Archive for the 'Asia Cruises' Category

Most of us understand that you get what you pay for in life. If, for instance, you find something in the bargain bin, you are not entirely surprised if it doesn’t stand up to hard scrutiny or use. Well, times being what they are, we have had to readjust some of our thinking on the values that are now available in the luxury cruise market. We would never equate a vacation with Regent Seven Seas Cruises with a found item from the bargain bin, but we would say that the incentives that Regent is offering are some of the most attractive we’ve ever seen for a luxury cruise.  Read more... (537 words, 1 image, estimated 2:09 mins reading time)

While we probably won’t have the time to sign up for this particular global tour with Cruise West, we can’t help feeling a large twinge of envy for up to 120 lucky souls who will be departing with the Spirit of Oceanus from Singapore on March 6, 2010. What a wonderful trip it’s going to be: 242 ports, 59 countries, all part of a 335-day circumnavigation, returning to Singapore on Feb. 3, 2011.  Read more... (314 words, estimated 1:15 mins reading time)

With such modern cities as Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore, vibrant village markets, stunning natural landscapes and fascinating cultures, few destinations are as exotic as Asia.

Cruise lines skirt the Asian coast, with popular itineraries calling on Vietnam, Thailand, Burma and Malaysia, a mix of destinations and diverse ports where the settings range from bustling cities to bucolic rural countryside.  Read more... (225 words, 1 image, estimated 54 secs reading time)

Princess Cruises has grown increasingly exotic or, to put it more precisely, is offering more opportunities to cruise Tahiti while creating new Asia and Australia itineraries as part of its 2010-11 “exotics” program.

The Princess worldwide cruising program will touch all seven continents, and passengers will be able to explore the charm of the South Pacific with an extended series of sailings to romantic Tahiti and French Polynesia.  Read more... (408 words, 1 image, estimated 1:38 mins reading time)

   

Azamara, the Royal Caribbean-owned cruise line targeting travelers who want a blend of adventure and luxury, is planning some extended Asian expeditions for the 2010-2011 season. The 694-guest Azamara Quest will be deployed on her third Asian season, with two repositioning cruises bracketing a series of six Southeast Asia trips connecting Singapore and Hong Kong.  Read more... (275 words, 1 image, estimated 1:06 mins reading time)

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Viking River Cruises’ Wendy Moriarty convinced me. If China isn’t in your immediate cruise future, it needs to be.As an Avid Cruiser and a world-aware traveler, you likely know a good bit about China itself. What was interesting for me to learn was just how much Viking River Cruises shows you on a China cruise.Of course, you’ll spend time cruising on one of two sister ships, built in 2005 and in 2006. These are deluxe, five-deck ships. On board: English-speaking staff and meals that alternate between Western entres and Chinese food tailored for the Western palate. Ashore: Experienced and knowledgeable English-speaking guides. Cruises are all-inclusive, so that you won’t have to pay extra for tours or meals ashore.  Read more... (262 words, 1 image, estimated 1:03 mins reading time)

So many spectacular places to visit, so little time. Here are six of our favorites.  Read more... (1027 words, 7 images, estimated 4:06 mins reading time)

Straddling the seat of a motorbike, my driver and I weave in and out of traffic as we make our way to Ho Chi Minh City’s central market. Traveling at a slow pace, the ride is nonetheless invigorating, with few traffic lights and apparently no traffic laws to impose order. Intersections are chaotic, with motorbikes, cars, busses and pedicabs all competing to make their way through. My driver skillfully brakes, accelerates and toots his horn to glide with astounding finesse through the clutter. ‘You go to market,’ he says, looking over his shoulder at me. ‘I waiting for you.’  Read more... (803 words, estimated 3:13 mins reading time)

I’ll post a full cruise and ship review in the coming weeks (after Silver Whisper’s drydock in March). In short, the cruise and the ship exceeded expectations. Of the destinations, Ho Chi Minh City certainly was the highlight for many passengers, although for others the pre-cruise night in Bangkok (at The Peninsula) and the post-cruise night in Singapore (at the Ritz-Carlton) ranked high. Brunei was interesting but not captivating. The Malaysian ports of Kuching and Malacca were well worth a day ashore. For a recap of our cruise through video and photos click here.

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