Touring the varied delights of Southeast Asia can be a very tiring process if you do it overland or by plane. A much more relaxed and stylish way to explore the region is on board a state-of-the-art cruise ship. Let the crew do all the work while you rest in your ocean-view cabin, lounge by the swimming pool or dance under the stars. Your ship's itinerary will combine open-ocean sailing with visits to some of the world's greatest ports and coastlines, and it will be up to you to decide which of the shore excursions on offer appeal to you. Life on a cruise could be compared to a holiday in a resort except that on board this resort the scenery is ever-changing and you'll have a real sense of adventure as you leave dry land behind and head off to the next tropical destination.
We offer a selection of luxury cruises around the seas of Southeast Asia and China, which all begin and end with a night at one of our best hotels in Hong Kong or Singapore. Maybe you'll be tempted by a 14-night tour from Hong Kong that includes excursions to the rainforests of Kota Kinabalu, the Pagsanjan Falls in the Philippines and the Imperial Vietnamese city of Hué. Or perhaps you'd prefer to sail off from Singapore around the islands of Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, stopping off at the historic port of Malacca, the beaches of Phuket and the island home of the komodo dragon. Whichever cruise you choose, you're guaranteed to cross beautiful seas and experience breathtaking views.
Of course, you can extend your holiday with a few more days at the beginning or end of the cruise in one of our hotels in Hong Kong or Singapore. The prices quoted are for the cruise only and we will obtain the best available flight for you at the time of booking.
About the cruises
These cruises offer good value for money while visiting Far East Asia and Malaysia in relaxing style. The cruise price includes your meals, cabin, on-board activities, entertainment and transportation from port to port. Shipboard activities are very varied and can include art auctions, horse racing, bridge games, language lessons, cooking courses, and trivia contests.
The fare includes: dining, a variety of activities, 24 hour room service, fitness facility, library, kids club, nightclubs and broadway shows.
Also available at extra cost are spa and beauty treatments, shopping and art auctions, bar drinks, internet, golf and exercise classes.
At each of the ports there is a range of excursions available, making it easy to explore the area. These should be pre-booked - consult with our travel advisors before or shortly after booking a cruise.
Dining options allow you to be formal or casual, indoors or out, enjoy an elevenses snack or a midnight feast. The Trattoria Italiana is causal dining in the buffer and on the pool deck. Tradizionale is a more formal main restaurant. Salute e Benessere has a healthy spa menu. The speciality Dining di Lusso offers deluxe dining. For a snack or room service choice choose Piccolo Morso. As an Italian run line, the Pizzeria comes as no surprise. Finally, treat yourself at the Spuntino with sweets from the midnight menu.
The ships
The Costa Allegra features panoramic windows for light and a unique view. The glass provides full views from the Montmartre restaurant and Flamenco ballroom. Contemporary interior styling is bright and cheerful. Entertainment includes the Bar, casino, theatre and disco. More active cruisers can use the fitness centre which is also in a glass surround and outdoor pools before relaxing in one of the jacuzzis on the sun deck.
The Costa Classica is a majestic and modern comfortable ship. Eat al-fresco on the terrace, dance in the Puccini ball room and spend the evening in the two-deck theatre.
Vietnam, China, Phillipines, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore
This 'Jewels of the Far East' 14 night cruise covers the modern city of Singapore, the emerald rice fields of Vietnam, the shopping of Hong Kong, and the beaches of Borneo.
Itinerary
- Day 1
- Depart from Sinagpore at 8pm. Consider arriving a few days earlier to explore the quarters of Chinatown, Little India, Arab street, and even Jurong Town which has some places of tourist interest as well as an industrial nature.
- Day 2
- Cruise to...
- Day 3
- Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam (docked 8am-4pm). This is the largest city in Vietnam, the city centre is still known as Saigon and the Chinese districti has some notable pagodas. The French colonial buildings are worth a visit as are the various museums and Cu Chi tunnels.
- Day 4
- Cruise to...
- Day 5
- Da Nang in Vietnam, close to Hoi An - this region is one of the most beautiful in Vietnam: 5 limestone hills with pagodas, sacred altars and caves that were used as Buddhist sanctuaries.
- Day 6
- Cruise to...
- Day 7
- Hong Kong (docked 7am - 11pm). Plenty of shopping or, if that doesn't interest you, visit Aberdeen Harbour - the floating village, or take the Star Ferry to the Kowloon Peninsula for the stunning view of the main island.
- Day 8
- Cruise to...
- Day 9
- Manila in the Philippines - docked 9am - 8pm. This is a thriving centre of culture with a quirky ambience of Filipino charm. The eclectic array of food stalls in China Town is well worth a taste.
- Day 10
- Cruise to...
- Day 11
- Kotakinabulu in Borneo (docked 8am - 8pm). The capital of Borneo, and a modern city, but it still feels like a typical seaside town with souvenir shops and fish stalls. Along the coast are the water village of Mengkabond and the open-air market of Kota Belud (cock fights still take place here).
- Day 12
- Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei - docked 8am - 5pm. It was rebuilt after the second world war; the Kampong Air village on water does still gives a glimpse of more traditional ways of Malay life. The Royal Regalia Exhibition Hall includes documents about Churchill, the history of Brunei, and the gifts received by the Sultan for the 2th anniversary of his reign.
- Day 13
- Cruise back to...
- Day 14
- Singapore, arriving at 9am.
Price
This is available from £859 per person. Please contact our specialist travel advisors on 01249 467 163 for a quote for your holiday including any flights and hotel extensions you require.
Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore
An 14 night cruise covering the wonders and jewels of the Far East. See the modern city and ancient soul of Singapore, Bali and the spectacular scenery and beaches of Phuket. With an itinerary that includes a landing on most days, this suits the sightseer as well as the cruise enthusiast.
Itinerary
- Day 1
- Depart from Singapore in the late evening
- Days 2 and 3
- Cruising towards Indonesia
- Day 4
- Ujung Pandang in Indonesia, where you will be docked between 9 am and 6 pm to explore this old trading port. Popular for the ceremonies of the Toraja, who maintain their traditional culture and animist religion of spirits and demons, myths and ancestral rites. The colourful fish market is a good browse as is Fort Rotterdam, a reminder of the Dutch rule.
- Day 5
- Komodo Island. Still in Indonesia, docked 9am - 6pm. This volcanic island is home to a beautiful national park and, of course, the Komodo Dragon, a giant (3 metres or more) monitor lizard.
- Day 6
- Bali, Indonesia (8am - 6pm). With a unique culture and religion, extraordinary natural landscapes and incredible cliff shrines, the island of Bali has something for everyone. There are fantastic beaches, the sunset at Kuta, and snorkelling on the coral reef.
- Day 7
- Cruise to...
- Day 8
- Jakarta in Indonesia. You have between 8am and 6pm to see this commercial port with its famous fish market, the shopping area and picturesque alleys of Chinatown and interesting range of museums.
- Day 9
- Leaving Indonesia, cruise on to...
- Day 10
- Malacca in Malaysia (docked 8am - 3pm). Rather a quiet city, with narrow streets, old junks plying the river, and flavours of China and the colonial rule.
- Days 11 and 12
- Phucket, Thailand. With an afternoon arrival and departure there is plenty of time to discover Thailands largest island. Shoppers can visit the fish market, which is now the home to sellers of clothes, consumer goods and fruits. Naturalists will enjoy the butterfly garden, Insectarium and an Orchid garden in Thai Village.
- Day 13
- Port Klang, Kuala Lumpur (docked 9am - 7pm). A modern city with a historic centre, with the very tall Petronas twin towers and the colonial buildings marking the main square and ex-cricket ground. The railway station and Central Market are also buildings worth a visit.
- Day 14
- Return to Singapore in the morning. There is plenty to see in the four quarters of this wealthy city, so consider staying for a few nights before catching your flight home.
Price
This cruise is available from £859 per person. Please contact our specialist travel advisors on 01249 467 163 for a quote for your holiday including any flights and hotel extensions you require.
Phillipines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam & China.
This 14 night tour departs from Hong Kong to visit the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam & China.
Itinerary
- Day 1
- Depart Hong Kong at 10pm. There is plenty to explore in this multi-cultural island, with an option to stay here before or after the cruise.
- Day 2
- cruise to...
- Day 3
- Manila in the Philippines. Between 9am and 7pm, visit this thriving centre of culture with a quirky ambience of Filipino charm. The eclectic array of food stalls in China Town is well worth a taste.
- Day 4
- cruise on to...
- Day 5
- Kotakinabulu in Borneo (docked 8am - 6pm). The capital of Borneo, and a modern city, but it still feels like a typical seaside town with souvenir shops and fish stalls. Along the coast are the water village of Mengkabond and the open-air market of Kota Belud (cock fights still take place here).
- Day 6
- Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei - docked 8am - 5pm. It was rebuilt after the second world war; the Kampong Air village on water does still gives a glimpse of more traditional ways of Malay life. The Royal Regalia Exhibition Hall includes documents about Churchill, the history of Brunei, and the gifts received by the Sultan for the 2th anniversary of his reign.
- Day 7
- cruise to...
- Day 8
- Sinagpore, Stay 8am-7pm. Explore the four quarters of Chinatown, Little India, Arab street, and Jurong Town.
- Day 9
- cruise to...
- Day 10
- Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam (docked 8am-4.30pm). This is the largest city in Vietnam, the city centre is still known as Saigon and the Chinese district has some notable pagodas. The French colonial buildings are worth a visit as are the various museums and Cu Chi tunnels.
- Day 11
- cruise to...
- Day 12
- Da Nang in Vietnam (docked 8am-7pm), close to Hoi An - this region is one of the most beautiful in Vietnam: 5 limestone hills with pagodas, sacred altars and caves that were used as Buddhist sanctuaries.
- Day 13
- Sanya, China. Docked from 7am to 2pm. Sanya boasts a tropical climate, sandy beach, tiger and crocodile centre, butterfly museum and shell aquarium.
- Day 14
- Return to Hong Kong at 1 pm.
Price
This cruise is available from £889 per person. Please contact our specialist travel advisors on 01249 467 163 for a quote for your holiday including any flights and hotel extensions you require.
