East Asia is an area that travellers flock to, thanks to its rich cultures, stylish modern cities, and fascinating history. Whether you love idyllic paradise beaches, the hot rush of bustling market places, the sleek modernity of supermall shopping, or the sacred tranquillity of ancient temples, East Asia is somewhere you will fall in love with.
We’re thrilled to be able to offer you an amazing cruise holiday with Princess Cruises designed to give you an in-depth introduction to the wonders of this beautiful region. With deals on cabins of all classes, there’s nothing stopping you from exploring Asia on board a luxurious cruise ship, with exciting port days in Singapore, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City.
This holiday has been crafted with your enjoyment in mind, with relaxing days at sea interspersed with thrilling port day tours and overnight stays that really let you get under the skin of Asia’s most fascinating cities. For as little as £1,799, you can spend three weeks travelling around this unique area of the world on a stylish cruise holiday. Whether you are a thrill seeker always searching for a new experience, a lover of unparalleled natural beauty, or a sun-worshipper who loves nothing more than relaxing on a sandy beach, this cruise has everything you need for a perfect Asian getaway.
A two-night hotel stay in the English-speaking island state of Singapore is the perfect introduction to everything that Asia has to offer. Singapore is a place of tantalising contrast, where towering modern skyscrapers cast shadows over ancient temples, and city streets give way to lush green jungle. That’s why Princess Cruises offer you the choice of two exciting tours during your stay in Singapore: a river cruise or a city tour.
The Singapore River Cruise is the perfect way to discover Singapore’s natural beauty and distinctive history. Hear the stories of generations of Singaporeans who have made their lives on the river, transforming Singapore from an obscure fishing village to a bustling trading port and a dynamic global city. You will travel on an electric bumboat, an environmentally-friendly version of the bumboats that have been used to make a living on the river for decades.
For those who wish to tour all the must-see attractions of this vibrant island city, the Singapore City Tour is the perfect excursion. A drive around the city allows you to discover the Civic District, with all its beautiful buildings, before you’re whisked off to enjoy the view over Marina Bay from Merlion Park. Temples, the National Orchid Garden, and even Little India are all on the itinerary, so you won’t miss a moment of what Singapore has to offer. There is also an option for you to join a trip to the ALIVE! MUSEUM, to snap pictures with 3D works of art.
The perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of Singapore, your next port of call will be relaxing on the paradise island of Bali. If the endless days of sun, sandy beaches, and glittering ocean aren’t enough for you, the friendly atmosphere of this island is bound to win you over. Bali has a rich and diverse culture, which can be seen in the colourful street processions, beautiful flower petal offerings, exquisite temples, and abundance of music and dance all over the island. Bali is resplendent with natural beauty and the province of Benoa is no different, with acres of white beaches and beautiful lush greenery. Expect to be welcomed by Balinese dancers on the dockside and never want to go home.
Malaysia’s capital city is a vibrant hub of history and culture, where old colonial influences vie for your attention with all the modern glitter of a growing economic centre. This is a city that is best explored on foot, so you can absorb its bustling atmosphere and enjoy the wafting aroma of tempting hawker food stalls. First founded by Chinese and Malay tin prospectors, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that British colonials erected grand buildings in this jungle-bound city. Today, it is a thriving centre for technology and commerce, with famous megamalls and traditional streets attracting locals and visitors from miles around.
This beautiful Malaysian city is high on many a traveller’s bucket list, thanks to its rich culture and outstanding beauty. Penang showcases the very best of Asia, with everything from the stunning intricacy of its ornate temples to the mouth-watering aromas of its world-class food. No matter how many times you visit the city, there’s always more to discover. Hop on a trishaw for an exciting whistle-stop tour of George Town, visit the gorgeous Kek Lok Si Temple when it is lit up and filled with worshipers on an evening, or visit the botanical gardens to discover flora and wildlife unique to the area. There’s so much to do, you won’t know how to fit it all in.
Thailand’s largest island has a reputation as a paradise destination, where you can get everything associated with the perfect beach holiday. Blissful white beaches, warm clear ocean, and as many cocktails as your heart desires aren’t the only thing Phuket has on offer, however. Phuket Town is artsy and culturally rich, the perfect place to stumble across wonderful eateries, artisan shops, and thrilling street markets. Phuket also has many beautiful temples to explore, as well as a giant Buddha that sits on Nakkerd Hill looking out serenely across a panoramic view of the island. It’s one of Phuket’s most famous landmarks and well worth the climb to the top.
Bangkok is a busy, loud, and hot city, but if you can get under the surface you’ll be rewarded by glimpsing how rich life here can be. One of the things it is essential to do here is to visit the beautiful temples, but make sure that this isn’t all you do. Be sure to visit Khao San Road, which is crowded with travellers and locals all day and night, as they eat delicious street food and drink in the packed bars. Street food in Bangkok is like nowhere else, so trying street vendor noodles should be high on your list. Visiting a picturesque floating market is also an experience you won’t want to miss, there are few experiences quite like buying freshly cooked treats from a boat vendor as they paddle past.
Ho Chi Minh City is a city that still shows its French colonial history in the architecture around every corner. European and Asian styles sit side by side here, making for a fascinating foray into the culture and heritage of the city. Take a trip to the War Remnants Museum to learn about the brutality and effects of the Vietnam War. For those who are interested in food, take a Vietnamese cooking class to learn how to create the stunning flavours of the local cuisine. Or, for the brave among us, try local delicacies such as fertilised duck eggs or scorpion wine.
Depart: 22 February 2018
Return: 14 March 2018
Nights: 20
Ship: Sapphire Princess
Deal Reference Number: SAPP17
Price: From £1,799
If you’d like to spend three weeks exploring East Asia on the Wonders of the Far East cruise, book with Cruise1st UK by calling 0808 2746 777 and quoting the reference number: SAPP17
The topic of sustainability is growing increasingly more urgent. We saw the raft of extreme…
Cruising can be the perfect romantic getaway that you and your significant other need. Spend…
Originally posted February 6th 2020 | Updated March 11th 2020 18:00 As the coronavirus continues…
There's no denying it, the world is growing ever more aware of the health and…
Originally posted by Claire Wilde on 21 May 2017 | Updated by Darcy Alexander on 24 January 2020 Whether you’re…
Originally posted by Claire Wilde on 3 January 2018 | Updated by Darcy Alexander on…