Luxury Asia cruises are at their best on two kinds of ship: ocean voyages with luxury cruise lines, which link Japan, Korea, China, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia without changing hotel, and small expedition yachts in Indonesia, which reach coral reefs and islands no road goes near. This guide compares the two, shows the routes and seasons, explains what is included and how luxury cruising differs from big-ship cruising, and tells you when to book. River and bay cruises in Vietnam and Cambodia are covered briefly at the end.
Ocean voyages and expedition yachts at a glance
| Type | Where | Length | Guests | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean voyage, North Asia | Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Shanghai | 7 to 16 nights | A few hundred on luxury lines | Cherry blossom or autumn color along the Japanese coast, with Korea in between |
| Ocean voyage, Southeast Asia | Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong | 7 to 20 nights | A few hundred | Several countries in the cooler, drier months |
| Expedition yacht | Komodo, Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands, Indonesia | 3 to 7 nights | A handful of cabins | Snorkeling, diving, remote islands and wildlife |
Japan and Korea by sea
Japan is the strongest ocean-cruise destination in Asia. Luxury lines sail circuits from Tokyo (Yokohama) or Kobe that call at ports such as Hakodate, Kanazawa, Hiroshima and Kagoshima, often with Busan in South Korea and sometimes Taiwan or Shanghai. Spring sailings are timed for cherry blossom, roughly late March to early April, and autumn sailings for the foliage in October and November. Because ports such as Kobe and Hiroshima are short trips from Kyoto and Miyajima, a private guide and car turn each port day into a proper visit. Add a few nights in Tokyo or Kyoto before or after; see our luxury Japan itinerary.
Indonesia by phinisi yacht
Indonesia’s traditional wooden sailing ships, rebuilt as luxury yachts, are the most exclusive way to cruise in Asia. Aqua Expeditions’ Aqua Blu sails Komodo, Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands, and Aman’s Amandira can be chartered privately. Days are spent snorkeling over coral reefs, walking with rangers to see Komodo dragons and landing on empty beaches. Seasons vary by region: Komodo is generally best in its dry season, roughly April to November, while Raja Ampat’s calmest seas are usually from about October to April.
Southeast Asia on luxury cruise lines
Luxury lines such as Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises sail Asian itineraries, mainly in the cooler, drier months from about November to April. Typical routes link Singapore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, Hong Kong and Japan. Ports are often far from city centers, so private guides and cars make each stop far more rewarding than a coach excursion, and a few days on land before or after the cruise lets you see what a single port day cannot.
How luxury cruises in Asia differ from regular cruises
- Size: a few hundred guests on luxury ocean ships, and only a handful on expedition yachts, rather than thousands, so ships reach smaller ports and islands.
- Space: suites and balcony cabins instead of inside cabins.
- Excursions: small-group or private guided outings, often included.
- Food: regional menus and chefs, with fewer set sittings.
- Service: a high ratio of crew to guests, and expert guides on board.
What is typically included
On expedition yachts in Indonesia, the fare usually includes your cabin, all meals, guided excursions and snorkeling gear, and often soft drinks and local beer or wine. Spa treatments, premium wines, gratuities and transfers vary by ship, so check each line’s terms. Ocean lines differ more widely, from all-inclusive fares to à la carte excursions.
When to book a luxury cruise in Asia
- Peak season, roughly November to March, and holidays such as Christmas and Chinese New Year fill first. Book nine to twelve months ahead for suites on small ships.
- Shoulder months often have more availability and fewer boats on the water.
- Typhoon season in the western Pacific, roughly July to October, can change ports of call around Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Vietnam, which is one reason luxury lines favor spring, autumn and the November to April window.
River and bay cruises
River cruises on the Mekong between Vietnam and Cambodia, and overnight cruises in Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay, are best enjoyed as one or two nights within a land journey rather than as a cruise holiday in themselves. Our cruising in Southeast Asia guide gives an overview.
Combining a cruise with a private tour
A cruise is easiest as one chapter of a longer journey: Tokyo and Kyoto before a Japan coastal voyage, Singapore before a Southeast Asia sailing, or Bali before a week on a phinisi in Komodo. Absolute Asia Tours plans the cruise and the land journey together, with private guides in port and private transfers to and from the ship. Plan your trip with a specialist.
Luxury Asia cruises: FAQ
What are the top luxury cruise options available in Asia?
Ocean voyages around Japan and Korea or between Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Hong Kong with Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas or Oceania; and phinisi expedition yachts in Indonesia such as Aqua Blu and Amandira. Mekong and Ha Long Bay cruises work best as part of a land tour.
How do luxury cruises in Asia differ from regular cruises?
They carry far fewer guests, offer suites and balcony cabins, include more in the fare, reach smaller ports and islands that big ships cannot, and have more crew per guest.
When is the best time to book a luxury cruise in Asia?
Nine to twelve months ahead for the November to March peak and holiday weeks, especially for suites on small ships. Shoulder months usually need less notice.
What amenities and services are included in luxury cruises in Asia?
Usually your cabin, all meals, guided excursions and port fees, and often soft drinks and local beer or wine. Spa treatments, premium drinks, gratuities and transfers depend on the ship.
When is the best time for a luxury cruise to Japan?
Late March to early April for cherry blossom and October to November for autumn color. Both sell out early, so book suites nine to twelve months ahead.
Which luxury cruise lines sail in Asia?
Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises all run Asian seasons, mainly from about November to April in Southeast Asia and in spring and autumn around Japan.
Can I combine a cruise with a private tour of Asia?
Yes. Most of our travelers add a river or bay cruise to a land journey, with private guides and transfers before and after.