The Best Small Ships for Asia
Just a stone’s throw from Australia (well it seems like it to us), is the vast area we vaguely refer to as ‘Asia’. From the coral wonders of Indonesia to the Ancient cultures of China and Japan, this region is literally swimming with ships of all types and sizes. Here are 5 cruise lines that we love for Asia and why…
1. Star Clipper
The graceful Star Flyer & Star Clipper, with their tall ship sails, and true nautical experience make sailing on the beautiful waters around Malaysia and Thailand just so romantic…
Suits ages: 25-60 | Average size: 170 guests | Dates: nearly year round
2. True North
Truly small ship and proudly Australian, True North is a barefoot boaty’s dream. This ship is purpose built to reach into shallow river systems which makes access just so easy to some of the most beautiful and remote parts of Asia
Suits ages: 45-90 | Average size: 36 guests | Dates: Sep/Oct
3. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
The stunning ms Europa 2 ship has won so many awards for luxury – and for good reason. The thing you notice the most when you step onboard this ship is that it really feels like a resort and not a vessel. There is just so much open space! This ship is rarely in our neck of the woods, so any chance to hop aboard is worth it.
Suits ages: 35-75 | Average size: 516 guests | Dates: November to January
4. Peregrine Adventure Cruises
Anyone who has ever sailed to Asia on a big ship will tell you the queues are murder! This is where small ships like Peregrine`s ms Panorama II really hold their own. Nip in and out of ports with a wave to customs and immigration and get on with the serious business of shopping, swimming, sightseeing and discovering all that Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam have to offer…
Suits ages: 25-75 | Average size: 49 guests | Dates: nearly year round
5. Heritage Line
No Asia list is complete without at least one Mekong River cruise ship. We love Heritage Line Cruises’ ms Jahan and ms Jayavarman for the stunning cabins and inclusive activities on the banks of the Mighty Mekong…
Suits ages: 45-80 | Average size: 52 guests | Dates: nearly year round
Author: S.Patton – Product Manager, Cruise Traveller Australia
Images courtesy of and owned by the respective cruise lines – except Star Clippers (owned by K.Tocco)