10 best Asia cruises for a bucket-list trip

08.08.2024 - 23:51 / thepointsguy.com / Crystal Symphony

It would be easy to argue that a cruise is the best way to see Asia, especially for first-time visitors to the region. Many cruise lines build robust itineraries designed to visit as many bucket-list destinations as possible across numerous countries. From the bustling streets of Tokyo and the tranquil waters of Vietnam's Ha Long Bay to the ancient temples in Cambodia and street food vendors of Singapore, cruising allows travelers to uncover the richness of Asia with ease and comfort.

Other cruise lines specialize in one specific area, such as the Yangtze or Mekong rivers or the highlights of Japan. These narrow-focus cruises provide a culturally enriching look at centuries-old traditions or access to hidden gems that traditional tourists might overlook.

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Cruise lines with ships large and small operate throughout Asia and vary in their levels of luxury, offshore offerings and onboard amenities. Many travelers to Asia are looking for two-week or longer cruises to help make the most of a long trek across the Pacific; however, both shorter and longer itineraries abound to ensure there's an Asia cruise for every vacation length and budget.

Here are 10 of the best Asia cruises to consider.

Over a little more than a two-week span in January 2025, passengers on Crystal's Singapore-to-Hong Kong itinerary will stop at some of the most popular ports in Asia. You'll first spend a few days in Thailand, where you can attend a meditation in Koh Samui or visit an elephant sanctuary where you'll feed the herd sugar cane and bananas before giving them a mud bath.

In Vietnam, you can ride on the back of a Vespa through the busy streets and markets of Hanoi, take a cooking class with a Vietnamese chef or kayak the crystal clear waters of Ha Long Bay. At the end of your cruise, enjoy a reflexology foot massage in Hong Kong after a traditional lunch in town. Rest up between days of sightseeing and activity with five days at sea.

Crystal truly excels at immersing passengers in cultural experiences with locals. Its carefully curated excursions take you to small villages where the locals are excited to shake your hand or invite you to help them prepare a regional dish using their traditional cooking methods.

Who should go: Luxury-focused travelers who appreciate fine dining, 24/7 butler service, attentive crew, spacious guest rooms and carefully curated excursions will find their home away from home aboard Crystal Symphony. With just 606 passengers on board, this ship is small enough to be intimate and easy to navigate, yet large enough to house all the desired amenities (including a pool, spa, walking track, fitness center, golf driving nets, putting