Asia & Asia Pacific Cruises: Your Extraordinary Eastern Voyage

From the ancient temples of Japan to the bustling markets of Southeast Asia and the pristine islands of the South Pacific, discover a world of wonder on an Asia or Asia Pacific cruise — where timeless traditions and breathtaking landscapes create truly extraordinary adventures.

Your Extraordinary Asian Adventure Awaits

Asia and the Asia Pacific region represent one of the most culturally rich and visually stunning cruise destinations on earth. From the neon-lit skylines of Tokyo and Hong Kong to the serene rice terraces of Bali and the sacred temples of Thailand, every port of call is a doorway to discovery. The cuisine alone — from fragrant street food stalls in Vietnam to exquisite sushi in Osaka — is worth the voyage. With tropical warmth across Southeast Asia, cherry blossom seasons in Japan, and the dramatic landscapes of New Zealand and Australia, this vast region rewards the curious traveler year-round.

A panoramic view of Prague showcasing its historic architecture, multiple bridges spanning the Vltava River, and lush green landscapes with purple flowers in the foreground.
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A picturesque panoramic view of the historic Old Town Market Square in Warsaw, Poland, featuring colorful baroque townhouses and outdoor cafe terraces at twilight.
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Panoramic view of Prague featuring the historic Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River, with Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral prominently displayed in the background.
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A stunning panoramic view of Prague's historic cityscape featuring Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, and the Vltava River under a clear blue sky.
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Ancient Temples & Traditions

Centuries-old temples, sacred shrines, and living traditions invite you to experience civilizations that have shaped the world for millennia.

Extraordinary Cuisine

From sushi in Tokyo and street pho in Hanoi to spice-laden curries in Singapore, Asia offers an unrivaled culinary journey at every port.

Breathtaking Landscapes

Emerald karst formations, volcanic islands, terraced hillsides, and pristine coral reefs create some of the most dramatic scenery on the planet.

Explore the Asia & Asia Pacific Regions

Asia and the Asia Pacific span an extraordinary range of cruising regions, each offering a distinct tapestry of culture, cuisine, and scenery. Our cruise advisors will help you find the perfect match for your dream voyage.

Traditional black wooden houses with grass-covered roofs nestled in a lush green Icelandic landscape with mountains in the background. The houses feature stone foundations and white-framed windows.
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Southeast Asia

Key Ports: Singapore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi (Ha Long Bay), Bali, Phuket, Penang, Manila

Known For: Vibrant street food, ornate temples, floating markets, pristine tropical islands, and rich cultural diversity

Ideal For: Culture enthusiasts, food lovers, and travelers seeking immersive and affordable exotic experiences

Duration: 7–14 nights

A stark, moody landscape featuring dark volcanic terrain with a winding road cutting through barren plains, surrounded by rugged mountain peaks shrouded in dramatic storm clouds.
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Japan & East Asia

Key Ports: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto (Kobe), Nagasaki, Shanghai, Beijing (Tianjin), Hong Kong, Busan

Known For: Ancient temples and gardens, cutting-edge cities, exquisite cuisine, cherry blossom season, and the Great Wall of China

Ideal For: Culturally curious travelers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a blend of ancient and ultra-modern

Duration: 7–16 nights

A picturesque panoramic view of the historic market square in Warsaw's Old Town, featuring colorful tenement houses, outdoor cafes, and a central open cobblestone plaza at twilight.
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Australia & South Pacific

Key Ports: Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Queenstown (Fiordland), Fiji, Bora Bora, Tahiti, the Great Barrier Reef

Known For: Stunning fjords, vibrant coral reefs, indigenous Māori and Aboriginal culture, world-class wine regions, and island paradise escapes

Ideal For: Nature lovers, experienced cruisers, and those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime voyage to the southern hemisphere

Duration: 10–21 nights

Compare Asia & Asia Pacific Cruise Regions

Feature Southeast Asia Japan & East Asia Australia & South Pacific
Typical Duration 7–14 nights 7–16 nights 10–21 nights
Main Departure Ports Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong Sydney, Auckland
Best For Culture & food lovers, budget-conscious adventurers History buffs, cherry blossom seekers, culinary connoisseurs Nature enthusiasts, experienced cruisers, wine lovers
Highlights Floating markets, temple complexes, tropical islands Ancient shrines, modern megacities, traditional gardens Fjords, Great Barrier Reef, Polynesian island culture

A picturesque aerial view of Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Czech Republic, featuring tightly clustered red-roofed buildings nestled along a meandering river with a castle and church towers rising above the landscape.
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Our Asia cruise travel advisors will show you where to begin.

With a region spanning thousands of miles and dozens of countries, choosing the perfect Asia or Asia Pacific itinerary can feel overwhelming. That’s where our expert advisors come in.

In Southeast Asia, you can explore Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Myanmar — each offering a captivating blend of ancient heritage and vibrant modern life.

Japan and East Asia feature the iconic ports of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Busan — where centuries-old traditions meet futuristic innovation.

Venture to Australia and the South Pacific for the stunning Sydney harbour, the Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand’s dramatic fjords, and the idyllic islands of Fiji, Tahiti, and Bora Bora.

You can also extend your voyage with India and the Indian Subcontinent, exploring Mumbai, Goa, Colombo, and the Maldives for an even more immersive eastern adventure.

If that sounds like a lot to navigate, rest assured — every detail will be expertly handled by Extraordinary Adventures and our dedicated Asia cruise advisors. Call us today!

Beyond Asia & the Pacific

Many Asia and Asia Pacific itineraries can be extended or combined with nearby regions for an even more extraordinary voyage.

  • India & the Maldives – Vibrant cities, sacred temples, and pristine island atolls
  • Alaska & the North Pacific – Transpacific crossings connecting Asia to North America
  • World Cruise Segments – Grand voyages connecting Asia to Europe, Africa, and beyond
  • Hawaii & the Pacific Islands – Tropical paradise stopovers on transpacific sailings
A dramatic landscape featuring rugged, snow-covered mountains with sharp peaks against a blue sky, overlooking a black sand beach with golden grass in the foreground. A solitary figure stands in the landscape, providing scale to the immense natural scenery.
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Find your specialty cruise today!

We’ll help find the perfect specialty cruise—whether you’re crossing oceans, transiting canals, or exploring the ends of the Earth.

Our specialty cruise advisors will ensure your voyage is everything you dreamed.

Rarely will any of us make it to these extraordinary places more than once. So, if you’re going to do it at all, you should do it right. Let the experts at Extraordinary Adventures ensure that your voyage to these remote destinations is everything you dreamed it would be.

They don’t call us Extraordinary Adventures for nothing, you know.

Best Time to Cruise Asia & the Asia Pacific

Given the vast size of this region, the ideal time to sail depends on your chosen destination — and our advisors will guide you to the perfect season for your voyage.

Japan (March – May, September – November): Cherry blossom season in spring and vivid autumn foliage make these the most sought-after sailing months, with comfortable temperatures between 55–75°F.

Southeast Asia (November – March): The dry season across Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia brings warm temperatures around 80–90°F with lower humidity and calmer seas.

Australia & New Zealand (October – April): The southern hemisphere summer and autumn deliver warm weather, long days, and ideal conditions for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and New Zealand’s fjords.

South Pacific Islands (May – October): The dry season offers pleasant temperatures around 75–85°F, making it the perfect time to explore Fiji, Tahiti, and Bora Bora.

China & Hong Kong (September – November): Autumn offers comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and fewer crowds at major ports and attractions.

A stunning panoramic view of the historic Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River in Prague, Czech Republic, during a magical winter sunset with snow-covered buildings and golden lights.
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Why Book with Extraordinary Adventures

Expert Advisors

Specialty cruise specialists who understand the unique requirements of expedition and world voyages.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalised Planning

Custom recommendations for ships, itineraries, and cabin selection on complex voyages.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation and beyond—we’re with you every step.

Asia & Asia Pacific Cruise FAQs

The best time depends on your destination. For Japan, spring (March–May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (September–November) for foliage are most popular. Southeast Asia is best during the dry season from November through March. Australia and New Zealand shine during the southern hemisphere summer, October through April. Your Extraordinary Adventures cruise advisor will help you select the ideal timing for your preferred destinations.

Southeast Asia is an excellent starting point for first-time Asia cruisers. Itineraries departing from Singapore are particularly accessible — Singapore is a world-class city with direct flights from many U.S. airports, English is widely spoken, and the region offers an incredible variety of cultural experiences, cuisines, and tropical scenery within a relatively compact sailing area.

Southeast Asia cruises visit tropical destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, emphasizing vibrant cultures and exotic cuisine. East Asia itineraries focus on Japan, China, South Korea, and Hong Kong — blending ancient history with ultra-modern cities. South Pacific and Australia/New Zealand cruises feature dramatic natural landscapes, indigenous cultures, and island paradises. Each region delivers a completely different experience.

Asia cruises typically range from 7 to 21 nights depending on the region. Southeast Asia itineraries often run 7–14 nights, Japan and East Asia sailings usually span 7–16 nights, and Australia/New Zealand and South Pacific voyages can last 10–21 nights or more. Transpacific crossings and grand voyage segments may be even longer. Your cruise advisor can help you select the ideal duration.

Visa requirements vary by country and can be complex. Many cruise passengers receive visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival privileges at certain ports, but some countries — particularly China and India — may require advance visas. Your Extraordinary Adventures cruise advisor will help you navigate the specific visa requirements for every port on your itinerary, ensuring a seamless experience.

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for tropical destinations in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, and layer-friendly attire for Japan and East Asia where temperatures can vary widely. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for temple visits and city exploration. Modest clothing is recommended for visiting religious sites. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and a light rain jacket. Your cruise advisor can provide a tailored packing list for your specific itinerary.

Many of the world’s finest cruise lines offer Asia and Asia Pacific itineraries. Luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Seabourn, and Oceania provide intimate, all-inclusive voyages. Premium lines including Celebrity, Princess, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean offer a wide range of Asian sailings. For expedition-style cruising, Ponant and Silversea explore more remote regions. Our advisors will match you with the perfect cruise line for your preferences.

Yes, though the experience varies by region and cruise line. Families with older children and teenagers tend to thrive on Asia cruises, where cultural immersion and unique shore excursions create unforgettable learning experiences. Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific islands are particularly family-friendly. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity offer excellent kids’ programs alongside their Asian itineraries.

Popular excursions include visiting the temples of Angkor Wat from a Vietnamese port, exploring the Great Wall of China, touring ancient Kyoto’s shrines and geisha district, experiencing a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, cruising through Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, visiting Balinese rice terraces and temples, and immersing yourself in the street food culture of Bangkok or Singapore.

Absolutely! Many cruise lines offer extended itineraries that connect Southeast Asia with Japan, or Australia with the South Pacific. Grand voyages and world cruise segments can link Asia with the Indian Ocean, Middle East, or even Europe. Repositioning cruises — particularly in spring and autumn — are also a wonderful way to experience multiple regions at exceptional value. Ask your Extraordinary Adventures cruise advisor about combining regions for the ultimate Asian voyage.

Not sure which specialty cruise is right for you?

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