Overview
Cruising in Asia has become very popular in recent years, and is a lovely relaxing way to experience these wonderful countries from you own oasis. If you wish, you may also stay on in Singapore for further independent travel.
Highlights include
Vietnam: A country of renowned worldwide cuisine, known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and diverse dishes.
This trio of destinations captures the essence of Vietnam, from the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay to the modernity of Da Nang and the historical significance of Ho Chi Minh City. Each place offers a unique and memorable experience, showcasing the country’s diversity and charm.
Cambodia: Sihanoukville, with its beautiful beaches, island getaways, and cultural attractions, offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers seeking a coastal retreat in Cambodia.
Thailand: the “Land of Smiles,” captivates visitors with its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
Ko Kood is a pristine tropical paradise nestled in the Gulf of Thailand. This relatively untouched island is celebrated for its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery.
Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends modernity with tradition. Known for its energetic street life, ornate temples, and dynamic markets, the city offers a sensory feast for visitors.
14 Nights on board the Seabourn Encore:
- Seabourn Encore is as strikingly beautiful and as excitingly innovative as any Seabourn has ever debuted. She crowns a fleet of luxury cruise ships that is already the newest, most modern and most acclaimed in the ultra-luxury segment.
- Guests 300 / Length 690 feet / Width 92 feet
Itinerary
Saturday 21 December Auckland – Hong Kong (D)
Today, tour members fly to Hong Kong. On arrival, we transfer to our central city accommodation for the night. We enjoy dinner together this evening.
Sunday 22 December Hong Kong (B,L,D)
We explore Hong Kong today, including of course going up Victoria Peak, a Sampan ride at Aberdeen, and some time to wander the markets. Later we will join our home for the next 14 nights, the Seabourn Encore. Settle in, relax and watch the night lights slip by as we sail at 9pm.
Monday 23 December At Sea (B,L,D)
Time to explore the ship and watch the waves.
Tuesday 24 December Ha Long Bay, Vietnam (B,L,D)
Just off the coast of Vietnam, a myriad of karstic islands are clustered in this picturesque setting. Looming out of the sea, undercut by erosions into fantastic shapes, they reminded the Vietnamese of the looping back of a swimming dragon. Scattered among them, whole communities of fishing families live most of their lives on sampans, trading among themselves and periodically going into nearby towns such as Haiphong to sell their catch and buy supplies.
Wednesday 25 December At Sea (B,L,D)
Merry Christmas!! Enjoy another day at sea with new friends. There is lots to do on board, or as little as you like.
Thursday 26 December Da Nang ( Hue), Vietnam (B,L,D)
Da Nang, known as Tourane by the French, succeeded Hoi An as the most important port in central Vietnam during the 19th century. Today, Da Nang’s distance from other power centers, its natural endowments, (the port and proximity to Laos and Thailand), and its high degree of provincial autonomy allows for considerable local initiative. Among the Da Nang area sites of interest to visitors are the Marble Mountains, China Beach, the ancient port town of Hoi An and the imperial city of Hue.
Friday 27 December At Sea (B,L,D)
Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 December Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (B,L,D)
Ho Chi Minh City covers an area of more than 800 square miles, stretching westward from the South China Sea to the Cambodian border. Its land is overwhelmingly rural, dotted with villages and clusters of houses set amidst rice paddies. The downtown section of Ho Chi Minh City is still known as Saigon, and it is here the economic changes sweeping Vietnam and their social implications are most evident. The level of activity and energy of this city will amaze you, and make it clear that this country does not intend to stand still.
Monday 30 December At Sea (B,L,D)
Another day for you to enjoy the ship’s facilities.
Tuesday 31 December Sihanoukville, Cambodia (B,L,D)
Sihanoukville, also known as Kampong Som, is located in southern Cambodia on the Gulf of Thailand, and is Cambodia’s only international marine port. Its beaches are the most prominent natural feature of the city, spanning most of the surrounding coastline. Sihanoukville has several cultural sites, including Victory Monument built to symbolize friendship with Vietnam, and Independence Square, constructed in honour of independence and the Cambodians that lost their lives defending their country. Don’t forget to stay up late tonight to enjoy the New Year’s Eve festivities.
Wednesday 01 January Ko Kood, Thailand (B,L,D)
Happy New Year!
Seabourn has discovered an unspoiled tropical island paradise on which to create our signature Caviar in the Surf beach barbecue party. Sugary white sand, swaying palms and limpid waters invite you to enjoy watersports, and a sumptuous feast prepared by your peerless Seabourn culinary staff awaits you on this sublime slice of Southeast Asian heaven.
Thursday 02 January Laem Chabang ( Bangkok), Thailand (B,L,D)
Bangkok is a city of endless fascination. Spiked with countless high-rise buildings of concrete and glass, Bangkok is an exhilarating mix of chaos and refinement, of frenetic markets and hushed golden temples, early-morning alms-giving rituals and ultra hip designer boutiques. In the heart of the city is the Chao Phraya River, its vast network of canals (klongs) as important to local transportation as the intricate road system. There is a wealth of history and culture to be discovered here: palaces, temples, markets, and exquisite classical Thai dance performances.
Friday 03 – Saturday 04 January At Sea (B,L,D)
We enjoy the last two days on board as we sail towards Singapore.
Sunday 05 January Singapore – Auckland (B,L,D)
Founded as a British trading colony in 1819, Singapore joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963. Two years later, it became an independent island-state, developing into one of the world’s most prosperous countries. With ultra-modern skyscrapers combined with a medley of Chinese, Indian and Malay influences, Singapore is a dynamic city rich in contrast and colour, exhibiting a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture.
We disembark this morning, and will enjoy a tour of this wonderful diverse city before heading to the airport for our early evening flight home.
Monday 06 January Auckland
This morning we arrive into Auckland at 9:15am.
