Asia Cruises
Temples, megacities and island bays — Asia by ship removes most of the hard parts of travel in the region.
Get Up to 5 Free Cruise QuotesCruising Asia
A cruise is one of the easiest ways to see a lot of Asia: one cabin, no domestic flights, and help with documents. The main areas are:
Japan
Tokyo (Yokohama), Osaka and Kobe, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Hokkaido and Okinawa, often with South Korea. Cherry blossoms in spring and autumn color are the peak times.
Southeast Asia
Singapore, Malaysia (Penang, Kuala Lumpur), Thailand (Phuket and Bangkok via Laem Chabang), Vietnam (Ha Long Bay, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City), Cambodia and Indonesia.
China, Hong Kong & Taiwan
Hong Kong, Shanghai and Taiwan’s Keelung (for Taipei). River cruises on the Yangtze and the Mekong are a different, slower way to explore.
At a Glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Season | Southeast Asia: November through April (the dry season). Japan: spring and autumn are best; summer is hot and humid. |
| Typical length | 7–16 nights; longer grand voyages |
| Main homeports | Singapore, Tokyo (Yokohama), Hong Kong, Shanghai, Bangkok (Laem Chabang) |
| Good for | Experienced travelers, culture and food lovers, first-time visitors who want an easy introduction to Asia |
Smart Traveler tips
- Check visa rules for every country on the itinerary; some require advance e-visas.
- Many ports are an hour or more from the city they serve — Laem Chabang to Bangkok can take two hours or more each way.
- Fly in two days early to recover from jet lag.
Plan Your Asia Cruise
Flights
Flights to Asia · Flights to Singapore · Flights to Japan. Plan to arrive at least a day before the ship sails.Pre-cruise hotels
SingaporeShore excursions
Asia shore excursionsBrowse Asia cruise lines, deals and specialists on the Official Cruise Directory: Asia · Southeast Asia.
Get Asia Cruise Quotes
Tell us your dates and budget. Up to five cruise specialists who know this region will send you free, no-obligation quotes.
Get Free Cruise QuotesAsia Cruise FAQ
When is the best time to cruise Asia?
For Southeast Asia, the dry season from about November to April. For Japan, spring (cherry blossoms, usually late March to early April) and autumn (October and November).
Do I need visas for an Asia cruise?
It depends on your nationality and the countries visited. Some countries allow cruise passengers to visit without a visa; others require an e-visa in advance. Your cruise specialist will confirm the requirements for your itinerary.