Asia Cruises are the perfect way to take in the varied sights, culture and landscapes of this most diverse continent. Sailawaze will help you navigate where and when to go, and what to see.
Asia Cruises are the perfect way to take in the varied sights, culture and landscapes of this most diverse continent. Sailawaze will help you navigate where and when to go, and what to see.
Asia: a land of neon lights, ancient history, wild landscapes, and vast jungles – both concrete and natural in form. With thousands of miles of coastline, Asia boasts a near-limitless cruising area with any number of itinerary options – from the cherry blossoms and towering skylines of Japan, to the picture-postcard beaches of Bali, the rainforests of Indonesia, and the stunning architecture of India’s golden triangle.
Taking an Asia cruise also allows you to pack in more destinations and spectacular sights than you’d be able to otherwise, as itineraries cover vast distances each night as you sleep. Drift off under the dazzling lights of Singapore and wake up to the turquoise island waters of Koh Samui – does it get much better?
With so much on offer, it can be difficult to know where to start with Asia cruises. That’s where travel agents come in – they have all the expertise and insider knowledge to help you plan your dream trip to Asia. Not only this, they’re also able to secure exclusive deals and experiences that you wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else.
We’ve picked out some of the most outstanding destinations you can visit on a cruise to Asia.
From buzzing bazaars and hurtling tuk-tuks to majestic temples and mosques, the Golden Triangle is a wonderful introduction to India, where tranquil beauty meets kinetic chaos. It comprises the route between Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur – all of which are equally spaced in a neat triangle within the country’s North. Kick off with the fabulous architecture of Delhi’s mosques, temples and tree-lined boulevards, all paired with the thrum that comes with capital cities. Next up marvel at the astonishing beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Finally, round off with Jaipur or, the ‘Pink City’: home to lavish royal palaces and gardens, as well as colorful bazaars. An amazing adventure on its own, there are also great opportunities to combine the Golden Triangle with other areas of India – particularly with nearby Ranthambore National Park, the best place to spot elusive tigers.
The ultimate country of contrasts, Japan combines the world’s largest and most modern cities with some of the longest-standing ancient structures and traditions. There’s no better time to visit than in spring when the whole country bursts into a candy-floss pink bloom of cherry blossom. From the mountainous north with its iconic Mount Fuji, down to the temples and samurai houses of the south, cruises in Japan are a wonderful way to take in the country’s astonishing natural beauty and rich culture. Reach dizzying speeds on a bullet train ride, soak in the bright lights of Tokyo and Kyoto and try out hot-spring bathing in Kagoshima. The possibilities are endless. And when it comes to the food, mouth-watering sushi, ramens, tempura and more will have you booking your return trip in no time.
Though the smallest country in South East Asia, Singapore certainly packs a punch. This vibrant city-state is a unique melting pot of culture, where towering skyscrapers sit in brilliantly green surrounds, as this ‘garden city’ paves the way for modern urban areas of the future. Swathes of rooftop gardens (many with fabulous rooftop bars), UNESCO Botanic Gardens, and nature-themed shopping centers – one home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall – make for an awe-inspiring visit. Singapore’s bustling street food stalls and Michelin-starred restaurants are a must for foodies, while iconic hotels and architecture are everywhere you look. One not to miss? The Hotel Marina Bay Sands – straddling three towers and with the largest rooftop infinity pool in the world.
Offering a dynamic blend of modernity and tradition, Hong Kong’s iconic skyline, set against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour, offers truly stunning vistas. Take the historic Peak Tram to reach the city’s highest point, or stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade – a waterfront walkway with seamless views of the city’s outline and a famous nightly light show. Heady street markets, world-class shopping, and cuisine packed with flavor mean there is never a dull moment in Hong Kong. For nature lovers, hiking trails and golden beaches are just a short trip from the city. And if you’re more of a culture buff, temples, historic festivals, and colonial landmarks are all bountiful for anyone looking for a history fix.
Eat, pray, love. That’s what you’re meant to do in Bali, right? This, and a whole lot more. Rolling rice paddies enveloped by low-hanging mists, volcanic landscapes and lush jungles make up jaw-dropping scenery on this Indonesian island – perfect for exploring on foot, bicycle or even quad bike for thrill-seekers. As for the beaches? Hard to beat. The Indian Ocean’s shimmering waters beckon with inviting hues of green and blue, ivory-white sand is like powder underfoot and all is underpinned by exquisite tranquillity, with a dash of cocktail-fuelled fun never far away. A sense of spirituality is ubiquitous throughout Bali, so visiting ancient temples like Uluwatu and Tanah Lot are hard to miss. When it comes to food, between munching on health-giving Acai bowls and juicy fresh fruits, make sure to try traditional dishes like velvety chicken satay, of which Bali is the birthplace.
Dynamic energy spills out of every corner of Bangkok – Thailand’s capital and the gateway to this thrilling country. A first-time visit to Bangkok will blow your senses away, as glinting skyscrapers preside over hectic street markets, honking traffic jams, and hushed gilded temples. Along the Chao Phraya River, which runs through the city’s heart, find the famous ‘floating markets’ where armies of vendors sail up and down in picturesque boats selling all manner of handcrafted goods and foods to passersby. Bangkok’s street food scene is legendary – and with good reason, discover an explosion of flavors around every corner and witness astonishing wok-manship that gathers hungry crowds. Perhaps most unique is Bangkok’s inimitable nightlife, particularly along famed streets like Khao San Road where live shows, music, and fabulous people-watching make for a memorable evening.
Due to Asia’s vast size, seasons and weather can vary hugely depending on where in Asia you are cruising. On the whole, it’s best to avoid summer months (May through to October) as these can bring soaring temperatures, intense humidity, and heavy monsoon rains. Areas such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and much of Southeast Asia are also at Typhoon risk in the late summer months, so make sure to steer clear of these times.
It’s best, therefore, to head on your Asian adventure between October and April, when the weather is steady and temperatures are comfortable. October and November are the perfect time to catch the kaleidoscope of autumn colors in Northern Asia, while February-April promises fluffy pink cherry blossoms in Japan.
There are lots of cruise lines to choose from when planning your Asia cruise. These include: Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Oceania Cruises and Holland America Line. Many expedition and smaller, luxury cruise brands also operate itineraries in Asia, such as: Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Ponant, UniWorld, Silversea and Aqua Expeditions.
Booking through a travel agent will allow you to discuss what you’re looking for, and their expertise can guide you to the right cruise line for you.
Taking a cruise in Asia can be at a surprisingly low cost, particularly if you book a sample or ‘mini’ cruise. For example, Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises offer 3-night sailings. At the other end, however, ultra-luxury Asia cruises can come at eye-watering prices.
Booking an Asia cruise that comes with flights included is a no-brainer, as it can save you hundreds of pounds as well as lots of hassle. The best way to do this is through experienced travel agents, who have access to the best offers and deals.
An Asia cruise is a total adventure, so you’ll want to be as well-prepared as possible. Home to enormous cities, tropical rainforests, balmy beaches, and mountain regions, what you pack will depend on your chosen itinerary and the time of year you visit. However, one thing you can count on is you’ll be doing loads of exploring, so comfortable clothing and footwear are an absolute must.
Southern Asia has a year-round tropical climate, so cool clothing is a good idea here, as is swimwear and insect repellent. Northern areas tend to be cooler and can be prone to changeable weather, so a waterproof is a must – though tropical Monsoon rains mean it’s a good idea to bring waterproofs wherever you go.
Some cultural and religious sites may have certain clothing requirements or restrictions, so make sure to check these before you visit.
For while you’re onboard your cruise, one or two formal outfits for smart dinners are a wise packing move, as are flip-flops and swimwear for trips to the pool and spa.
Become the first to know about win-a-cruise competitions, on-trend vacation inspo and don’t-miss travel advice from the experts.