Asia by cruise is a study in contrast, culture, and complexity. One morning you might be wandering through ancient temples in Kyoto or Angkor Wat, and by evening you could be immersed in the neon-lit energy of Tokyo, Hong Kong, or Singapore. Cruising offers a seamless way to experience the region’s incredible diversity - from languages and customs to culinary delights and historic wonders — all in a single, carefully curated journey.

What makes Asia truly unique is the balance between the timeless and the modern. Stroll through centuries-old rituals, serene gardens, and riverside villages, then step into bustling street markets, skyscraper skylines, and ultramodern cityscapes. Food alone is a highlight; savor fresh sushi, dim sum, fragrant curries, and night-market feasts, often in the very places where the dishes originated. Whether exploring by ocean liner along the coast or drifting down iconic rivers like the Mekong or Yangtze, cruising in Asia removes the logistical challenges while preserving every bit of its richness and authenticity.

Top Picks

Below you will find my top picks in the following categories:

• 3–4★ Larger Ship Cruises: Perfect for seeing multiple destinations while enjoying comfortable amenities and varied onboard activities.

• Family Cruises: Interactive and engaging for all ages, offering cultural experiences, fun excursions, and onboard entertainment.

• 5★ Luxury Cruises: Exceptional service, gourmet cuisine, private shore excursions, and immersive experiences in iconic ports.

3–4★ Larger Ship Cruises

🍁 Japan & South Korea with Princess Cruises

9 Days | 6 Ports | Diamond Princess

Free stateroom upgrade^ + bonus onboard spending money

Experience autumn in Asia aboard the Diamond Princess, where Japan and South Korea transform into a tapestry of fiery reds, golden yellows, and crisp mountain air. From Tokyo (Yokohama) to Nagasaki, explore vibrant cities, historic temples, and charming coastal towns.

Itinerary highlights:

• Tokyo (Yokohama): Immerse yourself in Japan’s modern capital, with shopping, temples, and vibrant autumn streets.

• Akita: Discover rural charm, local culture, and scenic mountains aglow with fall colours.

• Toyama (Fushiki) & Tsuruga: Step back in time in tranquil towns, explore temples, and stroll through golden forests.

• Sakaiminato: Visit a coastal gem known for art, folklore, and picturesque autumn scenery.

• Busan, South Korea: Experience a vibrant port city with stunning seaside views and traditional markets.

• Nagasaki: Walk through historic streets and witness architecture and parks painted in autumn hues.

Relax on scenic sea days, unwind in spacious staterooms or indulgent suites, and savour world-class dining while autumn colours glide past your balcony.

Prices from:

• Suite: $9,421

• Mini-Suite: $6,317

• Balcony: $5,406

• Oceanview: $3,328

• Interior: $3,450

  
  

Princess Cruises offers award-winning service, curated itineraries, and effortless onboard luxury, making this fall voyage an unforgettable way to experience Asia at its most colourful.

🌿 Mekong Discovery with Avalon Waterways

8 Days | 2 Countries | Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City

Save $6,400 per couple | PLUS No Single Supplement Based on 12 – 19 Aug 2027 **ask me about alternative dates/prices

Step aboard Avalon Waterways for an immersive journey along the mighty Mekong River, where Cambodia and Vietnam reveal their vibrant cultures, ancient traditions, and breathtaking scenery. Avalon’s panoramic staterooms and thoughtful design put you in the heart of every destination, letting you watch daily life along the river unfold from your private window or balcony. With small ship numbers and spacious suites, you’ll experience intimate luxury and personalised service every step of the way.

From the elegant streets of Phnom Penh to the bustling markets of Ho Chi Minh City, this 7-night voyage offers cultural encounters, unforgettable scenery, and hands-on experiences:

Itinerary highlights:

• Phnom Penh: Tour the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, wander the National Museum, and enjoy a traditional song and dance performance by children at a local orphanage.

• Wat Hanchey & Angkor Ban: Climb hilltop temples for panoramic views, walk through rural villages, and meet schoolchildren along the way.

• Cambodian countryside: Ride an ox-cart through rice paddies and visit a silversmith village to see centuries-old techniques in action.

• Chau Doc & Cu Lao Gieng, Vietnam: Cruise via handcrafted sampan, meet local families, and witness rice wine and candy production.

• Vinh Long & Ho Chi Minh City: Stroll vibrant markets, explore riverside workshops, and savour the energy of southern Vietnam before your journey concludes.

  
  

With Avalon’s all-suite, panoramic staterooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, and dedicated crew, you’ll enjoy comfort, style, and unmatched access to the Mekong’s hidden gems. Every day is a new adventure, every stop a chance to connect with local life, and every evening a moment to relax in luxury on the river.

Families

🌸 Japan & South Korea with Norwegian Cruise Line

14 Days | Norwegian Jade | From Tokyo (Yokohama)Was $12,968 | Now from $6,698 pp AUD

Discover Japan in depth on this extraordinary 14-day cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, combining iconic cities, lesser-visited ports, and breathtaking natural scenery — all with the freedom to cruise your way.

Norwegian is known for its relaxed, contemporary style and Freestyle Cruising®, meaning no fixed dining times, no formal dress codes, and total flexibility — perfect for travellers who want immersive days ashore and easygoing nights onboard.

✨ Why Choose Norwegian?

• Incredible value with up to 50% off

• Free At Sea™ inclusions add huge savings

• Modern ships, diverse dining & entertainment

• Ideal for longer, in-depth itineraries

  
  

🗾 Itinerary Highlights

This comprehensive journey explores Japan from north to south, plus South Korea:

• Tokyo (Yokohama): Begin and end in Japan’s electrifying capital

• Sendai, Hakodate, Aomori & Akita: Discover northern Japan’s coastal beauty, history, and culture

• Sakata & Kanazawa: Traditional streets, gardens, and preserved samurai districts

• Busan, South Korea: Beaches, temples, markets and vibrant city life

• Hiroshima: Powerful history and peaceful memorials

• Kochi & Sasebo: Scenic coastlines and authentic local culture

• Kyoto (Osaka) & Nagoya: Japan’s cultural heart and modern hubs

• Mount Fuji (Shimizu): Spectacular views of Japan’s most iconic landmark

  
  

From historic temples and serene gardens to buzzing cities and dramatic coastlines, this itinerary offers one of the most complete ways to see Japan by sea.

This is a remarkable opportunity to experience Japan and South Korea in comfort, depth, and outstanding value — with the freedom to travel exactly how you like.

5★ Luxury

🌺 Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong with Uniworld

15 Days | Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi | Ultra-Luxury River Cruise & Land Journey

21 September 2026 Departure: Was $12,599 | Now from $9,449 ** more dates and prices available, but hurry, 2026 is almost sold out!

This is Vietnam and Cambodia at their most spectacular — richly layered, deeply immersive, and experienced in signature Uniworld style. From vibrant capitals to tranquil riverside villages, ancient temples to modern skylines, this journey blends culture, comfort, and meaningful connection at every turn.

Uniworld is renowned for its boutique, all-inclusive luxury, exquisite design, and carefully curated itineraries that prioritise authentic experiences and positive local impact.

✨ Why Choose Uniworld?

• 5★ boutique river cruising with highly personalised service

• Lavish, design-forward ships and premium hotels

• Thoughtfully curated experiences with cultural depth

• Exceptional inclusions — dining, drinks, excursions & gratuities

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🚢 A Floating Jewel on the Mekong

At the heart of this journey is the Mekong Jewel, a ship truly in a class of its own. Designed for tropical elegance, it features:

• A serene sundeck with a stunning tiled pool

• Open, airy public spaces perfect for river watching

• Multiple dining venues serving regional flavours

• An intimate atmosphere that feels more like a private yacht than a cruise ship

  
  

Complementing the cruise are luxury hotel stays, including the Sofitel in Hanoi and the Park Hyatt in Ho Chi Minh City, ensuring seamless indulgence from start to finish.

🌏 Journey Highlights

• Ho Chi Minh City: A dynamic blend of colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers and buzzing street life

• Mekong River villages: Witness daily life along the river, from floating communities to rural towns

• Cambodia: Explore ancient wonders and culturally rich villages

• Hoi An: Discover lantern-lit streets, French-Vietnamese architecture and historic pagodas

• Hanoi: Slow the pace in Vietnam’s elegant capital, rich with history, lakes and timeless charm

  
  

Every destination offers a distinct personality, carefully revealed through expert-led excursions and intimate cultural encounters.

This is more than a river cruise — it’s a luxurious, soul-stirring journey through Southeast Asia, designed for travellers who want to experience the region in comfort, style, and with purpose.

🌺 Peaks & Pagodas with Regent Seven Seas Cruises

11 Nights | Bangkok to Bali | Seven Seas Explorer

Departs 22 November 2026

From AU$9,848 per suite

Sail Southeast Asia in unmatched, all-inclusive luxury with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, where every guest enjoys a spacious suite, personalised service, and a journey where virtually everything is included.

From Thailand’s golden temples to Indonesia’s lush islands, this carefully curated voyage blends vibrant cities, cultural depth, and tranquil days at sea — all aboard the Seven Seas Explorer, one of the most luxurious ships ever built.

✨ Why Choose Regent?

Regent is renowned for offering one of the most comprehensive luxury cruise experiences in the world:

• All-suite, all-balcony ships

• Unlimited shore excursions in every port

• All specialty dining included

• Premium beverages, fine wines & craft cocktails

• Pre-paid gratuities, Wi-Fi & valet laundry

• Unlimited access to spa facilities

  
  

No surprises. No add-ons. Just effortless luxury from start to finish.

🗺️ Itinerary Highlights

• Bangkok (Laem Chabang): Begin your journey in Thailand’s vibrant capital

• Ko Samui: Palm-fringed beaches and relaxed island charm

• Kuala Lumpur (overnight): Two days to explore Malaysia’s dynamic capital

• Jakarta: Indonesia’s bustling metropolis and cultural heart

• Semarang & Surabaya: Gateways to ancient temples and Javanese heritage

• Bali (Benoa): A serene and unforgettable finale in paradise

  
  

Enjoy multiple sea days to relax onboard, indulge in gourmet dining, or unwind in the spa as you sail the Gulf of Thailand, South China Sea and Java Sea.

🎁 Featured Offer

• FREE 2-category suite upgrade

• Low 7.5% deposit

• Up to 10% savings*

  
  

Guests in Concierge Suites and above also enjoy a 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay, while Penthouse Suites and higher include a personal butler and daily canapés for an elevated in-suite experience.

If you’re seeking the most inclusive, refined way to explore Asia by ocean, Regent delivers — with space, serenity, and exceptional value at the luxury end of the market.

📧 Email: jwilliams@mtatravel.com.au

 📞 Call or text: 0413 571 735