As travelers from China and other Asian countries increasingly book cruises to the West, Western luxury cruise lines are responding by expanding their itineraries into Asia. The result is more small-ship and boutique-style voyages that blend metropolitan highlights with ancient cultural sites.
Windstar Cruises has emerged as a leader in this shift, adding seven new premium cruise-tours in Asia for 2019. These 12- to 17-day journeys sail aboard the 212-passenger all-suite Star Legend and emphasize immersive experiences and elevated dining. The itineraries showcase Asia’s range, from China’s Great Wall to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. One itinerary links China, Japan and South Korea; another focuses on Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam; and a third runs from Cambodia to Hong Kong with stops in Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Borneo.
Travelers particularly drawn to Japan will find enticing options. Abercrombie & Kent is operating an off-the-beaten-path cruise to Japan from May 30–June 13, 2019, aboard Ponant’s 199-passenger Le Soléal. The voyage includes immersive shore experiences such as a geisha performance in Kanazawa and a noodle-making session in Takamatsu, gateway to Shikoku Island. The program also includes two nights in Kyoto and calls at Matsu, Sado Island and Hokkaido, plus a special stop in South Korea at Gyeongju, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
For those fascinated by China, Uniworld expanded its presence on the Yangtze River in 2019 by adding a second vessel, the refurbished 124-passenger Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer. This contemporary, boutique-style ship features private balconies and a high crew-to-guest ratio. Uniworld’s 11-day Highlights of China & the Yangtze itinerary can be combined with an optional six-day pre-cruise extension to Mongolia and the Gobi Desert for passengers seeking a broader overland exploration.
Notable for its intimacy and adventurous shore programs, Minor Hotels’ Mekong Kingdoms division introduced a highly unusual river cruise in Laos for 2019. The Gypsy is a tiny boutique barge with just two cabins and capacity for four passengers, offering three- and four-day trips between Luang Prabang and Thailand’s Golden Triangle. The wooden vessel features a midship dining area and a panoramic open deck at the bow. The all-inclusive price covers an English-speaking guide and a diverse range of excursions, from mountain biking, jungle trekking and whiskey tasting to weaving workshops, elephant camp visits and limestone cave tours.
Most Western-based international cruise lines now include Asian sailings, reflecting the region’s rapid growth in passenger demand. With cruise traffic in Asia rising sharply—passenger numbers increased by about 20 percent in the last year—early booking is wise for travelers planning a maritime journey to the East.