Destination Reviews
Asia is as diverse as it is dazzling, from its UNESCO-listed architecture, awe-inspiring nature and turbulent history to its incredible cuisine and fascinating culture. Perhaps you've ticked off some of the big hitters and fancy something a bit different? Whether it's a longer, in-depth Asia cruise or a voyage that calls in to lesser-visited ports, there are a whole host of extraordinary and unusual Asia cruises to book right now for an unforgettable adventure...
Windstar
Japan in autumn is just as spectacular as headline-grabbing cherry blossom season as beautiful fall foliage envelops the country, and Windstar's brand-new Star Seeker has regular departures in September and October 2026, with an optional two-night Osaka add-on to explore Kyoto's temples and castles.
Star Seeker then travels south, leveraging its small size to offer a series of itineraries from the heart of Bangkok to Hanoi, including reaching central Ho Chi Minh City via the Saigon River and cruising Ha Long Bay. Another Asia cruise travels to Phuket with unique stops at scenic Ko Yao Noi, Krabi, and Koh Naka Noi. Both itineraries are available in reverse.
Silversea
Silversea's two 28-night itineraries on 20 December 2026 and 17 January 2027 on Silver Muse each sail from Singapore to Hong Kong and spend between three and four days docked in several ports, allowing you to get deeper into the heart of the region.
Taste Vietnamese street food, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels or take a trip along the Mekong Delta with two nights in Ho Chi Minh, and enjoy three nights in Hong Kong to discover the bustling financial centre, the traditional Chinese Western district and the atmospheric markets of Mong Kok, as well as spending overnights in both beautiful Ha Long Bay and vibrant Manila.
Ponant
Ponant offers a most unusual cruise to Japan's southern subtropical archipelago - more reminiscent of the Maldives than Japan - on board explorer yacht Le Jacques Cartier.
Departing on 20 February 2026 from Hong Kong to Naha, highlights include the incredible beaches on the jungle-clad island of Iriomote-jima; the wild and remote Yonaguni with a landscape of plunging cliffs, white sand beaches and verdant meadows; and Kumejima, home to the stunning, four-mile-long Hatenohama beach and rocky Tatami-ishi plateau, formed by an ancient volcanic eruption.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Ritz-Carlton's soon-to-be-launched 448-guest Luminara offers an in-depth Philippines cruise to really get to the heart of this island country.
For a perfect winter-sun itinerary departing on 13 January 2026, highlights include the white-sand beaches, limestone karst formations and turquoise lagoons of Boracay, Busuanga and El Nido, with the chance to canoe through rock formations and caverns in the UNESCO-listed Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, contrasted with lesser-visited Brunei as you sail past the sultan's opulent palaces and mosques.
Aqua Expeditions
For a more adventurous perspective of the mighty Mekong River opt for a cruise on Aqua Expeditions' 40-guest Aqua Mekong.
Operating between Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City, guests will head out on kayaking and bicycle tours, as well as on the only private fleet of tender boats on the Mekong river for guided, twice-daily excursions to the Mekong Delta including enlightening visits to remote Buddhist temples and Cambodia's vast Tonle Sap Lake, before continuing on to Angkor Wat.
Seabourn
Seabourn's 604-guest Seabourn Encore is your base for this 18-day cherry blossom cruise that sails to Vancouver from Tokyo on 27 April 2026 for the ultimate twin-centre holiday of contrasts.
Highlights include Hakodate's snow monkeys and an unusual call in at Kushiro, gateway to the protected marshlands of Japan's lesser-visited Kushiro Mitsugen National Park where you can still find the endangered Japanese crane, a graceful bird with a distinctive red crown. You'll then cross the international dateline to explore Alaska, transit the Seymour Narrows and end in Vancouver.
Meet the Author
