FAR EASTERN PROMISE
Only on a cruise are you free to discover the mystique and magic of the Far East at your own pace
THE sights and sounds of the Far East are so diverse that a cruise is the perfect way to take them all in on one adventurous trip. From tropical islands to rice paddies and temple-strewn plains, there are so many dramatic landscapes to discover, and rich and varied cultures. Leave your backpack at home – and rejoice in the luxury of a cruise trip to far-flung Asia and beyond.
TUI: The Secrets of Asia 1
LET Marella Cruises take you on The Secrets of Asia 1 tour, for a 14-night expedition from Laem Chabang (for Bangkok) to Kerala, via Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. And as you will be travelling on the Marella Discovery (one of its biggest ships), there will be endless on-board entertainment – there’s even an outdoor cinema, as well as a minigolf course and an indoor pool. Plus, of course, a renowned dining scene.
As you set sail from Laem Chabang, you will have the chance to take in the sights of Bangkok (just a half-hour drive away), such as the Wat Raimit temple, and the grand Buddhist statue at Wat Pho, as well as bustling Chinatown and the vibrant colours of the flower market. After leaving the port, it’s on to beyond Bangkok for a culture-rich day trip to ancient Ayutthaya, then Sihanoukville in Cambodia, home to some beautiful beaches and glorious temples. After a day at sea you’ll arrive in Vietnam, at Phu Muy, for the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. Then it’s on to Malaysia for Malacca and Langkawi, followed by Port Blair in the Andaman archipelago (572 islands), and Sri Lanka. Last stop is Cochin, Kerala, where you can take a ferry or a tuk-tuk to appreciate the riches it has to offer, from Mattancherry Palace to Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary.
P&O CRUISES: Brisbane to Hong Kong
THE beauty of this trip to Southeast Asia on P&O’s Arcadia is that you get to start your journey in Brisbane and go via the Great Barrier Reef, then on to an unspoilt paradise in Papua New Guinea. This will all pave the way for your arrival in Kagoshima in Japan, ‘Japan’s Hawaii’, with its magnificent bay, palm trees and active volcano. Then it’s on to Nagasaki, with stunning seaside scapes, as well as its poignant Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, and vibrant Hong Kong. The grand cruise finale here will include some magical tour excursions, as well as an evening cruise around Victoria Harbour and a unique public house tour. Arcadia is exclusively for adults, with a sophisticated vibe, magnificent art collection and glass-fronted lifts. There is also top entertainment for the days at sea, from theatre shows to casinos and piano bars, as well as some seriously good dining options – including Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochar’s East restaurant.
To find out more, visit pocruises.com PRINCESS CRUISES: Korea to Japan
ALL aboard at Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan, for a unique five-day round trip, as you set sail for Korea – after a day at sea, where you can join in the
brilliant on-board entertainment at your leisure, including cooking lessons and dance classes. And while the kids join in the Discovery SEA programme and make new friends, you can head to the spa.
You will arrive at Busan in South Korea in holiday mode, ready to see its glorious temples, such as the coastal set at Haedong Yonggungsa, with its dramatic rocky backdrop. A drive along the scenic coastline of Buscan is a must, ending with an authentic Korean barbecue.
Next stop, Japan, starting with the Kanmon Straits, then Yokkaichi, on Ise Bay, where you can visit the iconic Nagoya Castle, with jaw-dropping views. Or why not take a guided tour to the Ise Shrine? There are also opportunities for a trip to one of Japan’s best theme parks, followed by a relaxing visit to the Yuami no Shima hot spring. Once you’re back in Tokyo (Yokohama), you can see the Meiji Shrine and Temple. A highlight of the tour is Mount Fuji and the Hakone National Park, where you will board a ropeway tram, as well as travel on a Viking-type vessel around Lake Ashi. This trip is the ideal way to see Japan and some of its many wonders. To find out more, visit princess.com