ASIA CRUISES
DIVERSE CULTURES, RICH HISTORIES, BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES. THIS IS CRUISING IN THE FAR EAST
Discover the Magic of an Asia Cruise
Tropical islands and rainforests. Neon lights and pulsing cities. Ancient temples and mist-covered rice paddies. Discover the magic with an Asia cruise.
Embark on an enchanting journey through the captivating cultures of Asia, where ancient temples, majestic palaces, and intriguing traditions await your discovery. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of destinations like Japan, Thailand, and China, as you delve into their rich heritage. Marvel at the awe-inspiring blend of historical wonders and futuristic innovations, as modern metropolises such as Shanghai, Singapore, and Hong Kong leave you spellbound. Or travel at a gentler place, following the Mekong river through Cambodia and Vietnam, stopping for visits to Buddhist temples, floating markets and riverside villages.
Prepare to be mesmerised by Asia’s diverse natural landscapes, each more breathtaking than the last. Whether it’s the pristine white sands of Ko Samui and Phuket or the awe-inspiring Ha Long Bay with its captivating limestone pillars, Asia promises a feast for the senses.
The sheer magnitude of Asia is as impressive as the countless cities and landscapes you can explore. Asia cruises offer a myriad of routes, each showcasing a spectacular array of destinations to suit every preference. With its close proximity to Australia, you have the flexibility to choose itineraries ranging from a few days to several weeks, with the convenience of departing or arriving at local ports like Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.
No matter which Asia cruise you embark on, prepare to fall head over heels for the adventurous spirit, magic, and alluring charm of this mesmerising continent. Asia beckons those with a thirst for cultural exploration and an appetite for thrilling escapades. Get ready to set sail on an unforgettable journey of discovery.
Cruise Season
With Asia’s vast size and diverse regions, you’ll need to narrow down your options and consider the areas you plan to visit before determining the ideal time to travel. Although unpredictability is inevitable, familiarising yourself with seasonal weather patterns and festivals in Asia will help you plan your long-awaited vacation accordingly.
As a general guide, for those embarking on a Southeast Asia cruise, the period from March to November is generally your safest bet. Beyond that timeframe, the weather can become uncomfortably hot and humid. Meanwhile, if you prefer cruising in East Asia, November to March is a favorable time, even though some cruise ships operate year-round in this part of the continent.
Similar to hurricane season in the Caribbean, Asia experiences typhoon season from May to October, during which tropical cyclones are more likely to form in the Pacific. While this storm watch primarily affects Japan and is unlikely to disrupt your cruise, it’s wise to take it into account when considering travel insurance. Monsoon season varies across different regions, but in Southeast Asia, the rainiest weather occurs during the same May-to-October period.
The dry winter season, which offers more favorable weather conditions, is a popular time for travel. However, it’s worth noting that Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Chinese New Year (celebrated beyond China), usually begins in late January or early February, depending on the year. The “Chinese New Year Travel Rush” extends beyond the week-long holiday, lasting up to 15 days before and weeks after. While it’s a festive time to be in Asia, it requires additional planning and patience due to crowded venues and transportation.
Highlights of Asia
Choosing just one highlight is almost as challenging as selecting a single destination to explore in Asia. Each place offers such diverse and captivating experiences that are undeniably noteworthy in their own right. But, if envisioning an Asian cruise immediately conjures images of vibrant nightlife in Hong Kong, cherry blossoms in Japan, or pristine white-sand beaches in Phuket, then your list of must-see destinations is missing a vital gem.
Embarking on a river cruise along the magnificent Mekong is an unparalleled experience. The upper Mekong is renowned as one of the most exhilarating rivers in the world, surrounded by pristine vistas of tropical jungles and majestic mountain peaks. It escorts you to secluded villages that radiate authenticity and unveils a myriad of cultural treasures, architectural wonders, and historical elements. Indulging in this truly magnificent escapade should not be disregarded when contemplating your next Asian cruise adventure.
Key Ports to Visit
⚓Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a city of contrasts. It showcases futuristic neighborhoods with sleek skyscrapers and colorful advertisement banners that blink all around. At the same time, it boasts traditional quarters with temples, wooden buildings, and old-fashioned lanterns. And let’s not forget the concrete block areas with modern art galleries and cocktail bars.
⚓Singapore, Southeast Asia
Singapore is unquestionably a top destination in Asia, and for good reason. This city-state is a vibrant melting pot of diverse cultures, with each neighborhood offering a unique experience. In Singapore, eating and shopping are cherished pastimes, with endless options to satisfy any craving. Discover fantastic eateries throughout the city, ranging from affordable hawker fare to world-renowned Michelin-star restaurants.
⚓Hong Kong, China
The iconic city of Hong Kong harmoniously blends traditional Chinese roots, colonial influences, and contributions from modern home-grown talent. Don’t let the concrete jungle of skyscrapers fool you; 70% of the city comprises mountains, green parks, and historic buildings.
⚓Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is an utterly unique, exciting, and occasionally controversial city. It’s a place where gigantic shopping malls coexist with century-old village houses, temples neighbor brothels, street food carts dot the sidewalks outside prestigious restaurants, and even Buddhist monks keep up with the latest cell phone trends.
⚓Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
There are few cities in the world that exude the same sense of mystery and allure as Ho Chi Minh City. This vibrant metropolis seamlessly blends its rich historical past with a contemporary charm that is sure to captivate anyone visiting on an Asia cruise. Expect the unexpected and be prepared to be astounded by the sheer scale of this city.
Weather
Asia’s vast size gives it a diverse range of climates. Winter typically begins in October and lasts until March, and is generally dry, with minimal rainfall. The summer season, which spans from April to June, can get very hot, but some relief comes with the rains. Asia’s tropical monsoon climate, which encompasses various regions such as India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Kampuchea, Southern China, parts of southern Japan, and Pakistan, typically means hot weather throughout the year, with distinct wet and dry seasons. During this monsoon season, heavy rainfall is common, so you may want to check whether this will affect your cruise timings.
Insider Tip
If you’re planning to visit the magnificent Great Wall of China while you’re in Beijing, we highly recommend finding an itinerary that includes an overnight stay there. The port is approximately a 2-hour drive away from Beijing itself, and you need an additional hour’s drive to reach the Wall. This makes it quite a long day-trip. Although it is still possible to visit the Wall in just one day, you may miss out on seeing other incredible attractions in Beijing if you only have a single day in port.
