For many people, the cruise holiday represents the absolute pinnacle of high class vacations. Spending several weeks being pampered on board a luxury cruise liner, visiting many different places, taking in the sights and sounds of exotic countries, trying local delicacies and more; what's not to love? Asia cruises are a particular category of cruise holiday where the destinations are throughout Asia and the Far East. Ever fancied China, Japan or Thailand for example? Why not try a cruise and visit all three at once?
Rather than spending several weeks in the same old hotel in the same city, Asia cruises will spend only a short time at each stop; just enough time to take in the local sights and get a brief taste of the local culture before moving on. You can visit anywhere from two or three to fifteen or more locations depending on the duration of your cruise. In between stops, you will spend your nights aboard the very highest class of ship where there is never a shortage of things to do and your comfort is the highest concern.
An Asia cruise is without a doubt the best way to truly experience the Far East. Exploring the mystery of the Orient cannot be done completely in one city, and that's why a cruise can offer so much more. Many cruises start or end at Hong Kong or Shanghai in China, but will visit Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea and others as they make their way around the coastlines. You can visit the famous City of Peace, Hiroshima, view the breathtaking skyline of Yokohama, sample the exotic marvels of Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand, and visit Bali and Semarang in Indonesia, all on one holiday!
Many short cruises will include a flight to and from the Far East that provides access to the cruise ship which then takes you around the coast. However, if you prefer (and can afford it) you can actually set out from home on board a cruise ship and simply get a flight back at the end. This allows you access to many additional stops not traditionally a part of Asia cruises such as Libya, Africa, Egypt, Oman and India and gives a more fulfilling adventure for those not only interested in the Far East.
For those who don't have the luxury of a boundless budget to plan holidays with (let's face it, a majority), shorter cruises of seven nights with flights either way can cost as little as $1500 per person and still offer a fantastic short holiday, a break from the norm. Be sure to check out as many travel companies as you can, read reviews and research the many various package deals available. You may find some great deals by word of mouth, or hidden away behind the major glitzy cruises in brochure side columns and such. Another great way to save money is to book last minute. Many companies will sell off remainder places on Asia cruises for the couple of weeks before departure at a discount rate to try and fill up the ship and you can really snag a bargain if you look hard enough.