Cruise Advice
Duration
15 Nights
Journey Type
Sailing from Hong Kong SAR China
Ports
9 Ports
22-23 October
Setting sail from Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a fantastic place to begin or end a cruise, a striking mix of ancient and modern, Chinese and British, and there is a lot more to the city than just skyscrapers and high finance. On Hong Kong Island itself you'll find the bustling financial centre of Central district, the more traditionally Chinese Western district and the shops of Causeway Bay, while on the mainland Kowloon Peninsula the district of Tsim Sha Tsui is where most of Hong Kong's best hotels are located, and the atmospheric markets of Mong Kok are just to the north.
Don't miss
The views from Victoria Peak. Accessible by the Peak Tram, a funicular railway which claims to be one of the oldest cableways in the world, the views across the city are excellent.
24 October
China: Haikou
25 October
Vietnam: Hanoi
Wander along the perfumed streets of Hanoi’s atmospheric Old Quarter and you could almost forgive yourself for thinking you’d travelled back in time, were it not for the beeping, buzzing morass of motorcycles zipping past.
26 October
China: Sanya
China is not usually associated with beach holidays, but the island of Hainan, billed as ‘China’s Hawaii’, aims to challenge those preconceptions. It’s fair to say that there’s still a fair way to go, but the beaches around Sanya are pleasant enough, and the rapidly developing skyline is a sight in itself.
27 October
Vietnam: Chan May (Hue / Da Nang)
The port of Chan May is close to a number of central Vietnam's star attractions. Just to the north lies Hue and its crumbling Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while to the south is the city of Da Nang, a major US airbase during the Vietnam War, and pretty Hoi An, a dreamy tropical haze of teetering merchant houses, bustling markets and Chinese temples.
28 October
At sea
29-30 October
Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon, as it was known then, was the capital of the South during the Vietnam War, and American-style capitalism has been embraced more enthusiastically here than in the North, with a clutch of shining skyscrapers standing as testament to Vietnam’s surging economic growth.
31 October
At sea
1-2 November
Singapore: Singapore
Singapore’s heritage as an important trading post means that there is a real cultural mix, with four official languages: English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. Step away from the gleaming towers and you’ll find yourself transported into another world amongst the intoxicating streets of Chinatown and Little India.
3 November
At sea
4 November
Thailand: Koh Samui
Attracting everyone from budget backpackers to ostentatious oligarchs, Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most popular islands. It’s no surprise, given the truly stunning beaches, but the more developed areas such as Chaweng have lost a lot of their charm, so head for the quieter south and west if you can.
5-6 November
Arriving in Bangkok (Klong Toey)
Thailand's sprawling capital is an assault on the senses, an invigorating blend of tradition and modernity. Soaring skyscrapers, air-conditioned shopping malls and an efficient public transport system combine with shimmering golden temples, ancient palaces, floating markets and at times gridlocked rush hour traffic. Bangkok is also a real culinary treat; perching at a street food stall tucking into a bowl of noodles by the roadside is a great way to take the pulse of the city, and you'll find regional cuisines from all over Thailand. The nightlife here is also legendary, though is perhaps not for the faint-hearted!
Our tip
Most tourist sights and markets are open 7 days a week, so be cautious if you’re told otherwise, a common trick from a minority of disreputable taxi drivers. We recommend organising excursions in advance or through a reputable hotel.
Your home from home
Purpose built for Oceania and bursting with style, sister ships Marina & Riviera are the perfect combination: small enough to be friendly and large enough to offer great facilities.
What we love
Above all, we love the fact that these ships are packed full of fabulous stuff - loads of amazing dining options, a collection of amazing artworks, wonderful learning opportunities and great accommodation. All of this is combined with the Oceania signatures: well-designed port intensive itineraries, great food, and a relaxed ambience.
| Capacity | 1250 Guests |
|---|---|
| Crew | 800 International Staff |
| Style | Easy going and unpretentious, and at the same time stylish and oozing quality, Oceania's O class ships are a great choice for inquisitive and engaged travellers who enjoy good food. |
| Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Our favourite hotel in Hong Kong
The iconic Peninsula Hong Kong is, in our opinion, the city’s finest, and the Harbour View rooms offer picture postcard views of Victoria Harbour.
Explore Hong Kong
There’s more to Hong Kong than just the city, so explore Lantau Island, home to the Po Lin Monastery and its 34 metre high bronze Tian Tan Budda statue.
Where to stay in Bangkok
The Shangri-La Bangkok sits on the banks of the river, allowing for easy sightseeing by river boat and provides a luxury sanctuary from the bustle of the city whilst maintaining a distinctly Asian feel.
Excursions from Bangkok
Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam, is known for spectacular temples. About 50 miles north of Bangkok it makes a fascinating day tour.
