According to cruise travel report, more than 200,000 Indian enjoyed a cruise last year. We are here
with some phenomenal destinations that have grown over the years and are in our bucket-list this year.
Are you ready to rush on cruise-holiday bookings?
MYANMAR
Myanmar is becoming one of the most popular Asian destinations for river cruising, with ships launched
by many of the world’s leading lines including APT. In 2014, about 18,000 tourists cruised the Irrawaddy
river and Chindwin river. Here, ocean cruise lines including Holland America Line, Oceania, Celebrity
Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas visit regularly.
THAILAND
With a fabulous array of coastal resorts, Thailand is one of the region ’s most popular cruise destinations
and currently welcomes 75 ships a year from 26 lines. Lines such as Costa Cruises, Silversea, and
Seabourn make regular visits, while others, such as Holland America Line and Royal Carribean, are
increasing their deployment to Thailand.
LAO PDR
As Indian travelers seek unique destinations such as World Heritage-listed Luang Prabang, more river
ships are tackling the shallow waters of Lao PDR’s Upper Mekong River. Pandaw has custom-designer its
vessels for the shallow waters. APT’s Mekong Sun and Mekong Explorer offer itineraries in Lao PDR as
well as single itineraries that also include Viet Nam and Cambodia
VIETNAM
Singapore has signed an agreement with Viet Nam to promote its cruise industry and invest in new port
facilities. Viet Nam has also simplified visa processes to make it easier and cheaper for passengers.
Mekong River cruising continues to expand lines adding new ships to attract more tourists during the
peak season.
CAMBODIA
By the end of last year, Cambodia had welcomed more than 400,000 cruise visitors and that number
continues to grow. Cambodia currently features on the itineraries of major ocean lines such as Star
Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises and Seabourn.
MALAYSIA
Malaysia is fast becoming a major cruise hub in Southeast Asia. With myriad rich cultural, fantastic food
and adventure attractions, it has a strong case as the regional destination. The Malaysian transport
ministry has made three ports-Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Labuan into modern cruise terminals capable
of berthing large ocean-going ships.
SINGAPORE
Singapore has developed as the cruise hub for Southeast Asia cruising with two cruise terminals that can
welcome the world’s larger wheels. For almost a decade, Singapore has been the home port of several
ships including Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess, Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas and Ovation of
the Seas.
INDONESIA
In 2017, Indonesia had more than 9.4 million international visitors and about 2 million were cruise-
related. In recent years, Indonesia has welcomed new ships, including Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the
Seas, calling at Bali during on an 18-night sailing from Hong Kong to Brisbane, and P&O’s new Pacific
Eden.
PHILIPPINES
Here the government is working to entice more cruise ships to visit by developing the cruise industry
and building more port facilities. Here cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and
Princess Cruises has more than 7,000 islands and most can welcome smaller ships for long getaways.
Why the waterway?
-
Value for money: The cost of your cruise includes onboard meals, entertainment, and
activities. And above all, you get to sail through picturesque destinations. -
Glorious food: In association with global celebrity chefs they offer fine-dining restaurants by
the likes of Jamie Oliver, Curtis Stone, and Atul Kochhar. For instance, Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of
the Seas has more than 20 different dining outlets. -
Stress-free vacation: Here, you have to unpack once and you don’t have to worry about getting
from place to place. -
Floating city: The new age ships are no less than a city with all the amenities such as shops,
gyms, clubs, cafes, bars, spas, cinemas and salons. -
Mind enriching: There are certain cruise lines that offer amazing onboard courses such as
photography, swimming, and cooking.
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