A cruise around Asia delivers excitement for all the senses. It’s where ancient traditions and serene, tropical landscapes meet with dynamic, modern cities teeming with activity. It’s where the dazzle of the latest digital technology sits amicably alongside peaceful temples and centuries-old rituals. The unfamiliar sights, sounds and smells delight and intrigue, inviting you to explore the unique culture found at each port destination.
With most of the leading cruise lines and some smaller boutique companies offering itineraries around Asia, there is a wide range of options when deciding which ship to board. Here’s our review of four of the best cruise lines that sail to Asia.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s innovative approach continues with their cruises to Asia. Offering mini-getaway cruises of 3-5 nights from several of the recognised Asian ports, there may be a wonderful stop or two along the way, but the real draw is experiencing for yourself what makes Royal Caribbean ships so exceptional.
Adventures on deck include their bungee trampoline in the Sky Pad℠, the skydiving simulator, RipCord® by iFLY® or practising riding waves on FlowRider® surf simulator. For those seeking a more relaxing experience, the adults-only Solarium offers the perfect retreat. Evenings consist of sampling local, authentic cuisine at their fine dining restaurants and sitting back to enjoy their spectacular entertainment.
These mini getaways make an excellent add-on adventure to a holiday. However, if you prefer something longer, Royal Caribbean also offers itineraries of up to 8 nights, which provide more time onshore to sample the unique draws of this region.
Cunard
Step aboard Cunard’s luxury ships to enjoy a glamourous tour of this enchanting region. When not waltzing on the ballroom floor or clinking champagne at a formal dinner, you can step ashore to explore the many highlights of this region.
Cunard offers a wide range of itineraries that stop at many of the popular destinations and last from 7 to 43 days. For example, discover Japan’s dramatic, mountainous landscapes, celebrated cherry blossoms, scattered islands, and buzzing cities.
In Shanghai, the fascinating temples of Shanghai sit juxtaposed by 19th-century European architecture, offering plenty of opportunities to explore. While in the paradisal beauty of Bali’s beaches, if you can be tempted away from the white sandy beaches, the rice paddies and sacred Hindu temples offer new, curious sights.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises offer itineraries that cover almost every corner of Asia. Seeking to create an immersive experience for your holiday, their dining, entertainment and enrichment programs onboard provide the opportunity to learn more about this diverse region.
With cruise holidays lasting from 7 to 21 days, Princess Cruises’ ships depart from ports in Singapore, Tokyo, Kobe and Hong Kong. It’s worth taking the time to explore these dynamic cities before getting on board for more extraordinary experiences.
One day, you could be transported by funicular to the summit of Victoria Peak in Hong Kong. On another, you could be looking in awe at the vertical limestone cliffs in Phuket’s Phang-Nga Bay or exploring Lombok’s 18th century elegantly floating Mayura Water Palace.
Celebrity Cruises
With Celebrity Eclipse®, Celebrity Millennium®, and Celebrity Solstice offering cruises around Asia, you can experience the thrill and intrigue of this continent while enjoying top-class amenities, dining and activities onboard.
The ships take in many of the idyllic and captivating destinations in Asia from the stunning tall limestone pillars of Halong Bay, Vietnam and the multitude of spiritual landmarks in Kyoto, Japan, to the contrasts of Bangkok, where bustling street markets hum while the nearby Buddist temples retain an air of peace. Whether you’ve booked a 10- or 14-night cruise, after each day of excitement at the port destination, you’ll relish returning to a soothing massage, unwinding in the spa and a restful night’s sleep in their luxury cabins.
To find out more about cruise itineraries around Asia in more detail, please get in touch with our cruise specialists, who will happily guide you through the options available.
