I'd always dreamed of visiting Asia, but considering how far away it is from my home in the U.S., I wanted to make sure I could cover a lot of ground once I got there. I've been regularly cruising the Caribbean since the '90s, and Europe over the last decade, so after perusing some itineraries, it finally dawned on me that cruising could be the perfect answer.
In February 2024, I boarded a Crystal cruise that whisked me through Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Hong Kong — and it completely shifted my perspective on exploring the region. Instead of navigating multiple airports, train stations, and hotels, I unpacked once and woke up in a new, fascinating port each morning. It was equal parts luxurious and culturally immersive, with curated excursions that took me from riding on the back of a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City to taking the Star Ferry to see the impressive skyline of Hong Kong.
I was hooked. Later that year, I returned to Vietnam and Cambodia on a Scenic river cruise along the Mekong, a completely different experience that brought me closer to the rhythms of daily life in small riverside villages.
And this spring, I sailed around Japan and South Korea with Azamara, discovering the convenience of ocean cruising around an entire island nation. Each day we explored new ports, visiting serene temples, bustling fish markets, and cherry blossom-lined streets — all with knowledgeable guides that had the inside scoop.
After three very different Asia cruises in a year, I'm convinced there's no better way to see this diverse and sprawling continent. Here's why — and what — you need to know before booking your own adventure.
Why Cruising Is the Best Way To Explore Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most diverse continent — and a logistical challenge for travelers trying to explore multiple countries (or even cities) in one trip. Cruising simplifies the experience, allowing you to visit several destinations without the stress of arranging regional transportation or navigating language barriers. Instead of hauling luggage from hotel to hotel, repeatedly packing and unpacking, you let the ship take care of the details.
It is also a wonderfully cost-effective way to explore multiple countries in Asia without the usual travel hassles and many different costly flights. Explains Dennis Lee, Mekong product manager at AmaWaterways, "With luxury accommodations, gourmet dining that rivals the best restaurants on land, daily guided excursions, and even wellness options — all included — our guests get incredible value without worrying about extra costs."
But first, make sure you love cruising — because it would be a shame to get all the way to Asia and realize you don't like being at sea or on a tiny river boat. "Asia cruises in general attract more seasoned cruisers," says Diana Hechler, president of D. Tours Travel, a member of Ensemble, a consortium of travel agents and advisors. "Very few of my clients have started with an Asia cruise. Instead, they usually sample this style of travel in either the Caribbean or Europe first."
Another bonus is that ships often dock right in the heart of iconic cities, such as Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City, or close to coastal gems like Manila and Hoi An, meaning more time to immerse yourself in the sights, food, and culture. Plus, excursions organized through the cruise line offer insider access and the comfort of expert guides.
"Azamara prides itself on in-depth touring, often offering overnights in ports so that travelers enjoy more than one day in a given location," Hechler adds.
Top Regions in Asia To Explore by Ship
The Mekong River is one of the most iconic cruise destinations, with vessels often traveling through Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. "The Mekong River cruises are very different from ocean cruises," says Hechler. "The boats are quite small, the river cruises take you inland, away from the coast, for in-depth touring, and the pace of travel is leisurely." This style of travel is perfect for those seeking cultural immersion and close-up encounters with traditional Southeast Asian life — I watched families fishing in the river and schoolchildren playing from my stateroom balcony as we cruised past various villages.
For a completely different experience, consider an ocean cruise circumnavigating Japan. "It's actually a cost-effective way to visit a very expensive country," Hechler explains. "Many of the interesting sites are pretty close to the coastline, and you get to experience some of the northern coast of Honshu (the island where Tokyo is located), which most land travelers do not get to or certainly not on their first visit." Because Azamara overnighted in a few major ports, I was able to enjoy local dinners in Kobe and Tokyo and take in the nightlife.
Bucket-list ports like Hong Kong and Shanghai are also standouts for ocean cruising, as both cities offer rich histories and vibrant modern cultures. Instead of having to navigate these complex and congested cities alone, cruise excursions mean that you're with a tour guide, and that everything is handled for you.
Plus, Hechler says cruise passengers can often take advantage of special visa programs for Chinese ports, allowing visa-free travel as long as tours are arranged through the cruise line.
Finally, if you're interested in China, Hechler recommends luxury sailings along the Yangtze River with Century Cruises for access to breathtaking scenery and historical landmarks such as the Three Gorges, paired with five-star accommodations onboard — this is on my own bucket list.
Insider Tips for Cruising Asia
Timing is everything when planning an Asia cruise. To avoid the monsoon season in Southeast Asia, aim for sailings between November and March when the weather is more favorable. "Also, if you're visiting ports in Vietnam, watch out for the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, known as Tet," Hechler advises. "Tet (which usually falls in January or February) affects travel throughout Southeast Asia. Many people are in transit during that time, pricing for pre- and post-hotel stays is inflated, and airport arrival and departure processes are slower."
Your Mekong river cruise will visit Ho Chi Minh City, but know that it's just a quick stop. "Most of the sailing part will be between Saigon and Siem Reap, Cambodia, where Angkor Wat is," says Hechler. "Hanoi will likely be an add-on that requires a flight either at the beginning or end of the program." To fully explore Vietnam, consider adding four or five extra days to visit central regions like Hue, Hoi An, and Danang — check if this can be arranged through the cruise line to help make planning and logistics easier.
AmaWaterways offers Mekong River land packages that let guests explore vibrant cultural hubs like Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, or Hanoi before or after their river cruise. "Our cruises usually start from Kampong Cham and, along the way, we dock at smaller places like Oknhatey Village and Sa Dec, where guests can experience local life, whether that's visiting a silk village or taking a traditional boat ride," says Lee. "What makes this journey special is that balance between the big cities full of energy and culture, and the quieter, off-the-beaten-path spots along the river. It's a real, authentic way to see the Mekong, beyond the usual tourist trails."
And when it comes to excursions, unique experiences make all the difference — so look for a cruise line that offers some special outings. "What most people are looking for these days is interaction with locals in a small environment," Hechler explains. Whether it's a private tea ceremony in Japan, visiting a school to help teach English to students for an afternoon, or exploring villages where samurai swords are still crafted by hand, these moments create the most memorable takeaways.
With AmaWaterways, for instance, guests stopping in Tan Chau can hop on a local rickshaw to explore silk-making traditions that date back generations. In Cai Be, they'll visit a floating market and a village known for its rice paper and coconut candy.
For seasoned cruisers, an Asia itinerary is a chance to see the world's largest continent without sacrificing comfort or convenience. For first-timers, it's one of the easiest ways to experience a taste of several countries in one seamless trip.