ASIA CRUISE TRAVEL IS ON THE RISE

Popularity in cruising Asia is at an all time high.  Cruise lines that only made brief stops at major ports in the past now include off-the-beaten-path destinations and designate full itineraries to explore various regions in details, giving you more options than ever to cruise the Far East.  From pagodas to palaces, this part of the world is blessed with exquisite natural beauty, spiritual richness and compelling historical importance.

Many cruise lines now dedicate several months out of the year to exploring Asia.  You have many options, including Princess, Holland America, Crystal, Seabourn, Silversea, Regent, Oceania, AMA Waterways, and Uniworld, to name a few.  That is why it is smart to deal with an experienced cruise specialist who can advise you on what to look for, where to go, and of course, the special offers, such as two-for-one fares, up to $5,000 in savings, prepaid gratuities, private car and driver in select ports, and shipboard credit.  There has also been free economy airfare, and greatly discounted business class air fare from $799.  Some cruise lines give you free liquor and wine, as well as sightseeing. The possibilities are endless.

I recommend you take a cabin with a balcony.  Also keep in mind that Asia is the world’s largest continent and climate can vary from one region to the next. On one of my favorite itineraries, you can be in Bangkok, Thailand one day, then in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam the next, and a few days later you find yourself in Hong Kong, China.  Being on a cruise is less tiring and better value than trying to do everything piece by piece.  I find that I get tired of repeated regional cuisine over a long period; if you are on a ship, you have a lot of choices with regard to the type of food you eat.  You can move seamlessly between countries, and see the exotic regions in comfort.  I love Indonesia and Malaysia and island hopping.  I would pick the route first, then select the cruise line after that.

Always plan on going to the embarkation port a few days early.  You are traveling a long way and it’s a good idea to board the ship rested, and over your jet lag.  Careful planning is needed to maximize your time on the ground, and look carefully at extended layovers. A great idea is to combine a river cruise with an ocean cruise--you see the best of both worlds.  Two incredible river itineraries that come to mind are Uniworld’s ‘Highlights of China’ and the Yangtze cruise from Beijing to Shanghai and AMA Waterway’s ‘Vietnam,  Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong’.

No matter which itinerary you choose, you will see vibrant places with distinctive languages, cuisine and customs, fantastic shopping. A Far East trip should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel  at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.