Following a decade of phenomenal growth, Asia has become the second-most popular cruise destination in the world, trailing only the Caribbean. Most of the nearly 4 million passengers who annually sail in Asia are drawn to the ports and cultural sites in China and Japan, but one in five maritime travelers go on to explore the world-class temples, multiple cuisines, vast jungles, glowing beaches and exotic markets of Southeast Asia.
A typical Southeast Asia cruise takes place in winter (avoiding the worst of the heat and rain) and originates in Hong Kong or Singapore, often making one- to two-week tours of adjacent tropical nations, most notably Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. A number of premium and high-luxury cruise lines offer competing itineraries out of Hong Kong and Singapore. Celebrity Cruise Lines, for example, has more than two dozen Southeast Asia cruises on tap between now and 2023, all starting in Singapore aboard the 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice. A typical two-week cruise introduces passengers to Bangkok and Ko Phi Phi in Thailand; Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang in Vietnam; Boracay and Manila in the Philippines; and Penang in Malaysia, with special excursions to the Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia and Ha Long Bay via wooden sampan in Vietnam.
Silversea Cruises, another top luxury line, operates 12- to 14-day cruises from Singapore and Hong Kong on its 596-passenger Silver Moon, where each suite comes with a butler and every passenger is afforded one free shore excursion per port. Seabourn, too, conducts luxury 14- and 24-day voyages from Hong Kong and Singapore but will add a 10-day “Gems of Java” cruise March 11–21, 2022, on the 300-passenger Seabourn Ovation. Starting in Bali and ending in Singapore, it will stop at Indonesia’s fabled Komodo Island for a look at its “dragons.”
Oceania Cruises slated a 12-day Singapore round-trip cruise (Feb. 24–March 8, 2022) that visits Thailand’s resort getaway Ko Samui as well as Malaysia’s city of cats, Kuching. Oceania also offers a 20-day Bangkok–Hong Kong cruise departing Feb. 11, 2023, sailing to Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore, Muara (Brunei), the Philippines and Borneo (Malaysia).
Meanwhile, Holland America Line offers a multitude of 14-day Hong Kong– Singapore regional cruises (visiting the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand), as well as a 14-day Indonesia cruise, on the 1,924-passenger Noordam at far less cost than the all-inclusive luxury liners.
Several Southeast Asia cruises offer more unusual itineraries, events and features. Star Clipper Cruise’s 170-passenger, four-masted barquentine, Star Clipper, for example, makes its round-trip cruises from Phuket with an emphasis on snorkeling, diving, windsurfing and beach activities. The ship keeps the wheelhouse open to passengers around the clock, is equipped with a marina platform and maintains two pools on its sundeck, underscoring its casual elegance and easygoing style.
Windstar Cruises presents a family cruise with a twist. The “families” are those of crew members from the Philippines and Indonesia. The families step aboard to entertain passengers with dance and music. This Windstar voyage departs Hong Kong Oct. 14, 2022, ending two weeks later in Bali.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has a two-week Bali-to-Bangkok sweep embarking Feb. 4, 2022. In addition to the certified bridge masters on hand, this cruise puts some Public Broadcasting stars in the spotlight, including Judy Woodruff and Bloomberg’s Al Hunt, to celebrate PBS’s 50-plus seasons.
Ponant also sets out from Bali on a 15-day voyage to Ho Chi Minh City, disembarking Sept. 19, 2022, on the 184-guest Le Laperouse. Unusual points of interest include Mount Bromo, a Java volcano; the Borobudur reserve, featuring 240 eighth- and ninth-century Buddhist temples; and the remains of history’s most famous volcanic eruption, Krakatoa.
MEKONG FURLOUGH
Southeast Asia is home to one of the world’s great rivers, the Mekong. A cruise immerses passengers in the history, culture and everyday life of Cambodia and Vietnam.
One of the top international operators, Viking River Cruises, updated its fleet with the introduction of the brand-new 80-guest Viking Saigon. Its weeklong river passage, with stops at silk farms, fishing villages, monasteries and floating markets, is bookended by hotel stays in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Excursion sites along the way include the celebrated temple complex, Angkor Wat.
Avalon Waterways offers even more intimate weeklong Mekong cruises on two of its 36-passenger river ships, the Avalon Saigon and the Avalon Siem Reap. The route follows the Mekong between Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Emerald Cruises offers four itineraries for passengers on its new luxury 42-cabin Emerald Harmony, from a seven-night “Majestic Mekong River Cruise” to an expanded 20-night “Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia” that includes Siem Reap, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue in its journey, along with two nights aboard a classic junk in stunning Ha Long Bay.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Nov 21, 2024Hotel Saint Augustine to Open in Houston’s Museum District Neighborhood
Hotel Saint Augustine, expected to open in Houston this December, is a design-savvy boutique hotel from Austin-based hospitality group Bunkhouse.
Sponsored Content
Sailing the Ionian Sea: Explore Greece’s Nautical Gems
Sailing the Ionian Sea is an enchanting way to experience Greece's breathtaking islands and pristine waters. Known for its favorable winds, calm seas and stunning landscapes, the Ionian Sea offers a paradise for both experienced sailors and those looking to explore for the first time. From lively beaches to secluded bays, these waters have something for every traveler seeking adventure and relaxation.
November 2024
Nov 21, 2024Immerse in an Invigorating Thermal Journey at Scandinave Spa Whistler
The glittering green pines and burst of jasmine lake beyond almost made me forget about the aches in my legs that slowly developed after the promised hour-long hike ran into the third hour. And, oh, there were my hips, showing up to remind me I was no longer in my 20s. I didn’t mind, though, because the vision that surrounded me during our guided walk through Garibaldi Park to Cheakamus Lake in Whistler, British Columbia, with Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures proved worthy of a thousand postcards.
Daily
Nov 21, 20245 Can’t-Miss Black Friday, Cyber Monday Hotel Deals
Plan to shop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Add these deals from hotels around the country to your shopping list.
Sponsored Content
Pick Your Paradise: Experience Bali at 3 Incredible Hotels
Bali is a name synonymous with island bliss. But there is more than just one side to this incredible place. Get a sense for the variety of experiences Bali offers by learning about three hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with distinctive opportunities for adventure and relaxation. With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card, earn points for free nights at each of these properties.
Daily
Nov 21, 2024Belmond Unveils First Luxury Sleeper Train in England and Wales
The first luxury sleeper train officially debuts in England and Wales next July thanks to the new Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train. This pioneering train seamlessly blends timeless rail heritage with contemporary British cuisine, culture and style. Guests will enjoy fine-dining experiences designed by Chef Simon Rogan and an on-board wellness suite offering therapies to relax and revive.
Château des Fleurs Review
eFlyer Reviews
Nov 20, 2024Save Up to 50 Percent Off HX Expeditions
eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 2024eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 2024Xanterra Launches Thankful for Travel Sale
Xanterra Travel Collection’s Thankful for Travel Sale is finally here! This travel company’s sale, through Dec. 2, offers the biggest savings on national park stays, yacht-style cruises, historic train rides, legendary resorts, and walking and biking tours.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Egypt
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS
eFlyer News
Nov 20, 2024Orient Express Reveals World’s Largest Sailing Yacht
Orient Express just unveiled the design of its first yacht and the world’s largest sailing yacht, Orient Express Corinthian. Set to hit the waves in summer 2026, this yacht will sail across the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Caribbean.
ShareThis