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Asia & Asia Pacific

From the sacred temples of Kyoto to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay and the awe-inspiring fjords of New Zealand, Asia and the Asia Pacific delivers a cruise experience that engages every sense and creates memories to treasure forever.

Embark on an Asia & Pacific Voyage

Cruising through Asia and the Pacific is unlike anything else on the water. It’s a journey through millennia of history, staggering natural wonders, and flavours that will redefine how you think about food. Picture gliding past limestone karsts in Vietnam at sunrise, tasting freshly made sushi steps from Tokyo’s legendary fish markets, or watching the sun set over Sydney Harbour from your balcony. With welcoming cultures at every port and landscapes that range from tropical rainforests to snow-capped volcanoes, an Asia Pacific sailing is the kind of trip that stays with you long after you return home.

A picturesque historic street in Skagway, Alaska, featuring preserved gold rush-era buildings with snow-capped mountain peaks in the background. A small stream runs through the foreground, lined with purple lupine flowers.
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A picturesque harbor view of Ketchikan, Alaska, featuring colorful waterfront buildings, fishing boats, and mountains at golden hour, showcasing the town's maritime character.
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Timeless Heritage

Walk among centuries-old temples, witness time-honoured ceremonies, and discover traditions that have shaped civilizations across millennia.

Extraordinary Flavours

Savour fresh sushi in Tokyo, explore aromatic night markets in Taipei, and taste authentic pho in Ho Chi Minh City—every port is a culinary revelation.

Breathtaking Landscapes

Towering limestone karsts, volcanic islands, emerald rainforests, and the Great Barrier Reef make this region a paradise for nature lovers.

Discover Asia & Pacific Cruising Regions

This vast region spans three remarkable cruising zones, each offering a completely different flavour of adventure. Our expert advisors—many of whom have sailed these waters personally—are ready to help you choose the itinerary that matches your travel dreams.

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East Asia

Key Ports: Tokyo, Kyoto (Osaka), Shanghai, Beijing (Tianjin), Hong Kong, Seoul (Incheon), Taipei (Keelung)

Known For: Cherry blossom season, ancient temples, cutting-edge cities, the Great Wall, vibrant night markets

Ideal For: Culture enthusiasts and foodies seeking a blend of tradition and modernity

Duration: 7-14 nights

A picturesque view of a colorful Alaskan fishing harbor with vibrant boats docked along wooden piers, backed by snow-capped mountains and a distant glacier at sunset.
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Southeast Asia

Key Ports: Singapore, Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Bali (Benoa), Phuket, Penang, Manila

Known For: Floating markets, ornate temples, pristine beaches, lush jungles, incredible street food

Ideal For: Adventurous travelers looking for exotic experiences and outstanding value

Duration: 7-14 nights

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Australia & New Zealand

Key Ports: Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Queenstown (Fiordland), Brisbane, Hobart, Wellington, Bay of Islands

Known For: Great Barrier Reef, Milford Sound fjords, cosmopolitan cities, unique wildlife, wine regions

Ideal For: Nature lovers and experienced cruisers seeking bucket-list scenery

Duration: 10-21 nights

Compare Asia & Asia Pacific Cruise Regions

Feature East Asia Southeast Asia Australia & New Zealand
Typical Duration 7–14 nights 7–14 nights 10–21 nights
Main Departure Ports Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore Singapore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland
Best For Culture lovers, foodies, history buffs Adventure seekers, budget-conscious travelers, beach lovers Nature enthusiasts, experienced cruisers, wine lovers
Highlights Cherry blossoms, the Great Wall, ancient temples, neon cities Floating markets, tropical beaches, jungle treks, street food Great Barrier Reef, Milford Sound, wildlife encounters, cosmopolitan cities
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Let our team of expert advisors chart the perfect Asia Pacific itinerary for you.

With so many incredible destinations spread across this enormous region, knowing where to start can feel like a challenge—and that’s where we come in. Whether you’re drawn to the neon-drenched energy of Tokyo, the serene rice paddies of Bali, the ancient grandeur of the Great Wall, or the pristine fjords of New Zealand, our team of 23+ cruise advisors will narrow down the possibilities and design the voyage that’s right for you.

In East Asia, explore the imperial palaces of Beijing, taste dim sum in Hong Kong, or wander Kyoto’s bamboo groves. Southeast Asia beckons with the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, the golden temples of Bangkok, and Singapore’s dazzling food scene. Down under, you could snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, sail through the majestic channels of Milford Sound, or enjoy world-class wines in the Barossa Valley. You can even stitch regions together on an extended repositioning voyage for the ultimate Asia Pacific adventure.

We’ve sailed these waters, and we’re here to share that real experience with you—no fees, no guesswork, just personal service from advisors who truly know this part of the world. Talk to a cruise expert today!

Extend Your Asia Pacific Adventure

Many Asia Pacific itineraries connect seamlessly with neighbouring regions, letting you turn a great cruise into a truly extraordinary voyage.

  • India & Sri Lanka – Discover the Taj Mahal, fragrant spice markets, and ancient coastal temples
  • South Pacific Islands – Escape to the unspoiled paradise of Fiji, Tahiti, and Samoa
  • Transpacific Crossings – Link Asia with North America on an unforgettable ocean voyage
  • Arabian Gulf – Add the dazzling skylines of Dubai, Oman, and Abu Dhabi to your journey
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Find your specialty cruise today!

We’ll help find the perfect specialty cruise—whether you’re crossing oceans, transiting canals, or exploring the ends of the Earth.

When to Cruise Asia & the Pacific

Spanning both hemispheres, the Asia Pacific always has a region in its prime season—making it a year-round cruising destination if you know where to go.

East Asia (March – May & September – November): Springtime in Japan brings the world-famous cherry blossoms, while autumn delivers comfortable weather and spectacular foliage across the region. Summer months tend to be hot and humid, and northern ports cool down considerably in winter.

Southeast Asia (November – March): The dry season offers warm, pleasant conditions and calmer seas throughout Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Monsoon months from June to October bring short tropical downpours, though many travellers enjoy the lower fares and fewer crowds during this window.

Australia & New Zealand (October – April): Southern Hemisphere summer and early autumn bring longer days, warmer temperatures, and ideal conditions for reef snorkelling and fjord exploration. This is peak cruise season down under.

Repositioning sailings during spring and autumn—as ships shift between seasonal homeports—offer outstanding value and the chance to experience multiple regions on a single voyage. Ask our advisors which option suits your schedule and budget.

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Why Book with Cruise Help

Expert Advisors

Specialty cruise specialists who understand the unique requirements of expedition and world voyages.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalised Planning

Custom recommendations for ships, itineraries, and cabin selection on complex voyages.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation and beyond—we’re with you every step.

Asia & Asia Pacific Cruise FAQs

The answer depends on which part of this vast region you want to explore. East Asia shines in spring (March–May) when Japan’s cherry blossoms are at their peak, and again in autumn (September–November) when temperatures are comfortable. Southeast Asia is at its finest during the dry season from November through March. For Australia and New Zealand, the Southern Hemisphere summer between October and April delivers the warmest weather and longest days. Our advisors can recommend the ideal timing based on the destinations that excite you most.

Southeast Asia departing from Singapore is a fantastic entry point. Singapore is welcoming, English is widely spoken, and sailings of 7 to 10 nights let you sample several countries in one trip. Japan is another excellent first-time choice thanks to smooth logistics, world-class food, and extraordinary cultural experiences at virtually every port. Our team will tailor recommendations based on your interests and comfort level.

It varies by region. East Asia and Southeast Asia itineraries typically run 7 to 14 nights. Australia and New Zealand cruises often range from 10 to 21 nights because of the greater distances between ports. Transpacific repositioning voyages—linking Asia with North America—can stretch to 14 to 28 nights. We’ll match the right duration to your schedule, interests, and budget.

Visa requirements differ by country and your nationality. U.S. passport holders can enter Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and most of Southeast Asia visa-free for short visits. China and a handful of other countries may require advance visas, though certain cruise ports offer visa-free transit programs. Your Cruise Help advisor will walk you through the specific requirements for every port on your itinerary so there are no surprises.

For Southeast Asia’s tropical climate, lightweight and breathable clothing is a must, along with modest attire for temple visits—covering shoulders and knees is required at many sacred sites. If you’re heading to East Asia in spring or autumn, pack layers because temperatures can swing throughout the day. Comfortable walking shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and a universal power adapter round out the essentials. We’re happy to send you a customised packing checklist tailored to your specific ports.

You’ll find a wide selection. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Holland America, and Princess all deploy ships to Asia seasonally. For a more premium or luxury experience, look to Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Oceania, and Seabourn. Australia and New Zealand are well served by P&O Cruises Australia and Cunard, among others. Our team of 23+ advisors will pair you with the cruise line that fits your style—and we never charge booking fees.

It can be a wonderful family experience, especially on itineraries that call on Japan, Singapore, and Australia, where the infrastructure is family-friendly and English is common. Many ships sailing this region feature dedicated kids’ clubs and family-oriented shore excursions. Southeast Asian ports work well for older children and teens who enjoy a sense of adventure. Let our advisors recommend the family-friendliest itineraries and cruise lines for your group.

The highlights are truly world-class. Favourites include walking the Great Wall of China from Tianjin, exploring Angkor Wat from a Vietnam port call, snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, touring Kyoto’s golden temples, gliding through Ha Long Bay on a traditional junk boat, and hiking New Zealand’s stunning Fiordland. Many ports also offer hands-on cooking classes, bustling market tours, and tea ceremony experiences. Our advisors—many of whom have done these excursions personally—can help you choose the best options.

You can. Repositioning cruises that move between seasonal homeports often combine Southeast Asia with East Asia, or Australia with the South Pacific. Grand voyage itineraries spanning 30+ days cover multiple regions on one sailing. Back-to-back bookings are another smart strategy for maximum exploration. Talk to your Cruise Help advisor about extended and multi-region options—we love planning these bucket-list voyages.

Onboard the ship, everything operates in English—and frequently in additional languages too. At the most popular cruise ports, English is generally understood in tourist areas, and organised shore excursion guides are English-speaking. In more off-the-beaten-path destinations, knowing a few basic phrases can be fun, but it’s not essential. Many cruise lines also employ port lecturers and cultural ambassadors who enrich each stop with local context and language tips.