Asia & the Far East

Old and new combine in the Far East, tradition sitting nose-to-nose with innovation. Cities sprawl overhead, skyscrapers stacked like Tetris blocks, the street food kiosks below them proud and unexpected owners of Michelin stars. Visiting Asia on a cruise provides an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the continent's rich cultures, witness stunning natural beauty, visit iconic landmarks, and enjoy a luxurious and convenient mode of travel.

Explore Asia & the Far East

Busy cities jostle with serene beaches, swathes of cartoon green rainforest edge up to gin-clear seas, rivers come alive with markets and stilt homes, and gilded temples shine almost as brightly as the personalities of some of the world’s most friendly locals. A cruise to the Far East and Indian Ocean sends your senses into overdrive. Colours are more vivid here, smells stronger, the air hot and the pace a constant ebb and flow between fast-paced action and laidback luxury. Quite simply, you’ll find nowhere on Earth like it.

What awaits me in Asia & the Far East?

Diversity of Destinations

Asia is a vast continent with a rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes. A cruise allows you to visit multiple countries and experience the vibrant cultures of places like Japan, Singapore, India, Vietnam, Thailand, and more. From bustling cities to tranquil temples, stunning beaches to ancient landmarks, cruising through Asia offers a variety of destinations to explore.

Iconic Landmarks and UNESCO Sites

Asia is home to many iconic landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A cruise allows you to visit and admire famous landmarks such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Borobudur Temple in Indonesia, and the Taj Mahal in India.

Cultural Contrasts and Diversity

Asia is a continent of contrasts, with various cultures, languages, religions, and traditions. Cruising allows you to experience this diversity first-hand as you navigate from one country to another, appreciating the unique flavours, architecture, traditions, and spirituality of each destination.

Rich Cultural Immersion

Asia is known for its rich and diverse cultures, and cruising provides opportunities to immerse yourself in these cultures. Onshore excursions give you a chance to explore local traditions, try authentic cuisine, witness traditional performances, and interact with local communities.

Scenic Beauty and Natural Wonders

Cruising in Asia offers breath-taking scenery and access to stunning natural wonders. Whether it's cruising through the karst landscapes of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, the beautiful islands of the Maldives, or the picturesque ports of Japan, you can enjoy panoramic views and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Popular cruise lines for Asia & the Far East cruises

Looking to sail to Asia & the Far East? These cruise lines specialise in holidays that will give you the ultimate experience!

Princess Cruises

Cunard

Celebrity Cruises

Royal Caribbean

Viking Ocean Cruises

Silversea

Destinations

Cambodia

Welcome to Cambodia, a hidden South East Asian gem. More than just the iconic Angkor Wat, Cambodia offers an intriguing mix of rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine. Picture yourself cruising along the Mekong River or exploring age-old temples steeped in history.

China

China captivates the world with landmarks such as the arresting Terracotta Warriors, the majestic Forbidden City, enchanting Giant Pandas, and the tranquil flow of the Yangzi. Unearth the vibrant metropolises stretching from modern Shanghai to historically-rich Beijing. Meander through Yangshuo's picturesque limestone karsts and find peace within the serene monasteries perched atop Emei Shan and Lhasa. Experience the various shades of China's vast spectrum, from its vivid history and diverse landscapes to the warmth of its villages. When it comes to cuisine, China is a melting pot of culinary traditions, perfectly paired with the natural beauty it possesses.

Hong Kong

East meets west, tradition meets modernity - Hong Kong is an intoxicating melting pot of a destination. You can be gorging on delicious dim sum one minute, before soaring to the summit of Victoria Peak on board the legendary funicular the next. And let’s not forget the outlying islands; Hong Kong comprises more than 250 of them, from blissful Cheung Chau where the freshest seafood is plucked from the waterfront to awe-inspiring Lantau, where a 34-metre-tall Buddha is proudly seated.

India

India, a country steeped in enthralling traditions, diverse spiritual beliefs, vibrant festivals, captivating architecture, and stunning landscapes, will leave an indelible imprint on your heart and mind long after your journey comes to an end.

The country's rich cultural heritage is manifested through its exquisite temples, grand palaces, and awe-inspiring monuments that span millennia. This beguiling blend of diverse customs, breathtaking scenery, and architectural marvels ensures that India weaves an enchanting tapestry of experiences that will never fail to enchant.

Indonesia

Indonesia offers an enchanting experience, filled with rich cultures, incredible landscapes, and friendly locals. This vast archipelagic nation boasts picturesque spots like Bali's tranquil beaches and Java's historic temples and active volcanoes.

Visitors can admire ancient wonders like Borobudur and Prambanan, explore lush jungles, climb mountains such as Mount Bromo, or relax by Lake Toba. Indonesian cuisine delights with flavourful dishes such as Nasi Goreng and Rendang. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe Borneo's orangutans, while divers explore the striking marine life in Raja Ampat Islands.

Japan

Home to both buzzing, neon-lit cities like Tokyo and serene, historic sites such as Kyoto, Japan offers various sights and experiences. Enjoy diverse culinary delights, from sushi to sake, explore splendid rural landscapes, or dive deep into diverse pop culture phenomena like manga, anime, and J-pop. Museums, castles, and heritage sites cater to history and art enthusiasts. Embrace an unforgettable journey filled with captivating culture, exceptional landscapes, and hospitality in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Mekong River

Visiting the majestic Mekong River is a journey of discovery through the heart of South East Asia. As the 12th longest river in the world, it offers a chance to experience diverse cultures, rich historical heritage, unparalleled natural beauty, and unique flora and fauna. From its origins on the Tibetan Plateau to its mouth in the South China Sea, the Mekong River traverses six countries, each with its unique allure and attractions.

Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelagic nation situated in Southeast Asia, boasting over 7,000 picturesque islands, abundant in diverse culture and natural wonders. Renowned for its striking beaches, biodiverse coral reefs, and warm, cordial people, the country is a destination that offers a distinct blend of Asia's vibrant heritage and tropical allure.

Singapore

A city, a nation and a state, Singapore has geographical prowess to which very few places on earth can lay claim. This city has worked hard to earn its tourist stripes over recent decades; there was a time when Singapore would rarely have featured on any far-flung adventure as a destination in its own right - but how times have changed.

South Korea

South Korea is renowned for its advanced technology industry, rich cultural heritage dating back to ancient times, and popular global exports in music, film, and television - particularly K-pop and K-drama. Moreover, its bustling capital city, Seoul, perfectly encapsulates the country's blend of modern skyscrapers, digital innovation, and traditional Buddhist temples.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a little island gem draped by the Indian Ocean, laced with intrigue, bestowed with blinding beauty, and a pinch of exotic spice. Imagine losing yourself in rain forests so dense they'd leave any wanderer breathless. Think of tea plantations so vast, they seemingly stretch all the way to the heavens. This island nation quite simply has so much to offer.

Thailand

Thailand, known as the 'Land of Smiles', is a vibrant South East Asian nation celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, warm-hearted people, and diverse landscapes. This remarkable country produces a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition, offering a mix of bustling cities, ancient temples, lush jungles, picturesque islands, and beautiful beaches.

Vietnam

Visiting Vietnam promises a journey of discovery, offering an intriguing blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and tantalising cuisine. This Southeast Asian gem beckons travellers from around the world to explore its stunning landscapes, ranging from the awe-inspiring limestone islands of Halong Bay, the lush rice terraces of Sapa, to the serene waterways of the Mekong Delta.