A cruising Ovation for China’s wonders
DO YOU have a taste for cruising — and love touring in exotic lands? Then why not combine the two, with a five-night, fully escorted tour of China, followed by a 12-night cruise around South-East Asia aboard the magnificent Ovation of the Seas, launched in 2016?
It’s a chance to experience the ancient culture of China, where you’ll find amazing adventure and discovery around every corner.
View the Terracotta Army, take a bullet train to Beijing and explore such icons as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall.
Then begin an incredible Asian odyssey calling at Okinawa in Japan, Taipei in Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Singapore.
On this exclusive holiday with experts Cruise1st.co.uk, you’ll fly first into China’s ancient capital of Xi’an for a two-night stay to see the vast underground army of 8,000 terracotta warriors and horses standing guard over the emperor’s tomb, having been interred more than 2,000 years ago.
Walk Xi’an’s 14th-century city walls and enjoy a Tang Dynasty show in the evening.
Beijing’s many wonders await, and during a three-night exploration of the city’s finest sights you’ll see the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven and much more, and taste the favourite dish of the Qing emperors as you enjoy a Peking Duck banquet.
Walk on the Great Wall of China and visit the Ming Tombs on your last full day of this fantastic land tour, rounded off with dinner at an acrobatic show. Now it’s time to transfer to Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas to begin your 12-night cruise.
Step aboard this amazing ship and embrace the next generation of technology at sea. With nine onboard bars, countless restaurants and entertainment venues, surf simulators, spas and pools — and even interior cabins that boast a ‘virtual balcony’ view — this is a cruise ship that you’ll never forget!
Okinawa has a warm, sub-tropical climate and the surrounding seas reveal beautiful coral reefs and marine wildlife. Visit Shuri Castle in Naha, or get your souvenir ceramics from Tsuboya district, lined with shops and places to eat.
In Taipei, you can find street-food stalls near the water at Miaokou night market and a choice of forts that offer beautiful harbour views.
Fabulous Hong Kong is full of delights. Visit Victoria Peak, Temple Street night market, the Big Buddha, Po Lin monastery and so much more! Cruise on to Manila, the capital of the Philippines, where you’ll find modern skyscrapers and striking Spanish colonial architecture.
The beautiful beaches of Boracay, also in the Philippines, await at your next port of call.
Here, glorious white sand is fringed by palm trees, bars and restaurants.
Finally, arrive in Singapore and either finish your fantastic holiday by flying back overnight to the UK, or tailor your trip with an extra couple of nights to explore this cultural melting pot and shopping hotspot.
With five-star hotel stays from £69 pp, you can always find the perfect excuse to delay that homeward flight a little longer!