking Pakhomov in Russia, which will undergo a bow-to-stern renovation like those of its sister ships, Viking Surkov and Viking Kirov, relaunched in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

The Pakhomov will feature hotel-style beds and flat-panel televisions. Public areas such as the restaurant, lounges, library and bar will be completely remodeled.

“European river cruising continues to be among the fastest-growing segments of our business, and we’re boosting capacity and expanding our offerings to better serve our guests and our agents,” said Tauck CEO Dan Mahar.

In 2011, Tauck will have 12 itineraries aboard a fleet of its four leased ships, including the Swiss Jewel (launched in 2009), Swiss Sapphire (launched in 2008), Swiss Emerald (launched in 2006) and a new ship set to launch in summer 2011. Tauck will be announcing additional details on the newbuild in the coming months, as well as enhancements to its other river cruise ships for next year, the company said.

Tauck’s two new Rhone River itineraries are the 10-day French Waterways & Vineyards (from $4,490 per person, cruise only, based on double occupancy); and the 14-day French Escapade: Monte-Carlo to Paris (from $5,990 per person, cruise only, based on double occupancy).

French Waterways & Vineyards begins with an included two-night stay in Paris. Guests then board the high-speed TGV train to Lyon to begin their seven-day cruise, which includes stops in Vienne, Tournon, Valence, Viviers, Avignon, Roussillon and Arles.

The French Escapade: Monte-Carlo to Paris itinerary begins with two days in Monte-Carlo and Nice. Guests then travel to Arles to begin their nine-day cruise on the Rhone and Saone rivers that explores Viviers, Tournon, Vienne, Lyon, Macon, Chalon-sur-Saone and Beaune. The trip concludes with two nights in Paris.

One highlight of our 8-day Mekong cruise: a 20-minute ox-cart ride back to La Marguerite. Click on the photo above to launch a Flickr slideshow.

Uniworld River Cruises’ Nile ship, the River Tosca, is ready for its second unveiling.

The Tosca entered back into service on March 22, after a seven-week dry dock to repair initial workmanship problems the ship had when it launched in October.

“As a company, we saw the need and opportunity to provide travelers to Egypt with a Nile River cruise ship that would incorporate the same high standards as our ships in Europe,” Uniworld President Guy Young said in a statement. “Uniworld commissioned the River Tosca with the goal that it would be one of the most luxurious ships to sail the Nile.”

However, the Tosca, which was built and then fixed by Uniworld’s partners in Egypt, Spring Tours, did not initially meet the company’s standards.

When the Tosca launched in October, the wood floors in the staterooms, main stairwell, and corridors had been scratched and damaged during installation; the mosaic tiles in the restaurant were loose; the paint and woodwork in the staterooms was imprecise; and the choice of fabrics in the staterooms was predominantly white, lending them to easy staining.

Consequently, the Tosca was dry docked from Feb. 1 until March 22 to make all the necessary repairs and adjustments to those areas.

“Dry docking the ship — in the height of the season — was a very difficult and humbling decision for the company,” Young stated. “It was the right decision to make, however, both for the long term success of Uniworld in Egypt and, most importantly, for our customers.”

Young, who recently returned from inspecting the ship, said that all the floors in staterooms, corridors, stairwells, and restaurant have been replaced. And that there are new wall coverings in the staterooms and the furniture has been reupholstered.

Indeed, photos from his visit show that the wood floors in the staterooms have been replaced with marble floors, the once-white fabric walls are now wallpapered and the furniture in the staterooms has been changed from stark white pieces to soft neutral shades. Additionall, the mosaic tiles in the restaurant have been replaced with wood flooring.

“I can now proudly say after visiting the Tosca that all the noted deficiencies have been resolved,” Young stated.

The Tosca has 30 remaining departures scheduled for 2010, and 42 departures scheduled for 2011. Uniworld’s Nile itineraries range from $2,249 for an eight-day itinerary during May and June up to $4,495 for a 12-day itinerary during December.

Friday afternoon in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, passengers from La Marguerite enjoyed ceremonial song and dance at the National Museum. The performance is part of a blessing ritual in the days before the New Year on April 13 (sometimes celebrated on April 14).

Our morning was a bit more grim, as we visited the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Photos and captions below.

A grim but necessary morning in Phnom Penh. We visited one of the Khmer Rouge's many 'Killing Fields,' where the renegade regime committed genocidal atrocities during its rule from 1975 to 1979. Our guide (pictured) told us how his father was captured and imprisoned by the Khmer Rouge and how out of thousands at S-31, was only one of six to survive. How? He noticed that the Khmer Rouge used hundreds of padlocks to incarcerate prisoners but had no system to organize the keys, so they were forced to cut the locks with bolt-cutters each time they took a prisoner away (for interrogation and torture likely). Upon arriving at S-31, our guide's father told the guards he could pick the locks, saving the padlocks for future use. Although he had never picked a lock before, he had observed someone doing so years before. Each morning at a cafe in Phnom Penh, the father had watched a shopkeeper pick a padlock to enter his store. In a test before the prison commander, the father succeeded in unlocking 7 of 10 padlocks. As a worker in the prison, he was no longer treated in the same way as prisoners. However, he was shackled each day. Never mind that he could pick the lock any time he wanted to. After the Khmer Rouge was toppled, his father returned to the village where he had been given up for dead.

At The Killing Fields In Phnom Penh. It is estimated that the Khmer Rouge exterminated as much as one third of Cambodian's population between 1975 and 1979.

Little girl at the site of the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh.

Children at the site of the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh.

Blessing day at Phnom Penh's Killing Fields

Monks performing blessings at Phnom Penh's Killing Fields

Victims of the Khmer Rouge atrocities in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh's Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is situated at the site of the notorious Security Prison 21 (or S-21). A former high school, S-21 was used a prison and torture chambers during the Khmer Rouge's rule of Cambodia.

Small prison cells at Phnom Penh's Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, situated on the site of the notorious Security Prison 21 (or S-21). A former high school, S-21 was used a prison and torture chambers during the Khmer Rouge's rule of Cambodia.

Tuktuks, motorcycle taxis pulling trailers that seat from two to ten are a cheap and easy way to get around Phnom Penh.

Situated near the Royal Palace, the National Museum exhibits more than 5,000 pieces of Asian art, sculptures and statues.

Monks who came to perform blessings at Cambodia's National Museum.

At Cambodia's Royal Palace

At Cambodia's Royal Palace

Our Guide Thoai At Cambodia's Royal Palace

At Cambodia's Royal Palace

At Cambodia's Royal Palace

Sunset in Tan Chau, 20 kilometers from the Cambodian border

Another fascinating day on the Mekong. La Marguerite overnighted in Tan Chau, 20 kilometers from Vietnam’s border with Cambodia. The ship provided boat shuttle service into town last night, and about a third of the ship’s passengers visited the town.

On rickshaws the next morning for a town tour.

The next morning, we shuttled ashore and boarded rickshaws to tour the town of Tan Chau. To Westerners, having another human pull you along on a bicycle-driven rickshaw may seem inhumane, but remember, this is how they make their living. The rickshaw is a common method to public transport.

A visit to the back alleys of Tan Chau

The rickshaw took us to a temple, a traditional silk-weaving factory, a mat-making factory, followed by a walk through the back alleys back to the boat shuttle.

Next we toured by boat along the river.

Afterward, we traveled by boat along the narrow canals to Evergreen Island (the rough translation). Our guide says the only tourists he has ever encountered here are passengers from La Marguerite.

Boat life on the river near Tan Chau

On Evergreen Island, seldom, if ever, visited by tourists other than those on La Marguerite

A villager on Evergreen Island

Leaving Evergreen Island