Cruises have come a long way. No longer are they catered toward Grandma and Grandpa — these days, cruises offer so much for families and individuals alike. These seven cruises are still available for booking and are trips of a lifetime, heading out from Asia to destinations like New Zealand and Japan, and everywhere in between.
Departing on December 21, this cruise on board the luxury brand’s Silver Muse spans 16 days and covers Bali, taking you to the island of Komodo to see its famed dragons. From there, it’s onwards to Darwin, Cairns, Townsville and Arlie Beach, before heading to Brisbane and Sydney. Along the way, you can expect excursions off the boat to see Australia’s gorgeous rugged terrain. Prices start at around $12,750. The company also runs amazing cruises to areas of New Zealand.
Launching in October, this luxury cruise will show you the very best of what Southeast Asia has to offer. You’ll call at five ports on this 10-day trip that goes from Singapore to Fremantle, Perth; with stops in Langkawi, Phuket, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Bali. On board the Sun Princess, you are guaranteed a fabulous time with plenty of dining, entertainment and spa options.
The luxe hotel brand is offering up a new overnight cruise service. You’ll board the Gypsy, an ultra-exclusive two-cabin river cruiser that departs from Luang Prabang, and meanders down the Mekong, to the sleepy shores of northern Thailand. You’ll be able to take in the sights of Thailand’s Golden Triangle, as you may venture ashore to visit hill tribes, and hop off the boat to explore hidden caves. Or, you could choose to sit back on the deck and soak it all in. The cruise is a total of four days, for up to four passengers, with a cost of around $3,300. Stays at the brand’s various hotels can also be arranged.
For those who love the Maldives, the Four Seasons Explorer is the ultimate in luxury escapes. The three-deck catamaran can take you on a three, four or seven-night cruise to explore undiscovered areas of the Maldives. There, you can surf, or attempt to spot and swim with manta rays. The cruise sails between the hotel brand’s main resorts of Kuda Huraa and the pristine hideaway of Landaa Giraavaru in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Call 1 800 232 5926 for rates.
Get a taste of history when you sail on the Dunia Baru, crafted in the traditional style of an Indonesian phinisi. As a chartered yacht, you’re able to tailor and arrange the trips based on what you want to do, and then sail in the waters of Thailand, Myanmar or Indonesia. The yacht boasts six ensuite bedrooms below deck and a breathtaking master bedroom on top deck, complete with four-poster bed. The boat offers many relaxing spaces from its foredeck (where beanbags keep it comfy) and the in-galley dining area which lets you chit chat with the chef as he prepares your breakfast. E-mail info@duniabaru.com for rates and information.
Offering up the opportunity to explore mysterious Myanmar from the waters, The Strand offers a four-night cruise from Bagan to Mandalay, departing on various dates from September, through to 2019. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the cities and their major highlights, such as a the gold-leafed Shwezigon Pagoda and the Bagan Heritage Trail. One wouldn’t complain about staying on the boat, either, since it boasts a beautiful sundeck and pool, as well as a spa. Every cabin also offers floor-to-ceiling windows, so you’re always guaranteed a great view. Rates start at $360 per night.
Running all the way to November 2018, this Okinawa cruise lets you explore Japan’s most tropical island. Pick-up is from Hong Kong or Guangzhou and passes through Naha and Miyakojima, before returning to Guangzhou. Naha is known for its historical architecture and shrines, while Miyakojima’s beautiful blue waters are otherworldly. The onboard activities and entertainment options on Dream Cruises includes a crazy water slide — and Zouk nightclub.