Asia Cruises Overview
Asia delivers a spectrum of cruise experiences that ranges from island studded seas to story filled rivers. Ocean itineraries link legendary ports like Singapore, Hong Kong, Yokohama, Shanghai, Bali, Phuket and Mumbai. River journeys glide deep into the cultural heartlands along the Yangtze in China, the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, the Irrawaddy in Myanmar and the Ganges in India. This guide brings together top searched topics and traveler intents to help you compare routes, ports of call, seasons and highlights so you can match the right voyage to your wish list.
Expect modern ships, excellent dining and immersive shore time. On ocean routes you will pair dynamic skylines and night markets with temples, gardens and beaches. On river routes you will dock steps from old towns, pagodas and ghats where daily life unfolds along the water. Whether you want luxury suites, expedition style exploration, family friendly fun or value forward staterooms, there is an Asia cruise crafted for you.
Popular Ocean Cruise Regions and Ports
Japan and Korea
- Tokyo and Yokohama - gateways to Mt Fuji day trips, sushi districts and pop culture shopping.
- Osaka and Kobe - castles, street food and access to Kyoto temples and gardens.
- Hiroshima and Miyajima - Peace Memorial Park and the iconic floating torii gate.
- Busan - beach boardwalks, seafood markets and hillside temples.
China and Taiwan
- Shanghai - the Bund, skyscraper views from Pudong, classical gardens in nearby Suzhou.
- Hong Kong - Victoria Peak, Star Ferry, dim sum and neon night markets.
- Keelung for Taipei - National Palace Museum, night markets and modern meets traditional neighborhoods.
Southeast Asia Highlights
- Singapore - super clean, super efficient, with hawker centers and Gardens by the Bay.
- Laem Chabang for Bangkok - Grand Palace, canals and street food tours.
- Phuket - white sand beaches, island hopping and limestone sea stacks.
- Ho Chi Minh City - French avenues, rooftop views and the Mekong Delta as a day trip option.
- Ha Long Bay - emerald waters dotted with karst islands and caves.
- Bali (Benoa) - temples, rice terraces and sunset beach clubs.
South Asia Gateways
- Mumbai - colonial landmarks, Bollywood energy and coastal promenades.
- Cochin and Goa - spice markets, Portuguese churches and backwater excursions.
- Colombo - access to tea country, temples and coastal forts in Sri Lanka.
Ocean Itinerary Ideas
- Circle Japan - spring blossoms or autumn foliage, with calls in Yokohama, Shimizu, Kobe, Hiroshima and Hakodate.
- Singapore to Hong Kong - Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam in one sweep, ending with skyline nights in Hong Kong.
- Bali to Bangkok - Indonesia islands, Penang, Phuket and the Gulf of Thailand.
- India and Sri Lanka - Mumbai to Colombo with calls in Goa, Cochin and Hambantota.
Seasonality matters. Japan shines in March to May and late September to November. Southeast Asia is popular November to March when humidity drops and seas are calmer. India and Sri Lanka often pair well with winter sun escapes. Repositioning voyages add value and unique port combinations during spring and fall.
Asia River Cruise Essentials
Rivers are Asia travel super highways that carry you to UNESCO sites, markets and villages. Ships are intimate, with panoramic lounges, open air decks and small group tours. Many itineraries include regional flights or land programs that bundle marquee sights such as Angkor, the Great Wall, Varanasi and Bagan. Below you will find what each river is known for and how typical routes are structured.
Yangtze River - China
Core sailings run between Chongqing and Yichang for three to five nights and showcase the Three Gorges. Expect scenic transits through Qutang, Wu and Xiling, a tour of the Three Gorges Dam, and classic stops such as Shibaozhai Pagoda or Fengdu Ghost City. Many travelers tie the river segment to Beijing for the Forbidden City and Great Wall, and to Shanghai for the Bund and art deco lanes.
- Best time - April to June and September to October for clearer skies and cooler air.
- Who it suits - culture seekers who want China icons with a comfortable floating base.
Mekong River - Vietnam and Cambodia
Lower Mekong cruises often run seven nights between a port near Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Excursions include floating markets in the delta, Khmer silk villages, Buddhist pagodas and French era boulevards in Phnom Penh. Many programs add Angkor temples by land from Siem Reap. Scenery blends rice paddies, sugar palms and river life scenes that play out at dawn and dusk.
- Best time - November to March for milder heat and lower rainfall.
- Who it suits - travelers who enjoy village visits, food culture and temple history.
Irrawaddy River - Myanmar
Classic routes sail between Mandalay and Bagan with sunrise and sunset temple viewing, artisan workshops and monastery visits. Longer itineraries push north into the Upper Irrawaddy for teak forests and remote towns, or south toward Yangon for the Shwedagon Pagoda. The river offers a serene pace with golden pagodas and palm trees framing the banks.
- Best time - November to February for cooler days and clearer air.
- Who it suits - travelers who value contemplative landscapes and timeless village life.
Ganges and Hooghly - India
Many sailings focus on West Bengal between Kolkata and towns upriver along the Hooghly, with terracotta temple clusters, riverside markets and colonial architecture. Some programs include a land extension to Varanasi for dawn aarti ceremonies on the ghats. Select cruises visit the Sundarbans mangrove maze to look for birdlife and crocodiles along narrow creeks.
- Best time - October to March for drier weather and comfortable temperatures.
- Who it suits - culture lovers who want spiritual traditions and layered history.
Choosing Ships, Cabins and Shore Time
On oceans, larger ships pack in dining variety and entertainment while mid size and small ships reach tucked away harbors and offer a quieter onboard vibe. On rivers, most vessels carry fewer than 200 guests, with many cabins featuring French balconies or full step out balconies. Suites may add living areas and butler service. Look for itineraries with overnight stays in marquee cities so you can enjoy evening food tours, rooftop views and cultural shows.
- Cabin picks - mid deck cabins balance views and value, while upper deck suites win for panorama and quick access to lounges.
- Dining - expect regional menus with familiar favorites, plus tea time, night snacks and al fresco options on deck.
- Wellness - many ships include small gyms, spa rooms and top deck walking tracks. River ships often add plunge pools.
Practical Planning Tips
- Visas and entry - check country by country rules for Japan, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, India and Sri Lanka. Some ports offer visa on arrival for cruise guests, others require advance e visas.
- Seasons - monsoon patterns vary across Asia. Dry seasons generally bring smoother sailing and clearer touring days.
- Money and connectivity - cards work widely in major ports, while small notes are handy in markets. Most ships provide Wi Fi.
- Packing - light layers, sun protection, modest temple attire and comfortable walking shoes cover most excursions.
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