Far East

It is a vision of ethereal beauty, where ribbons of white unravel along an azure sea, emerald rice terraces and stone-carved temples pierce a jade landscape; and Hindu gods inspire the highest form of human creativity. Bali is a place of such physical, cultural and spiritual beauty; it can truly be called a paradise.

Laem Chabang is the gateway to Bangkok. Founded in 1782 by King RamaI, the city is home to more than eight million people. The capital's proper name is Krung Thep - the City of Angels. Mysterious and magical, Thailand's sprawling and dynamic capital offers more exotic sights than any other major Asian city. Visit the magnificent Grand Palace, sparkling residence of Siam's royalty.

On the western shores of Bohai Bay, Tianjin is a warm welcome to one of China's most exciting regions. To the north is Beijing, the world's fourth largest port, which invites inquisitive exploration. Tianjin and Beijing both have seemingly inexhaustible ways to entertain, excite and intrigue, with myriad attractions, pulsating cultural riches and superb cuisines. Beijing is a city that needs no introduction. Visitors will begin at the iconic Tiananmen Square with its incredible surrounding buildings, before moving onto the mysterious and beautiful Forbidden City for a look at one of the country’s most impressive palaces. Food lovers will rejoice in the choice on offer around Beijing, though if you only fancy trying one dish, it has to be the city’s famous speciality Peking roast duck, with several restaurants dedicated to the art of perfecting this dish.

South Korea's second largest city after Seoul, Busan likes its attractions to be gargantuan! Head to the world's largest department store, Centum City, or spend the day relaxing on Haeundae Beach Korea's largest. If a more cultural experience beckons, admire the pagodas, gates, temple halls, and shrines of Beomeosa Temple.

Set out on the Malabar coast amid small islands and narrow inlets, this fascinating port, once a major stop along the Spice Route, features a history that dates back to Roman times. Walk along winding streets with 15th-century Portuguese houses. Visit the Mattancheri Palace with its exquisite murals. Step into the ancient synagogue Cochin's Jewish community goes back over 2,000 years.

A landscape draped in greenery, stunning beaches, great wildlife refuges and the ruins of an ancient civilisation beckon visitors to Sri Lanka, an island inhabited by man for perhaps half a billion years. The sights of Colombo are many, a combination of British colonial architecture, historical museums, fine restaurants and shopping especially for sapphires and rubies.

A stretch of coastline quite unlike any other in the South China Sea. Passing coastal sand dunes, beautiful green hills and paddy fields, you sail to the historic Vietnamese cities of Hue and Da Nang. A port call to Chan May offers the chance to experience white sand beaches, historic tombs and one of Vietnam’s most famous waterways: the Perfume River. Whether you choose to travel to Hue or Da Nang you’ll be met with a wealth of sights to see, not to mention scenes of indescribable beauty. Both cities are the gateways to some of Vietnam’s most illustrious treasures; from the Ancient Emperor tombs outside of Hue to the spectacular cave labyrinth of Da Nang’s Marble Mountains. Prepare to find your senses piqued, your soul nourished and your heart captivated by otherworldly sights and spellbinding scenery.

Hakodate is one of the most popular city destinations in Japan. Here you can experience diverse dynamic architecture, the last Shogun battlefield and enjoy shimmering night views from Mount Hakodate.

Step back in time in one of the world's most ancient capitals. Savour the 13th-century buildings of the old quarter or see the traditional storytelling art of water puppetry nearby in Hoan Kiem Lake. Just off the coast of Vietnam, a myriad of karstic islands are clustered in this picturesque setting. Looming out of the sea, undercut by erosions into fantastic shapes, they reminded the Vietnamese of the looping back of a swimming dragon. Scattered among them, whole communities of fishing families live most of their lives on sampans, trading among themselves and periodically going into nearby towns such as Haiphong to sell their catch and buy supplies.

Containing moving peace monuments to the end of World War II, Hiroshima is a modern city which has grown from the destruction, forward-looking, yet with deeply traditional roots. It is an immensely fascinating city. There is more to discover in Hiroshima than its evocative Atomic Bomb Dome - there's the landscaped Shukkeien Garden, the Mazda Museum and okonomiyaki, a batter and cabbage pancake topped with octopus, shrimp or pork.

Welcome to Vietnam's culinary centre where there is plenty on the menu. The port of Phu My (pronounced "Foo Me") is the gateway to Ho Chi Minh City and the seaside resort of Vung Tau. Still fondly known as Saigon, the city is a thrilling, chaotic whirl played out against a French colonial backdrop as the aroma of noodle stalls, the sight of orange-garbed monks and the incessant buzz of scooters create a vivid snapshot of daily life.

Hong Kong may boast some 236 islands but most of the five million inhabitants of this former British Crown Colony are concentrated on just one, Hong Kong Island, and one city, Kowloon, on the facing peninsula. It is known as one of the most crowded and vibrant places in the world, making Hong King cruises a must see. Be energised just walking down its teeming streets where you can buy anything from a handmade suit, fancy jewellery and the latest duty-free electronic gizmos to Asian antiques. Go on a trip between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island with the Star Ferry, giving you the experience of the world's busiest crossings. For one of the steepest journeys, try the tram which travels to the top of Victoria Peak,

This imaginary line stretches around the world, and the date changes along the line. Crossing the International Date Line is a time-honoured travel milestone. Heading east across this imaginary line sets the clock back 24 hours, effectively gaining a day. Raise a glass to the event!

This South Korean island may have been borne from destructive volcanic forces, but Jeju-do is now an area of outstanding natural beauty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seongsan IIchulbong is Jeju-do's most impressive landmark. Shaped like a giant punchbowl, this 182 metre high volcano dominates the skyline and it's well worth the 20 minute climb from the entrance to the crater rim (though the stairs are steep so it's not for the faint hearted). Beneath Seongsan IIchulbong is the Geomun Oreum lava tube system where multi-coloured carbonate decorations adorn the roofs and floors. A stunning sight, it's one of the finest, if not the finest, examples in the world.

Located on the southern tip of Kyushu, Kagoshima provides spectacular scenery - from rugged mountains and rivers to bubbling hot springs, as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna. Mount Sakurajima dominates the skyline above Kagoshima City and is said to change its colours seven times during the course of a day. A 15 minute ferry ride will take you to Sakurajima Island where you can view the volcano’s vast lava fields that were caused by three major past eruptions. The most violent eruption occurred in 1914 when a lava flow of over three billion tonnes destroyed numerous villages.

Keelung resides only a short trip away from the Capital of Taiwan, Taipei, but the port-city itself is full of interesting sights. In the 17th century the city was established as the centre of commercial and military trade and continued to act as such throughout the Spanish, Dutch and Qing Dynasty rule. It now contains historical gems, such as the Ershawan Fort, due to its fascinating history. Taiwanese food culture is thriving in Keelung; the Miaokou Night Market is the ideal place to try a large range of delicacies, but the city has an abundance of authentic cuisine available.

An unspoiled tropical island paradise with sugary white sand, swaying palms and limpid waters - a sublime slice of Southeast Asian heaven.

Kobe is the starting point for excursions to the cultural fountainheads of Classical Japan. Ride the bullet train to the classical pavilions and castles of Kyoto. Until 1868, Kyoto was the capital of Japan, filled with elegant timber buildings and, perhaps more than any other Japanese city, imbued with Kami, the divine spirit. You'll sense it everywhere, for there are hundreds of Shinto shrines and over a thousand Buddhist temples.

Experience a slice of the real Japan in cosmopolitan Kochi, a vibrant modern city with friendly people and a laidback vibe.With easy access to sea and mountains, there are sweeping beaches, hidden temples and a hilltop castle to explore besides the trendy malls and bustling palm-lined arcades of Kochi downtown. For spectacular views across the city, it's worth the climb to the castle; a gleaming example of 17th century history with its perfectly intact interior documenting a dramatic feudal past. The nearby Hirome food market sells everything from fresh fish to tasty katsuo and ramen noodles, but for a calmer pilgrimage, visit Chikurin-ji Temple.

The capital of the state of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu provides a gateway to an adventure-fuelled destination. The city is decorated with dense jungle, stunning beaches and towering mountains. Kota Kinabalu sits on the island of Borneo and is a wild and intriguing place. It is home to diverse flora and fauna and stunning scenery. Those looking to get active during their time in and around the city will be blessed by a range of activities, while alluring beaches will appease those looking to relax.

Port Kelang is the port for Malaysia's modern and bustling city of Kuala Lumpur, with its fusion of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures. Savour the intriguing jumble of Moorish architecture and stately parks, then train your camera lens on soaring Petronas Towers, the fabulous twin emblems of modern Kuala Lumpur.

Much of Laem Chabang's old laid-back charm remains, despite its rapid transformation into the country's Riviera' - a major gateway for visiting cruise guests. Located on Thailand's east coast, this tranquil region of fruit orchards, gem mines and oyster and orchid farms, is now also a great place for swimming, snorkelling and experiencing traditional Thai village life.You will be hard pressed to know what to do first when you visit the fascinating nearby capital of Bangkok, a treasury of old temples, fine palaces and extravagant art.

This cluster of 99 islands boasts palm-fringed beaches that are the envy of all Malaysia, beside an abundance of other natural wonders shrouded in folklore.

Founded in the 1400s by a fleeing prince, Malacca is a place seemingly defined by comings and goings over the centuries. The city itself changed hands, between the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British, and the variety of influences remains imprinted here, which makes it an intriguing place for you to visit today. Explore the different layers of history here. The wooden replica Melaka Sultanate Palace recalls an era over 500 years ago, several churches tell of Portuguese occupation in the early 1500s while a series of elaborate tombstones date from after the Dutch arrival in the mid-1600s.

On the southernmost island of Kyushu, Miyazaki offers one of the warmest climates in Japan. With parks and botanical gardens, its outdoors appeal attracts everyone from surfers to golfers. Aburatsu stands around 30 miles or so from Miyazaki, in an area linked with the enigmatic Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan. The Miyazaki Shrine is dedicated to the emperor and his parents, and is believed to trace back to the start of Emperor Jimmu’s reign around 2,600 years ago. The cedar wood shrine stands in attractive gardens that include a 400-year-old wisteria.

On Nagasaki cruises you can look forward to rich cosmopolitan atmosphere and the beautiful seaside scenery.Standing over the Nakashima River is Japans first Chinese-style stone bridge, the Spectacle Bridge, which reflects as ovals on the surface of the water. It is said that bridges here were only built on roads that led to temples, ornate structures that still adorn many of the streets.Etched in the memory of Nagasaki is the 1945 atomic bomb that destroyed much of the city. Today it still lingers in poignant reminders, such as Peace Park and the A-Bomb Museum, all part of our Nagasaki cruise shore excursions.

With a population of 300,000 Nha Trang still retains its small town atmosphere and is well known for the friendliness of the locals. Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the River Cai for views of the countryside and a glimpse into the lives of the locals. An opportunity to discover the incredible sights of Indochina, incorporating Vietnam and Cambodia with a visit to Angkor Wat.

Okinawa is the largest of the Ryukyu Islands in the Pacific Ocean, and is the homeland of Karate, however the tunnels of its World War II underground Navy Headquarters tell of another type of combat. Having nearly been destroyed in 1945, during one of the most extreme battles of World War Two, the island has rebuilt and renovated itself, whilst still retaining much of its rich cultural history.

Japan's third largest city, Osaka offers your cruise holiday a combination of historical and cultural attractions with modern developments. Before World War II, Osaka was an exotic maze of crisscrossing waterways and traditional wooden buildings, but unfortunately most of these were destroyed in the bombings.Today however, the city has leapt into the architectural future with such buildings as the Imperial Hotel, the inverted U-shape of the Umeda Sky Building and the enormous Ferris wheel on top of the HEP Five complex.In addition, cruises to Osaka will also offer you the chance to see the gentle side of Japan. Kyoto, the former capital, is a serene city of geometric gardens, geisha houses, cherry trees, temples and palaces.

Otaru lies close to the city of Sapporo on Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s islands. Hokkaido’s scenery comprises dense forest, mountains and marshlands, dotted with mineral-rich hot springs. Hokkaido is seen as wild and rugged, where nature dominates. So it was only in the late 1800s that the population flourished. Much of Otaru’s industry at this time focused around the herring fishing industry, and the wealth it brought was reflected in its so-called ‘Herring Mansions.’ The beautifully renovated Otaru Canal was once a vital part of this compact city’s role as a working harbour, as small boats would unload the cargo from the ships in port and carry them to the warehouses along its banks. The warehouse buildings are now shops, restaurants and museums, and it’s a lovely place for a stroll, or even a leisurely boat ride.

Penang is an alluring combination of golden beaches and cultural gems. Along the north coast, Penang's most famous beach is lined with luxury Asian hotels while Malay kampongs sprinkle across a countryside scented with cloves and nutmeg. Admire the giant reclining Buddha and the 1,000 gilded statues of Kek Lok Si Temple. See the elaborate clan house of the Chinese Khoo Kongsi.

In amidst the swarming streets and markets of Ho Chi Minh City, stand numerous landmarks bound in history and tradition: from museums that tell the stories of war to ornamental pagodas that are filled with characters from Buddhist and Taoist religions, all of which can be seen while enjoying one of our cruises to Phu My.From Phu My, your cruise shore excursion leads you to the fascinating tunnel network at Cu Chi, used by the Viet Cong during the war. At their height they stretched from the South Vietnamese capital to the Cambodian border.

Thailand's Phuket is one of its most popular resorts and a wonderful place to enjoy a chill out' day. Embark on one of our Phuket cruises and experience the lush scenery this destination has to offer, its colourful markets and soft white beaches.

Far East cruises offer an intoxicating mixture of non-stop cities and peaceful incense-scented temples, of lush jungle and stunning beaches. From China, Japan and Korea to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia, holidays in this part of the world are a treat for all the senses – leaving you both invigorated and relaxed.

Home of the famous Manga ghost author, Mizuki Shigeru, hauntingly beautiful Sakaiminato suggests many fascinating ways to spend time ashore. Begin by visiting Izumo Taisha’s grand shrine to marriage. Then enjoy an invigorating outdoor natural spa, bathing in the Kaike Onsen hot springs. Or maybe visit one of the many museums and the rare original Japanese Matsue Castle.

Set on the island of Hokkaido, the Muroran region is a place of dark forests, hot springs and active volcanoes; a picturesque place to ease into blissful relaxation. The eight scenic sights known as the Muroran Hakkei include the Earth Cape white lighthouse with nesting falcons and a panoramic view. Visit Sapporo to the north or take time out in time-honoured fashion, bathing in hot mineral springs.

Kyushu Island’s city of Sasebo is famously known for Huis Ten Bosch, an enchanting Dutch-themed amusement park. It’s also the gateway to the natural beauty of the Kujukushima Islands. Gateway to the ethereal Kujukushima islands, this once modest fishing town in Japan’s Nagasaki Prefecture is today a melting pot of international influences, where elements of Japanese, Dutch and American culture lend the city a unique look and feel. You’ll experience this most notably among the windmills and gabled buildings of Huis Ten Bosch, built to replicate the Dutch landscape, while Sasebo’s downtown bars offer more than a nod to the U.S.

Shanghai's attractions are legendary, from exquisite temples and superb museums to a stroll along the Bund with its elegant 19th-century European architecture. The city is also your gateway to the Grand Canal and the famed cities of Wuxi and Suzhou.

Cambodia's only international marine port, Sihanoukville's beaches span most of the surrounding coastline. Flights to and from Siem Reap and Angkor have secured its fortune.

Explore multi-cultural Singapore at the gold-domed Sultan Mosque, the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple with its vivid images of Hindu God Vishnu and the calm, lotus-filled lakes of the Chinese garden. A certain Britishness lingers too, so stop by Singapore Polo Club and Raffles Hotel for a tall glass of the pink stuff - a signature Singapore Sling.

The second largest city in Japan is Yokohama, a rapidly developing and exciting city filled with Japanese charm and culture. In 1854 Yokohama became the first port opened to foreign trade in the country so there is an interesting maritime and international flavour to the city. It is one of the most accessible cities in Japan and is less than half an hour from Tokyo by train. You will find much to do and see during your Yokohama cruise, from discovering landmarks and exploring museums to sampling tasty Japanese cuisine and shopping till you drop in one of the city’s expansive malls.

Opening up adventures through ancient military fortifications and a chance to indulge in the culinary influences of its close Asian neighbours, a visit to Vladivostok offers experiences you won’t find in any other Russian port. Closer to Seoul than Moscow, a port call to Vladivostok reveals a lesser-seen side to Russia, where the influences of the east are as prominent as those of the west. Here you’ll find constant reminders of Vladivostok’s proximity to its Chinese, Korean and Japanese neighbours, most notably in its cuisine and retail. While Russian dolls line the shelves of its gift shops, steamed Asian dumplings and fresh seafood are a staple of Vladivostok’s dining offer

Yokohama is an exciting city filled with Japanese charm and culture, and is less than 30 minutes’ train ride from Tokyo, so there’s an opportunity to sample two of Japan’s greatest urban centres. Located directly south of the capital Tokyo and set beside the waters of Tokyo Bay, Japan’s second city is enveloped in the modern and forward-thinking ideology of the country, proving to be a fantastic base for those who wish to immerse themselves in the diverse identity of Japan. There is no better way of capturing the culture of a new city than sampling the cuisine. A number of small and cosy seafood eateries, with kaki furai, or deep-fried oysters, being a particular favourite. Shabu-shabu restaurants are all-you-can-eat establishments allowing you to sample a vast array of Japanese food – perfect if you are unfamiliar with the local cuisine and would like to try lots of dishes. A number of fantastic sushi bars serve the very best of Japan’s most iconic culinary treat.