Asia / Orient Cruises

Asia and Orient Cruises

Far from home in nearly every sense, these countries dazzle and enthrall travelers with their enduring traditions, stunning beauty, and rich history and cultural heritage. The variety of cultures in China, Japan, Vietnam and Thailand that must be experienced first-hand to be fully appreciated. The crowded whirlwind of activity found in the cities is a truly unique environment of temples and skyscrapers. But concealed behind high-tech industries and high-rise buildings lives a society with an ingrained sense of conservative Confucian values. Strong beliefs center around extended families, piety, discipline, respect and work ethic. A cruise offers the perfect way to travel all of these provocative, distant lands in comfort and convenience and feel the true heartbeat of Asia.

Asia / Orient Cruise Highlights

Pack comfortable shoes - Asia is full of walking, down hutong-lined streets, up steps to grand temples, and across islands. There is so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. At the top of the list? Visiting Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam; taking a tram up to the top of Victoria Peak in Hong Kong; gazing at the colorful, glimmering skyline in Shanghai by nightfall; and of course, walking along the Great Wall of China in Beijing.

Popular Asia / Orient Cruise Ports

Home to nearly three-fifths of the world's population, the continent of Asia is vast and full of cities and cultures to explore. Because the area is so big, itineraries typically focus on Japan and eastern China or southeast Asia. Whether you want to travel to China, Vietnam, Thailand, or Japan, there is an itinerary for you. Here are a few can't-miss ports in Asia:

• Beijing, China: Don't be fooled by Beijing's status as a government city. While it is the capital of China, it is anything but stodgy, and is home to must-sees like the Summer Palace, the Bird's Nest, and Tiananmen Square, as well as lesser known attractions like Houhai Lake and the 798 Art District.
• Tokyo, Japan: Tokyo is a stunning mix of skyscrapers and temples, neon-lit nightclubs and quiet parks, world-class cuisine and endless street food. It is also home to a pop culture scene unlike anywhere else in the world, and is the birthplace of such trends as Hello Kitty and Harajuku.
• Bangkok, Thailand: Another amalgamation of old and new, Bangkok is both a financial hub and a historical center, with its centuries-old Grand Palace and numerous Buddhist Temples alongside skyscrapers housing multinational corporate offices. Bangkok is one of the world's top tourist destinations, named "World's Best City" several years in a row by "Travel + Leisure" magazine.

When is the Best Time to Go to Asia / Orient?

Only a handful of cruise lines sail to Asia, most often between October and May, with peak season from February to April. Most cruises to this region are longer than average, with many lasting between 14 to 21 days. Trust us - once you're there, you'll want the time to explore!

What Cruise Lines Go to Asia / Orient?

Travel time from the U.S. is lengthy, so be sure to add a few days on either end of your trip to avoid flight delays or extreme jet lag. Some lines build in pre- and post-cruise land programs to add on to the experience. Here are three cruise lines to consider for your next voyage to Asia:

• Holland America: Holland America cruises to Asia sail out of Sydney, Hong Kong, and Singapore, and offer overnight stays in Beijing, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo. While sailing from port to port, you can enjoy modern spa amenities, exceptional dining experiences, and Holland America's legendary service.
• Princess Cruises: Visit Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and more on a Princess Cruise to Asia. With departure ports in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China and Singapore, there are plenty of options on this premium cruise line. Princess takes your immersion a step further by bringing Asian culture and cuisine on board during sailings.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Regent Seven Seas features ports in Asia on several cruises, ranging from Barcelona to Singapore itineraries to Sydney to Auckland and Dubai to Singapore. If you'd rather sail strictly through Asia, try the Singapore to Beijing itinerary, which includes ports of call in the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan and Malaysia.