Asia & Orient cruises will open your senses to a world of diverse experiences. Savour the intense aroma of spices that fill the warm air. Sink your toes into talcum soft sand. Immerse yourself in the electric environment of city life. Our Asia & Orient cruises spectacularly combine ancient and modern, offering an Asian cruise holiday to truly stir the senses.
On one of our Far East cruises or Thailand cruises you’ll discover that, today, with the ever-expanding cities of Singapore and Hong Kong dominating the shoreline, it’s the pulsating cities with their glistening skyscrapers that symbolise this region. However, behind these dominating skylines lies the rural beauty of provinces, where remote villages embody a simpler way of life. Huge expanses of paddy fields are lovingly tended and fishing methods employed that have stood the test of time. Welcome to an intoxicating blend of exotic cultures, varied landscapes and ancient treasures.
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| SihanoukvilleShow more | Cambodia |   |
About Sihanoukville Situated on the southern coast of Cambodia, sits the colourful Sihanoukville. This cruise destination, also known as Kampong Saom, is renowned for its long white beaches, fringed by pine trees. Many lazy hours can be spent on Sihanoukville cruises, relaxing in the sun and gazing out to the nearby Gulf of Thailand. Ochheuteal Beach is one of the most beautiful and far stretching, so much so that it is almost deserted in places. View typical shore excursions for this port |
| Hong KongShow more | China |      |
About Hong Kong Hong Kong may boast some 236 islands but most of the five million inhabitants of this former British Crown Colony are concentrated on just one, Hong Kong Island, and one city, Kowloon, on the facing peninsula. It is known as one of the most crowded and vibrant places in the world, making Hong King cruises a must see. Be energised just walking down its teeming streets where you can buy anything from a handmade suit, fancy jewellery and the latest duty-free electronic gizmos to Asian antiques. Also part of our cruises to Hong Kong is a journey between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island with Star Ferry, which gives you the experience of the world’s busiest crossings. For one of the steepest journeys, try the tram which travels to the top of Victoria Peak, 1,300ft above the harbour. And for the ultimate taste sensation on your Hong Kong cruise, head for Aberdeens floating restaurants featuring every kind of Asian cuisine. View typical shore excursions for this port |
| ShanghaiShow more | China | |
About Shanghai Once known as the Paris of the East, Shanghai now calls itself the Pearl of the Orient. It is China’s largest and most cosmopolitan city and no other city can better capture the urgency and excitement of Chinas economic reform. A port city, lying at the mouth of Asias longest and most important river, the Yangtze, Shanghai’s spectacular architecture is catching the worlds attention. Charming old houses are making way for new museums, theatres and shiny new high-rises. But there is a comfortable blend of modern and traditional. You can admire the exquisite Yu Garden with its Teahouse and Bridge of Nine Turnings or the Temple of the Jade Buddha. At the Shanghai Museum, you can peruse its works of art, which simultaneously draw you through the pages of Chinese history. But today in Shanghai, you can also enjoy the fast-paced lives of Chinas most glamorous, cosmopolitan and open people.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| XingangShow more | China | |
About Xingang Beijing is a microcosm of modern China and all its contradictions. From the architecturally magnificent Forbidden City, the capital spreads outwards in concentric rings, the streets bustling with its vast populace. Huge avenues lined with towering skyscrapers and vaulting flyovers crisscross with old alleyways, temples and palaces. Xingang cruises have so much to offer, you can but dip your toes into the culture and sights; the elegant grounds of the Summer Palace, the stately buildings of Tiananmen Square. For a different experience forego the city for The Great Wall which snakes, magnificently, through the surrounding countryside, desert, hills and plains. With such a variety of places to explore, cruises to Xingang will bring you a new concept of holiday. View typical shore excursions for this port |
| HiroshimaShow more | Japan | |
About Hiroshima Since the atomic blast on 6 August 1945, Hiroshima has undergone a remarkable rebirth. The Peace Memorial Park, located around the blast epicentre, has been built to commemorate the devastating explosion and to promote a peaceful world. The Atomic Bomb Dome, the city’s last remaining bomb-damaged building, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Regarded as one of Japan’s top three scenic views, why not visit nearby Miyajima Island, famed for its Itsukushima Shrine and floating tori monument? On our cruises to Hiroshima you can also enjoy a gentle stroll through Shukkeien, literally meaning ‘shrink scenery garden’, a lovely Japanese style garden originally constructed in the 17th century, making Hiroshima cruises a must. View typical shore excursions for this port |
| NagasakiShow more | Japan | |
About Nagasaki On Nagasaki cruises you can look forward to rich cosmopolitan atmosphere and the beautiful seaside scenery. Standing over the Nakashima River is Japans first Chinese-style stone bridge, the Spectacle Bridge, which reflects as ovals on the surface of the water. It is said that bridges here were only built on roads that led to temples, ornate structures that still adorn many of the streets. Etched in the memory of Nagasaki is the 1945 atomic bomb that destroyed much of the city. Today it still lingers in poignant reminders, such as Peace Park and the A-Bomb Museum, all part of our Nagasaki cruise shore excursions. View typical shore excursions for this port |
| OkinawaShow more | Japan | |
 About Okinawa Okinawa Island is the largest of the 160 Ryukyu Islands lying in the Pacific Ocean. The site of one of the most intense battles in military history, Okinawa has rebuilt itself since its near destruction in 1945. In the coastal capital city of Naha you’ll find a mile-long stretch of shops and restaurants along ‘Kokusai Dori’. Shuri Castle, once the royal seat of the Ryukyu dynasty, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and displays a unique mix of Chinese, Okinawan, and Japanese styles. Many traditional crafts including pottery and laquerware are still produced on the island, but woven and dyed fabrics are the most distinctive elements that made Okinawa famous. Cruises to Okinawa also gives you the opportunity to listen to a unique and attractive combination of original Okinawan sounds with American rock and jazz influences, learn their secrets in art and produce your own souvenir or simply enjoy a scenic drive of this beautiful island. View typical shore excursions for this port |
| OsakaShow more | Japan |  |
About Osaka Japan’s third largest city, Osaka offers your cruise holiday a combination of historical and cultural attractions with modern developments. Before World War II, Osaka was an exotic maze of crisscrossing waterways and traditional wooden buildings, but unfortunately most of these were destroyed in the bombings. Today however, the city has leapt into the architectural future with such buildings as the Imperial Hotel, the inverted U-shape of the Umeda Sky Building and the enormous Ferris wheel on top of the HEP Five complex. In addition, cruises to Osaka will also offer you the chance to see the gentle side of Japan. Kyoto, the former capital, is a serene city of geometric gardens, geisha houses, cherry trees, temples and palaces. While on Osaka cruises witness the ritual of the tea ceremony or savour a teriyaki lunch in the loveliest of Japanese cities.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| TokyoShow more | Japan | |
 About Tokyo Facing Tokyo Bay, Yokohama has one of the finest harbours in the world. Only a little over 100 years ago, Yokohama was an insignificant village of one hundred farming-fishing families. Since then it has survived several calamities to become a prosperous city of over three million people and Japan’s major commercial gateway to the world. It’s also the gateway to Japan’s frenetic, futuristic and fast capital – Tokyo. As you will be able to see on our cruises to Tokyo, the most striking aspect of the city is its sheer level of energy. It’s a place where the urgent rhythms of consumer culture overlap with the quieter moments that have survived from centuries-old traditions. With almost 30 million people living within a 22-mile radius of the Imperial Palace, the crowds, the traffic and the fact that no buildings carry addresses will make your Tokyo cruise unforgettable. The Ginza blazes with endless neon, its magnificent shops offering the best of Japanese goods and global fashions. Eating out is your chance to try fresh sushi or sashimi (sushi without the rice!). For an insight into Japanese culture, our Tokyo cruises gives you the time to visit the temples and shrines at Kamakura or browse in the stalls adjacent to Tokyo’s Asakusa Kannon Temple. Tokyo is a glittering example of the 'miracle' of post-WWII Japan.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| KemamanShow more | Malaysia | |
About Kemaman The Malaysian town of Kemaman is situated on the south coast of the China Sea and is fast becoming the new gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. Although the town itself has few attractions, just outside lies Kuala Kemaman. This cruise destination is a little fishing village, which hosts a riverside jetty crowded with restaurants and boats. Here you can sample some of the local fish dishes including otak-otak and ikan baker. Nearby you will also find Pekan, the royal town of Pahang - home to the region’s royal family and renowned for its silk weaving and batik. On cruises to Kemaman you can admire the elaborate Malay architecture and historical artefacts at the Sultan Abu Bakar Museum and see the fascinating Royal Palace. The Penang Silk Weaving Centre showcases the town’s traditional silk weaving methods – an intricate art that has been passed down from generation to generation.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| Kota KinabaluShow more | Malaysia | |
 About Kota Kinabalu When you call at Malaysia on a Kota Kinabalu cruise destination, you may be surprised to find yourself on the mysterious island of Borneo. That is because Malaysia comprises not just the former Malaya peninsula, but two states in Northern Borneo as well - Sabah, the capital of which is Kota Kinabalu, and Sarawak. Once called Jesseltown and largely rebuilt after World War II, Kota Kinabalu is now a cosmopolitan city of Malays, Indonesians, Indians, Chinese and Filipinos. With plenty to see and do, Kota Kinabalu cruises feature a wide range of shore excursions. The many interesting sites include the State Mosque with its 216ft-high minarets, the Sabah Museum and the outdoor market at Kampong Ayer Square. As well as encompassing the towering 13,500ft Mount Kinabalu, the Kinabalu National Park contains a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including everything from rare orchids to deer and monkeys. There are also superb beaches at the nearby Tanjung Aru resort and fascinating tours to the stilted villages of the descendants of the head-hunter tribes, who gave Borneo its once fearsome reputation.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| Kuala LumpurShow more | Malaysia | |
 About Kuala Lumpur Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur may have got its name - meaning ‘muddy confluence’ - from the two rivers which meet in its centre, but cruise ships must dock at the deepwater cruise port Kelang, which is 90 minutes drive away. This, though, is good news for Kuala Lumpur cruise visitors because along the way to the capital, you not only see the magnificent Salahuddin ‘Blue’ Mosque - the largest in southeast Asia with room for 16,000 worshippers - but also visit the Batu Caves where a stone staircase with 272 steps leads up to a Hindu Shrine. If you make the effort, you are rewarded with the company of scores of monkeys which live around the caves. KL - as the capital is known throughout Malaysia - is a mixture of modern buildings (including the world famous Petronas Towers) and fascinating historic districts like Chinatown. While you are enjoying one of our cruises to Kuala Lumpur, it is well worth a visit to The National Museum as it tells the entertaining story of KL and Malaysian history.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| KuantanShow more | Malaysia | |
 About Kuantan Cruises to Kuantan will take passenger to palm-fringed beaches, paddy fields and sleepy fishing villages, all reflecting a lifestyle that has changed little through the centuries. Kuantan is the capital of the Pahang region and a wonderful place to find traditional souvenirs from the industries that have developed here over the years: silk-weaving, pandan leaf basket-making, batik painting, wood-carving, jade necklace and silver filigree jewellery-making. The cultural mix is also diverse with a large Chinese population living side by side with Malays and Indians, making for a superb selection of ethnic restaurants for the Kuantan cruise visitors to enjoy. Another highlight of Kuantan cruises is the beautiful Sultan Ahmad Shah State Mosque, completed in 1993, with its impressive blue dome and ornate minarets. From Kuantan, you can also visit the lotus-covered Lake Chini which - allegedly - has its own version of the Loch Ness monster.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| LangkawiShow more | Malaysia | |
About Langkawi Magnificent beaches, mystical folklore and majestic jungle covered hills make Langkawi one of Malaysia’s most popular tropical destinations. Made up of a cluster of around 99 islands separated from the mainland by the Straits of Malacca this attractive archipelago was once a sanctuary for pirates. Today its hidden coves and deserted beaches remain beautifully unspoilt.
Pulau Langkawi is the largest island and is home to craggy mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, ancient caves and crystal clear lakes. Kuah, the main town, is great for a spot of duty free shopping and nearby you can make your way to Mahsuris Mausoleum – a shine erected in honor of Mahsuri, a beautiful maiden who was unjustly accused of adultery.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| ManilaShow more | Philippines | |
 About Manila Truly the city that never sleeps, the Philippine capital and cruise port of Manila promises a real buzz of an experience from the moment you see (and hear!) the first multi-coloured jeepney whiz by. These former US military jeeps are individually customised as the world's most distinctive taxis with all sorts of logos, bells, whistles and horns to add an extra splash of colour and noise to the city's already teeming streets. Split into business, hotel, residential, shopping and entertainment districts, this sprawling city has a lot to see. The Manila cruise excursions take in fascinating museums (the Ayala Historical and the National are the pick) and cultural centres, bars, clubs and restaurants of its vibrant nightlife district. For good beaches, you need to travel outside the city where one of the most exciting experiences is ‘shooting the rapids’ at the fabulous Pasgsanjan Falls. With such a variety of destinations, cruises to Manila are sure to create an exciting holiday.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| SingaporeShow more | Singapore | |
 About Singapore Cruises to Singapore have much to offer. The city’s glorious parks have earned it a reputation as the Garden City of the Far East but you will also be cruising into one of the world’s busiest ports. Once ashore, Singapore cruise passengers can enjoy a stroll through the famous Tiger Balm Gardens with its statues of characters from Chinese legend peeping out from the trees. Ornithologists will love the Jurong Bird Park, with its elaborate aviaries, waterfalls and restaurants, while East Coast Park offers hiking and cycling tracks, a marine theme park and beach water sports. This vibrant city is also heaven for shoppers, as you will discover on our Singapore cruises. Head for Orchard Road for bargains on international brands, or soak up some local atmosphere and sample foodie treats while you browse the craft and souvenir stalls of Chinatown, Little India and Mosque Street. For fake designer bargains, haggle your way around Bugis Street market. But don’t forget to leave time for a Singapore Sling amid the colonial splendours of the famous Raffles Hotel.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| BangkokShow more | Thailand | |
 About Bangkok Much of Laem Chabang’s old laid-back charm remains, despite its rapid transformation into the country’s ‘Riviera’ - a major gateway for visiting cruise passengers. Located on Thailand’s east coast, this tranquil region of fruit orchards, gem mines and oyster and orchid farms, is now also a great place for swimming, snorkelling and experiencing traditional Thai village life, as you will discover with any of our Bangkok cruises. You will be hard pressed to know what to do first when you visit the fascinating nearby capital of Bangkok, a cruise destination known by its old temples, fine palaces and extravagant art. For a taste of Old Asia, our Bangkok cruise passengers can explore the fabulously ornate buildings of the Grand Palace, where you will see Buddha statues exquisitely worked in ivory, crystal, silver and gold. Or the Royal Barge Museum – home to the splendid vessels used in royal processions. Cruises to Bangkok also offer fascinating experiences for shoppers. The city has everything from fake designer good to fine antiques. Barter your way around the markets of Sukhumvit Road and Siam, or browse the traditional shops on Chinatown’s Chareon Krung Road.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| Ko SamuiShow more | Thailand |  |
About Ko Samui With its white beaches and inviting seas, Ko Samui has become a bustling island resort. On a Ko Samui cruise you can journey inland from Na Thon and see the two scenic waterfalls of Na Muang, meaning purple - named after the coloured rocks at their base. Coconut plantations can be found on the coastal plains, where monkeys scale the palms to pluck coconuts for their handlers. North east lies the remarkable Big Buddha statue at the top of the ceremonial dragon-steps of Wat Phra Yai, all which can be seen on our cruises to Ko Samui.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| PhuketShow more | Thailand | |
About Phuket Thailand’s Phuket is one of its most popular resorts and a wonderful place to enjoy a ‘chill out’ day. Embark on one of our Phuket cruises and experience the lush scenery this destination has to offer, its colourful markets and soft white beaches. Bustling Patong Beach has the best range of shops, market stalls and places to eat but Kalim Beach, north of Patong, is removed from the main hustle but still close enough to be lively. While enjoying your Phuket cruise you can try parasailing or jet skiing, or simply relax with an exquisite beach massage. Snorkellers will be in heaven at unspoiled Karon Beach, and you can encounter land-based wildlife at the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project near Bang Pae Waterfalls, or at Phuket’s elephant sanctuary, where you can ride one of these magnificent creatures along a woodland trail and reward it with a lunch of bananas.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| Halong BayShow more | Vietnam | |
 About Halong Bay Often referred to as the ‘Bay of the Descending Dragons’, Halong Bay is your gateway to Hanoi. Local legend has it that the gods sent down a family of dragons to protect Hai Phong from invaders, especially the Chinese, and defend their land. While the dragons’ watched over the land, their mighty tails carved the rocky seabed and Halong Bay was created. Cruises here will reveal the natural wonder of Vietnam, with 3000 or more incredible islands rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. These tiny islands are dotted with beautiful beaches and dramatic grottoes, created by the natural forces of the wind and waves. In 1994 Halong Bay was designated a World Heritage site. Hanoi is a city that carefully combines Vietnam’s rich history with today’s rapid and changing cultures. Here you will find a lovely combination of lakes, temples, monuments, shaded boulevards and cosmopolitan cafés. Halong Bay cruise itineraries include a visit to the Fine Arts Museum, a tour to see Ho Chi Minhs embalmed body and a journey to the Old Quarter, for anything from beautifully coloured silk to traditional medicines.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| Nha TrangShow more | Vietnam | |
 About Nha Trang Set against a backdrop of lushly-forested mountains, with a beautiful waterfront and wide, golden beaches, the Vietnamese seaside resort of Nha Trang is now well on its way to becoming a sophisticated modern town. Still, on cruises to Nha Trang you will find plenty of old fashioned charm, though, in the colourful markets, lively restaurants and broad streets of its bustling downtown area, which lies close to the clear turquoise seas, uncrowded sands and excellent diving and snorkelling facilities of the main City Beach. And when you tire of sunbathing, the region surrounding the city is rich in history. Embark on one a Nha Trang cruise and discover the fascinating story of the Chams, an ancient Hindu / Moslem ethnic minority who run their society along matriarchal lines, with property passing from mother to daughter. One of their most important sacred sites – the Towers of Po Nagar, which date from the 7th century – lie close to the city. Also worth seeing while enjoying one of our Nha Trang cruises is the exquisite Long Son Pagoda.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| Phu MyShow more | Vietnam | |
About Phu My In amidst the swarming streets and markets of Ho Chi Minh City, stand numerous landmarks bound in history and tradition: from museums that tell the stories of war to ornamental pagodas that are filled with characters from Buddhist and Taoist religions, all of which can be seen while enjoying one of our cruises to Phu My. From Phu My, your cruise shore excursion leads you to the fascinating tunnel network at Cu Chi, used by the Viet Cong during the war. At their height they stretched from the South Vietnamese capital to the Cambodian border.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| Vung TauShow more | Vietnam | |
About Vung Tau In the 19th century, Vung Tau - a seaside town just 125 km from Saigon - was a holiday playground for Vietnam’s wealthy French rulers. They left a rich legacy for today’s visitors to enjoy in the form of grand hotels and exquisite Belle Epoque mansions like the White Mansion (Bach Dinh). This was built in 1898 and has been a summer home to Vietnamese Heads of State ever since. When taking one of our cruises to Vung Tau, stroll along the broad beach, flanked by two mountains and now lined with stylish hotels, and you will soon see the appeal of this lovely place, famed throughout the Far East for its exquisite pagodas. Vung Tau cruises will give you the opportunity to visit the famous Niet Ban Tinh Xa, a place which lies on the side of Nui Nho mountain facing the ocean and is famed for its tranquil central garden, which is modelled on the garden in which Buddha entered Nirvana.View typical shore excursions for this port |