If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping coconut water on a Thai beach one day and exploring ancient temples in Japan the next, cruising through Asia might just be your perfect holiday. It’s one of the most exciting regions to explore by sea, packed with culture and colour.

From the buzzing street food stalls of Ho Chi Minh City to the quiet shrines tucked away in Kyoto, cruising lets you see a whole lot of Asia without the airport-hopping stress. But with so many cruise lines, ships, itineraries, and ports to choose from, it can be a bit of a maze figuring out where to start.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cruising Asia in the 2025–26 season. 

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What Is the Best Month to Cruise to Asia

Timing matters when it comes to cruising Asia. For Southeast Asia (places like Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore), the sweet spot is between November and April. You’ll get blue skies, warm temps, and lower humidity. This is ideal for those long days exploring markets, temples, and tropical islands. Plus, you avoid the heavy rain and scorching heat that hits mid-year.

If you’re opting for North or East Asia cruises (Japan, South Korea, parts of China), then you’ll want to aim for March to May or September to November. Spring gives you cherry blossoms, light jackets, and photogenic landscapes; autumn brings rich foliage and milder crowds. Summer can be hot and muggy, and winters, while quieter, mean you’ll need to pack a coat and possibly some snow boots.

So, whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms or beach bars, there’s a perfect asian cruise window waiting for you.

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What Cruise Lines Go to Asia

When it comes to cruising to many asian countries, the vibe can vary wildly depending on who you’re sailing with. Some cruise ships are all about luxury and slow travel, while others are packed with action, family fun, or cultural immersion. Here’s what you can expect from the big names sailing the region in 2025–26.

1. Royal Caribbean

If cruising is fun, then Royal is the party. Their 168,000 GT flagship, Spectrum of the Seas, has room for over 4,200 guests, with cabins from snug interiors to jaw-dropping family suites. Some even have private slides, cinemas, and balconies for eight people.  Onboard, you’ve got the North Star glass capsule, VR surf simulators, bumper cars, karaoke lounges, and even robot bartenders handling your mocktails. There are Broadway-style shows, full-size gyms, solarium retreats, and teen to tots zones, plus diverse dining options from casual buffets to specialty restaurants.

2. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity’s all about modern elegance with sleek cabins decked out in muted palettes, neutral-toned interiors and figure-enough balconies. If wellness is your jam, their AquaClass rooms offer perks like organic bedding, spa concierge, and full access to the adult-only SEA Thermal Suite, complete with saunas, Persian Gardens, and breathwork zones.  Entertainment is classy rather than noisy with live music, enrichment talks, quiet lounges, and late-night jazz. Ships on Asia sailings often linger in port rather than breezing through, with overnight stays in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Hanoi, and Bangkok giving cruisers time to explore.

3. Princess Cruises

This line is familiar, reliable, and incredibly comfortable. Cabins range from snug interiors and roomy balconies to spacious suite options like Mini-Suites and Reserve Collection suites, with Princess’s signature Luxury Beds and ensuite bathrooms. Onboard, you’ll find a solid variety of dining venues, and wellness facilities include The Princess Spa (treatments at extra cost) and well-equipped gyms. The itineraries for the 2025–26 season include standout cruises like a 13-night Tokyo-to-Singapore adventure aboard Diamond Princess, calling on Kagoshima, Manila, Hong Kong and more (some with overnight stays).

4. Ponant

If you fancy the feel of a luxury yacht with top-tier service and curated experiences, Ponant is your kind of cruise. Onboard, expect a relaxed, cultured atmosphere. Mornings might begin with French pastries on deck, followed by enrichment sessions. Ponant’s all-inclusive setup covers meals in their gastronomic restaurant, drinks, shore excursions, and even fine wines and spirits, so there’s no nickel-and-diming. In the 2025–26 Asia season, they’re offering curated voyages like a 13-night Indonesian “Temples & Volcanoes” cruise from Bali to Singapore, taking in Komodo dragons, Borobudur’s ancient temples, and Mount Bromo’s volcanic summit. 

5. Cunard

Cunard is the definition of classic cruising. The vibe onboard leans into old-world charm with white-gloved afternoon tea, ballroom dancing, and black-tie dinners in grand dining rooms. Life onboard is deliberately refined. Guests can attend enrichment lectures, visit the onboard planetarium, or settle into one of the ship’s quiet libraries with a drink in hand. Dining is formal, yet flexible with multi-course menus, carefully curated wine lists, and an emphasis on traditional British and international cuisine. Evening entertainment revolves around orchestras, live performances, and elegant recitals.

6. Holland America Line

Holland America has always been a favourite among cruisers who like things a little quieter, a little more thoughtful, and a lot more culturally rich. Their ships in Asia strike a nice balance between mid-sized comfort and premium amenities. The onboard style leans into classic decor, soft jazz in the background, and plenty of space to read, relax, or take in the view. In Asia for 2025–26, Holland America is offering in-depth itineraries that stretch from Singapore to Japan, with calls in Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and South Korea. These are longer voyages with overnight stays and a more immersive pace. It’s ideal for travellers who don’t want to rush the region. 

7. Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line keeps things flexible and casual. Their ships vary in size, but in this region, you’ll likely sail aboard Norwegian Spirit, Joy, or the upcoming Jade. Cabins range from minimalist interiors to plush Haven suites that come with private sun decks, priority boarding, and butler service. Entertainment ranges from high-energy theatre productions to comedy shows, trivia nights, and open mic nights. In 2025–26, Norway will keep its foothold in Asia, with Joy and Spirit doing regional runs out of Shanghai, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Itineraries hit Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand, often over 7–14 days. 

8. Oceania Cruises

Oceania brings boutique luxury to the seas, especially for cruisers who care more about food, culture, and comfort. The ships are smaller, which makes everything feel more relaxed and personal.  For 2025–26, Oceania’s ships are sailing through Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, with a focus on longer port days and curated excursions. Their itineraries often include lesser-known gems as well as major cities, with fewer sea days and more time on land. The experience is ideal for couples and solo travellers who are more interested in meaningful exploration.

9. Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival’s Asia debut is bringing its classic “Fun Ship” vibe to the region. With Luminosa and Adventure now based out of Singapore, expect bright, bubblegum-coloured décor and a laid-back atmosphere that’s as welcoming as it is energetic.  Crowd-pleasing entertainment includes poolside DJs, outdoor movies, karaoke bars, and comedy nights. When it comes to Asia itineraries, Carnival loves short bursts: 3 to 7-night sailings to hotspots like Penang, Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. It’s perfect for friends and families after a holiday that’s simple, fun, and fuss-free.

10. Regent Seven Seas

If you want your cruise to feel like an artfully curated private voyage, Regent Seven Seas is your sweet spot. These ships are smaller by current standards, so everything feels personal and polished. Onboard, it’s soft lighting, live piano, evening gala nights, and refined lounges glazed in wood and leather. Dining is faultless, from fine Italian and French venues to classic steakhouses. For those seeking a cultural edge, the included shore excursions bring you up close and curated with private tea ceremonies in Kyoto, night food tours in Saigon, or limestone cave visits in Thailand.

11. Silversea

Silversea is for cruisers who expect luxury without bluster. Onboard, you’ll find fine-dining restaurants delivering gourmet cuisine (Italian, Japanese, seafood), hosts of complimentary premium beverages, and public spaces that whisper elegance. Evening entertainment is minimal: a few music sets, cultural talks, maybe a movie under the stars. For Asia in 2025–26, Silversea focuses on intimate routes, from the Thai Andaman to Japan’s coastal pearls and Vietnam’s ports of call, usually in voyages of 10–14 days, often with overnight stops.

12. Scenic

Scenic blends river-cruise sophistication with ocean-going style. The onboard vibe is hushed and serene. Dining is a highlight, with an inclusive all-day buffet, regional Asian dishes, and fine dining for dinner. There’s a small spa and a wellness area for yoga or meditation, while daytime aboard usually involves shore excursions in small groups (coastal hikes, village visits, Buddhist temple time) with thorough local guides. In the 2025–26 sailing season, Scenic sails through the Mekong River Delta and coastal Southeast Asia: places like Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Long Beach, and Halong Bay, as well as coastal Singapore and Penang. 

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Popular Ships Visiting Asia

Some ships know how to show you a good time in Asia, and they’re making a comeback in 2025/26 with even more routes and fresh itineraries.

First up is Diamond Princess. She is Japan’s cruise queen, doing the rounds from Tokyo to Osaka to Okinawa, with the occasional stop in Taiwan or South Korea. You’ll get a proper taste of local life, all while cruising in a ship that feels like a floating Japanese ryokan.

If you’re into big, bold, and packed with things to do, then Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas are tough to beat. Think surf simulators, skydiving pods, robot bartenders, the works. They’re sticking close to Singapore, Japan, and sometimes China, which makes them perfect for families or anyone wanting a splash of high-tech with their holiday.

Then there’s Norwegian Spirit, a sleek, recently refurbished ship doing longer routes across Southeast and Northeast Asia. If you’ve got the time, she’s got the itinerary. Meanwhile, Norwegian Joy continues to serve the Chinese market, often cruising from Shanghai or Tianjin and stopping in Japan.

And last but not least, Celebrity Solstice is one of the few ships hanging around all year long, balancing elegance with laid-back vibes. If you’re looking for a mix of pampering and ancient culture, this one’s hard to fault.

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Popular Ports in Asia

Asia’s packed with jaw-dropping ports, and the 2025–26 cruise season is giving travellers some beautiful stops, whether you’re into city skylines, tropical islands, or historical sites.

Singapore is a top embarkation point, thanks to its futuristic skyline and ridiculously efficient port. It’s got great food, loads of attractions, and makes a great jumping-off point for Southeast Asia itineraries.

Bangkok (Laem Chabang) and Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My) are your go-tos for cultural deep dives. You can expect floating markets, golden temples, and tuk-tuk rides. Bali (Benoa) is also on plenty of itineraries, offering a mix of beachy bliss and spiritual vibes.

Up north, Tokyo (Yokohama), Osaka, and Kobe are musts for Japan cruises, while Busan and Jeju Island give you a solid taste of South Korea’s culture and coastline. Hong Kong and Shanghai add a dose of big-city buzz, skyscrapers, and night markets to your sailing.

Ports like Keelung (Taipei) and Ishigaki may not be as well-known, but they’re becoming favourites for cruisers wanting something a little more off the beaten track, with excellent food and fewer crowds.