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Asia & Asia Pacific

From the ancient temples of Japan to the bustling night markets of Southeast Asia and the stunning landscapes of Australia and New Zealand, discover why Asia and the Asia Pacific is one of the world’s most captivating cruise destinations.

Set Sail on an Asia & Asia Pacific Cruise

Asia and the Asia Pacific region is a feast for every sense—a place where ancient traditions meet dazzling modernity. From the serene cherry blossom gardens of Japan to the vibrant floating markets of Thailand and the dramatic fjords of New Zealand, this vast region promises extraordinary experiences at every turn. With diverse climates spanning tropical warmth to temperate coastlines, there’s always an ideal time to explore this incredible part of the world.

A picturesque view of Oia, Santorini featuring iconic white-washed buildings and distinctive blue-domed churches against a backdrop of blue sky and sea. The traditional Cycladic architecture showcases the island's unique architectural style.
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Silversea Silver Endeavour
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Spectacular aurora borealis dancing in vibrant green and blue hues above snow-covered mountains and a calm fjord waters. The dramatic night sky illuminates the rugged winter landscape with ethereal light.
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Ancient Temples & Traditions

Explore centuries-old temples, sacred shrines, and living traditions that have shaped civilizations for thousands of years.

World-Class Cuisine

From sushi in Tokyo to street food in Bangkok and fine dining in Singapore, Asia offers some of the planet’s most celebrated flavors.

Breathtaking Landscapes

Dramatic limestone karsts, volcanic islands, lush rainforests, and stunning fjords create some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on earth.

Explore the Asia & Asia Pacific Regions

Asia and the Asia Pacific span an incredible range of cruising regions, each offering its own unique character and experiences. Our expert cruise advisors will help you find the perfect match for the voyage of a lifetime.

A breathtaking coastal scene featuring a small boat, seals on rocky shores, and bald eagles soaring against a vibrant sunset in a lush Alaskan landscape with snow-capped mountains.
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East Asia

Key Ports: Tokyo, Kyoto (Osaka), Shanghai, Beijing (Tianjin), Hong Kong, Busan, Taipei

Known For: Ancient temples, cutting-edge cities, cherry blossom season, the Great Wall, incredible cuisine

Ideal For: Culture enthusiasts and first-time Asia cruisers seeking iconic destinations

Duration: 7-14 nights

An excited passenger slides down a vibrant yellow water slide on a cruise ship, with blue and red water slides in the background and ocean visible beyond the ship's deck.
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Southeast Asia

Key Ports: Singapore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Bali, Phuket, Ha Long Bay, Penang, Manila

Known For: Floating markets, tropical islands, vibrant street food, Buddhist temples, warm hospitality

Ideal For: Adventurous travelers and food lovers seeking immersive cultural experiences

Duration: 7-14 nights

A large MSC cruise ship docked at the pristine Ocean Cay marine reserve in the Bahamas, with a white lighthouse and turquoise waters surrounding a white sandy beach.
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Australia & New Zealand

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

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

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 enthusiasts, history buffs, foodies Adventure seekers, food lovers, beach enthusiasts Nature lovers, wine enthusiasts, experienced cruisers
Highlights Cherry blossoms, ancient temples, the Great Wall, neon-lit cities Floating markets, tropical beaches, Ha Long Bay, temple complexes Great Barrier Reef, Milford Sound, unique wildlife, wine regions
An elegant cafe interior on a cruise ship featuring a curved bar, warm lighting, and yellow and brown color scheme. The 'Caffe Italia' sign highlights the Italian-themed dining area.
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Our Asia cruise expert advisors will guide you every step of the way.

The sheer breadth of Asia and the Asia Pacific can feel overwhelming when you’re planning a cruise—and that’s exactly where we come in. You could explore Japan’s cherry blossoms in spring, wander through the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, cruise through New Zealand’s breathtaking Milford Sound, or shop in the dazzling markets of Singapore and Hong Kong. From the bustling streets of Bangkok and the serene rice terraces of Bali to the futuristic skylines of Tokyo and Shanghai, there’s truly something for everyone. You can also extend your voyage into the South Pacific islands, India, or even the Maldives. If that list has your head spinning and you don’t know where to begin, that’s what our team of 23+ expert cruise advisors is here for—we’ve sailed these waters and we’ll help you plan the perfect itinerary. Talk to a cruise expert today!

Beyond Asia & the Pacific

Many Asia and Asia Pacific itineraries can be extended or combined with nearby regions for an even grander voyage.

  • South Pacific Islands – Fiji, Tahiti, and Samoa offer paradise-like tropical getaways
  • India & Sri Lanka – Vibrant culture, historic palaces, and exotic wildlife
  • Alaska Repositioning – Trans-Pacific crossings connecting Asia to North America
  • World Cruises – Grand voyages that include Asia as part of an around-the-world itinerary
Norwegian Fjords
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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.

Best Time to Cruise Asia & the Asia Pacific

With such a vast region, the best time to cruise depends on where you want to go. Our expert advisors can help you plan the ideal timing for your dream itinerary.

Japan & East Asia (March – May, September – November): Spring cherry blossom season and autumn foliage offer stunning scenery and comfortable temperatures. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter brings cooler weather and fewer crowds.

Southeast Asia (November – March): The dry season brings ideal conditions for exploring Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and beyond. Temperatures remain warm year-round, but the monsoon season (May – October) can bring heavy rainfall.

Australia & New Zealand (October – April): The Southern Hemisphere summer and autumn seasons offer warm weather and long days, perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and New Zealand fjords. Many cruise lines reposition ships to this region during Northern Hemisphere winter.

Repositioning cruises in spring and autumn offer exceptional value and unique itineraries connecting Asia to other regions.

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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 best time depends on the region. For Japan and East Asia, spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the best weather and scenery. Southeast Asia is ideal during the dry season from November through March. Australia and New Zealand cruises are best from October through April, during the Southern Hemisphere’s warmer months. Your cruise advisor can help you time your trip perfectly based on your preferred destinations.

Asia cruises vary widely in length. East Asia and Southeast Asia itineraries typically range from 7 to 14 nights, while Australia and New Zealand voyages often run 10 to 21 nights. Grand voyages and world cruise segments that include multiple Asian regions can last 30 days or more. We can help you find the right duration to match your schedule and bucket list.

Visa requirements vary by country and your nationality. Many cruise ports in Asia allow visa-free transit for cruise passengers staying with organized shore excursions, but some destinations like China, Vietnam, and India may require advance visas depending on the specific port and length of stay. Our expert advisors will help you understand the visa requirements for your specific itinerary so there are no surprises.

Many major cruise lines offer Asia and Asia Pacific itineraries. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line all have seasonal deployments. Luxury lines like Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Oceania offer more immersive, port-intensive voyages. Our team of 23+ advisors will match you with the cruise line that best fits your style and budget—with no fees, ever.

Absolutely! Cruising is actually one of the best ways to experience Asia for the first time. You unpack once and wake up in a new destination each day, with the comfort and familiarity of your ship as a home base. Shore excursions handle the logistics of navigating new cultures, languages, and transportation. Our advisors who’ve been there can recommend the best introductory itineraries to ease you into this incredible region.

Popular excursions include visiting the Great Wall of China from Tianjin, exploring the temples of Kyoto, touring Ha Long Bay by boat, visiting Angkor Wat in Cambodia, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, experiencing a Milford Sound scenic cruise, shopping and food tours in Singapore and Hong Kong, and cultural performances in Bali. Many ports also offer cooking classes, tea ceremonies, and guided market tours.

Yes! Many cruise lines offer family-friendly Asia itineraries with kids’ clubs, teen programs, and age-appropriate shore excursions. Children are often fascinated by the unique wildlife, hands-on cultural experiences, and dramatically different landscapes. Singapore, Australia, and Japan are particularly family-friendly destinations. Our advisors can help you choose the best cruise line and itinerary for your family’s ages and interests.

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for tropical Southeast Asian ports, and add layers for cooler destinations like Japan in spring or autumn and New Zealand’s fjords. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for temple visits and city exploration. Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is recommended for temple visits. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen, a travel adapter, and any necessary medications. Your cruise advisor can provide a detailed packing list tailored to your specific itinerary and time of year.

We recommend booking Asia cruises 9 to 18 months in advance, especially for popular seasons like Japan’s cherry blossom season or Australia during the holidays. These itineraries tend to sell out earlier than Caribbean cruises because fewer ships are deployed to the region. Booking early gives you the best cabin selection and access to our exclusive group rates with savings up to 50% off published fares—plus our weekly price monitoring ensures you’ll always get the best rate.

Yes! Many cruise lines offer grand Asia voyages that combine East Asia, Southeast Asia, and even Australia and New Zealand into one extended itinerary. Repositioning cruises are another excellent option, moving ships between regions while visiting ports along the way. Back-to-back sailings are also a great way to explore more. Talk to one of our expert cruise advisors about building the ultimate Asia Pacific cruise experience.