Asia Cruises

The Best Time to Cruise

Asia is such a vast destination that the best time to cruise its many corners will depend on exactly which ones you would like to explore. Here are some tips on the most popular routes:

• Thailand – April to September
• Philippines – November to April
• Cambodia – November to March
• Malaysia – December to April
• Vietnam – February to April and August to October
• Indonesia – May to September

Whatever season you decide to book for, we recommend you pack a raincoat as well as bathers.

Top Cruise Lines

There is a fantastic variety of cruise lines and ships offering cruise holidays in Asia. Most of them cater to Australians and depart from a home port near you, so a lot will depend on what it is you are after on board.

• P&O Australia cruises to Asia – for family-oriented fun adventures setting sail from Brisbane or Perth (Fremantle)
• Princess cruises to Asia – classic Premium cruising with departures from Brisbane and Sydney
• Silversea cruises to Asia – spoil yourself with ultimate luxury on board and leave from almost any homeport in Australia

Top Ports

Asia is varied and vibrant. Each destination is a paradise in its own right. A few of the most notable ports of call are as follows.

Tokyo

The capital of Japan is a city of contrasts. There are futuristic neighbourhoods with sleek skyscrapers and colourful advertisement banners blinking all around, traditional quarters with temples, wooden buildings and old-fashioned lanterns and then there are concrete block areas with modern art galleries and cocktail bars.

Once in Tokyo, be sure to make time for the following:

• – A Japanese theatre performance
• – A sumo tournament
• – Japanese pop culture and anime
• – A visit to a good restaurant as well as a fast food joint
• – The Tokyo subway

Singapore

Singapore is an absolute hit-list destination in Asia, and rightly so. The city state is a melting pot of different cultures, you will be transported to one or another, depending on the neighbourhood you are in:

• Chinatown
• Little India
• Kampong Glam
• Geylang Sera

Despite the fact that Singapore is densely populated and built-up, there is more greenery than in many other cities in the world:

• Skyscrapers are turning into living eco-systems
• Singapore Botanic Gardens
• Treetop jungle bridges
• Walking trails

Eating and shopping are the main hobbies for many Singaporeans, so there are fantastic opportunities for both. You will find a great eatery wherever you are in the city, be it a cheap hawker fare or a famous Michelin-star restaurant. Shopping can be done in different ways:

• Head to Orchard Road for the biggest and busiest shopping mall in the city
• Walk around neighbourhoods for less mass market, more traditional and local designer purchases

Hong Kong

The iconic city of Hong Kong is a mixture of:

• Traditional Chinese roots
• Colonial influence
• Contributions of modern home-grown talent

Do not be thrown off by the concrete jungle of skyscrapers, 70% of the city is made up of mountains, green parks and historic buildings. If you leave the immediate city premises, you can:

• Visit a Song dynasty village
• Go kayaking along sea caves
• Hike on a deserted island
• See the Big Buddha on Lantau Island

Bangkok

Bangkok is an absolutely unique, fun and controversial city. There are huge shopping malls that stand alongside century-old village houses, temples that neighbour brothels, street food carts selling right outside prestigious restaurants and Buddhist monks buying the latest cell phones.

Here are some things worth looking into while in Bangkok:

• Trying some of the street food offerings
• Visiting a hidden market
• Exploring Chinatown
• Taking the BTS train to Sukhumvit to experience local nightlife
• Going on a boat tour through the city
• Strolling around Banglamphu – the city’s old quarter
• Admiring the biggest temple in Thailand, Wat Pho

Highlights

Spirituality

The diverse cultures of Asia share a delicacy that stems from Asia’s role as an ancient spiritual hub. Spread out over the vast continent are relics of this tradition.

From the idols of Christianity and Hinduism, the teachings of Buddhism to the traditions of Islam, cruisers are sure to be enthralled by the air of history pervading the land.

Every aspect of life in Asia is filled with spirituality, its traditions, the food and the layout of their cities.

Cuisine

Asia’s spices were once valued higher than gold and rightly so as they create flavours that are unique and absolutely spectacular. Food is an important aspect of local life and a vital component of exploring the region.

Some of the most memorable and delicious food here is often served at roadside cafes and street stalls, like these:

• Banh Mi, a Vietnamese baguette sandwich
• Babi Guling, Indonesian slow roasted pork
• Khao Soi, a crispy noodle curry in Laos
• Som Tam, a green papaya salad in Thailand
• Chilli crab in Singapore

Nature

Asia’s landscape is characterized by:

• – Mountain ranges
• – Rivers
• – Oceans
• – Islands

These have made sure that the region is made up of natural wonders:

• 1. Red Lotus Lake, Thailand is located in the North of the country and is, from December to February, a stunning sight with all the vibrant pink lotus flowers in full bloom. The lake is also rich in waterfowl and a range of native fish.
• 2. Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia in the north of the island of Borneo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. It is famous for being home to a whole lot of endemic species and its height.
• 3. Komodo, Indonesia is home to the famous Komodo dragons – the biggest of the lizard species, that are not to be found anywhere else in the world except for the Komodo Island and its three neighbours.