Asia Cruises

Cruising in Asia

From neon-lit skylines to temple-studded coastlines, Asia rewards curious cruisers who want variety without the hassle of constant unpacking. Many itineraries focus on Southeast Asia (think Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam), while others lean into East Asia for Japan and South Korea. Either way, you can sample night markets, street-food hawkers, UNESCO-listed old towns and beach escapes in one well-planned holiday.

At Cruise1st, we see UK guests gravitate towards big-name lines with strong Asian programmes. Princess Cruises remains a favourite for classic service and well-rounded itineraries, while Royal Caribbean suits those who love action-packed sea days between ports. Celebrity appeals to couples who want modern style and standout dining, and Norwegian is a good shout if you prefer a relaxed “do-your-own-thing” approach onboard. For longer, culture-led routes with more time in port, look to premium brands such as Holland America, Oceania and Azamara.

Ship options for Asian itineraries

The best ship for Asia depends on how you like to travel. If you’re planning a first-time Asia cruises adventure, a larger resort-style ship can be a brilliant base: plenty of dining choice, entertainment after day trips, and family-friendly facilities if you’re travelling with teens.

• Resort-style megaships – Great for sea days, with multiple restaurants, pools, theatre shows and late-night entertainment.
• Mid-size “sweet spot” ships – Often the easiest balance for Asia: comfortable facilities onboard, plus the agility to call at a wider mix of ports.
• Smaller premium ships – Ideal if you care most about destination time, local immersion and a quieter feel at sea.

For many UK travellers, the simplest way to unlock more ports in less time is to pair flights with cruising. Our fly cruises to Asia options are popular because they cut out lengthy repositioning days and get you straight into the action.

Top harbours to explore in Asia

Asia’s ports are destinations in their own right, and the best days ashore mix a headline attraction with time to eat well and wander. Here are some standout harbours and what to do when you dock:

• Singapore (Marina Bay Cruise Centre) – Start with Gardens by the Bay’s Supertree Grove, then head to Maxwell Food Centre for chicken rice, and finish with the evening light show at Marina Bay Sands.
• Hong Kong (Kai Tak or Ocean Terminal) – Ride the Peak Tram for Victoria Peak views, browse Temple Street Night Market, and hop the Star Ferry for a classic harbour crossing.
• Bangkok (Laem Chabang) – Take the transfer into the city for Wat Pho’s Reclining Buddha and the Grand Palace, then grab a boat ride along the khlongs for a different view of Bangkok life.
• Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My) – Aim for the War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and Bến Thành Market; if you want something calmer, book a half-day in the Mekong Delta.
• Da Nang (often for Hội An) – Spend the day in Hội An Ancient Town: Japanese Covered Bridge, lantern-lit lanes, and a tailor-made outfit if you fancy a memorable souvenir.
• Tokyo area (Yokohama) – Go straight for the big hitters: Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, the Shibuya Crossing, and a sushi lunch at Toyosu Market.
• Busan – Pair the Jagalchi Fish Market with Gamcheon Culture Village’s pastel hillside streets, then unwind at Haeundae Beach if the weather’s kind.

When to go and what to expect

Asia is huge, so “best time” depends on your route. Southeast Asia typically shines in the drier months when humidity is lower and sightseeing is more comfortable. East Asia is often at its best in spring for cherry blossoms and in autumn for crisp days and clear views.

• Southeast Asia – Expect warm temperatures year-round. The sweet spot is usually when rainfall is lighter, making city tours and beach days easier to plan.
• East Asia – Spring is superb for parks and gardens, while autumn brings pleasant walking weather for cities like Tokyo, Kyoto (via Osaka/Kobe) and Seoul.
• Shoulder season perks – Fewer crowds in popular areas, easier restaurant reservations, and often better-value fares.

Top tip: plan one “early start” day for headline sights (like the Grand Palace or Victoria Peak), then leave space for a slower afternoon in a neighbourhood café, market or museum.

Cost of cruising in Asia

Pricing varies by region, ship style and length, but most holidays fall into three broad brackets:

• Value-focused sailings – Often the best for first-timers, with sharp pricing on shorter itineraries and plenty of included onboard dining.
• Mainstream mid-range – A comfortable balance of ship facilities, cabin choice and shore time; ideal for couples and families who want a little of everything.
• Premium and luxury – More space, refined service and, on some lines, inclusions such as speciality dining, Wi-Fi or shore credits.

Onshore spending can be pleasantly manageable in many Asian ports. Street food, local cafés and public transport are often excellent value, while private tours and long transfers (for example, port-to-city journeys) can add more to the day’s budget. If you’re watching costs, mix one “big excursion” day with a self-guided day using a hop-on/hop-off, metro or a pre-planned walking route.

Top Asia Cruises

Start planning

• Asia Cruise Tour Packages – Pair your sailing with land highlights for a deeper, more rounded trip.
• Asia Cruises All Inclusive – A simple way to keep holiday budgeting straightforward with extra value built in.
• Asia Cruises 2027 All Inclusive – Ideal if you want to lock in a future sailing with an easy, bundled approach.

Departures from the UK

• Asia Cruises from Southampton – Great for travellers who prefer starting closer to home.
• Asia Cruises from the UK – Browse itineraries designed with UK departure points in mind.

Fly cruise options

• Asia Fly 2027 Cruises – Get straight to the region and maximise port time on a future itinerary.

By year

• Asia Cruises 2026 – A smart pick if you like planning ahead for the best cabin choice.
• Asia Cruises 2027 – Perfect for long-range planners who want the widest spread of routes.

Choose your region

• Southeast Asia – Think Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam: food, beaches and buzzing cities.
• East Asia – Japan and beyond, packed with culture, design, and unforgettable city stays.
• Middle East – Add a stop in the Gulf for skyscrapers, souks and desert adventures.

Line-led favourites

• Princess Asia Cruises – A popular choice for balanced itineraries and classic onboard comfort.
• Southeast Asia 2026 Cruises – Handy if you already know you want this region next.
• Southeast Asia Cruises from Southampton – A route option that keeps the journey simple for UK starters.
• Southeast Asia Cruises from UK – Explore itineraries that suit UK travellers from the outset.

FAQs about Asia Cruises

What’s the easiest way to book an Asia cruise from the UK?

If you want maximum time exploring ports, a fly cruise is usually the most convenient. You’ll arrive in-region quickly, then spend your days hopping between standout cities and coastline stops.

How long should an Asia cruise be?

Seven to ten nights is a brilliant introduction, especially for Southeast Asia. If you’re keen to cover multiple countries and include bigger transfers, two to three weeks gives a more unhurried pace.

Which ports are best for first-time visitors?

Singapore, Hong Kong and Yokohama (for Tokyo) are fantastic starters because they’re well-connected and easy to explore in a day. In Southeast Asia, Laem Chabang (Bangkok) and Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City) are iconic, but plan for travel time into the city.

What should I pack for cruising in Asia?

Light layers, comfortable walking shoes, a compact umbrella, and respectful outfits for temples (covered shoulders and knees) will cover most days. It’s also worth bringing a small day bag for water, sunscreen and a portable charger.

Is an Asian cruise good for families?

Absolutely. Many ships offer brilliant kids’ clubs and family-friendly dining, while ports can be as active or relaxed as you like, from markets and museums to beach days and wildlife parks.