Asia is a continent of stunning contrasts, a place where ancient traditions and futuristic skylines exist side-by-side. From the serene temples of Japan to the bustling street food markets of Vietnam, a cruise offers a unique and luxurious way to experience this vast and vibrant region. Whether you’re seeking a secluded, ultra-luxury escape or a thrilling, action-packed adventure, there’s a perfect itinerary waiting for you.

Here’s a look at some of the top cruises in Asia and what makes them stand out.

Seabourn

Seabourn pioneered small-ship, ultra-luxury cruising, with ships carrying between 264 and 600 guests. This intimate scale creates a private, yacht-like atmosphere, where every guest is pampered by an award-winning team. Imagine exploring the lush Borobudur ruins in Java or the golden Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar, then returning to your spacious ocean-front suite to savour gourmet dining and complimentary premium wines. Seabourn’s all-inclusive voyages are designed for those who believe that travelling for pleasure has a redemptive power and should always be done well.

Silversea Cruise

Silversea, the “jewel in the crown” of the Royal Caribbean Group, offers an equally lavish experience. Voyages are all-inclusive, featuring butler service in every suite, a choice of fine dining restaurants, and even private executive transfers. But a Silversea cruise is more than just a luxurious trip; it’s a journey into a continent that defies definition, brimming with both spirituality and adventure. Crowned with emerald forests and neon jungles, Asia is a continent of marvels, where ancient trading routes exist alongside restaurants run by robots and golden palaces contrast with cutting-edge architecture. Silversea’s small-ship cruises open your mind to a new understanding of travel, with itineraries that offer great variety. Iconic destinations like Tokyo and Singapore happily sit on the same voyages as remote gems such as Papua New Guinea and Palawan. Guests can travel with taste and experience that balance of yin and yang in Asia’s vibrant, colourful and distinctive cuisine. With Silversea’s innovative S.A.L.T. culinary program and the pampering Otium wellness program, every moment is designed to be immersive. It’s a destination where imagination aligns with reality, and a Silversea cruise is your invitation to join.

Oceania Cruises

For those whose passion for travel is fueled by food and culture, Oceania Cruises is a perfect choice. Their Asia cruises perfectly blend the ancient and the modern, with stops in the neon-lit streets of Tokyo and the tranquil temples of the Far East. Shore excursions are designed to be “imaginative insider tours,” allowing you to discover the destination’s culinary and cultural traditions with meaningful touring and extended evening stays. With Oceania, you’re not just visiting a place – you’re immersing yourself in its heart.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises transforms an Asia cruise into a sensory journey. Their voyages are a feast for the senses, from the aroma of incense in temples to the sizzle of street food. You can try authentic dim sum in Hong Kong, spicy satay in Singapore or fresh spring rolls in Vietnam. Beyond the food, Celebrity Cruises showcases Asia’s natural wonders, from the forested karst towers of Halong Bay to the snow-capped Mount Fuji, all with the comfort of their modern ships as your home base.

Royal Caribbean

If your ideal vacation is a blend of iconic sights and thrilling activities, Royal Caribbean delivers an unforgettable experience. Renowned for its bold onboard thrills, this cruise line offers everything from ziplines to surf simulators. An Asia cruise with Royal Caribbean is a chance to snorkel in Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands, scale the Great Wall of China, or get swept up in the fast-beating heartbeat of Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing. It’s an adventure that promises to overwhelm and delight your senses.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

For a more refined adventure, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers a truly unique way to see Asia. Sailing on a superyacht allows you to navigate stunning landscapes and dock directly in the heart of iconic cities. Their itineraries are designed to be at a relaxed pace, with overnight stays that give you ample time to explore vibrant markets and temples. Imagine sailing amid the limestone islets of Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay or calling on Japan during cherry blossom season – a truly luxurious way to explore this fascinating continent.

Regardless of the cruise line you choose, an Asia cruise is a journey of contradictions and wonders. You’ll witness the architectural marvels of Shanghai and Singapore, explore the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and trek through misty rice paddies in Vietnam. It’s a continent where every place has a story to tell, and a cruise provides the perfect vantage point to take it all in.