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Exploring Asia, traditions and modern itineraries

Exploring Asia by cruise is a fantastic way to experience the continent’s diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and rich history. Here are some of the best cruises to Asia in 2024:

Princess Cruises: Known for their comprehensive itineraries, Princess Cruises offers voyages to destinations like Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and more. Their cruises blend ancient traditions with modern metropolises, providing a unique travel experience ¹.
Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Cruises offers luxurious trips to various Asian destinations, including Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. Their ships are known for excellent service, gourmet dining, and enriching shore excursions ².
Royal Caribbean: This cruise line provides a mix of adventure and relaxation with itineraries covering Japan, South Korea, and China. Their ships feature numerous amenities, including rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and Broadway-style shows ².
Viking Ocean Cruises: Viking offers culturally immersive cruises with stops in Japan, China, Vietnam, and Thailand. Their smaller ships allow for more intimate experiences and access to less-visited ports ².
Holland America Line: Known for their elegant ships and diverse itineraries, Holland America Line offers cruises to Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. They focus on cultural enrichment and offer extensive shore excursions ².
Regent Seven Seas Cruises: For a more luxurious experience, Regent Seven Seas offers all-inclusive cruises to various Asian destinations. Their itineraries often include overnight stays in major cities, allowing for deeper exploration ².
Silversea Cruises: Silversea provides ultra-luxury cruises with personalized service and gourmet dining. Their Asian itineraries cover destinations like Japan, China, and Southeast Asia ².
Oceania Cruises: Known for their culinary excellence, Oceania Cruises offers trips to Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. Their smaller ships provide a more intimate cruising experience ².

Each of these cruise lines offers unique experiences, so consider what aspects are most important to you, such as luxury, adventure, cultural immersion, or specific destinations. Bon voyage! 🚢🌏

Would you like more details on any specific cruise line or destination?

Silversea Savings, 2024 – 25 Voyages

Whether you dream of a luxury voyage with lavish surroundings or a thrilling expedition to some of the most remote places on the planet, take time now to plan your trip of a lifetime. With voyages sailing to over 900 immersive destinations on all seven continents, the choices are remarkable, and the savings are, too. Silversea fares include ocean-view suites, wines and spirits throughout the ship to free WiFi, included gratuities, a butler for every suite and more.

OCEANVIEW SUITES

Silversea cruises have been voted the best luxury cruise line, so it is no surprise that our suites offer one of the highest space-per-guest ratios of any luxury cruise accommodations. All of our suites feature ocean views, and most with a private teak veranda. Regardless of the ship or suite, all guests will be pampered by the personalized services of an attentive butler, sailing in style aboard the best luxury cruise line.

Welcome to an exceptional season of luxury sailing! Our brand new collection of 2024 itineraries is our largest ever – choose from over 300 breathtaking journeys across all seven continents, with 660 destinations in 114 countries and over 60 new ports of call. The numbers are only half the story – this rich collection features enhanced classic itineraries and magical overnights in iconic destinations. With five unprecedented Grand Voyages and stunning new expeditions across the Indian Ocean and on the Amazon River, you’ll find a new favourite corner of the world with us. And- for the first time ever- you’ll enjoy shore excursions in every port of call, now also included in our Classic voyages starting in April, May and June depending on the ship and voyage.

Silversea 2026 – 17 Voyages.

Silversea has announced its first-ever full summer season in French Polynesia, opening an exclusive pre-sale on 17 voyages between April and September 2026 aboard Silver Whisper. The line will offer deep immersion into 11 of the world’s most remote destinations in three of the region’s five archipelagos—the Society, Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands.

From April 6, 2026, the 392-guest Silver Whisper will undertake 17 voyages in French Polynesia, Papeete, Tahiti. Travelers can choose from seven- or 14-night itineraries—both of which aim to foster meaningful connections with the destination.

The shorter of the two itineraries sees Silver Whisper journey among the Society Islands’ most iconic destinations, as well as off-the-beaten-path gems. From Papeete, guests will journey to Moorea on an overnight call, besides Huahine and Bora Bora. Three late departures maximize guests’ time in Papeete, Moorea and Huahine. Hosted by an expert guide aboard a traditional boat in Bora Bora, guests will learn about the important role of storytelling in local culture and how early navigators used the stars to sail through the Pacific Ocean. In Huahine, travelers can join a cultural nature walk to discover the archeological sites of the village of Maeva, while admiring tropical plants and treetop views of the coastline. In Moorea, Bora Bora and Huahine, guests can snorkel in crystal-clear waters for the chance to witness hundreds of fish species and corals. Guests will also have the option of relaxing on a private island or motu, enjoying a traditional barbecue and local music.

Departing from Papeete on a 14-day voyage aboard Silver Whisper, guests will explore Moorea on an overnight call, besides visits to Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Fatu Hiva, Atuona, Tahuata, Rangiroa and Bora Bora, before returning to Papeete. In addition to discovering the peaks of the Society Islands and snorkeling to admire the archipelago’s abundant marine life, guests on both itineraries can spot whales (August to November), accompanied by expert guides; learn about local culinary traditions in a test kitchen in Moorea; and discover Raiatea by electric bicycle, among other immersive experiences. As on the seven-day itinerary, guests will also have the chance to relax on a private island, as a highlight experience.

Additionally, a 21-day Easter Island sailing, departing Valparaiso on March 16, and two combination voyages broaden the regional offering for guests.

The Best Time of Year to Cruise the Greek Isles

Made up of hundreds of beautiful islands with breathtaking views, it’s no wonder why Greece is a favorite vacation spot for many. For cruise lovers, this is an ideal destination because you can take your time exploring each island and can comfortably cruise between them. You want to make sure that you plan to island hop at the right time, so you have an enjoyable cruise experience. This can help you avoid excess crowds and take advantage of excellent weather conditions. Check out our tips to help you plan your trip and pick the best time of year to go on a cruise in the Greek Isles.

The typical cruising season runs from May through October, which gives you a lot of options for planning travel dates. But, you should know that some months will still be very hot, which can make wandering around the islands more uncomfortable. You’ll likely want to visit when the weather is better, and the temperatures are more moderate because you will better enjoy getting out and exploring.

July and August are the most popular times for cruise tourists due to having more time off from work and school. So, if you cruise at this time, you’ll have to deal with full cruise ships and busy islands. These months also offer hotter temperatures. If you’re flexible on your cruise dates, avoid planning a trip during those months!

To skip the hot weather and crowds, some travelers choose to visit in May or September. The temperatures will be more comfortable, and the islands and cruise ships are not quite as packed, which can make for a less stressful experience as you go about your adventuring. If you’re open to it, you may even want to look into booking late April or early October cruises as most tourists will avoid this timing due to cooler weather. Even with breezier weather and lower temperatures, you can still have an enjoyable experience.

Five Reasons to Sail the New Emerald Harmony Along the Mekong River

If you’ve bucket listed the Mekong River, now is the time to make your dreams a reality. Emerald Waterways’ recently launched their brand new Star-Ship, Emerald Harmony and the groundbreaking vessel is sailing the Mekong River. If you need a little nudge, we are giving you five reasons to check off this bucket list destination on the Emerald Harmony.

Sail All The Way to Ho Chi Minh City

Unlike most ships plying the Mekong, the sleek and modern Emerald Harmony has been custom designed to cruise into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, offering unique river access to this vibrant and historically significant Vietnamese city. The newly released time-lapse video of the Harmony build highlights the ship’s unique design and beautiful lines.

An Intimate Cruise Experience

A classic combination of authentic Asian style and modern amenities, Emerald Harmony accommodates just 84 guests in 42 cabins for an intimate cruise experience. With 40 crew members—and an excellent guest-to-crew ratio of almost 2:1—guests can expect personalized service and a warm environment onboard.

Two Countries, Endless Opportunities

The Emerald Harmony will sail the mighty Mekong between Vietnam and Cambodia, allowing guests to take in some of the continent’s most revered sights. From the vast Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia to the French Colonial architecture of Ho Chi Minh City, this sailing offers a glimpse at life from a local perspective and an in-depth look at traditional ways of living the people of the Mekong have enjoyed for over a thousand years.

Four Itineraries to Choose From

Options abound for travelers looking to experience the magic of the Mekong River. Those on a shorter timeline can book an eight-day sailing between Siem Reap, Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with daily excursions aimed at revealing the local culture and history. Those looking for a more in-depth experience can explore the 13-, 17- and 21-day cruise and land tours, which offer time in Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City as well as adding stops in Hanoi, Halong Bay and Hoi An, Vietnam.

Book Now and Save

The inaugural season is almost sold out, but guests who move fast can secure a stateroom. To celebrate the launch, Emerald Waterways is offering a free extension to Sapa or Luang Prabang on all 13-night itineraries, or two flights for the price of one on 17-21 night itineraries. Offer valid on any new Mekong sailings booked between August 9 and October 31, 2019.

In addition to the five reasons above, Emerald Waterways’ boasts an incredibly inclusive pricing plan. Cruise fares include all transfers; all port charges; all onboard (and some on-shore) meals; unlimited specialty tea and coffee, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; bottled water in the cabins replenished daily; continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in the top suites; complimentary Wi-Fi on board the ship; most shore excursions as well as all onboard and excursion gratuities.

A Journey Through Japan

With its exquisite gardens, traditional dance performance and culture rich roots, the multifaceted world of Japan draws millions of visitors each year. What could be better than exploring this mesmerizing country than doing so from one location with access to noted experts who add depth and insight into the sights along the way? If immersing yourself in Japanese culture is on your bucket list, you are going to want to explore PONANT’s newest sailing !

Part of the Quintessential Collection, a series of themed cruises, “An Immersion in Japanese Culture” departs from Osaka and ends in Maizuru, stopping in Hiroshima, Okayama, and other amazing ports including Busan, South Korea. The nine days/eight-night cruise aboard the five stars Le Soleal offers an up-close look of not only modern-day Japan but also reflection into cherished traditions.

From sharing in the elegance of a private tea making ceremony to a cooking demonstration on how to cut and plate deadly puffer fish, there is no shortage of adventure. Three noted experts: Timon Screech, author and professor of History and Art at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London; Holly H Shimizu, former executive director of the U.S. Botanic Garden; and Osama Shimizu an expert in contemporary Japanese gardens are on board sharing insight on exciting destinations. You’ll dive deep into the history and culture of the Shinto Holy Place and the beautiful Yuushien Garden in Sakaiminato.

When not immersing yourself in Japanese culture, enjoy the distinctive Le Soleal Ship. Bespoke European craftsmanship offers some of the most elegant surroundings at sea. Calming colors of natural wood with a white and grey color scheme resonate with relaxation. Gastronomic adventures await at the ships French-inspired restaurant, where you will delight in exquisitely prepared chef creations paired with the finest wines. For a truly customized experience, stay in one of the suites, where your personal butler is at your service day and night.

If you love the idea of sailing to uncharted areas, stay tuned. Launched in 2021 PONANT will launch Le Commandant Charcot, the first electric hybrid cruise ship with luxury appointments and the first ship to reach the true geographic North Pole.