From luxury accommodations to expedition adventures, a cruise update from Asia
Most Luxurious River Cruise Suites
Love heated floors, walk-in closets, and butler service? Then you’ll love cruising Asia’s rivers in some of the most luxurious accommodations available today. On the Century Paragon, for example, travelers cruising the Yangtze River in one of the ship’s two 1,140-square-foot presidential suites are treated to a huge wraparound balcony, dining privileges in the Executive Restaurant on the Sun Deck, and more plush perks. The ship operates cruises for both Avalon Waterways and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection.
Meanwhile, on the Mekong, AmaWaterways’ AmaLotus boasts the largest suites on the river, at 624 square feet. The two suites on the bow feature a twin balcony design (with full step-out balcony and a French balcony), plus a king-size bed, whirlpool bathtub, and elegant décor. And the title of biggest suites on the Irrawaddy River goes to Sanctuary Retreats’ all-suite Sanctuary Ananda, where the Aloungpayah Suite comes with butler service, a private guide, private dining, complimentary laundry service, cutting-edge technology in the room, and panoramic views. And that’s just the beginning! Discover more of Asia’s most luxurious river cruise suites here.
Expedition Cruising: A Unique Way to See Asia
With nearly 50 countries in Asia – each with its own unique traditions and cultures – travelers can have a tough time choosing which destinations to discover. Luckily, cruise lines are crafting more and more expedition itineraries that mix smaller, less-visited locales with traditional must-see destinations.
Meanwhile, Windstar Cruises is focusing on up-close access to destinations, with itineraries like the Treasures of Southeast Asia, which docks right in the city center of Hong Kong. The line also features private, immersive events, such as “A Feast for the Senses” in Phuket, with traditional dancing, drumming, and Thai dishes.
Land options in Asia are also increasing in variety, offering more pre- and post-cruise trips, and longer, more immersive port calls. Azamara Club Cruises, for example, revamped its Land Discovery program this year to offer shorter tours with smaller group experiences, night-touring options, and more. Learn more about expedition cruising in Asia here!
Onboard Dining: Culinary Choice from Victoria Cruises
A focus on individual choice – be it for dining, shore excursions, or onboard experiences – is probably one of the biggest trends in cruising, and Asia is no exception. On the Yangtze River, Victoria Cruises is embracing culinary choice, offering guests a mix between exotic and familiar dining options. Victoria has organized a system with local farmers along the river, so as to receive fresh ingredients delivered directly to the ship. In addition, the staff is trained to ensure a high and consistent level of service. Meals are made to offer a taste of the region, such as Chongqing-style chicken, as well as familiar dishes such as steak Diane or smoked duck. Find out more about Victoria Cruises’ Yangtze River dining program here.
Want to experience Asia’s waterways yourself? Find your perfect cruise here.
