10 best Asia cruises for a bucket-list trip

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.

Crystal’s 16-night Singapore to Hong Kong cruise

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 green and tennis and pickleball courts).

MSC Cruises’ 5-night round-trip cruise from Okinawa

MSC Cruises‘ short five-night Asia cruise to Japan and Taiwan is a great way to add a cruise to your vacation in Japan. Depart from Okinawa for Ishigaki, known for Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park and the black pearl cultivation on Kabira Bay. The next stop, an overnight in Taipei, brings opportunities to see Taipei 101 Tower (once the world’s tallest building, but now in fifth place) and ancient artifacts in the National Palace Museum.

Your final stop is Miyako Island, a picturesque spot covered by sugar cane fields. With no sea days, this itinerary is short and sweet. However, it doesn’t skimp on ports of call.

Who should go: This five-night cruise in January 2025 on the 5,655-passenger MSC Bellissima is geared toward budget-conscious working adults looking for a shorter trip to Asia or folks who want to add a cruise to a longer land-based tour. For a VIP experience, upgrade to the MSC Yacht Club‘s private sanctuary, which offers 24/7 butler service, exclusive venues (like a fine dining restaurant and a private sun deck), and even a personalized minibar and pillow menu.

Viking’s 14-night Classic China and the Coast cruise

For many, walking along the Great Wall is a dream. For passengers aboard Viking Yi Dun on the Classic China and the Coast cruise, it’s a reality. Viking sets itself apart with a China-focused cruisetour that combines a five-night precruise land stay in Beijing and Xian with a nine-night cruise through the East and South China Seas. You can choose from multiple fall 2024 departures.

In Beijing, you can visit the Forbidden City and Great Wall before flying to Xian to admire the famous Terra Cotta Warriors archeological site. You can also take in Shanghai’s impressive skyline and Garden City before sailing along China’s coast. Notable stops include Zhoushan, where you can observe Buddhist culture, and Xiamen for a traditional tea ceremony.

Who should go: Viking appeals to cruisers who prefer a more inclusive pricing model. The line’s fares include one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call; free Wi-Fi; beer and wine served with lunch and dinner; port fees and taxes; and 24/7 specialty coffees, teas and bottled water. The all-veranda ship, 930-passenger Viking Yi Dun is small enough to dock in places the larger ships cannot, offering a more up-close and personal experience without the crowds.

Royal Caribbean’s 7-night Kobe, Osaka and Tokyo cruise

Royal Caribbean’s Kobe, Osaka and Tokyo itinerary offers the best of Japan in a short span of time. The weeklong sailing in November 2025 begins and ends in Shanghai (the port is Baoshan), with two sea days and stops in the Japanese cities of Kobe, Kyoto (Osaka) and Tokyo.

In Kobe, visit the waterfalls of Mount Rokko, take a dip in a hot spring bath (called an onsen) and dine on the region’s famous wagyu beef. Kyoto is known for its multicourse cuisine, shopping, a famous Zen garden, hidden temples and its Geisha district. No visit to Japan would be complete without a port call in Tokyo, where soaring skyscrapers and traditional shrines coexist harmoniously.

Who should go: Travelers with children, multigenerational families and anyone looking for a great deal on an Asian cruise should consider Royal Caribbean‘s offerings. The 4,246-passenger Spectrum of the Seas has high-quality and tech-infused entertainment, myriad bars and dining options (including Sichuan Red, a specialty dining experience filled with Asian-inspired flavors), skydiving and surf simulators, a casino, a teen disco, multiple pools and a splash pad. Expect an international crowd on board, with guests from around the world.

Seabourn’s 14-night Taiwan, South Korea and Japan’s Spring Flowers cruise

Looking for a cruise that covers a lot of ground during a special time of year? Seabourn’s Taiwan, South Korea and Japan’s Spring Flowers itinerary begins in Hong Kong. It maximizes your time at sea, with 11 port stops in four countries over 14 days — and it all happens during cherry blossom season in March 2025. Expect views of Mount Fuji, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, tours of castles and temples, and delicious street food throughout your journey.

Highlights in Taiwan include visiting a Ming Dynasty temple on Penghu Island and seeing Taipei 101, the world’s second-tallest skyscraper. During the Japanese ports, you can plan a visit to the Shureimon gate — a UNESCO Heritage Site in Okinawa’s capital — or take a guided hike through Gangala Valley to see the ancient banyan trees. Finally, in South Korea, stop by the Dongmun traditional market and the Tongdosa Temple, which functions as a museum full of centuries-old relics.

Who should go: Retirees who love spoiling themselves with luxurious amenities will enjoy this two-week getaway. The 458-passenger Seabourn Quest has 229 suites, each with a spacious bathroom featuring a separate tub and shower. Guests can stay busy during sea days with the card room, plunge pool, whirlpool spas and fitness center. Seabourn‘s all-inclusive model also covers gratuities as well as complimentary wines and spirits.

Princess Cruises’ 13-night Circle Japan Fall Foliage cruise

A line long devoted to offering Japan cruises, Princess Cruises truly delivers with this 13-day Circle Japan Fall Foliage itinerary in November 2025. Aside from one port stop in Busan, South Korea, the entire journey is focused on Japan. The sailing begins and ends in Tokyo, with 10 port stops in Hakodate, Niigata, Kanazawa, Sakaiminato, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Kochi, Kobe, Wakayama and Omaezaki.

Points of interest for excursion-planning purposes include Mount Fuji in Tokyo, the enchanting Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa, Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Museum in Nagasaki, and the 1,200-year-old Koyasaan monastery complex — a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Wakayama. Check out the Morning Market (where chefs purchase fresh fish to make sushi) in Hakodate and learn about rice’s importance to sake production at a brewery in Niigata.

Who should go: Princess tends to attract retirees with its classic cruise style. The 2,710-passenger Diamond Princess has something for every guest, including Broadway-style shows after dinner and a number of restaurants. (Don’t miss sashimi at Kai Sushi.) The Izumi Japanese Bath, the largest of its kind at sea, gives guests a traditional onsen experience, complete with hot tubs, steam rooms and saunas against a backdrop of the sea.

Victoria Cruise Line’s 3-night Three Gorges Highlights cruise

For those yearning to see the Yangtze — Asia’s longest river and the third-longest in the world — Victoria Cruise Lines is a safe bet. It’s the only American-managed cruise line on this river and has been in business for 30 years.

The Three Gorges Highlights sailing from Chongqing to Yichang departs daily from March through November each year and showcases daily life on the Yangtze as well as the area’s extraordinary Three Gorges Dam project (China’s new engineering marvel). You’ll be awed by forest-covered mountains, sky-high cliffs and the world’s largest ship lock with a ship lift. Shore excursions receive rave reviews from passengers, and the ships only hold about 200 passengers.

Who should go: Travelers looking for an exceptional add-on experience to their trip to China should consider this three-night sailing (a standard length for this experience, unlike the longer river cruises found in Europe). Victoria recommends booking through a travel agent who can reserve your cruise as part of a package tour offered by local tour operators. Expect lectures about the area’s history and sights, cuisine focused on Chinese and Western flavors, onboard Tai Chi lessons and calligraphy demonstrations, and a cabin to fit every desired level of luxury.

Azamara’s 20-night Treasure of Asia cruise

You can see a lot of Asia in 20 days, especially if you’re doing the Treasure of Asia Voyage with Azamara in March 2025. Beginning in Singapore, the ship will wind its way through Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand — that’s eight countries checked off your bucket list in one trip.

Tour Manila on a bamboo bike, explore the silk factories of Hoi An, zoom through the canals of the Mekong delta on a speedboat outside Ho Chi Minh City and visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok by tuk-tuk.

Who should go: Cruisers who prefer a smaller ship (684 passengers) that still offers plenty of variety — such as seven restaurants and lounges, a swimming pool and a spa — will find Azamara Onward to be just right for their vacation. Azamara includes a couple of helpful extras in its fare: prepaid gratuities and free self-service laundry in addition to select standard spirits, international beers, and a changing selection of red and white wines by the glass.

Uniworld’s 15-day Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia and The Mekong cruise

Travelers with their hearts set on exploring the mighty Mekong River — the 12th longest in the world, which runs through Southwest China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Southern Vietnam — should put Uniworld Boutique River Cruises at the top of their list. The line offers Mekong River sailings throughout 2024 and 2025, which it packages together with pre- and postcruise land-based stays in Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap and Hanoi.

The Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia and The Mekong itinerary starts with a two-night stay in Ho Chi Minh City ahead of embarking on the 68-passenger Mekong Jewel. During the seven-night Mekong River cruise, guests will be able to witness the daily routines of villagers, visit local temples and discover how Khmer scarves are made. The cruise is followed by three nights in Siem Reap, allowing guests to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat. The adventure ends with a three-night stay in Hanoi, where passengers can tour the bustling streets and vibrant markets of Vietnam’s capital.

Who should go: Uniworld thoughtfully packages its river cruises with a land-based tour for travelers who want a seamless and all-inclusive experience. This cruise includes meals, complimentary drinks, 13 excursions, and accommodations on the ship and in city hotels. It also includes ground transfers and gratuities.

Celebrity’s 12-night Bali, Malaysia & Thailand Holiday cruise

Consider this Bali, Malaysia & Thailand Holiday sailing with Celebrity Cruises to be your ticket to an “Eat, Pray, Love” moment in your life. Embarkation takes place in Bali, but you’ll visit additional ports in Indonesia for a taste of all this country has to offer.

From the breathtaking Tiu Kelep waterfalls and towering volcanoes to the many wild tropical bird specials and reef fish in West Bali National Park, you’ll discover so much about this region and perhaps a bit about yourself, too. Next up are stops in Malaysia, including an overnight stay in Penang (known for its beaches, Buddhist temples and exquisite butterfly farm). The 12-night trip wraps up with an overnight in Phuket, Thailand, allowing enough time to explore the tropical forests, palm-lined coves and vibrant nightlife before ending in Singapore.

Who should go: Celebrity is an excellent choice for cruisers who want a slightly elevated experience without dipping too much further into their wallets. This December 2025 sailing on the 2,218-passenger Celebrity Millennium is likely to attract anyone who wants to spend their winter holidays in a tropical locale beyond the more typical Caribbean adventures. This ship was revamped in 2019, so take advantage of the adults-only solarium, reimagined restaurants and lounges and the redesigned spa (not to mention Starlink for high-speed connectivity).

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