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The best family-friendly cruises to book in Asia in 2019!
Cruises are a big travel trend in 2019 so if you’re considering booking, we’ve pulled together this selection to inspire you. Not only will they satisfy your need for a holiday, but they’ll provide the opportunity to immerse yourself in Asian culture and also guarantee some quality family time. So get ready to explore Southeast Asia and take your pick from various itineraries, with Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, China, and India on the list. All aboard!
Read more: 7 Easy Family-Friendly Easter Travel Destinations
Royal Caribbean International offers a range of affordable cruises, which are easily accessible from Hong Kong and are perfect for families. There’s a choice of destinations including Vietnam, Japan, and the Philippines, and you can also select from four, five or seven-night cruises to suit your holiday schedule. Depending on which itinerary you choose, you will be cruising on either Spectrum of the Seas or Voyager of the Seas.
Spectrum of the Seas has an array of activities for the family to enjoy. Check out the high-flying virtual reality bungee trampoline called the Sky Pad, the Bionic Bar where you can get custom juice drinks crafted by robots, enjoy poolside snacks at the Splashaway Café, and explore stunning views 300 feet above sea level with the North Star. Book the Ultimate Family Suite, which includes your very own in-suite slide and a private 3D cinema with karaoke features!
On Voyager of the Seas there is a packed entertainment schedule including ice skating shows, Broadway-inspired performances, game shows, an arcade, and outdoor movie nights. There’s an array of other activities to sign up for including ice skating, dance lessons, cooking classes, mini golf, and rock climbing. Want more? There’s a surf simulator and also an adults-only solarium. Plus plenty of dining, spa and fitness, bar and lounge options for parents as well.
Teenagers on board? Royal Caribbean really does cater to all ages with teen-only spaces and designated teen staff. They can join pre-planned events throughout the day, or go to the teen disco in the evening.
When: Cruises are available in April, August, July, and December 2019
Where: Choose from a selection of destinations including Vietnam, Japan, and the Philippines – check out itineraries and dates here. All cruises embark and disembark in Hong Kong
How much: Prices range from $2,825 to $8,579 depending on which cruise and type of accommodation you choose
Royal Caribbean International – Hong Kong office, Suite 2006, 20/F, Tower 1, The Gateway, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 3018 8978, enquiry@royalcaribbean.com.hk, www.royalcaribbean.com
AmaWaterways offers a fantastic trip exploring Cambodia and Vietnam, making stops in Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat and Ho Chi Minh, while cruising along the beautiful Mekong River. This cruise allows you the opportunity to explore some of Vietnam and Cambodia’s most popular historical sites such as the temples of Angkor Archaeological Park. The trip allows you an inside glimpse into traditional rural life. You’ll be able to take in the rich culture as you stroll through villages, markets, monasteries and workshops.
Hop on board the AmaDara cruise ship which is beautifully decorated, with large spacious rooms and suites with balconies (which offer spectacular views). The ship has an array of perks from its massage and fitness rooms to the sun deck pool. Enjoy entertainment and cultural performances in the Saigon Lounge or fabulous meals at the award-winning speciality restaurant, “The Chef’s Table”.
AmaWaterways* also offers plenty of exploration off the ship, with sightseeing tours in each destination, complete with knowledgeable guides leading the way.
Where: Cambodia and Vietnam. Embark at Kampong Cham, Cambodia (fly into Siem Reap) and disembark in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam (requires a short-haul flight to and from Hong Kong, which isn’t included in the price)
When: Seven-night cruises are available in March, April, and August to December 2019
How much: $16,876 to $23,548 per person, depending on the type of accommodation chosen. There are also a number of additional costs to factor in, including port charges of $1,319 per person. Plus Intra-Asia Air fares (from Hanoi to Siem Reap) are an additional $2,826 per person, including taxes and fuel surcharges. Get more information here
*Note that all guests under the age of 18 must be in a cabin with an adult, and children between the ages of 4 to 10 can share a cabin with 2 adults (provided the child can share the bed with the adults as no extra beds will be provided). There is no child-minding service or child-specific programmes on board.
AmaWaterways, info@amawaterways.com, www.amawaterways.com
Windstar Cruises has longer journeys to China and Japan aboard its Star Legend ship. It has spectacular balcony and ocean view suites which are stylish yet comfortable. The ship is a bit smaller than most, making it feel like you are on your own private journey. Star Legend offers enticing amenities such as the WindSpa, a fitness centre, a selection of pools, and kids (and adults) will love the chance to examine the navigation charts with the Captain.
Check out its Watersports Platform, where you can choose from a number of water-based activities (complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, water trampolines, and water skis are available for the family to enjoy at your leisure).
There are several cruises coming up in March. Or why not start planning for 2020? To help make it easier, we’ve selected a few of our favourite itineraries from those on offer.
Comprehensive China Exploration
When: 11 day cruise from Tuesday, 5 March to Saturday, 16 March, 2019
Where: Taipei, Japan, and China. Embark in Hong Kong and disembark in Beijing, China (the cost of the flight back to Hong Kong is not included in the price of the cruise)
How much: $13,336 per person
China’s Great Walls & Warriors Cruise Tour
When: 14 day cruise from Tuesday, 5 March to Tuesday, 19 March, 2019
Where: Taipei, Japan, and Shanghai/Beijing China. Embark in Hong Kong and disembark in Beijing, China (the cost of the flight back to Hong Kong is not included in the price of the cruise)
How much: Prices not available online, request a quote here
Star Collector: Shrines and Cities of Asia
When: 22-day cruise from Tuesday, 5 March to Wednesday, 27 March, 2019
Where: Taipei, Japan, and Shanghai/Beijing China, South Korea. Embark in Hong Kong and disembarks in Tokyo, Japan (the cost of the flight back to Hong Kong is not included in the price of the cruise)
How much: $30,534 per person
Windstar Cruises, info@windstarcruises.com, www.windstarcruises.com
Avalon Waterways* offers experiences in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and India. With a range of different itineraries to choose from, including Ultimate Southeast Asia & the Majestic Mekong, The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam, Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & Mekong River, and the Colourful India & The Ganges River tours.
The Ultimate Southeast Asia & The Majestic Mekong cruise starts in Bangkok and includes visits to Ho Chi Minh, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Ha Long Bay and Hanoi. It offers sightseeing, walking tours, and cultural and landmark exploration as well.
When: This 21-day cruise is offered in March, April, July and August to December 2019
Where: Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Embark in Bangkok, Thailand, and disembark in Hanoi, Vietnam (flights are not included in the cost of the cruise)
How much: Varies depending on the date and type of accommodation chosen
The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam cruise takes you along the Mekong River through Cambodia and Vietnam, beginning in Siem Reap. The adventure continues into Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. This tour is perfect if you want to explore the culture and local traditions of each country and take in must-see sites along the way.
When: This 18-day cruise is offered in March, April, July, and August to December 2019
Where: Cambodia and Vietnam. Embark from Siem Reap, Cambodia, and disembark in Hanoi, Vietnam (flights are not included in the cost of the cruise)
How much: Varies depending on the date and type of accommodation chosen
The Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & The Mekong River cruise runs through Vietnam and Cambodia. You will spend time in Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and end in Siem Reap. If you want to be immersed in the culture and ancient traditions, spend time with locals and soak in the sights, this is the tour for you.
When: This 13-day cruise is offered in March, April and July to December 2019
Where: Cambodia and Vietnam. Embark from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and disembark in Siem Reap, Cambodia (flights are not included in the cost of the cruise)
How much: Varies depending on the date and type of accommodation chosen
The Colourful India & The Ganges River cruise begins in Delhi. You will visit the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, the holy city of Mayapur, as well as Saint Mother Teresa’s former home in Kolkata. This tour is rich with culture and gives a taste of authentic Indian life.
When: This 13-day cruise is offered from September to November 2019
Where: Embark from Delhi, India, and disembark from Kolkata (flights are not included in the cost of the cruise)
How much: Varies depending on the date and type of accommodation chosen
*Please note children must be at least 8 years old to be eligible to travel on Avalon Waterways river cruises.
Avalon Waterway – Hong Kong representative, Travel Resources Limited, 2/F, Yes & Right House, 1-3 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, 2870 8755, info@globus.com.hk, www.avalonwaterways.com.hk
The Azamara Quest has two cruise options available for 2019. You can pick the tour from Taiwan to the Philippines (which includes stops in Boracay, Manila and Coron). Or opt for the tour of Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore (which makes stops in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang, Bangkok and Koh Samui). Both options arrive and depart from Hong Kong, making it an extremely accessible holiday.
The ship boasts luxury amenities and an array of onboard activities such as trivia contests, game shows, and social fun fitness (made to get you mingling). There’s also onboard entertainment with performances and singing acts from the Azamara Cabaret. You can choose to get your learning on with the ship’s enrichment programme, where an expert will help you dive into a range of topics such as history, culture, art, food and marine wildlife!
When: Friday, 4 October to Wednesday, 16 October, 2019
Where: Taiwan and the Philippines (embark and disembark in Hong Kong)
How much: Prices range from $18,830 to $44,734 per person, depending on the type of accommodation chosen. Get more info and discounts here
When: Wednesday, 16 October to Thursday, 31 October, 2019
Where: Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore (embark and disembark in Hong Kong)
How much: Prices range from $24,718 to $41,202 per person, depending on the type of accommodation chosen. Get more info and discounts here
Azamara Club Cruises, 800 906 717, www.azamara.cruiselines.com
Holland America has two options to choose from. You can explore Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia, ending up in Singapore, or take a tour of Taipei, Manila and Japan, ending up in China.
The Westerdam ship has recently been updated and renovated and now features a new bar, new entertainment and dining venues and completely reimagined suites. The ship has plenty of live entertainment, cooking shows and hands-on cooking workshops with America’s Test Kitchen. You can also take a closer look into our oceans and natural world through the ship’s collaboration with BBC Earth, which features ground-breaking concerts and films.
Holland America offers a youth activities program called Club HAL, which provides entertaining events for kids and teens from 3 to 17. Full-time supervision by professionally trained staff is provided, with arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties all on offer.
When: 14 days from Saturday, 9 November to Saturday, 23 November, 2019. Get more info here
Where: Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Singapore, plus an overnight stop in Bangkok. Embark in Hong Kong and disembark in Singapore (flight prices are not included in the cost of the cruise
How much: Range from $13,344 to $41,602 per person, depending on the type of accommodation chosen
When: 14 days, Saturday, 7 December to Saturday, 21 December, 2019. Get more info here
Where: Taipei, Manila, Japan, and China, with an overnight stop in Shanghai. Embark and disembark in Hong Kong
How much: Ranging from $11,774 to $30,220 per person depending on the type of accommodation chosen
Holland America, www.hollandamerica.com
Norwegian promises an unforgettable holiday on board. Embark on a tour of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Sihanoukville, Bangkok, Koh Samui, and Singapore, which will give you an inside look at numerous historic sites.
You’ll be sailing on board the Norwegian Jewel ship. This newly renovated ship has large suites and staterooms with spacious balconies. It also offers an array of entertainment and dining options. You’ll be able to get in quality family time with action-packed activities including basketball, volleyball and dodgeball. When it comes to the entertainment you can enjoy the magic and comedy shows, or get inspired by the acrobatics at the “Le Cirque Bijou” show.
When: 13 days from Saturday, 16 March to Friday, 29 March, 2019
Where: Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Singapore. Embark in Hong Kong and disembark in Singapore (the cost of this flight is not included in the price of the cruise)
How much: Range from $10,196 to $14,513 per person, depending on the type of accommodation chosen. Get more info here
Norwegian Cruise Line, 2165 6000, www.ncl.com
Dream Cruises offers numerous options, departing from Hong Kong (including 5 night cruises to Vietnam and the Philippines). But we love the sound of its 5-night Okinawa Discovery. You’ll stop off at a 14th century Palace in Naha and dine on beef and tuna at an authentic Izakaya restaurant, plus pay a visit to Miyakojima’s beautifully pristine beaches.
You’ll be on board one of the company’s World Dream ships, which has 18 decks. The majority of its spacious staterooms have private balconies (perfect for relaxing) and you’ll feel spoilt for choice when it comes to dining, with Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Southeast Asian, Indian and Western options on offer. The family will love the onboard Virtual Reality experience, which can make you feel like you’re on a thrilling rollercoaster or trying to find your way out of a puzzling maze. There’s also a kids club and babysitting service, perfect for when you just need some adult time!
When: 5 nights, depart between Sunday, 10 March to Sunday, 10 November, 2019, or between Sunday, 1 March to Sunday, 22 March, 2020
Where: Okinawa, Japan. Embark and disembark in Hong Kong
How much: From $5,405 per person
Dream Cruises, 2317 7711, reservations.en@gentingcruiselines.com, www.dreamcruiseline.com
Featured image courtesy of Peter Hansen via Unsplash, image 1 courtesy of Humphrey Muleba via Unsplash, image 2 courtesy of Giulia brochetto via Unsplash, image 3 courtesy of Andre Benz via Unsplash, image 4 courtesy of Fahrul Azmi via Unsplash, image 5 courtesy of Max Böttinger via Unsplash, image 6 courtesy of Edward He via Unsplash, image 7 courtesy of Colton Duke via Unsplash, image 8 courtesy of Dream Cruises via Facebook
