Top 10 Must-Do Cruises in Asia for Your Bucket List

It's easy to claim that cruising is the ultimate way to experience Asia, particularly for those visiting for the first time. Many cruise lines craft comprehensive itineraries that encompass a wealth of must-see destinations across multiple countries. From the lively streets of Tokyo and the serene waters of Vietnam's Ha Long Bay to the historic temples of Cambodia and the vibrant street food scene in Singapore, cruising provides a comfortable way to explore the diverse treasures of Asia.

Some cruise lines focus exclusively on particular regions, like the Yangtze or Mekong rivers, or the highlights of Japan. These specialized cruises offer a deeper cultural experience, showcasing age-old traditions and revealing hidden gems that typical tourists might miss.

Cruise lines with varying ship sizes and luxury levels operate throughout Asia, featuring a wide range of offshore activities and onboard amenities. Many travelers seek two-week or longer cruises to maximize their journey across the Pacific, but there are options available for shorter getaways as well, ensuring there's an Asia cruise suitable for every vacation length and budget.

Here are 10 top-notch Asia cruises to consider for your next adventure.

Crystal's 16-night cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong

During a little over two weeks in January 2025, travelers on Crystal's Singapore-to-Hong Kong route will visit some of Asia's most sought-after ports. The journey begins with a few days in Thailand, where you can partake in meditation sessions in Koh Samui or visit an elephant sanctuary to feed the elephants sugar cane and bananas before giving them a fun mud bath.

In Vietnam, you can hop on the back of a Vespa to navigate the bustling streets and markets of Hanoi, take a cooking class with a local chef, or kayak in the pristine waters of Ha Long Bay. Conclude your cruise with a relaxing reflexology foot massage in Hong Kong following a traditional lunch in the city. Enjoy five days at sea to recharge between sightseeing adventures.

Crystal truly shines in offering passengers deep cultural experiences with locals. Its thoughtfully designed excursions take you to quaint villages where residents are eager to greet you and invite you to assist in preparing a traditional dish using their authentic cooking techniques.

Who should go: Travelers seeking luxury who enjoy exquisite dining, round-the-clock butler service, a dedicated crew, spacious accommodations, and thoughtfully organized excursions will feel at home on the Crystal Symphony. With a capacity of just 606 guests, this ship strikes a balance between intimacy and ample amenities, including a pool, spa, walking track, fitness center, golf driving nets, putting green, and courts for tennis and pickleball.

MSC Cruises' 5-night round-trip journey from Okinawa

MSC Cruises' brief five-night Asia cruise to Japan and Taiwan is an excellent addition to your vacation in Japan. Departing from Okinawa, the cruise stops at Ishigaki, famous for Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park and the cultivation of black pearls in Kabira Bay. The next destination, an overnight stay in Taipei, offers chances to see Taipei 101 Tower (formerly the world's tallest building, now ranked fifth) and explore ancient artifacts at the National Palace Museum.

Your journey concludes at Miyako Island, a charming destination surrounded by sugar cane fields. With no days at sea, this itinerary is brief yet packed with exciting port stops.

Who should go: This five-night cruise in January 2025 aboard the 5,655-passenger MSC Bellissima is tailored for budget-minded working adults seeking a shorter escape to Asia, or for those wishing to complement a longer land tour with a cruise. For a more exclusive experience, consider upgrading to the MSC Yacht Club, which offers a private haven with 24/7 butler service, exclusive spaces (including a fine dining restaurant and a private sun deck), plus personalized minibar options and a pillow menu.

Viking's 14-night Classic China and the Coast cruise

For many, the experience of walking along the Great Wall is a dream come true. Passengers on the Viking Yi Dun during the Classic China and the Coast cruise can make this dream a reality. Viking offers a unique cruisetour focused on China, featuring a five-night land stay in Beijing and Xian followed by a nine-night cruise through the East and South China Seas. Multiple departures are available in fall 2024.

In Beijing, explore the Forbidden City and the Great Wall before flying to Xian to marvel at the renowned Terra Cotta Warriors archaeological site. You’ll also get to experience the stunning skyline of Shanghai and its Garden City before cruising along the coast of China. Key stops include Zhoushan, where you can immerse yourself in Buddhist culture, and Xiamen for an authentic tea ceremony.

Who should go: Viking caters to travelers who appreciate an all-inclusive pricing structure. Their fares cover one complimentary shore excursion at each port of call, free Wi-Fi, beer and wine with meals, port fees and taxes, as well as 24/7 access to specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water. The Viking Yi Dun, a 930-passenger all-veranda ship, is small enough to access ports that larger ships cannot, providing a more intimate experience without the crowds.

Royal Caribbean's 7-night cruise to Kobe, Osaka, and Tokyo

Royal Caribbean's Kobe, Osaka, and Tokyo itinerary showcases the highlights of Japan in a compact timeframe. This weeklong voyage in November 2025 starts and ends in Shanghai (at Baoshan port), featuring two days at sea and visits to the vibrant Japanese cities of Kobe, Kyoto (Osaka), and Tokyo.

In Kobe, explore the stunning waterfalls of Mount Rokko, relax in a hot spring bath (onsen), and savor the region's renowned wagyu beef. Kyoto is famous for its exquisite multicourse cuisine, vibrant shopping, iconic Zen gardens, hidden temples, and the enchanting Geisha district. No trip to Japan is complete without a stop in Tokyo, where modern skyscrapers and traditional shrines harmoniously blend together.

Who should go: Families with children, multigenerational groups, and anyone seeking great value on an Asian cruise should explore Royal Caribbean's offerings. The 4,246-passenger Spectrum of the Seas features top-notch, tech-savvy entertainment, a variety of bars and dining options (including the specialty restaurant Sichuan Red, known for its Asian-inspired flavors), along with skydiving and surf simulators, a casino, a teen disco, and multiple pools with a splash pad. Expect a diverse international crowd on board, welcoming guests from all corners of the globe.

Seabourn's 14-night cruise featuring Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan's Spring Flowers

If you're seeking a cruise that covers significant ground during a beautiful season, Seabourn's Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan's Spring Flowers itinerary kicks off in Hong Kong. This cruise optimizes your time at sea, with 11 port stops across four countries over 14 days, all during the cherry blossom season in March 2025. Look forward to breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, guided tours of castles and temples, and delightful street food along the way.

In Taiwan, highlights include visiting a Ming Dynasty temple on Penghu Island and marveling at Taipei 101, the world's second-tallest skyscraper. While in Japan, consider visiting the Shureimon gate — a UNESCO Heritage Site in Okinawa's capital — or embark on a guided hike through Gangala Valley to witness ancient banyan trees. Finally, in South Korea, explore the Dongmun traditional market and the Tongdosa Temple, which serves as a museum housing centuries-old relics.

Who should go: Retirees who enjoy indulging in luxurious amenities will love this two-week escape. The 458-passenger Seabourn Quest features 229 suites, each equipped with a spacious bathroom that includes a separate tub and shower. Guests can stay entertained on sea days with options like the card room, plunge pool, whirlpool spas, and fitness center. Seabourn's all-inclusive model also covers gratuities, along with complimentary wines and spirits.

Princess Cruises' 13-night Circle Japan Fall Foliage cruise

With a longstanding commitment to offering Japan cruises, Princess Cruises truly excels with its 13-day Circle Japan Fall Foliage itinerary in November 2025. Aside from a single port stop in Busan, South Korea, the entire journey is dedicated to exploring Japan. The voyage begins and ends in Tokyo, featuring 10 port stops at Hakodate, Niigata, Kanazawa, Sakaiminato, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Kochi, Kobe, Wakayama, and Omaezaki.

Excursion highlights include Mount Fuji in Tokyo, the captivating Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa, Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum in Nagasaki, and the 1,200-year-old Koyasaan monastery complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Wakayama. Don’t miss the Morning Market in Hakodate, where chefs shop for fresh fish to prepare sushi, and take a tour of a brewery in Niigata to learn about the significance of rice in sake production.

Who should go: Princess Cruises tends to appeal to retirees with its timeless cruising style. The 2,710-passenger Diamond Princess offers something for everyone, including Broadway-style performances after dinner and a variety of dining options. Be sure to try the sashimi at Kai Sushi. The Izumi Japanese Bath, the largest of its kind at sea, provides guests with a traditional onsen experience, featuring hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas set against stunning sea views.

Victoria Cruise Line's 3-night Three Gorges Highlights cruise

For those eager to explore the Yangtze — the longest river in Asia and the third-longest globally — Victoria Cruise Lines is an excellent choice. As the only American-managed cruise line on this river, it has been successfully operating for 30 years.

The Three Gorges Highlights sailing from Chongqing to Yichang operates daily from March to November each year, offering insights into daily life along the Yangtze and showcasing the impressive Three Gorges Dam (a modern engineering wonder). Prepare to be mesmerized by lush mountains, towering cliffs, and the world’s largest ship lock with a ship lift. Shore excursions are highly praised by guests, and the ships accommodate around 200 passengers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Who should go: Travelers seeking a unique addition to their trip to China should consider this three-night sailing, which is the standard length for such experiences, in contrast to the longer river cruises typically found in Europe. Victoria suggests booking through a travel agent who can arrange your cruise as part of a package tour from local operators. Expect engaging lectures on the region's history and attractions, a menu featuring both Chinese and Western dishes, onboard Tai Chi lessons, calligraphy demonstrations, and a variety of cabin options to suit every luxury preference.

Azamara's 20-night Treasure of Asia cruise

Experience a wealth of Asia in just 20 days with the Treasure of Asia Voyage from Azamara in March 2025. Departing from Singapore, the ship will journey through Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand — checking off eight countries from your bucket list in one remarkable trip.

Explore Manila on a bamboo bike, visit the silk factories in Hoi An, navigate the Mekong Delta's canals on a speedboat near Ho Chi Minh City, and tour the Grand Palace in Bangkok by tuk-tuk.

Who should go: Travelers who favor a more intimate cruise experience on a smaller ship (684 passengers) while still enjoying a wide range of amenities — including seven restaurants and lounges, a swimming pool, and a spa — will find Azamara Onward perfectly suited for their getaway. Azamara's fare includes valuable extras such as prepaid gratuities and complimentary self-service laundry, alongside select standard spirits, international beers, and a rotating selection of red and white wines by the glass.

Uniworld's 15-day Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia and The Mekong cruise

For those eager to explore the magnificent Mekong River — the 12th longest river in the world, flowing through Southwest China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Southern Vietnam — Uniworld Boutique River Cruises should be at the top of their list. The line offers Mekong River sailings throughout 2024 and 2025, conveniently packaged with pre- and post-cruise land stays in Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap, and Hanoi.

The Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia and The Mekong itinerary begins with a two-night stay in Ho Chi Minh City before boarding the 68-passenger Mekong Jewel. During the seven-night cruise along the Mekong River, guests will witness the daily lives of local villagers, visit ancient temples, and learn about the creation of Khmer scarves. Following the cruise, guests will spend three nights in Siem Reap to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat. The journey concludes with three nights in Hanoi, where passengers can explore the lively streets and vibrant markets of Vietnam's capital.

Ideal for: Uniworld expertly combines its river cruises with land tours for those seeking a hassle-free, all-inclusive journey. This experience features meals, complimentary beverages, 13 excursions, and lodging both onboard the ship and in city hotels, alongside ground transfers and gratuities included.

Experience a 12-night holiday cruise through Bali, Malaysia & Thailand with Celebrity.

Think of this Bali, Malaysia & Thailand Holiday voyage with Celebrity Cruises as your chance for an "Eat, Pray, Love" experience. Start your journey in Bali and explore additional ports in Indonesia, savoring the diverse offerings of the region.

From the stunning Tiu Kelep waterfalls and majestic volcanoes to the unique wildlife of tropical birds and reef fish in West Bali National Park, this region has much to reveal about itself and perhaps even about you. The itinerary includes stops in Malaysia, featuring an overnight stay in Penang, famous for its beaches, Buddhist temples, and butterfly farm. The journey concludes with an overnight in Phuket, Thailand, providing ample time to delve into the lush forests, palm-fringed beaches, and vibrant nightlife before arriving in Singapore.

Best suited for: Celebrity is a fantastic option for travelers seeking a more refined cruise experience without breaking the bank. This December 2025 voyage aboard the 2,218-passenger Celebrity Millennium is perfect for those looking to escape to a tropical destination, stepping away from the usual Caribbean options. The ship underwent a makeover in 2019, offering an adults-only solarium, upgraded dining venues and lounges, a redesigned spa, and Starlink for fast internet access.