With the year coming to an end in just seven short weeks, we thought we’d get plans for 2015 started with a look at next year’s cruises through Asia. Pairing together places such as Singapore with Bali and Mynamar with Tokyo, we couldn’t get enough of all the offerings available next year. We handpicked six of our favorites to share to give you a little bit of wanderlust for the continent filled with ancient wonders, mouth-watering cuisine and a deeply spiritual heritage. Here's what we discovered:
India & Malaysia Voyage
Calling it the Spice Route, this excursion from Azamara Club Cruises starts off in the bustling city of Singapore and ends in the glamorous, over-the-top metropolis of Dubai. Making stops in Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India and Oman along the way, travelers will get to experience UNESCO World Heritage sites, local cuisine and cultural immersion activities. In Sri Lanka, escape to Pinnewala Elephant orphanage or explore sacred Buddhist temples. Of course, you can’t miss Mumbai’s beautiful architecture and Bollywood energy. Mountainside forts, the grand Al Bustan Palace Hotel and quaint open-air markets all await in the less-traveled city of Muscat. During the trip two guest lecturers will lead discussions on the destinations and the art history of these locales. As an added treat, Bridge Instructor Joyce Butler will be on-board to teach guests all about the game of Bridge.
Dates: 3/21/15 – 4/6/15
Days: 16
Price: $4,499-$11,499
Hotel Accommodations: N/A
Golden Myanmar & The Alluring Irrawaddy With Inle Lake – Southbound
Avalon Waterways will be embarking on a 16-day round-trip river cruise starting in Yangon to explore the best of Bangkok and Myanmar. With a maximum guest occupancy of only 36 people, the cruise offers an intimate journey through “The Golden Land.” The Avalon Mynamar is also home to 18 staterooms, all reflecting Asian culture and traditions in their décor as well as modern conveniences in each room. Five days in, guests will get to explore Katha, and can visit a local market and take a ride through the teak forest on an elephant. On day 10, discover Sagaing, an important religious site with countless pagodas and Kaunghmudaw with its golden egg-shaped dome. Along the way, sample some of the country’s best cuisine and get a taste for the local flavors and ingredients used in Asian cooking.
Dates: 10/29, 11/18, 12/08, 12/28
Days: 16
Price: $6,969-$7,479
Hotel Accommodations: Traders Hotel, Yangon; Villa Inle Resort & Spa
Cruising the Land of The Rising Sun – Northbound
New for 2015, Tauck’s Kyoto to Tokyo cruise is a 14-day discovery into the people and places of Japan, with five nights on land and eight nights aboard L’Austral yacht. Travelers will start off their Asia passage in the city of 2,000 temples and shrines, and will get to explore Kyoto’s Zen Golden Pavilion, Pure Water Temple and the Otowa Waterfall before heading out to the geisha district of Gion. Sightseeing excursions include Osaka, Uno Ko, Uwajima, Kagoshima, Nagasaki and Sakaiminato (the water city). Known for its canals, rivers, and setting on two lakes and the Sea of Japan, Sakaiminato also holds the Black Castle, a six-story black-walled castle. The castle was home to a clan of the mighty Tokugawa dynasty that ruled Japan for over 250 years and today visitors can get an inside look at the majestic beauty. L’Austral has six decks which include dining options, a fitness center, observation areas and a theater for entertainment and lectures. Staterooms range from 200-210 square feet while suites are 301-389 square feet.
Dates: 5/2/15 – 5/16/15
Days: 14
Price: $10,990-$14,180
Hotel Accommodations: Kyoto – Hotel Granvia/The Westin; Tokyo – Mandarin Oriental/Shangri-La
Pearls of The Indian Ocean
Offering another route from Singapore to Dubai, Windstar Cruises offers a Pearls of the Indian Ocean journey that makes stops in Penang, Phuket, Cochin, Mangalore and Mumbai. Cruise through the islands and bays of the Andaman Sea, take in part of a Yakshagana performance in Mangalore, shop at Mumbai’s Thieves Market, or cook belacan rice with chicken at the Tropical Spice Garden in Malaysia, Windstar offers a number of land excursions that will give you a glimpse into the local culture. Onboard Star Pride, guests have the option of one of three cabin categories and all include queen-size beds, mini bars, L’Occitane Bath amenities, en-suite bathroom with full-size tub and shower, fresh fruit and flowers and a walk-in closet. Among their other amenities, the ship offers a casino, fitness center, pool, dining venues, a spa and a water sports platform.
Dates: 4/9/15 or 11/16/15
Days: 15
Price: $3,799-$8,699
Hotel Accommodations: Hyatt Regency Dubai, Conrad Centennial Singapore
Bali (Benoa) to Singapore
Silversea’s Southeast Asia trip marries nature and modernity on their nine-day cruise from Bali to Singapore. Discover yourself at the spiritual epicenter of Javanese Buddhism in Borobudur, explore archeological wonders of the Majapahit Hindu Kingdom and enjoy a tea plantation in Indonesia’s countryside. The ship will make stops in Lombok, Probolinggo, Surabaya and Java with only one full day at sea during the entire trip. Sailing on Silver Wind, guests are offered one of eight suite options and four restaurants. Among its many amenities are a beauty salon, spa, Connoisseur’s Corner for good cognac and cigars, panorama lounge, pool deck and a show lounge.
Dates: 1/15-1/24
Days: 9
Price: Starting at $4,250
Hotel Accommodations: InterContinental Bali , Shangri-La Hotel
Holiday in Thailand & Vietnam
Prepare for next year’s holiday season with Seabourn’s 14-day trip from Singapore to Hong Kong on the cruise line’s Soujourn vessel with its 225 ocean view suites. Offering some of the most impressive accommodations in the industry, Seabourn’s suites measure from 295 to 1,682 square feet and include complimentary Champagne upon arrival; soaps by Hermés, Bijan and L'Occitane; and complimentary in-suite bar filled with your favorite beverages. Travelers will make their way to Hong Kong passing through Bangkok, Ko Kood, Sihanoukville, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Halong Bay. In Cambodia, the city of Sihanoukville is located on the Gulf of Thailand and its beaches are the most prominent natural feature of the city. Guests can relax on miles of coastline or visit cultural sites within the area such as Victory Monument symbolizing friendship with Vietnam or Independence Square, constructed in honor of independence. In Vietnam, you’ll get a chance to visit Halong Bay where a myriad of karstic islands are clustered in the sea and appear like the looping back of a swimming dragon (according to the Vietnamese). Be sure to pack your NYE attire as well since you’ll be welcoming in 2016 out at sea.
Dates: 12/20/15-1/3/16
Days: 14
Price: $7,999-$19,499
Hotel Accommodations: N/A
