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Asia & Far East Cruises

Ancient temples meet modern skyscrapers in the fascinating, diverse landscapes of the Far East. An Asian cruise gives you the chance to see exotic ports in Thailand or Cambodia, as well as high-tech cities like Tokyo and Shanghai. Explore Singapore, with a mixed culture showcasing colonial architecture, Arab souks and Buddhist temples alike, or visit hot springs in Japan and traditional fishing houses on stilts in Hong Kong. You’ll travel through thousands of years of culture in a short span of time in this intriguing destination.

ASIA & FAR EAST CRUISE PORTS

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

You’ll find yourself looking up on a visit to Hong Kong to take in its amazing skyline. Modern skyscrapers help make this the world’s most vertical city, famous for its luxury boutiques and high finance. You can explore its more traditional side as well over some delicious dim sum and bustling stalls at Temple Street Night Market! Don’t miss a tram ride to the top of Victoria Peak to admire the sweeping views below.

Shanghai

Shanghai

From the architectural wonders of the Bund waterfront promenade to modern high rises and glitzy shopping districts, Shanghai is a head-turning city rich with history and intrigue. Take a trip up the Oriental Pearl Tower for great views, relax in the tranquil landscaping of Yu Garden or enjoy a meal in the delicious dim sum restaurants. The city’s famous for its cultural output, so don’t miss a trip to the theatre!

Colombo

Colombo

Sri Lanka’s capital city has long been an important port for trade between the east and the west, and you’ll see a blend of cultural imprints left here in its colonial buildings. Learn more at the Colombo National Museum, enjoy a moment of serenity at the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple or enjoy a beach day at Galle Face Green. Modern shopping malls and stylish eateries are rapidly transforming this garden city.

Phuket

Phuket

It’s hard to think of a more idyllic setting than Phuket, a gorgeous Thai island in the Andaman Sea known for its lush rainforests and amazing beaches. Head to Phuket City for bustling markets, Buddhist temples and museums or Patong for a wild dance-till-dawn nightlife. However it’s the beaches that are the main draw here, fringed with palm trees and edged with warm turquoise water inviting you to dive right in.

Mumbai

Mumbai

Fast-paced and never boring, Mumbai is India’s largest city. It’s known for its booming Bollywood film industry, growing fashion scene and bustling bazaars. You’ll see grand remnants of the colonial era in monuments like the Gateway of India or Victorian railway station. For something different, take a day trip to see ancient caves on Elephant Island, or spend time exploring the city’s quieter side in its temples

Koh Samui

Ko Samui

Enjoy a little slice of paradise on Koh Samui, famed for its coconut groves and lush rainforests. It’s situated in the Gulf of Thailand, surrounded by turquoise waters that draw you in for scuba diving and snorkelling. If you can tear yourself away from hotspots like Lamai and Chaweng beaches, go see the famous golden Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai or visit one of the island’s luxury spas for a day of pampering.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki

Famous for the role it played in WWII, Nagasaki is a city of remembrance. Explore its wartime heritage at the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park with its solemn memorials and tributes. Modern Nagasaki is vibrant and peaceful, located on the Japanese island of Kyushu with a pretty harbour and splashes of greenery like the Glover Garden. Head up Mount Inasa to enjoy sweeping views of the city and sparkling sea below.

Dubai

Dubai

Dubai is synonymous with over-the-top architecture and international glamour, famous for its uber-luxurious shopping malls, beaches, and monuments like the Burj Khalifa tower. You’ll find the Dubai Fountain positioned at its base with its dancing water show. Visit Palm Islands to visit a modern aquarium and splash in the water park, or spend the day indulging in a little retail therapy at the sprawling Dubai Mall.

Tokyo

Tokyo

The traditional and modern worlds collide in fast-paced Tokyo, a hub for art, culture, and cuisine! Head to the top of the Tokyo Skytree to get your bearings with the 360-degree views, or visit the Senso-ji temple and Imperial Palace to get a taste of old world Japan. Neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and designer boutiques light up the city streets, but you can still find cobblestone lanes tucked beside them.

Singapore

Modern Singapore is a hotspot for standout cuisine, high-tech industries and a laid-back lifestyle. It’s a true melting pot with a multicultural vibe, seen in its variety of unique neighbourhoods from Little India to Chinatown as well as its to-die-for hawker cuisine. You’ll be able to get around town quickly with the sparkling clean MRT public transit system to explore hidden gems! The city may sport glamorous high-rises and gleaming skyscrapers, but it’s also quit

What You Need To Know About Asia & Far East

When is the best time to visit Asia & the Far East?

The best time of year to visit the Far East will depend on your itinerary. This area of the world differs quite a bit in climate and features. If you’re venturing to Southeast Asia you may wish to visit during the months between November and March to avoid the hottest, rainiest season when temperatures and humidity both soar. The Chinese New Year is a popular time to visit with its festive atmosphere, though shops may be closed in centres like Beijing or Shanghai. Japan is lovely at any time of year, though the cherry blossom season in spring is one of the undoubted highlights.

What are the can’t-miss highlights of an Asian cruise?

Many Asian cruises depart from Singapore, which enchants visitors with its hawker centres, sleek shopping malls and traditional temples. Tokyo is another must-see highlight, from the serenity of the Sensoji temple to the affluent boutiques of the Ginza district. Hong Kong enchants visitors with its Po Lin Monastery, vintage double decker trams and fast-paced nightlife. Don’t miss a trip to the bustling Stanley Market to pick up hidden treasures! Thailand is always top of the list for its beautiful landscapes – you’ll be able to swim in brilliant turquoise waters in Phuket’s beaches or see elephants in their natural habitat.

What are the visa requirements?

Visa requirements will vary depending on your itinerary, so it’s best to check with your cruise line in advance! Visitors to China (with the exception of Hong Kong and Macau) will need a tourist visa, which you can apply for online. There are a few exceptions to this, however – if you’ll just be transiting through for less than 24 hours on a cruise ship, or less than 144 hours in Shanghai, Beijing and Tianjin, you won’t have to worry about visas! You’re free to enter Vietnam for up to 15 days, visa-free, and British citizens can travel in Japan or Singapore for up to 90 days.

Which Asian & Far East regional dishes should you try?

The flavours of the Far East are world-famous, and nothing compares to the real deal. You could dine on fragrant Malaysian curries, spicy Singapore noodles, and Vietnamese pho or banh mi during your cruise. Dim sum in Hong Kong is a true pleasure, dishing up small plates of baked pork buns, steamed dumplings and rice noodles. Whet your appetite with a fiery red Thai curry before cooling down with a refreshing green papaya salad. In Japan, you can enjoy fresh sushi to put any landlocked conveyor belt-style eatery to shame, along with miso soup and handmade soba noodles.

ASIA & FAR EAST REVIEWS

Two memorable cruises on Princess Ships

ASIA & FAR EAST

By: Briddon, Great Somerford on 22nd Apr 2020

A memorable cruise on a great ship, an excellent crew, good food and Princess hospitality and excellent excursions.

Celebrity Millennium cruise

ASIA & FAR EAST

By: Gilbert, West Midlands on 2nd Apr 2020

We booked all our excursions via the ship, for peace of mind. With early starts, we made use of breakfasts in the cabin, with a good choice.

ASIA & FAR EAST - DID YOU KNOW?

  • There are plenty of destinations within Asia to suit your travel style. If you prefer your cruise on the mellow side, make sure to stop off in beautiful Bali with its palm-fringed beaches and lush rice paddies. You can shop for batik fabrics and traditional wood carvings, or come face to face with wild monkeys!

 

  • There are countless UNESCO World Heritage sites contained within Asia, but one you can visit while still on your boat is Halong Bay in Vietnam. This magical body of water features over 2,000 limestone islands jutting out of the jewel-like waters.

 

  • Did you know that Hong Kong is the world’s most vertical city? Its high-rise skyscrapers give the city a sleek, super-modern atmosphere, with luxury boutiques and financial centres at every turn. See them from above with a trip to the top of Victoria Peak!

 

  • Kuala Lumpur is another port with some superlatives to its name – it holds the world’s largest indoor amusement park (Cosmo’s World) and the second-tallest buildings (Petronas Towers). It’s also the most densely populated city in Malaysia. Yet with its position near the Gombak and Klang rivers, it’s also a hotspot for outdoor recreation including whitewater rafting and lazy floats alike.

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