ASEAN Cruise Directory 2018/19

SPECIAL EDITION FOR AUSTRALIAN TRAVEL AGENTS

ASEAN CRUISE

ASEANCRUISING.COM

DIRECTORY 2018/2019

THE RISE OF

ASIAN FLY CRUISE

EXPERT SELLING TIPS SHIPS & CRUISE LINES PORTS DESTINATIONS

BRUNEI • CAMBODIA • INDONESIA • LAO PDR • MALAYSIA • MYANMAR • PHILIPPINES • SINGAPORE • THAILAND • VIETNAM

WELCOME

CONTENTS

WELCOME LETTER

Contents

CRUISE ASEAN Publisher Peter Lynch Editor Bernadette Chua Executive Editor Teresa Ooi Art Director Catherine Martin Chief Subeditor Hannah Warren Commercial Director Darren Williams Darren@bigsplashmedia.com.au Writers Bernadette Chua, Peter Lynch, Teresa Ooi, Hannah Warren

We’ll help you grow your cruise business in SE Asia JOHN GREGORY CONCEICAO Singapore Tourism Board

W

elcome to the ASEAN Cruise Directory 2018, designed to help you introduce your clients to Southeast Asia’s unique cruising region.

We’ve created this magazine so you will be better able to ensure Australia’s huge cruise market can take full advantage of a unique destination just a short plane ride away.

Australia is now a mature cruise market, so we suspect some of your best customers are asking how they can experience new places to cruise.

That’s where this directory comes in.

With more than 25,000 islands and close to 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites spread across 10 countries, Southeast Asia is the perfect cruising playground.

A multitude of destination options in close sailing proximity to each other offer a blend of rich history, modern metropolises and myriad cultures, and a year-round tropical climate and warm waters make for ideal cruising conditions throughout the year.

ASEAN comprises ten nations with an amazing array of experiences, from stunning sights and fabulous food to wonderful wildlife and adventures.

Many Australians are already taking advantage of our regional neighbours’ hospitality. Cruise Lines International Association, the body which represents

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ASEAN CRUISE DIRECTORY 2018

cruise lines, says in its 2017 source market report there has been encouraging growth from Australia.

We know that Australians are increasingly choosing to cruise for their holidays.

Cruising’s 5.7 per cent market penetration is the highest in the world!

But while domestic cruising within Australia and the South Pacific and New Zealand remains popular, almost 100,000 cruisers flew to Asia last year.

With new ships of all shapes and sizes now homeporting in Southeast Asia for extended seasons, and strong air links between Singapore and all Australian cities, the region deserves its position as Australia’s top fly-cruise destination.

The Singapore Tourism Board is pleased to work with Cruise Passenger magazine on this very special guide to cruising in Asia. There is also a handy map inside – perfect for your wall!

We hope the magazine will be a useful resource to help you deal with what we know will be increasing demand for holidays in Asia. We know that your success is shared by all of us, so you can be sure your clients will be well taken care of in Southeast Asia.

John is Executive Director, International Relations & Marketing Planning & Oceania

CRUISE ASEAN DIRECTORY 2018

With thanks to the following Peter Kollar, Head of International Training and Development, CLIA; Joel Katz, Managing Director, CLIA Australasia; Cos Matteo, Manager, Holidays of Australia and the World; Gareth Evison, Product Manager, Cruise 1st; Kathy Pavlidis, Manager, Travel Associates Kew; Phil Smethurst, Director, Bicton Travel; Steve Odell, Senior Vice President and Managing Director Asia Pacific, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings; Debra Fox, Chief Commercial Officer, APT Travel Group; David Rousham, Vice President UK and International Development, Cunard; Michael Goh, Senior Vice President International Sales, Genting Cruises; Peter McCormack, Head of Sales, Royal Caribbean; Monique Ponfoort, Vice President Asia Pacific Region, Ponant; Stuart Allison, Senior Vice President Asia Pacific Commercial & Operations, Princess Cruises; Ted Blamey, Principal, CHART Management Consultants; John Gregory Conceicao, Executive Director, International Relations & Marketing Planning & Oceania, Singapore Tourism Board.

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Published in partnership with the Association of South East Asian Nations.

aseancruising.com Published by Cruise Media Australasia Suite 501, Level 5, 37 Pitt Street Sydney 2000 bigsplashmedia.com.au Phone: +61 2 9251 2600 Managing director Peter Lynch All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Copyright Cruise Media Australasia Pty Ltd. Opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors and are not necessarily those of the publisher.

All reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders. Information provided believed to be correct at time of publication, however details can change at any time and all information, including prices, in this magazine should be considered general in nature only. No travel decisions should be made solely on the information provided.

ASIA CRUISE ROUND-UP 04 06 08 12

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18 20 24

Cruise stats What the numbers mean News in Asia Joel Katz on what lies ahead for the Southeast Asian market The ASEAN advantage according to Peter Kollar Agent tips The best of the UNESCO sites Ask the experts

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ASEAN COUNTRIES 28 Brunei Splendid sites attract cruisers 30 Cambodia Vibrant view of history 32 Indonesia Beautiful beaches beckon 34 Lao PDR Pandaw leads the way 36 Malaysia Big push bears fruit 38 Myanmar The allure of the Irrawaddy 40 Philippines Gathering momentum 42 Singapore Record passenger numbers 44 Thailand Becoming a high-end stop 46 Vietnam Cruising contines to swell

All figures from latest available reports

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THE SHIPS 49 Dream Cruises 50 Regent Seven Seas Cruises/ Cunard 51 Seabourn/ Crystal Cruises 52 Silversea 53 Oceania Cruises 54 Viking Ocean Cruises 55 Holland America Line/

Norwegian Cruise Line 56 Azamara Club Cruises 57 Celebrity Cruises 58 Princess Cruises 60 Royal Caribbean International 62 APT/ Travelmarvel 63 Avalon Waterways/ Pandaw 64 Scenic/ Heritage Line 65 Uniworld/ Aqua Expeditions ASEAN CRUISE DIRECTORY 2018

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ASIAN GROWTH

ASIAN GROWTH

Cruise by numbers More ships, more destinations and more choice – cruising in Southeast Asia is bigger and better than ever.

Southeast Asia’s top

66

cruise ship calls

97,000

4.12m

passenger capacity

Data Extracted from CLIA Asia Cruise Trends 2017. Report commissioned by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and produced

by Chart Management Associates.

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ASEAN CRUISE DIRECTORY 2018

calls to SE Asian ports

destinations • Singapore

• George Town, Malaysia • Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia • Bangkok, Thailand

• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam • Langkawi, Malaysia • Ko Samui, Thailand • Bali, Indonesia • Lao PDR • Brunei

Aussies cruised in Asia in 2017

2,093

10

4.06m

passengers will cruise within Asia

ASEAN CRUISE DIRECTORY 2018

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EXPLAINING THE NUMBERS

EXPLAINING THE NUMBERS from the Philippines to Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.

There were over 7,000 Asian cruise calls in 2017, an increase of 29 per cent in absolute volume in a year.

David Rousham, Cunard Vice President UK and International Development says: “We know Australians enjoy visiting the ASEAN countries, with the recent CLIA Ocean Source Market Report finding that Asia was the most popular long-haul fly-cruise region for Australian cruisers.

“We’ve tailored our 2019 and 2020 itineraries to incorporate calls to some of the most popular ports, as well as lesserknown ports and attractions in the region.”

Flying high

“Australian cruisers are starting to see Singapore as an extended homeport.”

How Asia became Australia’s favourite long-haul cruise destination.

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sia has returned as Australia’s number one long-haul fly-cruise destination, with the latest figures showing 97,000 passengers travelled to the region’s ports for their holidays.

In 2016, numbers fell back 10 per cent to 85,374. But last year, Australians more than made up the ground, setting a new record and easily overhauling previous incumbent, the Mediterranean, which hosted a mere 61,000 Aussies.

So how did the ASEAN region get things so right?

Well, for a start there are now more ships – 66 were deployed in Asian waters last year, five of them mega ships carrying over 3,500 passengers, and many of them were new or recently refurbished. That’s a jump of over 50 per cent since 2013.

There is more capacity, with 10,196 operating days and space for 4.24 million passengers. The number of available cruises and voyages shot up 25 per cent.

Two other factors helped grow the Australian fly-cruise market to Australia: cheaper airfares, and a lack of capacity back home.

With cruisers booking Australian homeported ships further ahead than ever before, testing capacity as far into the future as 2020, some passengers found the dates they wanted in Asia at keener prices.

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The RV Mekong Pandaw, one Southeast Asia’s classic river ships

“Cruising continues to be on an impressive progressive trajectory in Asia, gaining consumer interest and having a positive impact on the economy,” said Joel Katz, Managing Director, CLIA Australasia & Asia, in announcing the last round of growth figures.

Princess Cruises, which sails out of Singapore, has a strong following among Australians, who even book back to back journeys lasting three weeks to see more of the region.

Says Stuart Allison, Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific Commercial & Operations, Princess Cruises: “Asia has such a rich mix of history and culture that really appeals to our Princess guests, who are searching for meaningful experiences when they travel.

“Australian cruisers already love our cruises in Southeast Asia, and they are starting to see Singapore as an extended homeport, with an easy flight and plenty of Princess’s fly-cruise options on offer.”

Princess Cruises sails Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess and Sun Princess in the region. Sapphire Princess was refurbished earlier this year, with enhanced onboard spaces, improved shops and installation of a giant LED screen in the theatre.

Mr Allison added that Princess now specifically targets the market with special fly-cruise offers and deals – as does Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Steve Odell, Managing Director Asia Pacific, NCLH, said: “ CLIA’s 2017 cruise

industry source market report highlighted that Asia remained the most popular long-haul flight-cruise destination for Australian cruisers, accounting for 7.3 per cent of travellers.

“The demand for quality ASEAN itineraries is high, with NCLH stepping up to meet our guest’s expectations for Southeast Asian sailings.”

Another significant factor in the attraction of Asia is the increasing investment in new ports and destinations

Another area of growth among Australian cruise passengers is occurring on Asia’s rivers, where Australian companies such as APT, Avalon and Scenic are running increasing numbers of luxury ships on the Mekong and Irrawaddy.

Debra Fox, Chief Commercial Officer, APT Travel Group says: “APT have operated in Vietnam and Cambodia since 2011, starting with 12 departures in the first season, growing to 36 departures in 2018/19.

With easy access to the Mekong river, cruising is by far the best way for our guests to get off the tourist trail and see the real life of Vietnam and Cambodia through the eyes of the locals.

“With it being so close to home and the increase in airlines servicing the country it is becoming more accessible and more appealing as Australians learn more about their welcoming culture and rich history” Pandaw is another line with a big fleet plying ASEAN rivers and targeting Australian cruisers.

Marco Rosa, Vice President Sales & Marketing, says: “Australia is a very important source market for Pandaw. Our clients are experienced travellers looking for cultural and adventurous experiences.

“Our expeditions suit the Australian market. Australia is our second largest global market and Australians like Pandaw for the adventure and expedition spirit.”

That sums up the enormous appeal of the ASEAN region.

ASEAN CRUISE DIRECTORY 2018

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NEWS

NEWS

Changi to build fly-cruise facility

The growing luxury cruise market in Australia is to be joined by awardwinning Viking Ocean Cruises, which will be sending a new ship to Asia and Australia.

Company chairman Torstein Hagen said the line will be deploying its fifth ship, Viking Spirit, to Asia and Australia for the summer season in 2018 to cruise between Bangkok and Hong Kong and between Sydney and Auckland.

They will then move Viking Spirit to Alaska for the Northern Hemisphere summer in 2019, and passengers will be able to book a 93-day repositioning cruise from Auckland to Vancouver.

“In the old days people used to call this a Circle Pacific cruise. Many of our guests like long cruises and to get away from bad weather, particularly in the Northeast, is not a bad thing,” said Mr Hagen.

VIKING OCEAN’S CRUISERS ON THEIR WAY

The Jewel of Changi Airport project, due to be finished next year, will include a fly-cruise facility which will make Singapore a more convenient hub for the market with services such as luggage transfer and boarding pass issuance. The project also includes a 40-metre high indoor waterfall and a five-storey garden with 2,500 trees and 100,000 shrubs. There will also be an additional five floors below ground with more than 300 boutiques, bars and restaurants, and a 130-room hotel. The Jewel will be directly linked to Terminal 1 and linked to Terminals 2 and 3 via bridges and travelators.

Princess Cruises has released new itineraries for two ships in Asia in 2019/2020.

Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will together offer 45 itineraries in the region, visiting Japan, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, South Korea and Malaysia between November next year and May 2020.

Diamond Princess will sail in Japan in search of the autumn foliage in Kyushu, Honshu and Shikoku.

She will also sail to Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands between Tokyo and Singapore over the holiday period.

Sapphire Princess, who homeports in Singapore, will offer sailings to Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

A special Annular Eclipse voyage will depart from Singapore on 17 December next year to view the solar eclipse off the coast of Malaysia on December 26 2019.

More itineraries for Princess’s Asian fleet

Ponant sails in with French style

Luxury cruise line Ponant has is sending its first ship in the Explorers series, Le Laperouse, to travel Asia in 2019.

The new itineraries will visit several countries in the region including Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The voyages have been designed to attract travellers who are seeking the exotic appeal and mysterious charm of Asia, the line said.

The highlight tour of the region for the 92-cabin Le Laperouse will be the 17-day Gems of South-East Asia itinerary, which departs from Bali and visits Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines before ending in Hong Kong, ticking all the boxes from bustling cities to ancient ruins.

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Pandaw River Expeditions, well known for its intrepid Asian cruises, has extended the route of one of its Myanmar Mergui Archipelago itineraries.

The voyage, the first ocean cruise for the line, is aboard Andaman Explorer, a classic 1960s motor yacht which was acquired by the company in 2016 and refurbished into a small ship vessel for the intrepid cruiser.

Because of the popularity of the ocean voyage, Pandaw has extended the route to cover the entire distance between Yangon and Kawthuang. The voyage now includes port calls to the old coastal towns of Moulmein, Mergui and Tavoy, with pagodas, secluded islands and lush mountains.

Shore excursions will include visits to small remote islands where cruisers can snorkel or kayak up the rivers into the mangrove forests.

A NEW ROUTE FOR PANDAW

Bali’s cruise port slated to open by end of 2018

Bali’s new cruise terminal at Port Benoa is set to be opened by the end of the year. It’s expected that the facility will transform the port into a world-class hub that will not only be able to host super luxury yachts, but also large cruise ships, boosting Indonesia’s tourism figures. Currently, big vessels that visit Benoa have to moor offshore and passengers are tendered ashore. Chairman of Bali Tourism Board, Ida Bagus Agung Partha, said the terminal was vital due to the current insufficient capacity. The new terminal will be able to accommodate 5,000 passengers.

ASEAN CRUISE DIRECTORY 2018

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NEWS

NEWS

Quantum of the Seas to spend a season in Singapore

Royal Caribbean International has announced the return of Quantum of the Seas – Asia’s largest cruise ship – to Singapore from November 2019 to April 2020, with a grand total of 34 sailings. The ship’s return marks the first-ever seven-night round trip sailing on a Quantum class as she heads out of Singapore to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. Other itineraries on offer include four-night cruises to Penang or Phuket, five-night cruises to Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Phuket, and a seven-night cruise to Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Phuket. Quantum’s six-month season will also be the longest of the Quantum class in Southeast Asia, and is expected to increase Royal Caribbean’s capacity in Singapore by 30 per cent with an addition of 150,000 guests to the local cruising scene.

Silversea reveals regional destinations

Luxury cruise line Silversea revealed its 2018/19 voyages to Asia with an all-inclusive package option. There are 20 new destinations which include Bangkok and Ko Samui in Thailand, Ho Chi Ming City in Vietnam, Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, Muara in Brunei and Singapore.

As a sample itinerary, Silver Muse departs December 1 on a 12-day round-trip voyage from Singapore with calls in Kuala Lumpur, George Town, Phuket, Yangon, and Langkawi.

One of the highlight shore excursions is a visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar where Silversea will host a special ‘Shwedagon by Candlelight’ evening tour.

MSC Cruises has announced it will be sending a new-build ship, MSC Bellissima, to sail around Asia by 2020. She will be the newest flagship for the region and will be tailored for the Asian market.

Bellissima will be launched in March 2019 and following her inaugural season in the Mediterranean, will then sail to various destinations in Asia.

Guests will be able to enjoy brand-new and exclusive to MSC Cruises Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows every night as well as next-generation MSC Yacht Club, with new features, luxurious accommodations spanning three decks, private facilities and butler service round-the-clock.

MSC Bellissima will be among the biggest and most innovative cruise ships deployed in the region.

ASEAN CRUISE DIRECTORY 2018

Celebrity returns to Asia

Celebrity Cruises has released its 2019/20 deployment for Asia, Australia and the Americas. Celebrity Millennium will be returning to Asia from late 2019 through to early 2020. Itineraries include a 14-night cruise calling at Yokohama, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore. Celebrity Constellation will depart from Dubai and follow the ancient Spice Route to Singapore on the Best of India and Sri Lanka cruise, which will call at Goa, Mumbai and Colombo, among others. It will be longest season the line has ever spent in the Asia/Pacific region, with more than 20 regional cruises booked over the season.

Thailand is making a bid to bolster their cruise tourism by improving the facilities and infrastructure in Phuket.

Phuket Deep Sea Port has been awarded a contract to manage the project in which the 350-metre quay will be lengthened to 60 metres to accommodate for larger cruise ships of up to 6,000 passengers, such as those from Royal Caribbean and MSC. It’s believed the upgrades will take around 18 months and the company hopes to develop Phuket into a homeport destination.

Refurbishment of Phuket port to attract large cruise ships BELLISSIMA TAILORED FOR ASIAN MARKET

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The cruise line which builds the world’s largest ships, Royal Caribbean, has signalled plans to revamp 10 of its cruise ships as well indicating that they are on the hunt for private islands in Asia.

“Royal Caribbean is always on the look out for new opportunities to deliver guests exceptional destination experiences, and we are currently considering multiple locations for the Perfect Day concept around the world,” said a RCCL spokesperson.

The line hopes to develop private islands in Asia similar to their private Bahamian private island CocoCay which features family friendly waterparks, as well as Chill Island which has cabanas and daybeds for relaxation.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN SCOUTING FOR PRIVATE ISLANDS

ASEAN CRUISE DIRECTORY 2018

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CLIA NEWS

CLIA NEWS

On trend

As cruises in ASEAN continue to increase in popularity, Joel Katz talks about what lies ahead for the market.

Q. An increasing number of Australians are heading to Asia for cruise holidays. What do you think is powering this trend?

A. As cruising continues to grow worldwide, cruise lines are constantly seeking new destinations to appeal to the increasing numbers and widening demographic of cruise passengers. From CLIA’s recent Ocean Source Market Report Australia, we know Asia is one of the most popular fly-cruise destination for Australians. Australians love cruising, and the proximity of Asia and the familiarity with travelling to Asia makes it a natural and easy destination for Australians.

Q. Which countries are doing most to attract Australians, and why?

A. Countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore are recognising the increased appetite for cruising and developing their port infrastructure to accommodate the types of ships that appeal to Australian cruise passengers.

While traditionally the ASEAN countries may only have been a stop as part of a longer cruise transiting the region, with the development in cruise infrastructure across the region, the dynamic cities, timeless cultures and stunning natural landscapes and wildlife are attracting more international ships and Australian passengers to the region.

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ASEAN CRUISE DIRECTORY 2018

Q. What are the main benefits of cruising in the ASEAN region?

A. Our close proximity, and the relative ease of getting to embarkation ports like Singapore and Hong Kong without the issue of jetlag, the rich and varied landscapes and cultures, and the extensive range of ships now sailing in Asia all make it an appealing destination for Australian cruisers.

Q. Is CLIA helping Australian agents sell Asian cruises? And if so, how?

A. CLIA supports the growth and development of its members through detailed training via the CLIA Learning Academy. Our dedicated elective module for Asia, Cruising Southeast Asia, assists travel agents selling cruise itineraries as well as increases their service skills by learning the key features of the ports in the region with 15 downloadable fact sheets, 25 videos and 19 website links.

CLIA Asia has also recently launched training with executive partners Japan National Tourism Organization and Wendy Wu Tours, as well as training already accessible for Hong Kong Tourism Board. CLIA encourages travel agents to check back regularly for additional training modules.

CLIA is currently expanding its CLIA Members Hub to include information and details for ship inspections throughout Asia,

Q. What is happening over the next

allowing travel agents to inspect and experience the ships in the region firsthand.

Q. How is CLIA helping ASEAN countries develop infrastructure to cope with increased tourism?

A. CLIA works with strategic and executive partners in the region, such as the Singapore Tourism Board, and provides research to support the continued growth of the industry. We are encouraged by the high profile cruising has in the ASEAN tourism mix, and that a number of ASEAN nations have signed memorandums of understanding to boost cruise tourism between their countries.

The ‘Cruise Southeast Asia’ branding has also supported the region as an attractive cruise destination.

A Crystal Cruises ship in Singapore Cruise Centre.

12 months to help grow fly-cruise trips to Asia?

A. With the partnership between CLIA and STB and the opening of CLIA’s office in Singapore, we expect to see more activities designed to propel cruise growth in Southeast Asia. With ASEAN home to some of the world’s fastest growing economies, CLIA will work to undertake travel agent training, augment destination marketing efforts, spur regional port development and exchange technical and regulatory best practices. Over the coming 12 months, we plan to leverage CLIA’s professional training capabilities to develop Asia as a cruising destination, and CLIA’s Cruise360 Conference in Sydney in August will include a Cruise

“The proximity of Asia and the familiarity with travelling there makes it an easy destination for Australians.”

Destination showcase for the first time that will feature a number of Asian destinations.

Q. Can you see a time when more lines will offer cruises direct from Australia to Asia and back, to please the increasing demand for longer cruises?

A. With more ships based in Southeast Asia, we’re increasingly likely to see more cruises out of Australia up into Asia and back.

We know the ports in the north of Australia such as Darwin and Broome look forward to the day more ships offer turnarounds on Asian itineraries.

Q. Finally, what advice would you give an agent wishing to send clients to Asia to cruise?

A. Join CLIA – as the global cruise industry trade association, we leverage our relationships with cruise lines, executive partners and the travel community to provide our Travel Agency Members and Individual Agent Members with the best benefits, tools and professional development resources to navigate the cruise industry and put the right client on the right ship to the right destination. The CLIA Learning Academy helps travel agents develop knowledge of the various cruise segments and categories, learn about ASEAN cruise destinations and acquire the skills to up sell, cross sell and match clients to the right cruise.

ASEAN CRUISE DIRECTORY 2018

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MASTERCLASS

MASTERCLASS

The ASEAN advantage

Cruising in Southeast Asia is big business and growing, explains Peter Kollar.

O

ver the past few years, many Australian travel agents have expanded their fly-cruise offerings into Asia, and selling this exceptional experience is fast becoming a business strategy that leads to success with many happy new customers.

This statement isn’t just hype. The latest cruise industry statistics prove the point, with 97,000 Australians taking an ocean cruise in Asia in 2017.

Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore (left); a Pandaw river cruise (above right) 14

ASEAN CRUISE DIRECTORY 2018

ASEAN’s advantage What this region has that others didn’t when they went through their first boom period of cruising, is established niche markets such as river and expedition cruising, which were both in their infancy during the years ocean cruising grew strongly elsewhere. Asia has both river and expedition, so this boom comes at a great time, as all indicators show consumers are looking for more adventure and off-the-beaten path experiences, with greater culture and nature immersion. Research says they

are willing to pay for it as well. This is great news for Australian travel agents who can sell the best of all worlds!

Why expedition cruising has changed so much Ten years ago, expedition cruising was one type of holiday that would not incite envy when you bragged about it to your friends upon returning!

Sure, they may wish they had visited some of the places they had only seen on Attenborough documentaries. But after hearing what you had to go through to do it, only the diehard explorers would get the jealous streak.

Seasickness, small quarters, bland food in cafeterias, and communal bathrooms – it was not exactly the poster child of niche cruising. Nor was there much appeal in the large steel freight or science ship converted to host a few humans. Often built in Russia between the 1960s and 1980s, these vessels had as much personality as the Terminator (in the first film).

ASEAN CRUISE DIRECTORY 2018

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MASTERCLASS

MASTERCLASS

”Many clients are only starting to learn about Asian cruise and they want to know more, which is great.”

European-trained butlers, private pools and restaurants.

They are to be joined by an even bigger ship in two years time that will sail from Asia to Australia.

ASEAN and expedition The region already has luxury expedition options, and is quickly growing soft expedition products to tempt younger, more affluent Australians. Whether it be diving in the Philippines, island sailing on a Star Clipper in Thailand or meeting the orangutans of Borneo, the region has enormous scope for adventure.

The change in river cruising Many people don’t realise that river cruising is a relatively new segment of the cruise market, though it’s now actually referred to as its own market. Though the waterways of Asia have always been the social and commercial highways of civilisations of the past, commercial tourism has only just caught on over the past two decades.

The demand for luxury Asia’s offerings in the luxury sector are strong and the coming year will see visits from Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Silversea and Seabourn, as well as Cunard and Crystal. The region has even launched its own luxury line. Dream Cruises, owned by the same company that launched Star Cruises many years ago and purchased Crystal Cruises, now has two ships – one homeported in Singapore.

Genting Dream carries over 3,000 passengers and has a “ship within a ship”, the Palace Suites that have 16

ASEAN CRUISE DIRECTORY 2018

Lines expand into Asia’s rivers As Europe is mature (and growing), the same companies are now able to invest in new rivers. The Mekong and the Irrawaddy sport ultra-luxury ships from our best known brands: APT, Scenic, Avalon and a host of local brands that sail to exotic destinations. Pandaw, for instance, has developed its own fleet of river ships made in the traditional designs of Asia with ultrashallow drafts, allowing them to reach the forests and hinterlands where villages and towns are untouched.

The stunning Star Clipper; a couple in the Dream Deluxe Suite (above); Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam (below)

These lines offer unique experiences along the way, in food, culture and even voluntourism from the safety of brands that your clients will recognise and feel comfortable sailing.

What this all means for you Australian travel agents are in the right place at the right time. Many clients are only starting to learn about

Asian cruise and they want to know more, which is great. Because it is an exotic destination, you can also capture the interest of hard-to-please millennials.

You should be filling your offices, your websites, and your promotional material with pictures of people enjoying all forms of cruising in Asian locations. This neuromarketing essential is paramount for all sales.

Moreover, for those who may be hesitant to make the change from their regular holidays in Europe, river and expedition cruising in Asia is a great alternative, because Asian options are about the destination. They are about exploring, learning, and absorbing cultures and nature, depending on the itinerary.

Thus, unlike other markets a decade ago, you can put any of your clients on a cruise through the ASEAN region. Those that want to enjoy the extravaganza of large, fun-loving ships out on the ocean, luxury clients who want to be pampered while watching the glittering sea on boutique ships, or those that want to explore destinations, cultures and nature though river and expedition cruising.

If you haven’t started educating yourself about Asian cruise yet, make sure you visit us as cliaasia.org.

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AGENT TIPS

AGENT TIPS

Ask the experts

PHIL SMETHURST DIRECTOR, BICTON TRAVEL

What makes Asia such a popular cruise destination for Australians? We ask those in the know.

C

KATHY PAVLIDIS MANAGER, TRAVEL ASSOCIATES KEW

C

COS MATTEO MANAGER, HOLIDAYS OF AUSTRALIA AND THE WORLD

M

ost of our clients love the idea of a short flight and cruise package. Fly-cruise packages are becoming extremely popular as clients understand the value and benefits of this style of travel.

Fly-cruise holidays have evolved to become a way to travel that’s jam-packed with food and drinks, entertainment and loads of activities: it’s a great opportunity to explore lots of new destinations within a short period of time.

A fly-cruise holiday package generally encompasses a one-way flight, either from your origin or from the cruise arrival port. When booking a cruise or land component, your flight (one way or return) is often reduced or even free, which makes it very appealing.

As the cruise ship and flight bookings are independent of each other, planning a fly-cruise must also include considering aspects such as 18

ASEAN CRUISE DIRECTORY 2018

airport-hotel-port transfers, and hotel stays.

Booking both the flight and cruise might seem a little complicated, but it actually gives you the freedom to customise your trip.

You can choose to arrive at the departure point a week or two before the cruise departure date and immerse yourself in the culture and attractions, or you can extend your stay at the end of your cruise.

As well as the flexibility a fly-cruise offers, there are lots of other advantages compared to a normal holiday package.

A Fly-Cruise allows you to easily travel and explore a large area, with the convenience of having your accommodation, food and entertainment all in one place.

A short fly-cruise close to home in Asia or the Pacific is becoming very popular. 201920 promises to be one of the biggest years in cruising yet.

ruising the ASEAN states allows you to experience some of the world’s richest and most diverse cultures – almost on our doorstep.

From Indonesia to the Philippines, and Brunei to Malaysia, the varied landscapes and friendly people provide a unique backdrop for voyages of discovery like no other.

Being so close to Australia appeals to clients who dread long-distance air travel. The appeal of a 10 hour flight over 24 hours to reach Europe is driving more and more Australians to experience what Asia has to offer.

The ability to visit remote beaches, temples, islands and UNESCO sites, experience local cuisine at the many markets and swim and snorkel in pristine waters adds to the allure of an Asian escape.

Some of our top sellers include tall ship sailing on Star Clippers. Their most popular itineraries include seven nights return from Bali, including Gili

Island, Komodo and Pink Beach in Indonesia on a beautiful clipper ship which can drop anchor at any of hundreds of undiscovered islands.

Ponant offer luxury expedition sailings through the ASEAN region, and in 2019 they are sending their newest ship Le Laperouse to Australia via Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia in fabulous French style.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises offer the most inclusive luxury product in the market. Their itinerary from Singapore to Thailand, with stops in Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia, can be combined with a pre- or post-tour extension to Angkor Wat. River cruising through Vietnam and Cambodia offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience the rich history and tradition of their cultures.

Combine a land journey through Vietnam with a Mekong River cruise to see the best of these two countries.

GARETH EVISON PRODUCT MANAGER, CRUISE 1ST

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sia remains one of the more popular cruise destinations for Australians as they continue to choose cruise holidays in record numbers.

The figures from CLIA show that in 2017 the Australian cruise market grew by 4.4 per cent, equating to almost 6 per cent of the Australian population taking a cruise last year.

With more than 1.34 million Australians taking an ocean cruise we’re seeing an everincreasing range of itineraries being offered with Asia as their focus. Asia remains the most popular long-haul fly-cruise destination for Australian cruisers, accounting for 7.3 per cent of travelers.

Asia is rapidly developing its cruise product and is very accessible for Australians, either by joining cruises originating from Australia or flying to somewhere like Singapore, which has become a key port for many cruise operators.

The Asian cruise industry is expanding in terms of size and

infrastructure and is being developed to cater for the increasing number of ships operating out of the region.

Singapore is strategically stationed in the region and has invested in building two cruise terminals to accommodate bigger and newer ships.

Asia is popular because it offers a wide variety of experiences in different countries across the region, making for interesting and varied itineraries virtually on our doorstep.

Asia’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas, is set to return to Southeast Asia for a six-month season in 2019/2020 following a multi-million dollar refurbishment.

This longest-ever deployment in the region for a ship of its class will enable Quantum of the Seas to bring hundreds of thousands of tourists to Malaysia, which has grown to be one of the region’s most significant cruise destinations – and the growth is expected to continue.

ruise itineraries – both river and ocean – have really opened up some areas which would have been difficult or impossible to reach before cruising started.

Classic examples would be the Mekong and Irrawaddy river cruises, where companies like Pandaw are taking people into really remote areas in Laos and northern Thailand, as well as the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar.

On the oceans there are some great expedition cruises through Myanmar, Indonesia and Malaysia – Silversea Expeditions and Ponant are some that come to mind.

I did a fantastic expedition cruise into Indonesian Borneo and visited the Camp Leakey orangutan rehabilitation centre. Plus, there are companies now like Star Clippers cruising the smaller Indonesian islands.

In the mainstream, the cruise lines are investing heavily in the ships they are

sending to the region. The likes of Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Norwegian are all sending great ships which are perfect for any age group. Dream Cruises, in particular, have some amazing new ships in the region with more to come.

Then there are the more luxurious and intimate style ships which are suited to those wishing to explore the more adventurous destinations such as Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines while not compromising on comfort.

For that you have the likes of Silversea, Seabourn and Windstar.

One benefit of cruising ASEAN is the close proximity to Australia so no long haul flights are required. Plus, airfares are now so low, lots of cruise lines in the region are competing on price, and the Aussie dollar is so strong against local currencies, it makes also for a very good value for money proposition.

”Asia is rapidly developing its cruise product and is very accessible for Australians, either by joining cruises originating from Australia or flying to somewhere like Singapore.“ ASEAN CRUISE DIRECTORY 2018

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UNESCO SITES

UNESCO SITES

Sailing through history

One of the greatest ways to explore the ASEAN region is by ticking off the UNESCO sites. Hannah Warren picks ten of the best.

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nly a few places in the world bear the coveted UNESCO badge of honour, but between themselves, the diverse and culturally rich ASEAN countries count 37 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

And they are rightfully proud of them.

These fascinating sites are world treasures, a mixture of magnificent ancient and traditional art and architecture, present-day towns and marvellous examples of the natural world.

They represent meeting points of cultures, developments in science and design, relics of long-lost religions, and the force and majesty of Mother Nature.

But these destinations aren’t just a source of pride for the citizens of the ASEAN

nations, they are also popular and muchenjoyed destinations for visitors seeking unique, in-depth cultural experiences in the countries they visit. After all, what better way to truly understand a country than by visiting sites that so vividly tell the stories of its past, society and values?

UNESCO is working closely with ASEAN leaders to identify, protect and future-proof the precious World Heritage Sites, but they are at risk of the ravages of time, development, poaching, pollution and the elements. The Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra is even on the UNESCO watchlist of sites in danger.

If you wish to explore and understand these world treasures, right now is the time to go.

UNESCO IN ASEAN CAMBODIA ANGKOR /1992

• Angkor is one of the most

important archaeological sites in ASEAN, and while most people think only of the iconic Angkor Wat temple, the UNESCO site actually encompasses far more.

Angkor covers about 400 square kilometres and contains the magnificent artistic and architectural remains of the capitals of the Khmer Empire,

which reigned in Cambodia from the 9th to the 15th century, as well as dense jungle and water features.

INDONESIA KOMODO NATIONAL PARK /1991

• The volcanic islands of Komodo

National Park are inhabited by around 5,000 giant lizards – the famous Komodo Dragons, so named for their fierce appearance and behaviour. This national park,

Pader Island, Komodo National Park (above); Komodo dragon on the beach (left) ASEAN CRUISE DIRECTORY 2018

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UNESCO SITES

UNESCO SITES

which consists of three main islands and several smaller ones, is the only place in the world these fascinating creatures can be found. The rugged terrain ranges from open savannah to monsoon forest, alongside white sandy beaches and blue waters.

the 15th century Malay sultanate and the Portuguese and Dutch, while George Town represents the era of British occupation from the end of the 18th century. Both have amazing unique food cultures that are not to be missed.

LAOS LUANG PRABANG /1995

MYANMAR PYU ANCIENT CITIES / 2014

best-preserved city in Southeast Asia, and it is certainly one of the prettiest. It was once the seat of kings, and it is said that Buddha himself prophesied it would one day be a rich and powerful city.

Today, the streets are a beautiful mix of traditional Lao architecture, temples and colonial French buildings. Luang Prabang is surrounded by mountains, rivers and jungle, and it is rich with art, delicious food and friendly locals.

the remains of three walled and moated cities – Halin, Beikthano and Sri Ksetra – built of brick in the dry zone of the Irrawaddy river basin. The Pyu Kingdoms flourished between 200 BC and 900 AD and the cities now include the excavated remains of palace citadels, burial grounds, stupas, still-standing walls and water systems – some of which are still in use. These cities are the earliest evidence of the introduction of Buddhism into Southeast Asia around 2,000 years ago.

• Luang Prabang is often called the • The Pyu Ancient Cities include

MALAYSIA MELAKA AND GEORGE TOWN / 2008

• While they are considered to be

one UNESCO site, Melaka and George Town are two separate cities, some 500 kilometres apart but both sitting pretty on the coast of Malaysia on the Straits of Malacca. They represent 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges between Europe and Asia: Melaka shows the meeting of

bats, monkeys, crabs and birds. The highlight of the park, which covers an area of around 22,20 hectares, is an 8.2 kilometre-long underground river that flows directly into the sea. Visitors can venture into the caves to experience the full diverse mountain-to-sea ecosystem.

While they are considered to be one UNESCO site, Melaka and George Town are two separate cities, some 500 kilometres apart on the coast of Malaysia.

SINGAPORE SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS / 2015

• The Singapore Botanic Gardens

have evolved from a colonial British tropical garden into a world-class scientific institution while retaining its role as a site for recreation and relaxation. The Gardens were established in 1859, when Singapore was a British colony, and it was later used as Singapore’s first zoo. During World War II, the Japanese recognised its cultural and scientific importance, and maintained it with prisoner of war labour – a staircase built by Australian POWs still stands today.

THE PHILIPPINES PUERTO PRINCESA SUBTERRANEAN RIVER NATIONAL PARK / 1999

• This incredible national park on

the island of Palawan includes one of the world’s most impressive cave systems, spectacular limestone formations, old-growth forests, white-sand beaches and unique and diverse wildlife such as

THAILAND HISTORIC CITY OF AYUTTHAYA / 1991

• Founded around the year

Clockwise: Pyu Ancient City; Masjid Selat mosque, Melaka; Kek Lok Si temple, George Town; monks at Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang 22

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1350, Ayutthaya was the second Siamese capital, and from the 13th to the 18th century it was one of the world’s largest urban areas and a key centre of global commerce. It was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767 and was never rebuilt, but what remains is a fascinating archaeological site in a key position in the middle of three rivers. Still standing are the monumental Buddhist monasteries and the unique hydraulic system.

VIETNAM HOI AN / 1999

• The picturesque old town

of Hoi An is a beautifully preserved former trading port, featuring elements of Chinese, Japanese and European influence from centuries of international trading. The cobbled pedestrian-only streets of the Ancient Town are laid out in a grid and lined with traditional wooden shopfronts, residences, religious sites and riverside markets. At night, coloured lanterns hang in the trees lining the riverbanks and bridges, and children float candles down the river.

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EXPERT OPINION

EXPERT OPINION

Ask the experts

Why more Australians are taking to fly-cruise in Asia STEVE ODELL Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Senior Vice President and Managing Director Asia Pacific & Chairman CLIA Australasia

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ith almost one in every 18 Australians cruising in 2017, it is undeniable that the cruise holiday is increasingly becoming the getaway of choice for Aussie travellers.

The cruise industry in Southeast Asia is growing rapidly, both in the number of cruise lines deployed in the region, as well as the total volume of Australian cruise travellers seeking quality Asian itineraries.

CLIA’s 2017 cruise industry source market report highlighted that Asia remains the most popular long-haul 24

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fly-cruise destination for Australian cruisers, accounting for 7.3 per cent of travellers. The demand for quality ASEAN itineraries is high, with NCLH stepping-up to meet our guests’ expectations for Southeast Asian sailings.

With a fly-cruise holiday, Australians can explore the exotic locations and cultures of the Orient, with NCLH offering something for all types of traveller – Norwegian Cruise Line provides freedom and flexibility, Oceania Cruises delivers the finest cuisine at sea, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the world leader in all-inclusive luxury cruising.

We offer a diverse range of itineraries, the majority starting or ending in ASEAN’s key hub of Singapore and going north-

west to the Andaman Sea, east to Bali and the ports of Borneo or north to Manila, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, Sihanoukville, Bangkok and Yangon, to name a few.

Government authorities and industry stakeholders are also looking to strengthen Southeast Asia’s cruise industry offerings. For instance, in March this year, the Singapore Tourism Board and CLIA, announced a new three-year partnership that will tap into their complementary strengths to undertake travel agent training, augment destination marketing efforts, spur regional port development and exchange technical and regulatory best practices.

DEBRA FOX APT Travel Group Chief Commercial Officer

DAVID ROUSHAM Cunard Vice President UK and International Development

MICHAEL GOH Genting Cruises Senior Vice President, International Sales

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PT have operated in Vietnam and Cambodia since 2011. Starting with 12 departures in the first season, we’ve grown to 36 departures in 2018/19. With easy access to the Mekong river, cruising is by far the best way for our guests to get off the tourist trail and see Vietnam and Cambodia through the eyes of the locals. Vietnam has had a resurgence over the past few years and with the increase in airlines servicing the country it is becoming more accessible and appealing as a destination for Australians wanting to learn more about their welcoming culture and rich history.

Following the success of Vietnam and Cambodia with Australians, APT has ventured further into the ASEAN nations with tours and river cruises in Myanmar in 2016, for authentic experiences our guests couldn’t do independently.

In 2019, APT ambassador and acclaimed celebrity chef Luke Nguyen will be hosting an exclusive culinary journey through Myanmar aboard the boutique river ship RV Samatha, for an authentic look at the region’s produce and cooking techniques.

Luke will also be hosting his annual Mekong River Cruise in 2018. With his family ties and newly opened restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, this is a truly unique way to experience the region.

APT’s Small Ships program gives us the flexibility to introduce new itineraries from year to year, previously hosting unique sailings in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, visiting locations not available to larger ships. With the popularity of the ASEAN nations increasing, they are all possibilities for this program in the future.

With all the destinations so close and easily accessible from Australia, the ASEAN region is an ideal holiday choice. Not only are they on a similar time zone so there is no jet lag, it is a holiday that is rich in cultural experiences like nothing most Australians have experienced.

his year sees the most Australians and New Zealanders ever travel with Cunard. This growth is in response to the breadth of our itineraries and shows just how much of the world the Cunard fleet covers. We will continue showing our guests the world with a new ship joining our fleet in 2022.

In 2019, for the first time, Cunard will base a ship in Australia for a 54-day season, with a season almost double that length in 2020. Despite these record-breaking seasons Down Under, the fly-cruise market remains important for Cunard and allows Australians more freedom to board in any international embarkation port.

Additionally, we know Australians enjoy visiting the ASEAN countries, with the recent CLIA Ocean Source Market Report finding Asia is the most popular long-haul fly-cruise region for Australian cruisers, accounting for 7.3 per cent of travellers.

We’ve tailored our 2019 and 2020 itineraries to incorporate calls to some of the most popular ports and attractions, as well as lesser known ones, in this region.

In particular, our flagship vessel Queen Mary 2 will spend a significant part of 2019 sailing in Asia as part of her world voyage.

Itinerary highlights in 2019 range from relaxing in the beautiful beach resort of Vietnam’s Nha Trang to meeting the Mah Meri indigenous tribe of Kuala Lumpur to learn about their culture. It’s important to get the right mix of traditional versus undiscovered when crafting itineraries – especially when appealing to Australians, who tend to be adventurous seafarers.

We have a variety of itinerary lengths to suit different types of travellers – from a seven-night voyage from Singapore to Hong Kong to a 21-night voyage – so travellers can choose the perfect sailing in Southeast Asia, whether it be a short getaway or a longer break.

ingapore is a popular destination and the perfect gateway to the ASEAN region with regular flights from Australia.

Dream Cruises’ year-round homeporting of Genting Dream in Singapore adds a new option for travelling within the ASEAN region that is unique, exciting and convenient for many Australian fly-cruise travellers. Australian holiday-makers seeking a new way to explore ASEAN, as well as those who are already familiar with cruise vacations, will now be able to do so with Genting Dream’s thrilling itineraries to various timeless ASEAN destinations.

At Dream Cruises, we have carefully planned and put together a series of exciting ASEAN cruise itineraries on Genting Dream that will appeal to many Australians. We have included a variety of destinations that will allow travellers to relax in the region’s famous sun-drenched beaches and crystal clear waters as well as experience the sounds and sights of cultural hotspots, without the need to pack and unpack at each destination.

Genting Dream’s exciting cruise itineraries from Singapore to various popular ASEAN destinations are infused with a wide variety of unique offerings, warm hospitality, pampering recreational services, delectable cuisines, full-filled activities, spectacular performances and more to create innovative and memorable onboard experiences for our guests.

One of Dream Cruises’ highlights is the exclusive Dream Palace accommodations, a “ship within a ship” concept that offers the most spacious suites in Asia with exclusive access to Dream Cruises’ European butler service and private areas, including their own restaurant, lounge, sundeck, and other special privileges.

Also not be missed is Dream Cruises’ signature Dream Night with Asia’s only Fireworks at Sea, which illuminate the ocean and night skies with rainbow colours.

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EXPERT OPINION

EXPERT OPINION

PETER MCCORMACK Royal Caribbean Head of Sales

MONIQUE PONFOORT Ponant Vice President Asia Pacific Region

STUART ALLISON Princess Cruises Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific Commercial & Operations

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ruising is a spectacular – and seamless – way to experience the sights and sounds of many of ASEAN’s member nations, with guests able to visit several destinations in just one trip, and usually with just one set of flights.

Royal Caribbean offers a number of enticing itineraries in Southeast Asia that are appealing for the both the adventurous family or the couple wanting to travel its destinations with ease.

For example, a short trip to Singapore can be followed by one of Royal Caribbean’s four- to seven-night cruises to must-see cities in Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam onboard Voyager of the Seas.

The five-night Spice of Southeast Asia Cruise leaves Singapore on December 29 this year to visit Kuala Lumpur, Phuket and Langkawi, and gives guests the opportunity to celebrate New Year’s Eve onboard.

In April 2019, we’ll offer a seven-night Hong Kong to Singapore cruise for those wanting to see the best of Vietnam, calling at the feast-for-the-eyes destinations of Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang and historic Ho Chi Minh.

A new itinerary for 2019 sees a fournight cruise from Hong Kong to the sublime Subic Bay in the Philippines, onboard Voyager of the Seas.

In January 2020, we’ll offer a sevennight Thailand and Vietnam cruise from Singapore, which will stop in the vibrant cities of Bangkok and Ho Chin Minh City.

This cruise takes place onboard the awe-inspiring Quantum of the Seas with newly designed staterooms, gamechanging technology and an array of outstanding dining options.

That’s just some of the sailings we’re offering, so we encourage anyone who wants to immerse themselves in Southeast Asia to consider a cruise for their next trip.

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s the world leaders of luxury small-ship expeditions, we offer our guests immersive experiences in places larger ships simply cannot reach.

Our ultra-modern fleet of small ships are purpose built for expeditions, which means when they’re not in luxury cruise mode they can swing into action with experienced expedition teams of marine biologists, naturalists, photographers and conservationists to inform and educate our guests – often in-situ from the fleet of Zodiacs – on the flora, fauna, geology and history of the places visited.

Small ships provide intimate experiences. For example, rather than moor offshore at the mouth of the Saigon River, like large ships are obliged to do, our small ships can navigate the waterway all the way to the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, wending through rural landscapes, past busy trading and fishing vessels until the city emerges.

France’s colonial years in French Indochina may have concluded in 1954, yet enduring aspects of the culture, cuisine, style and architecture remain a fascinating drawcard for tourism, and a natural destination for Ponant’s clientele today.

Time ashore is an important element for Ponant passengers. In Brunei, try to spot orangutans in the wild. In Indonesia, visit the incredible UNESCO-listed Buddhist temple of Borobudur. In the Philippines, travel down Puerto Princesa’s amazing underground river. For thrill seekers, the chance to climb Mount Kinabalu is a real drawcard, while others will enjoy the bustle of shopping in Singapore.

All our Southeast Asian itineraries in 2019 feature the newly launched luxury expedition ship, Le Laperouse. With just 92 suites and staterooms, all with balconies, this ship features the latest in maritime design, safety and environmental technologies to reduce emissions.

sia is now the number one longerhaul destination for Australian cruisers.

Australians are rediscovering the region by sea, and it may well soon take its place as the top international destination for Australian cruisers.

Asia has a rich mix of history and culture that really appeals to Princess guests, who are searching for meaningful experiences when they travel.

Australian cruisers already love our cruises in Southeast Asia, and they are starting to see Singapore as an extended homeport, with an easy flight and plenty of Princess’s fly-cruise options on offer.

Tens of thousands of passengers have tried our itineraries – some taking back-to-back cruises around the region lasting three weeks or more.

The proximity and historical ties mean many feel a close affinity with our neighbours. So, along with our success in establishing a locally sourced market, Australians are becoming among our biggest overseas clients.

Princess Cruises sails Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess and Sun Princess in the region.

The Sapphire Princess was refurbished earlier this year, with enhanced onboard spaces, improved shops and the installation of a giant LED screen in her theatre. She was also fitted with the award-winning Princess Luxury Bed, recently awarded the highest ranking for Best Cruise Ships Beds by Cruise Critic.

One itinerary which will really appeal to this growing market is a 12-day Malaysia, Thailand & Vietnam cruise that sails to seven ports with calls at some of our highest-rating ports – Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok – on Sapphire Princess departing Singapore in February 2019, with fares starting at $2,309 per person twin share.

A year of dramatic growth

TED BLAMEY Principal, CHART Management Consultants

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ach year, we at CHART Management Consultants undertake for CLIA a comprehensive review of the three key drivers of the cruise business in Asia: deployment/capacity, destination volumes and the size of the many Asian source markets.

The findings are presented by CLIA in a detailed report. The 2018 report should be out by August this year. The most recent report, Asia Cruise Trends 2017, is available at cruising.org.

The number of ships cruising the whole Asian region is rising and rising: from 52

in 2015 to 61 in 2016 to 66 last year.

Of these, 19 were there year round, up from 12 in 2016.

From 1,003 round-trip cruises and 91 beyond-Asia voyages two years ago, we saw 2,086 and 94 in 2017, a two-year growth of 91 per cent in total sailings.

This meant there was capacity for 4.24 million guests on Asian sailings in 2017, up 38 per cent.

The pattern continues to focus on shorter sailings. In 2017, over half of the Asia-Asia cruises were four to six nights and another third were two to three nights. The average cruise length offered across the region was just 4.5 nights There were 7,161 calls scheduled to Asian ports and destinations in 2017, up 29 per cent on the year before, and 2016 was up 43 per cent on 2015.

Of the three Asian regions, Southeast Asia hosted 29 per cent of these calls, East Asia 67 per cent and South Asia a much smaller 3.5 per cent.

Among the most popular 25 Asian ports scheduled at the start of 2017, Southeast Asian destinations took eight of the top spots. Singapore was number

three, George Town/Penang was number nine, Patong Bay/Phuket was number 13, and Port Klang/Kuala Lumpur was number 18, followed by Da Nang at 19, Ho Chi Minh City at 20, Laem Chabang/Bangkok at 21, and Halong Bay/Hanoi at 24.

For travel agents and tour operators, there is no doubt about the exciting future for cruise in Asia.

Many of the cruise lines are sending their best ships to the region, some of which are specifically tailored to Asian tastes. They are providing unbeatable value and stunning onboard product features.

The dynamic middle classes in most Asian counties are becoming more familiar with the wonderful benefits of a cruise vacation, and more ready to trust their travel advisors to try what is, after all, a new experience for these markets.

The distribution system is becoming broader, giving travel retailers a huge opportunity to get in on what has long been – and continues to be – the fastestgrowing, most consumer-friendly, highest-satisfaction vacation category in the world.

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BRUNEI

B R U N E I

increase in passenger and crew numbers in 2018, compared to figures from last year. Brunei Tourism project there will be a total of 18,058 passenger and crew to visit. There will be 13 cruise calls this year compared to 11 in 2017.

The ornate Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan

/ The next 12 months There are big plans to increase its cruise tourism and capitalise on the luxury lines visiting this beautiful country. Brunei hopes that cruising will play a more important role in boosting its tourism industry and is implementing a number of initiatives to promote the country to the international market.

Nurul Annie binti Abdullah from Jasra Harrisons Shipping and Agency Services said the company would be handling nine cruise liners visiting Brunei in 2018.

The country is looking to improve its port infrastructure in the

MAJOR PORTS 1 BUSIEST PORT Muara NUMBER OF PORT CALLS 11 ANNUAL GROWTH Projected 66% increase near future.

As well as upgrading the port, there will be a focus on opening route networks and enlarging existing ones to unlock Muara Port’s potential of becoming a world-class, international hub.

/ Things to do and see The tiny nation on the north coast of the

island of Borneo is one of the wealthiest in the world and is home to pictureperfect beaches as well as a biodiverse rainforest.

When arriving by ship to Brunei, visit the Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, the ornate, gold-domed structure in a lagoon, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the Asia Pacific region.

If you’re lucky enough to visit Brunei during Hari Raya Aidilfiltri, visit the stunning Istana Nurul Iman, the royal palace and home to the Sultan of Brunei.

The local fare including dishes like Nasi Katok is a popular meal consisting of rice, fried chicken and sambal.

Nature lovers should also visit the Ulu Temburong National Park which was established in 1991.

Known as the Green Jewel of Brunei, there is a lovely resort and visitors can find the Muller’s Bornean gibbon.

BRUNEI: PORTS BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

Brilliant bling, fantastic fare and splendid sites attract cruisers

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ASEAN CRUISE DIRECTORY 2018

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

MUARA

M A L AY S I B R U N E I

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Ocean Cruises, Seabourn, and Princess Cruises.

Some of the shore excursions offered to guests include visits to the Royal Regalia Museum; Kampong Ayer, an historical settlement built on stilts over the water; and the heavily rainforested A Temburong District.

In 2018, Silver Shadow, Seven Seas Navigator, Silver Whisper, Azamara Journey, Oceania Insignia, Star Legend, Viking Sun and Seven Seas Voyager visited between January and April, while in November 2018, the new Silver Muse and AIDAvita will make maiden calls to Brunei.

According to projections from the Brunei Darussalam Maritime and Ports Authority, there will be a 66 per cent total

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ruising is growing in one of the world’s richest nations, with more luxury and bespoke lines visiting Brunei’s Bandar Seri Begawan.

Brunei is expecting more tourists to visit on cruise ships this year.

In terms of air tourist arrivals, Brunei has recorded 258,955 tourist arrivals in 2017 compared to 218,809 in 2016 - an increase of 18.3 per cent.

Tourism in Brunei is growing by seven per cent annually and the cruise industry is a contributor to the increase.

The country’s rich history, beautiful sites and delicious cuisine have been drawcards for passengers aboard lines such as Silversea, Oceania Cruises, Viking

Who goes there: Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Oceania Cruises, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas, Viking Ocean Cruises.

Don’t miss: Taking a fast motorboat to a water village across the bay from the city centre. Locals have lived here for generations in houses built on stilts and connected by timber walkways. Schools, mosques, police and fire stations are part of each village and some homes welcome tour groups with cakes and drinks, giving guests an opportunity to see how they live over water.

Cruisers like: Brunei is a sovereign state governed by the Sultan of Brunei. Visit the Royal Regalia Museum where the Sultan displays some of the lavish gifts he has received from official international visitors in galleries overlooking his massive coronation chariot on permanent display below.

Not far from the Sultan’s palace, the Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, set in beautiful gardens, is the largest one in Brunei, yet the interior is elegant and understated – with the exception of the Swarovski crystal chandelier weighing three tonnes. There are several museums and shopping centres as well as parks and gardens.

Best for: Families, shoppers, bling-lovers.

Getting around: Water taxis can be hailed from docking ports along the banks of the Brunei River. Most popular are organised tours with a guide, although frequent daytime public buses begin and terminate at the bus terminal at Jalan Cator.

Metered taxis are available at most hotels and shopping centres.

Nasi Lemak, a traditional dish of Brunei (top left); Proboscis monkey (above); local school children (left).

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CAMBODIA

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/ The next 12 months Angkor Wat near Siem Reap remains the major drawcard for river and ocean cruisers and international visitors continue to flock to the country to see this UNESCO site.

River cruising is one of the best ways to get to Angkor Wat. CroisiEurope launched the RV Indochine II at the end of last year, which sails between Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Siem Reap in Cambodia. The 11-day trip includes the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat as well as the Tonle Sap Lake. The ship has the capacity for 62 passengers in 31 spacious cabins with private balconies, and a restaurant.

Other river cruise lines such as APT, Uniworld, Scenic, Viking River Cruises have announced their itineraries for the next 12 months, featuring a number of trips that include Vietnam and Cambodia ranging from 13 to 34 days.

In terms of ocean ships, luxury line Regent Seven Seas offers a new 67-night Down Under and Far East Grandeur ocean, river and land itinerary on Seven Seas Mariner. Highlights include Asian ports

Decorated barges sailing on the rivers of Cambodia

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THAILAND

PHNOM PENH SIHANOUKVILLE SIHANOUKVILLE

“River cruising is booming in Asia and with more and more cruise operators focusing their attention on the region’s rivers, there is a whole new world of opportunity opening up for agents selling river cruises,” he said.

A number of river cruise lines sail along the fascinating Mekong River, including Pandaw, Scenic, Avalon Waterways, Aqua Expeditions, APT, Travelmarvel, and Viking River Cruises.

Cambodia’s ocean cruise industry is also holding strong, with 23 port calls made in 2017.

Lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Coral Expeditions, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas, among others, are visiting.

NUMBER OF PORT CALLS 35 ANNUAL GROWTH 2 per cent

/ Top places to stay such as Bali, Penang, the Thai islands, Ho Chi Minh City, and Sihanoukville.

Norwegian Cruise Line also visits Sihanoukville on a number of its itineraries, including local cruises from Singapore.

Princess Cruises’ Asian itineraries on Sapphire Princess and Sun Princess sail around the ASEAN nations and visit Sihanoukville.

/ Things to do and see While the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat are still a major attraction for cruisers, there

Phnom Penh, the capital city, offers a good range of luxury hotels as well as more affordable options. Raffles Hotel, with its enormous pool, beautiful gardens and grand lobby, is the city’s most famous address. Sofitel Phnom Penh has similar amenities, while for a more boutique experience, the stately White Mansion Hotel is another top destination.

The smaller city of Siem Reap, the base for Angkor Wat visits, also offers a good range of luxury hotels, with international hotel brands such as Sofitel and the Grand Hyatt, plus a good choice of mid-range hotels and stylish guest houses.

CAMBODIA: PORTS

Aussies cruise Cambodia for a vibrant view of history sia is the fastest growing region for river cruises, and Cambodia’s popular itineraries are a major contributor to the increasingly strong figures.

The driving force behind a 15 per cent increase in river cruisers in 2016 was the rise in international cruisers sailing outside of Europe.

This year, the Cruise Lines International Association held its inaugural CLIA Asia River Cruise Conference and Destination Forum in Vietnam, where CLIA Australasia & Asia Managing Director Joel Katz said the allure of cultural hotspots in Cambodia and Vietnam is attracting more Australians – and international visitors – than ever.

MAJOR PORTS 1 BUSIEST PORT Sihanoukville

are plenty of other archaeological sites, such as Banteay Srei, which are well worth a visit. The 10th-century Cambodian temple is dedicated to Hindu god Shiva and is the only major temple in the Angkor complex not built by a monarch.

If you’re looking to soak up some sun, Otres Beach is a picturesque stripe of white-sand beach that is lined with tamarisk and casuarina trees.

Getting around: Ships dock close to the Victoria Beach area. Take a bus or tuk tuk into town.

PHNOM PENH

SIHANOUKVILLE Who goes there: Coral Expeditions, Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, P&O, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Seabourn.

Cruisers like: Laid-back, with tranquil beaches, it’s hard to believe this was the site of the last official battle of the US Army in the American-Vietnam war. From

here you can explore more than a dozen islands, although many visitors choose to stay at the beach, swimming, sunning, scuba diving, fishing, and snorkelling.

Don’t miss: The coastal towns of Kampot and Kep, as well as Bokor Mountain, are just two hours away, and two shipwrecks off one of the islands beckon keen divers.

Best for: All ages, especially photographers, water-lovers and couples.

Who goes there: AmaWaterways, Aqua Expeditions, Avalon Waterways, G Adventures, Mekong River Cruises, Pandaw, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection.

Cruisers like: Phnom Penh offers elegant French colonial architecture, the magnificent Royal Palace, dripping with gold, silver and precious stones, the Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. More pleasant is the hilltop Wat Phnom, complete with monkeys. Or a stroll along the parklike riverside boulevard opposite the Royal Palace, flanked by cafes, shops and smart bars. Take a tuk tuk ride by day or return in the cool of the evening when the pace quickens.

Don’t miss: Tour the city by private cyclo and visit the National

Museum, the Royal Palace and the stunning Silver Pagoda. Otherwise join a walking tour through the rural villages of Prek Bang Kong and Angkor.

Best for: All ages.

Getting around: Motorcycle taxis are cheap and plentiful.

Royal Palace in Phnom Penh (left); a traditional Cambodian dancer at Angkor Wat (below)

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INDONESIA

I N D O N E S I A

2017, has new itineraries which visit North Bali and Surabaya.

MAJOR PORTS 9 BUSIEST PORT Benoa, Bali

/ The next 12 months Indroyono Soesilo, the special advisor to the minister on marine tourism development, said Bali’s new cruise ship terminal will be a massive game changer for the country, attracting more cruise lines to Indonesia.

“The Cruise Ship Terminal will be able to accommodate 5,000 passengers and 1,500 crew members, or equal to 44 Boeing 737 planes,” he said.

He also said there are plans to develop a second port in North Bali, which will be able to accommodate seven 1,000-passenger ships at a time.

“Celukan Bawang Port already has the sea level that fits the standard, so no further dredging is needed. The huge area of the port provides easy access for vehicles to transport arriving tourists to attractions,” he said.

The government also hopes to develop five other ports in Indonesia including

The Hindu temple, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan in Bali

NUMBER OF PORT CALLS 61 ANNUAL GROWTH unknown Belawan in North Sumatra, Tanjung Priok in Jakarta, Tanjung Perak in Surabaya and Soekarno-Hatta in Makassar.

/ Things to do and see The iconic and historic temple of Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and a must-see.

It’s a 9th-century Mahayana temple in Central Java that is believed to have been abandoned following the 14th-century decline of Hindu kingdoms in Java and Javanese conversion to Islam.

Another stand-out destination is the Gili Islands – three tiny islands near the larger Lombok Island. They’re known for their sandy beaches fringed with palm trees as well as their coral reefs and sunken ships, perfect for divers.

If you’re in the bustling capital city of Jakarta, dine at Namaaz Dining, which features modern twists on Indonesian classics. It’s the first restaurant in Indonesia to feature molecular gastronomy cooking techniques.

/ Top places to stay Bali has long been a playground for international visitors and it offers world-class accommodation. Nusa Dua, less than 20 minutes along a sweeping new highway from the cruise port at Benoa, is an enclave of five-star resorts.

Options include Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa, Grand Hyatt Bali, Ayodya Resort Bali, and Mulia Resort.

In Jakarta, Hotel Mulia Senayan is also an excellent choice, as it offers both luxury accommodation and fine dining.

INDONESIA: PORTS

Beautiful beaches and a warm welcome beckon cruisers

T

he Indonesian government has made a significant push to increase its cruise tourism over the last two years.

SOUTH CHINA SEA The country set a goal to double its 2015 tourist numbers by the year 2020, SABANG LEMBAR with one main strategy being the SEMARANG development of its ports.

MAKASSAR Last year, 320,000 cruisers visited Indonesia, an increase from 200,000 I N D O N E S I A in the 2015/2016 season, and the country is hoping to boost passengers to 500,000 and cruise calls to 500 by 2019.

JAKARTA This year, the Indonesian government signalled that Bali’s new SURABAYA BENOA KOMODO cruise terminal will be ready by the end ISLAND of this year.

PROBOLINGGO The new facility, which will be built at Port Benoa, will help boost Indonesia’s 32

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tourism figures and the dredging of the port will mean much larger ships will soon be able to visit Bali.

It’s expected the Port of Benoa will become a world-class port that will not only be able to accommodate super luxury yachts, but also larger cruise ships.

Chairman of the Bali Tourism Board, Ida Bagus Agung Partha, said the terminal was vital due to Denpasar’s current shortage of capacity.

“We hope Benoa Port will open soon [as it has been delayed several times], as Bali is a hub to Indonesia and also the centre of tourism activity,” he said.

Genting Dream, which has been homeported in Singapore since the end of

BALI (BENOA) Who goes there: Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Coral Expeditions, Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, P&O Cruises, Ponant, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Seabourn, Silversea.

Cruisers like: With an extra day sometimes available here, guests may have time to take a day trip to the volcanoes and temples to the north of the island, or fan out from the port to see the capital, Denpasar, with its “Gold Street”

and bustling four-storey market, or concentrate on the beaches and bars, cafes and restaurants of buzzy Kuta.

Don’t miss: Ubud’s town centre with its artists’ galleries and quirky cafes, the maze-like central market and across the road, a palace which is still home to members of local royalty. Not far away is the Holy Spring temple.

Best for: All ages, romantic couples, surfers, shoppers, art-lovers.

Getting around: Benoa is about 10 kilometres from Denpasar and the airport. Taxis are available from outside the port terminal, and minivans cost about US$65 for a tour. Check your driver speaks English and agree firmly on the fare.

Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, P&O, Ponant, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn.

Cruisers like: Part of the UNESCOaccredited Komodo National Park, this island is famous for the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest living lizard found only here and on some of the neighbouring islands.

Don’t miss: Visiting some of the other nearby islands such as

Rinca and Flores for hiking and photography, or boat trips around the islands.

Best for: Nature-lovers and active people.

Getting around: Ships cannot dock, so transfers are by tender. .

The luscious fruit at a Lombok market (left); the famous 9th century temple of Borobodur (below)

KOMODO ISLAND Who goes there: Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Coral Expeditions Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian ASEAN CRUISE DIRECTORY 2018

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LAO PDR

L A O P D R

/ The next 12 months There’s lots happening in Lao PDR. In addition to Pandaw increasing its capacity in the region, the Minor Hotels group is launching a selection of river cruises along the Mekong River with their new line Mekong Kingdoms. Their flagship Bohème, a 42-metre, 13-cabin luxury barge, starts in Thailand’s Golden Triangle and end in Lao PDR’s capital of Luang Prabang, while their other four vessels offer private, tailored excursions.

Pandaw’s third ship, which will be launched next year, will be deployed between Luang Prabang and sail to Jinghong in China. The itinerary includes visits to sites in Lao PDR, Thailand, Myanmar and China.

The line has designed the ship, christened Sabei, in such a way that it can navigate the rapids that run through the Laotian gorges, as well as having a shallow enough draft to enable yearround voyages to China. The vessel will have 12 staterooms and feature a wraparound balcony on both decks, and

The golden pagoda wat Phra That Luang in Vientiane

MAJOR PORTS 2 BUSIEST PORT Mandalay/Bagan/Bhamo NUMBER OF PORT CALLS Unknown ANNUAL GROWTH Unknown the company has said the itinerary tends to attract younger cruisers.

/ Things to see and do Vientiane, the capital of Lao PDR, has a splendid mix of French-colonial architecture and Buddhist temples such as the golden 16th-century Pha That Luang, which is a national symbol. Stroll along the boulevards and tree-lined streets to see shrines such as the Wat Si Saket which houses thousands of images of Buddha, as well as the Hindu shrine Wat Si Muang.

Many of the city’s landmarks are along the banks of the Mekong, so as visitors cruise the river between Lao PDR ports they’ll be treated to more sites such as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

The city also has some of the best bakeries in Southeast Asia – visit Common Grounds for cookies and mango cheesecake. The Kuang Si Falls, a bucket list destination, is a three-levelled waterfall just 29 kilometres south of Luang Prabang.

/ Top places to stay Lao PDR is home to a number of smaller, boutique properties, such as Satri House in Luang Prabang, a mansion-style hotel with spacious rooms and air-conditioning, a restaurant, bar, full-service spa, two outdoor pools and a health club. The hotel is located close to the Royal Palace Museum and the night market.

Also in Luang Prabang is the intimate Hotel De La Paix, which has 23 guest rooms, a restaurant, bar, full-service spa, outdoor pool and four spa tubs.

LAO PDR: PORTS

Pandaw leads the way in exploring Lao PDR

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CHIN

LAO

THAIL

But Pandaw, which is the main player in Lao PDR, has custom designed their A vessels to deal with the problems. The line launched in the region in 2015/16 and this VIETNAM year announced plans to add a third river vessel, which will explore more remote LUANG stretches of the Mekong, to its fleet.

PRABANG PDR “There can be no waterborne VIENTIANE experience to match sailing through Laos: the fast river with its continual spate of white water, the jungle clad peaks, the gorges,” said Paul AND Strachan, the founder of Pandaw.

“Then there is the friendly welcome in every village, the ethnic diversity and the cultural riches. Traversing the CAMBODIA remotest parts of four very different countries, you see all of Southeast Asia, the lost and timeless.”

V I E T N A M

hile cruising in Lao PDR is still considered quite niche, it is believed that tourism numbers in the landlocked country will continue to increase in the coming years.

Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar have mastered their river cruise offerings, but Lao PDR is still developing its cruise strategy.

Certainly, there is growing interest in Lao PDR, and more boutique cruise lines are seeing the potential and investing in the country with more ships and itineraries.

One issue which has slowed the cruise growth in Lao PDR is its shallower waters, which make it difficult for regular river ships to sail.

LUANG PRABANG Who goes there: APT, Avalon Waterways, Azamara Club Cruises, Mekong River Cruises, Pandaw, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection.

Cruisers like: Formerly the royal capital of Lao PDR, the old town centre is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The splendid Royal Palace Museum (Haw Kham) and the Wat Xieng Thong are among the best-known historical sites,

but the main street is dotted with many smaller wats (temples) such as Wat Hosian Voravihane which are well worth seeing. Come to town early to witness hundreds of monks walking the streets collecting alms from locals and visitors. Wat Chom Si is reached by 190 steps and worth the climb for the 360-degree views of the Mekong and farmlands.

Don’t miss: The night market is a fascinating place to shop, with

stalls selling clothing, crafts and local street food. Take a 15-minute boat ride from town on the Mekong River to Ban Chan, a fascinating pottery village.

Best for: Shoppers, adventurers.

Getting around: The city is small enough to explore by foot or bike, but tuk tuks are widely available.

VIENTIANE Who goes there: APT, Mekong River Cruises, Pandaw.

Cruisers like: Visitors are spoiled for choice with the many temples and Buddhist monuments. The golden stupa of the 16th-century Pha That Luang is 45 metres tall and said to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha.

Also see Wat Si Muang, built on the ruins of a Khmer Hindu shrine, the Lao PDR National Museum, the Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan Buddhist monastery and the impressive stupa of That Dam. For a taste of French colonial charm, pop in to the elegant Settha Palace Hotel for a drink and old-world atmosphere.

Don’t miss: Buddha Park, 25 kilometres from the city at the edge of the Mekong River, was built in 1958 and contains a collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, scattered among gardens and trees. The city also offers street markets selling silks, silver, Hmong bags, clothing, and jewellery.

Best for: Everyone.

Getting around: Taxis, tuk tuks and hire motorbikes are the most popular modes of transport.

The Kouangxi Waterfalls near Luang Prabang (left); the Buddha Park in Vientiane (above) ASEAN CRUISE DIRECTORY 2018

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MALAYSIA

M A L AY S I A

/ The next 12 months Plenty of major cruise lines are heading in Malaysia’s direction over the next year Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas, to be homeported in Singapore from next year, will have itineraries that include port calls in Malaysia.

Princess Cruises’ new 2019 Asian itineraries will include an Annular Solar Eclipse cruise off the coast of Malaysia on December 26, 2019.

Additionally, luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled a new, 67-night ocean, river and land itinerary from Sydney onboard Seven Seas Mariner departing Sydney on January 20, 2019.

“On this particular voyage, guests can enjoy some of Australia’s favourite destinations before visiting the scenic Thai island of Koh Samui, Vietnam’s historical Ho Chi Minh City, the melting pot which is Malaysia’s Kota Kinabalu and Cambodia’s Sihanoukville,’’ said Steve Odell, RSSC senior vice-president for Asia Pacific and managing director.

Melaka’s Chinatown

MAJOR PORTS 5 BUSIEST PORT Port Klang Cruise Terminal/Kuala Lumpur

NUMBER OF PORT CALLS 435 ANNUAL GROWTH 3.5 per cent

Visitors can also find fabulous food on Jalan Alor, a stretch of road within Bukit Bintang boasting Chinese seafood restaurants and hawker stalls where you’ll feast on curry, roti prata and the famous fried noodle dish, char kway teow. Nature lovers should venture to the Cameron Highlands, which was developed in the 1930s as a major tourist destination.

You’ll see vast tea estates and there are fantastic hiking trails in this cooler part of the country.

/ To see and do

/ Top places to stay

Known for its beaches and rainforest, as well as being a fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultural influences, there’s much to do and see here. In Kuala Lumpur, the iconic Petronas Towers are impressive 88-storey skyscrapers boasting a visitors’ skybridge.

If you’re after a spot of shopping, Bukit Bintang is known as the trendy district to pick up items from high-end European retailers as well as local fashion designers.

Kuala Lumpur has a wide range of major-brand hotels, such as the Mandarin Oriental, Le Meridien and Ritz-Carlton.

Penang has a diverse accommodation mix. Travellers can choose from heritage properties such as the luxurious Seven Terraces, a former mansion, and Suffolk House, the former home of the British founder of Penang, Sir Francis Light, while the Eastern & Oriental Hotel offers a glimpse of colonial luxury.

MALAYSIA: PORTS

Big push for more ships bears fruit

M

alaysia is one of the region’s most mature cruise destinations, with an SOUTH increasing number of cruise lines CHINA SEA LANGKAWI SANDAKAN sending ships to freshly developed ports.

With fantastic destinations such as PENANG KOTA Melaka, Kuala Lumpur and Penang, KINABALU Malaysia is attracting cruise lines such A as Celebrity Cruises, Regent Seven SI M A L A Y S I A KUANTAN KUCHING Y Seas, Princess Cruises, Viking Ocean LA KUALA Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Star Cruises, A LUMPUR M Norwegian Cruise Line, Genting IA ES PORT KLANG Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean.

N MELAKA O CRUISE Over the past few years, Malaysia TERMINAL ND I has seen an encouraging number of cruise ships visit – between January and December 2017, a total of 599 international cruise ships with 924,885 passengers called at the country’s 11 ports, an increase of 27.3 per cent on the same period last year.

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The government has made a strong push to develop the country’s industry, with cruise tourism being one of the 12 focus areas for development over the next eight years. In line with this, the Malaysia Cruise Council was established in 2015 to govern all major ports in Malaysia.

All ports in Malaysia have been fully equipped with stateof-the-art facilities.

This year, Royal Caribbean partnered with the Port of Penang to expand the current berth from 480 metres to 700 metres so it can handle two large cruise ships at the same time.

Royal Caribbean Managing Director in Asia Sean Treacy said Malaysia is now the fastest growing market for Southeast Asia.

PENANG Who goes there: Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Seabourn, Silversea, Windstar Cruises.

Cruisers like: Always popular for its beaches and food, there are also shopping malls and heaps of history. Wander the UNESCO World Heritage-listed area of George Town (Penang’s capital) with its old

shop fronts. Closer to the waterfront, a trendy cafe and bar scene is growing.

Scattered throughout the city are the famous graffiti, murals ranging from life-sized to two storeys high.

Don’t miss: Colourful and noisy Little India with its parrot fortune tellers and flower garlands.

Best for: Food-lovers, families, almost anyone!

Getting around: Cruise passengers will often be tendered into the city centre. A taxi will cost about US$14 an hour. Buses are infrequent.

KLANG, KUALA LUMPUR Who goes there: Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea, Windstar Cruises.

Cruisers like: Port Klang Cruise Terminal is some distance from Kuala Lumpur, often simply called KL, but the city centre’s sleek modernism and cosmopolitan air make it well worth the trip. Take the lift to the observation deck

of the Petronas Towers. Thirty minutes out of town, visit the Batu Caves, with steep steps to the caverns and Hindu shrines, and plenty of cheeky monkeys.

Don’t miss: If you like food, visit the wet and dry Pudu market, Little India or Chinatown. Shopping’s your thing? There’s everything from high-end malls to ethnic markets and stalls.

Best for: Families, food lovers, shoppers.

Getting around: Port Klang Cruise Terminal is located about 50 kilometres from the city centre and about 75 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Taxis are available from the terminal, but there are a limited number. There is no public transport from the port.

The 88-storey Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur (left); the famous Batu Caves in Selangor (above) ASEAN CRUISE DIRECTORY 2018

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MYANMAR

M YA N M A R

cruise facilities at MacLeod Island in Myanmar. Kent Zhu, the president of Genting Hong Kong, said building infrastructure on Macleod Island is key to turning the destination into a private paradise. Both Star Cruises and Dream Cruises have itineraries which visit MacLeod Island – the SuperStar Libra first visited in November last year.

Luxury line Silversea revealed a new collection of land programmes in nine new destinations, departing from September 2018.

Pandaw has also announced a new river and ocean voyage commencing February 2019. The 18-night expedition of southern Burma starts with a river cruise around the Irrawaddy Delta followed by an ocean cruise in the Mergui Archipelago.

Trainee monks in Myanmar

/ Things to do and see If you’re visiting the pagodas and stupas of Bagan, check out the stunning Ananda Temple, which was built in 1105 during

MAJOR PORTS 1 BUSIEST PORT Yangon NUMBER OF PORT CALLS 12 ANNUAL GROWTH minus 54 per cent the reign of King Kyanzittha of the Bagan Dynasty and is only one of four surviving temples in the city.

Mandalay also has lovely temples including the Golden Palace Monastery and the Maha Myat Muni Pagoda. Visit the Jade Market for dozens of stalls selling everything from the precious stone, gold and jewellery, as well as local street food.

If you enjoy the great outdoors, climb Mount Popa, a volcano 1,518 metres above

sea level. It’s best known as a Buddhist pilgrimage site with a number of Nat temples and relic sites atop the mountain.

Take a stroll through the National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens, located in the Alpine town of Pyin Oo Lwin and modelled after the Kew Gardens of England with the help of amateur gardener Lady Cuffe. Bhamo is another must-visit destination, especially for river cruisers.

Highlights include the Shwekyinar Pagoda and the Bamboo Bridge, which is rebuilt every year after heavy rains during the wet season. Be sure to try the traditional Burmese cuisine

/ Top places to stay The five-star Strand Hotel in Yangon is set in a British colonial building and the all-suite hotel dates way back to 1901. The ritzy suites have high ceilings and lovely hand-carved wooden beds. The hotel is also just a short walk from the river, where you can step aboard your Strand cruise.

MYANMAR: PORTS Best for: Adventurers, photographers, couples.

Getting around: Taxis are the best option – genuine ones have red licence plates and driver identification on the dashboard.

More Aussies enticed by the allure of the Irrawaddy

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C H I N A BHAMO MANDALAY

R

VIETNAM LAO PDR THAILAND

CA

M

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V I E T N A M

yanmar has experienced steady cruise growth, especially with lines such as Pandaw and APT. The beautiful country, famous for its ancient pagodas and temples, untouched villages and spectacular countryside, is a popular ocean and river cruise MYANMA destination for Australians.

Myanmar’s tourism figures grew from 300,000 visitors in 2010 to a BAGAN staggering 4.7 million in just five years. And while figures dropped in 2016, the country experienced an 18 per cent rise in 2017 and welcomed NAYPYIDAW 3.44 million visitors, more than 32,000 YANGON of whom hailed from Australia.

In 2017, there were 12 port calls made in Myanmar and over 20,000 people took a river cruise with various companies.

I OD

A

One of Australia’s favourite cruise and touring companies APT regularly visits Myanmar, offering guests luxurious Irrawaddy River cruises.

More companies have announced itineraries along the Irrawaddy, including boutique hotel brand The Strand, which has a beautiful ship in Myanmar. The Strand has announced a third season for 2018/19 with a number of new options including the Thadingyut Festival of Lights in October 2018.

/ The next 12 months There are big plans for Myanmar over the next year. At the end of last year, Genting Cruise Lines signed an agreement with Tint Tint Myanmar group to develop

YANGON Who goes there: APT, Avalon Waterways, Azamara Club Cruises, Coral Expeditions, Holland America Line, Noble Caledonia, Oceania Cruises, Pandaw, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Scenic, Seabourn, Silversea.

Cruisers like: Called the Garden City of the East, Yangon’s downtown area features a web of historic streets and British colonial architecture. The golden stupa Shwedagon Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the world, can be sighted from almost anywhere in town.

Visit the Chauk Htat Gyi Buddha, carved from a single block of marble, and Taukkyan War Cemetery, where victims of the Burma (Death) Railway are buried.

Don’t miss: The Myanmar Gems Museum is home to priceless rubies, sapphires, and jade, as well as the world’s largest pearl. There are more gems at the Cultural Museum including the regalia of the last Myanmar King and his imperial throne. For affordable shopping head to Strand or Pansodan Street.

BAGAN Who goes there: APT, Avalon Waterways, Belmond, Noble Caledonia, Pandaw, Sanctuary, Scenic.

Cruisers like: Bagan once had more than 10,000 Buddhist pagodas and stupas, of which 2,200 survive, dotted ethereally on the plains. Ananda is one of

the most famous temples, built in the 12th century with four gilded Buddhas. The three-storey Bagan Archaeological Museum houses rare objects including the original Myazedi inscriptions.

Don’t miss: The Bagan Archaeological Zone and museum, the main drawcard for the country’s growing tourism industry, said to equal Angkor Wat for a culture hit.

Best for: Adventurers, photographers, couples.

The Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon (left) the sun setting over Mandalay (below)

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THE PHILIPPINES

T H E P H I L I P P I N E S The beautiful clear waters of Palawan

/ The next 12 months More cruise lines have announced they will be visiting the Philippines over the next year and beyond.

Currently, lines such as Princess Cruises and Holland America Line are regular visitors to the islands.

Boutique cruise line Windstar, recently returned to Asia with a 14-day cruise that visits remote destinations in the Philippines. Scandinavian cruise line Viking Ocean Cruises revealed its world cruise itinerary – the longest ever in history – which will call at Manila.

Luxury line Silversea this year visited the Philippines for the first time.

The Palawan government is also proposing to convert roll-on and roll-off docks into cruise ports in a bid to entice more cruise lines to the region. And while Boracay was temporarily closed in 2017, more ships are visiting Subic Bay with at least 20 visits booked. Costa Atlantica, SuperStar Gemini and Voyager of the Seas will all visit.

MAJOR PORTS 3 BUSIEST PORT Manila NUMBER OF PORT CALLS 72 ANNUAL GROWTH plus 2.8 per cent

Divers should take a trip to Coron Island, the third-largest of the Calamian Islands in northern Palawan. It’s famous for its cave diving and extensive wreck dives – one of which is considered to be in the top 10 wreck dives in the world.

The rice terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras consist of five sites – all of which have been carefully constructed and built into the natural contours of the hills and mountains in the province.

/ Top places to stay / Things to do and see In the capital city of Manila, there is plenty to do and see – the densely populated bayside is filled with Spanish colonial architecture, resorts, shopping centres, markets and great restaurants.

Intramuros, a walled city from the colonial era, is the heart of Old Manila and well worth a few hours of exploring.

Tourists will find lots of sites including the Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church.

If you’re looking for high-end accommodation in Manila, the five-star Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila boasts bay views, three dining options and a lagoonstyle pool.

If you’d rather stay outside the capital city, visit the private island resort of Amanpulo, which is all about off-grid luxury in beautifully appointed villas. The only way to get there is by a chartered flight on a 15-seater jet which lands on the island’s own private airstrip.

THE PHILIPPINES: PORTS

Plans to attract more cruise lines gather momentum

T

he cruise industry in the Philippines has attracted many cruise companies, with visitors flocking to visit the country’s beautiful islands.

MANILA The archipelago nation is a popular destination for international visitors and the Department of Tourism SOUTH reported an 11 per cent growth in CHINA SEA arrivals in 2017 up to 6,620,908 visitors, some of which was a direct BORACAY result of increased cruise calls.

EL NIDO Royal Caribbean sent Ovation of the Seas to Subic Bay - the largest ship to ever visit The Philippines. The line also pledged funding to developing T H E port infrastructure in the Philippines.

RCCL signed a deal in 2017 with the Department of Tourism and the province of Aklan, in the Western Visayas region,

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PACIFIC OCEAN

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confirming they will fund and advise on the construction of a purpose-built terminal, and it is hoped RCCL will homeport one of its ships in the area.

There are also plans for a new international cruise terminal after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Philippine Reclamation Authority and the UAA Kinming Group Development Corp last year, which will attract many more cruise lines.

Asian luxury cruise line Dream Cruises last year announced it would be homeporting its latest ship, World Dream, in Manila after its sister company Star Cruises homeported SuperStar Virgo in Manila for sailings to Japan and Taiwan.

Don’t miss: Notable landmarks include the Cultural Centre of the Philippines, the historic Manila Hotel lobby and the Manila Zoo. Best for: All ages, nature-lovers, bargain hunters.

Getting around: The cruise terminal is located within walking distance of Old Manila. Taxis are the best way to get around.

MANILA Who goes there: Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Oceania Cruises, P&O Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Seabourn, Silversea.

Cruisers like: Manila still has something for everyone. History spans centuries from the walled Spanish settlement of Intramuros and the World Heritage 16thcentury San Augustin church, to the tranquil and touching Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.

Keen shoppers should head to the many malls or the indoor-outdoor Greenbelt haven of Bonifacio.

Cruisers like: Visitors may choose to simply relax and drink in the beauty of the many beaches or try something more challenging such as cliff-diving, windsurfing, kiteboarding, sailing, snorkelling or scuba driving.

Don’t miss: The Motag Living Museum for an understanding of Philippines history and culture.

Best for: Couples, active people.

Getting around: Caticlan is Boracay’s main entry. It is a 30-minute boat from the jetty to the island of Boracay. There are plentiful taxis at the wharf.

The old city of Intramuros (left); a parade in the capital (below left); the famous terrace rice paddies (below)

BORACAY Who goes there: Celebrity Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Seabourn, Silversea.

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SINGAPORE

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Princess Cruises has increased its cruises around Asia including itineraries on the Sapphire Princess from Singapore to Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia and its newest ship, the Majestic Princess, is also homeported in Singapore.

/ The next 12 months STB’s partnership with Singapore Airlines, Qantas and Changi Airport has already boosted fly-cruise, especially for the Australian market. The joint venture which was launched last year and will continue over the next 24 months, means Aussies flying to Singapore to take a cruise will be able to explore the city, pre- or post-cruise with special tours on offer.

STB and CLIA also announced a three-year joint venture which will further develop Singapore and Southeast Asia as a vibrant cruising destination.

In 2019, Jewel Changi Airport will also be launched. Located in front of Singapore Changi Airport’s Terminal One, Jewel will offer a range of facilities including indoor gardens, retail and dining options and a hotel, all under one roof. Jewel will also

A spectacular aerial view of Singapore’s harbour

have a Multi-Model Transport Lounge offering services such as issuance of boarding passes and baggage transfer services for fly-cruise and fly-ferry passengers, making travelling via Singapore even more convenient.

especially the local fare at hawker markets. The Maxwell Food Centre is famous for its Tian Tian chicken rice.

For high-end dining, bustling Orchard Road boasts Michelin-starred restaurants such as the French Les Amis or Tsuta, for amazing shoyu ramen.

Singapore has a lovely cultural hub combining historical museums, temples and kitsch art galleries. The Peranakan Museum houses the world’s finest artefacts from the people of Chinese and Malay/Indonesian heritage, or visit the Sultan Mosque in the historic Kampong Glam, which is the focal point for Singapore’s Muslim community.

There are boutiques in Bugis such as Supermama, which doubles as an artists’ residency studio and shop.

/ Things to see and do

/ Top places to stay

Singapore is a mixture of old and new – the meeting of colonial buildings with contemporary, award-winning architecture – so there is truly something for everyone.

The city state, with its fusion of cultures, is known for its wonderful food,

The modern and sleek Warehouse Hotel on the banks of the Singapore River won the 2018 Singapore Tourism Award for Best Hotel Experience. Five-star experiences include The Fullerton Bay Hotel and the famous Raffles Hotel.

MAJOR PORTS 2 BUSIEST PORT Singapore NUMBER OF PORT CALLS 393 ANNUAL GROWTH 0.5%

SINGAPORE: PORTS

Record cruise numbers for the Lion City

Getting around: Taxis are plentiful and well-priced. The MRT is also affordable and is a great way to see the city.

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ingapore’s cruise industry has gone from strength to strength over the past 12 months with more cruise lines visiting and homeporting more ships for longer periods of time.

Other initiatives such as the tripartite partnership between cruise lines, Changi Airport and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) through the Cruise Development Fund to promote fly-cruise; and Cruise Line International Association’s three-year partnership with STB to grow and develop the Southeast Asian cruise industry, are clear indicators of the country’s ongoing commitment to cruise growth.

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M A L AY S I A

S I N G A P O R E MARINA BAY CRUISE CENTRE SINGAPORE STRAIT SINGAPORE CRUISE CENTRE

last year, increasing by 17 per cent to 1.38 million. There were a total of 421 ship calls, which represents an increase of 3 per cent.

The Lion City has retained its title as the main cruising hub within the ASEAN nations with Marina Bay Cruise Centre and Singapore Cruise Centre attracting a number of big cruise lines such as Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Cunard, Silversea, Seabourn, Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and many more.

Royal Caribbean recently announced it will send one of their largest ships in its fleet, Quantum of the Seas, to homeport for six months and the line also welcomed its millionth guest sailing from Singapore in January 2018.

MARINA BAY CRUISE CENTRE Who goes there: Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Dream Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Silversea, Seabourn.

Cruisers like: The terminal’s proximity to the CBD, shopping boulevard of Orchard Road,

numerous hawker centres and tourist attractions. The purposebuilt, US$370-million two-berth cruise terminal opened in 2012 and is capable of hosting the world’s Oasis-class ships.

Don’t miss: A stroll around Gardens by the Bay nature park.

Best for: Family groups, business incentive tours, couples and baby boomers.

Who goes there: Azamara Club Cruises, Crystal Cruises, HapagLloyd, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Cruisers like: The busy terminal, which is smaller than Marina Bay, has a lot of movement from ferries and more boutique ships.

Nearby is the Sentosa HabourFront Precinct, which has lots of shops, restaurants and cinemas. It is also a short distance from Sentosa Island, home to Universal Studios Singapore, as well as seven worldclass hotels.

Don’t miss: Duty-free shopping with great discounts are available at the terminal. The lush Mount Faber tourist attraction with great views over Singapore is only a cable-car ride away.

Best for: Passengers sailing on smaller ships.

Getting around: There are cabs at the centre, which will get you to the airport in 20 minutes, and the reliable MRT to take you to the CBD in about 15 minutes. It is also a ferry terminal which gives guests easy transfers to Indonesian islands such as Batam.

Performers in Chinatown during the Lunar celebrations (left); the grand Sultan Mosque (below)

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THAILAND

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/ The next 12 months The Thai government is working hard to develop its port infrastructure, starting with the upgrade at Phuket.

The Phuket Deep-Sea Port Company Limited received a 30-year concession from the Thai Treasury Department to manage four development phases over the next 18 months.

The first phase includes building a 900 square metre passenger terminal, which will include a port expansion to support cruise ships. The port, originally built for freight transport, will be lengthened from 320 metres to 460 metres to support two cruise ships at the same time.

Phase two includes the construction of restaurants, duty-free and souvenir shops and phase three will be the building of an exhibition hall.

It then hopes to acquire land from the private sector to build luxury hotels around the port for pre- and post-cruise stays.

Boats in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Thailand

MAJOR PORTS 3 BUSIEST PORT Bangkok NUMBER OF PORT CALLS 291 ANNUAL GROWTH minus 22.2 per cent

Asiatique markets, which are all at night and have food, clothing, souvenirs and crafts on offer.

There is an array of islands to visit when you cruise in Thailand. On the island of Ko Samui, visit the local fisherman village of Bo Phut where there are plenty of seafood restaurants and a Friday night market.

If you’re docking in Phuket, there are plenty of beachside restaurants and bars, but you can also explore Phuket Old Town on foot or pamper yourself at Coqoon Spa at The Slate.

/ Things to see and do In Bangkok the Grand Palace is the opulent residence of the Thai royal family and a museum open to visitors. Stroll down frenetic Kao San Road, the buzziest street in the country, for roadside food and bright lights. The capital has plenty of markets to tempt shoppers, including the enormous and always-popular Chatuchak Weekend Market, and the Rod Fai, JJ Green and

/ Where to stay There are plenty of accommodation options in Thailand. In Phuket, try The Naka Island Resort & Spa, Keemala Hotel or Amanpuri. In Ko Samui, you can check in at The Ritz Carlton, SALA Samui or Six Senses. In the capital, look at Ad Lib Bangkok Hotel, the Park Hyatt or 137 Pillars Suites and Residences.

THAILAND: PORTS BANGKOK

Thailand has sights set on becoming a high-end cruise stop

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hailand has experienced one of the strongest cruise growths within the ASEAN nations, with ships making 218 more calls last year than in 2016.

In 2017, Laem Chabang/Bangkok hosted the most overnight calls at 47, and cruisers who visited Thailand in 2015 and 2016 voted Laem Chabang and Ko Samui their BANGKOK preferred ports, which spurred the Thai government to promote KRABI cruise tourism to ports in Phuket, Phang Nga and Ko Samui.

PHUKET Royal Caribbean’s former regional head Sean Treacy says that Thailand is experiencing strong growth with ships such as Voyager of the Seas sailing to Phuket and Bangkok.

CAMBODIA LAEM CHABANG KO SAMUI

At the end of 2017, the Thai government signalled it hoped the country would soon be a stop for more of the high-end cruise ships and is in the process of building infrastructure to cope with the growing demand for sailings to Thailand.

Now, super luxe line Regent Seven Seas is departing Bangkok and calling at Ko Samui on a 40-night cruise to Rome onboard Seven Seas Voyager, while boutique lines such as Azamara Club Cruises are making regular stops in Laem Chabang.

And this year, the first phase of the expansion of Phuket’s deep-sea port started. It’s believed the expansions will take up to 18 months and will be rolled out in four phases.

Who goes there: Avalon Waterways, Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Oceania Cruises, P&O, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Seabourn, Silversea, Viking River Cruises.

Cruisers like: The Chatuchak Weekend Market has more than 15,000 stalls. Elsewhere, there are temples such as the Temple of Dawn. Take a longtail motorboat along the Chao Phraya River and see how people live on the city’s waterways.

Don’t miss: The Grand Palace, perhaps the world’s most sumptuously decorated royal property.

Best for: Everyone.

Getting around: Most cruise ships dock at Laem Chabang, a two-hour drive from Bangkok. Taxis offer a fixed price to Bangkok and Pattaya.

KO SAMUI Who goes there: Azamara Club Cruises, Carnival Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Oceania Cruises, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea.

Cruisers like: Thailand’s thirdlargest island is an oasis ringed by pristine white sandy beaches. The brilliant corals are ideal for scuba

diving and snorkelling.

Don’t miss: A trip to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park.

Best for: Everyone.

Getting around: Cruise ships anchor off Nathon and take passengers ashore via tender. The city centre is a 15-minute walk.

Bangkok’s Grand Palace (above left); Mu Ko Angthong in Surat Thani (above); Chatachuk Markets (left) ASEAN CRUISE DIRECTORY 2018

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VIETNAM

V I E T N A M The beautiful rivers of Vietnam

services Hue and Da Nang, has been expanded to allow Quantum-class ships, some of the largest in the world.

The country’s most popular cruise ports include Tien Sa (Da Nang City), Chan May (Thua Thien Hue province), Phu My (Ba Ria Vung Tau Province), Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa province), and Hon Gai (Ha Long).

MAJOR PORTS 4 BUSIEST PORT Da Nang/Hue/Chan May NUMBER OF PORT CALLS 466 ANNUAL GROWTH 47.5 per cent

/ The next 12 months Vietnam remains one of the most popular destinations for guests from the US, Australia and Europe, especially now Princess Cruises has announced 31 voyages to the region. It’s believed the line has increased its capacity by an astonishing 40 per cent this year.

River cruise line CroisiEurope launched its newest ship, Indochine II, on the Mekong, which cruises from Cambodia to Vietnam. This year, new luxury line Paradise Vietnam launched in Halong Bay. Royal Caribbean’s redeployment of Quantum of the Seas, one of the largest ships in the world, will mean many more cruisers will get to sail on Vietnamese

itineraries. Spectrum of the Seas, which will debut in April 2019, will also be calling in Vietnam and the Philippines. Windstar Cruises’ return to Asia will also see itineraries that visit ancient sites and modern cities in Vietnam. Viking Ocean Cruises’ world voyage will also call at Ho Chi Minh City as part of the longest ever cruise voyage.

/ Things to see and do Vietnam has an array of landscapes – from modern bustling cities to nature, and

pagodas to fascinating modern history – so there is something for everyone.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the Independence Palace is one of the most historical buildings, which houses artefacts from the Vietnam War. Visitors will see war rooms with amazing relics from the era.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Cúc Phuong National Park in the Ninh Binh Province has an excellent hiking and biking trail and was Vietnam’s first national park.

/ Where to stay If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury, the Park Hyatt Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City is a stunning hotel set in an historical French colonial building opposite the City Opera House. The elegant décor matches the classic exterior of the building.

In Da Nang, check into the luxe Hyatt Regency Resort near the Museum of Cham Sculpture.

For relaxation, Vinpearl in Nha Trang is a five-star resort that’s perfect for the entire family.

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Vietnam won’t rest on its laurels as cruising continues to swell O

a boat tour to caves and grottoes on the islands or take a ferry to Cat Ba National Park.

Don’t miss: A cruise around the multitude of steep limestone karst islands in the bay.

Best for: Everyone.

Getting around: From the Bai Chay Tourist Wharf you can hire a taxi.

Regular buses depart for Hanoi.

HO CHI MINH CITY Who goes there: APT, Avalon Waterways, Azamara Club

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This year, Princess Cruises pledged it would be increasing its capacity to VIETNAM Vietnam in 2018 by sending six of its cruise ships on a total of 31 voyages, bringing 80,000 foreign tourists.

HALONG Director of Southeast Asia for HANOI Princess Cruises, Farriek Tawfik, believes Vietnam will maintain its DA NANG growth momentum this year, especially with the Princess’s strong HO CHI ILAND presence in the country. Majestic MINH CITY Princess, Sapphire Princess, Diamond NHA Princess, Golden Princess, Sun Princess TRANG CAMBODIA as well as Coral Princess will all be making port calls throughout 2018/19.

Sean Treacy from Royal Caribbean in PHU Asia Pacific said Vietnam is an QUOC increasingly important destination for the line and the port of Chan May, which

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ietnam was the sixth most-visited destination in Asia, according to figures from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and more Australians are travelling there than ever.

The Mekong is a vital and growing artery for the Asian river cruise industry. No wonder major cruise lines are investing in developing infrastructure, increasing port calls and sending more ocean and river ships.

While the number of cruise ships has decreased in 2017, there were still a high 407 cruise calls made in Vietnam, with the majority being transit calls.

Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh lead with the most number of port calls in Vietnam.

HA LONG BAY Who goes there: Azamara Club Cruises, Avalon Waterways, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises, Uniworld, Viking River Cruises, Windstar Cruises.

Cruisers like: Come here for the vibrantly painted houses, which echo French colonial times, and the local craft, such as silk, clothing, lacquer and other handicrafts. Take

Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Ponant, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Seabourn, Silversea, Uniworld, Viking River Cruises, Windstar Cruises.

Cruisers like: Ho Chi Minh City is a huge city with remnants of the French colonial period. Highlights include the Jade Emperor Pagoda, Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum.

Don’t miss: The Cu Chi Tunnels used by the Viet Cong in the war.

Best for: Families, food lovers, bargain hunters, shoppers.

Getting around: There are various piers along the river. Trishaws and taxis are readily available. There are shuttle buses from the Phu My port.

A sculpture of Ho Chi Minh in the city named after him (above); junks on the beautiful Halong Bay (left) ASEAN CRUISE DIRECTORY 2018

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As the popularity of cruising the region increases, so does the number of ships on offer.

Genting Hong Kong’s Dream Cruises caters to the rapidly growing high-end market in Asia, with the highest level of guest service and comfort in the region. The fleet’s inaugural ship Genting Dream is homeported in Singapore while her sister ship World Dream is based in Nansha (Guangzhou). Genting Dream offers Singapore weekend getaways and cruises to Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia. World Dream has Okinawa, Vietnam and weekend Hong

Kong itineraries. Genting Dream accommodates 3,360 guests and 2,030 crew – the best crew-to-guest ratio in Asia-based cruising – and features hull artwork by Chinese pop artist Jacky Tsai that tells a love story of a mermaid and an astronaut. World Dream accommodates 3,376 passengers and 2,030 crew. Both ships offer a comprehensive onboard program with guest speakers, wine and whisky appreciation classes and educational talks.

/ FACT FILE Vessels: 2 Passengers: 3,352 Destinations: China, Vietnam, Okinawa, Indonesia, North Bali, Malaysia, Thailand.

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outheast Asia is fast becoming one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world for Australians. It’s just a hop, skip and a jump (or short flight) to be able to cruise to some of the most exotic and interesting destinations in the world. Expedition and river cruise companies are making a bid for rivers such as the Mekong where you’ll be able to sail on some of the newest ships from Uniworld and Aqua Expeditions. Or you can

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explore the remote coast of Myanmar with Pandaw. Big ocean cruise lines are also sending more ships to the region, especially on world cruises. Most recently, Cunard visited Singapore and Silversea announced it will be visiting new ports in the Philippines and Vietnam. Royal Caribbean also revealed it will be homeporting Quantum of the Seas, along with Ovation of the Seas in Singapore, increasing the line’s capacity even more in Southeast Asia.

/ DINING More than 35 cafes, restaurants and bars capture flavours of Asia and the world: from Seafood Grill and Prime Steakhouse to Silk Road for fine Cantonese cuisine. There is also 24-hour dining at Blue Lagoon. / ACCOMMODATION More than 70 per cent of staterooms feature private balconies, and 100 connecting rooms make family

and larger group vacations easy. The exclusive ‘Dream Palace’, is two floors of lavish suites featuring Europeanstyle butler service and special guest privileges.

/ CONTACT Dream Cruises P: (65) 6808 2288 E: reservations@ dreamcruiseline.com W: dreamcruiseline.com

/ FACILITIES Guests can enjoy extensive facilities such as Zouk Beach Club, a bowling alley, two submersibles, a water park, a climbing wall, Crystal Life spa and Johnnie Walker House, where guests can taste and buy rare whiskies.

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises / DINING The main restaurant is the 570-seat Compass Rose Restaurants, and specialty restaurants include the French spot Chartreuse, the Prime 7 speciality steakhouse, the Asianfusion Pacific Rim and Sette Mari At La Veranda for fine Italian food and wine.

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he four-ship luxury line suits well-heeled and well-travelled couples aged over 50 who enjoy good food, great itineraries, reliable service and lively entertainment. A fifth ship, Seven Seas Splendour, is scheduled to debut in early 2020. Ships are stylish and comfortable with wide corridors, and open seating so guests can dine when and with whom they like. The passenger-space ratio is one of the highest in the cruise industry and all the top suites have butler service. Itineraries are all-inclusive with unlimited free shore excursions. Onboard activities include wine and cheese tastings and cooking classes at the Culinary Arts Kitchen.

/ ACCOMMODATION Spacious suites range from 28 to 411 square metres with walk-in wardrobe, balcony, twin-basin marble bathrooms and L’Occitane and Guerlain toiletries. There’s an in-suite coffee machine and the mini bar is replenished daily with complimentary beverages.

/ CONTACT Regent Seven Seas Cruises P: 1300 455 200 W: rssc.com

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he sight of a Cunard ship can take one’s breath away and they quickly become the centre of attention on the harbour. These iconic ships emulate old-world glamour: a luxurious setting to discover new destinations. Queen Elizabeth, the line’s newest ship built in 2010, along with Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, frequent Asia, visiting ports in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines as part of round-the-world cruises. The highlight of a Cunard cruise is afternoon tea served in the splendid Queens Room by white-gloved staff, accompanied by a string quartet. A small slice of heaven.

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/ FACILITIES Enrichment programs, spa, fitness centre, casino, cinema, boutiques with brands such as Harrods, lounges, bars and clubs. QM 2 has a 3D cinema and a planetarium.

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/ DINING Ample seating invites guests to dine where, when and with whom they wish. Food is prepared to order and served in style. All dining, spirits, wines, champagne and caviar are complimentary.

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eabourn’s five intimate, 229-suite ships, Seabourn Ovation, Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest, comprise the newest, most modern and uniform fleet in the ultra-luxury segment and the vessels have been repeatedly named the best small ships in the world. Seabourn’s unique appeal results from the intimate size of its ships and a crew numbering nearly as many as guests. Global itineraries visit must-see ports and hidden gems where larger ships cannot go. Seabourn’s ships possess an array of high-end amenities and features, including the largest spa on any luxury ship.

Cunard

/ ACCOMMODATION Options range from inside cabins at around 14 square metres to the Grand Duplex Suites at 208 square metres. Top of the range is the Queens Grill with an exclusive Grills Lounge, private deck and butler.

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/ FACT FILE Vessels: 4 Passengers: 490 -708 Destinations: Worldwide, including Alaska, Africa, Asia, Pacific, Bermuda, Cuba, North Europe, South America, Caribbean, Mediterranean.

/ FACILITIES Pool, hot tubs, fitness centre, library, spa and beauty parlour.

/ DINING Cunard’s specialty venues include French restaurant The Verandah, Asian cuisine at Lotus, Indian dishes at Coriander, Italian fare at La Piazza and American-style Smokehouse.

All ships have Britannia for a traditional three-course meal and the Golden Lion pub.

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/ ACCOMMODATION Suites measure 27.5 to 110 square metres with ocean views. Most have private verandas, and they feature a comfortable living area and queen or two twin beds; fullystocked bar and refrigerator; large TV; and spacious marble bathroom.

/ FACT FILE Vessels: 5 Passengers: 458 Destinations: Southeast Asia including Bangkok, Cambodia, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Long Bay. / CONTACT Seabourn P: 13 24 02 W: seabourn.com

/ FACILITIES Restaurants, 24-hour room service, library, computer centre, concierge and destination services, lounges and bars, outdoor pools, golf putting course, shuffleboard, card room, casino, duty-free shops.

Crystal Cruises / DINING Main dining room Waterside has open seating and no reservations; Marketplace does breakfast and lunch, and becomes a Brazilian steakhouse in the evenings; Silk is a Chinese al fresco venue; Prego serves Italian cuisine; and Umi Uma does Japanese/Peruvian fusion.

/ FACT FILE Vessels: 3 Passengers: 2,081-2,691 Destinations: Extensive worldwide itineraries, including the Americas, Africa, Europe and Australasia. / CONTACT Cunard P: 132 441 W: cunard.com

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he most-awarded cruise line has two ocean-going ships – the newly refurbished Crystal Symphony, and Crystal Serenity, both firmly established in the five-star category. Serenity will undergo a multi-million dollar revamp later this year. Crystal also has five river ships Crystal Ravel, Debussy, Bach, Mahler and Mozart and one luxury yacht, Crystal Esprit. The elegant line has a loyal clientele who are well-travelled and wealthy, and expect good food, fine wine and excellent service. Suites come with a butler and the all-inclusive cruise means champagne on tap, chocolates, canapés, afternoon tea, fine wine and spirits.

/ ACCOMMODATION Crystal Symphony has added 40 new Seabreeze Penthouse Suites on Deck 9 ranging from 35.1 to 45.6 square metres. The suites come with a coffee machine, well-stocked mini-bar, marble bathrooms with twin basins and Etro toiletries.

/ FACT FILE Vessels: 8 Passengers: 848 - 980 Destinations: Extensive itineraries to all seven continents. / CONTACT Crystal Cruises E: internationalsales@ crystalcruises.com W: crystalcruises.com

/ FACILITIES Two swimming pools, bars and lounges, fitness centre, spa, Computer University@Sea, library, theatre, boutiques, putting green.

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ith a total of nine ships in its global fleet, Silversea doesn’t just cover the luxury cruise scene, it also offers expedition journeys onboard Silver Galapagos, Silver Explorer and Silver Discoverer and calls at more than 800 destinations around the world. Within Asia, Discoverer cruises Japan and Southeast Asia, while Silver Shadow and Silver Whisperer sail from Singapore. The luxurious ships have been designed with spacious accommodation

/ DINING Expedition ships have one to three eateries featuring continental and regional specialties as well as cocktails at the outdoor or piano bar. Other vessels include Le Champagne (the only Relais & Châteaux restaurant at sea), La Terrazza for Italian fare, Pool Bar & Grill for casual dining, and a bar.

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boasting ocean-view suites and private balconies. It also prides itself on serving fine cuisine throughout its fleet. With allinclusive fares, guests receive butler service, transportation into town, beverages such as select wines, premium spirits, specialty coffees and soft drinks, and all gratuities are included. On the expedition ships, fares cover the use of adventure gear and tours, room service, butler service and onboard lectures.

/ ACCOMMODATION Suites from 14 square metres, flat-screen TV, wardrobe, radio/alarm with iPod dock.

/ FACT FILE Vessels: 9 Passengers: 100-540 Destinations: Alaska, Antarctica, Arctic, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, New England, Caribbean and Central America, Galapagos, Mediterranean, Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia, Northern Europe and the British Isles, Russia, South America.

/ FACILITIES Beauty salon, lounge, fitness centre, Jacuzzi, library, snorkel area, internet cafe, theatre, boutique shops.

/ CONTACT Silversea W: silversea.com

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ceania Cruises is the world’s largest upper premium cruise line, with a fleet of six ships. Oceania is renowned for its gourmet culinary experience inspired by chef Jacques Pepin, and the line appeals to seasoned travellers who love their food, wine and exotic destinations. Oceania has a diverse cruise itinerary and calls at 400 ports across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and the Americas in spacious

/ DINING The Grand Dining Room serves European cuisine and healthy dishes; Polo Grill offers prime steaks; The Bistro offers French; Toscana does Italian; The Terrace Café has informal alfresco dining; and Waves Grill does casual allAmerican dining. 24-hour room service is available. / ACCOMMODATION There are nine cabin types, ranging from a 15 square-

and elegant ships which allow guests to travel in style and comfort. Oceania’s Insignia and Nautica call at a number of Asian ports including Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo. Regatta, the flagship of the line’s fleet, makes regular calls to Sydney and Auckland during the cruise season. Regatta has four unique open-seating restaurants and 342 luxurious suites catering for 684 passengers.

metre Inside Stateroom to a luxurious 92 square-metre Owner’s Suite. Mini-bar with free and unlimited soft drinks and bottled water are replenished daily. / FACILITIES Artist loft, Monte Carlo-style casino, pool, Canyon Ranch spa, library, bars, headline acts and shows at the Lounge and dancing at Horizons. Afternoon tea with a string quartet at Horizons is served on sea days.

/ FACT FILE Vessels: 6 Passengers: 684-1,250 Destinations: Africa, Alaska, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Baltic, Scandinavia, Canada, New England, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, the Mediterranean, South America, South Pacific. / CONTACT Oceania Cruises P: 1300 355 200 W: oceaniacruises.com

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AL has been cruising for nearly 145 years, offering more than 500 itineraries to 100 countries. The mid-sized ships – it has a global fleet of 15 – are classic and well appointed. Westerdam sails regularly to Asia calling at Japan, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia before heading Down Under. Maasdam offers a 20-day Indian Ocean Explorer round-trip itinerary from Singapore calling at Melaka, Penang, Phuket, Colombo and Male in January next year, and another visiting Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Hong Kong in February.

destinations to allow guests time to immerse themselves in the local culture. It is what the line calls the “Viking Difference” which sets it apart from other cruise ships. The line’s newest ship, Viking Orion will cruise to Southeast Asia and China in August, before arriving in Sydney in November. Viking is an inclusive cruise with free WiFi, complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner, ground transfers and one shore excursion at every port of call.

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/ DINING Main venue The Restaurant has open seating and al fresco options for good weather; The Chef’s Table has an inventive set menu with wine pairing; and Manfredi’s does Italian fare with a good atmosphere.

For a small extra fee, a meal at The Kitchen Table includes an in-port, chef-guided market visit and a hands-on cooking experience. Afternoon tea is served daily.

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/ ACCOMMODATION Staterooms range from 25 to 31 square metres, all with balconies, large bathrooms with heated floors, anti-fog mirrors, Freyja toiletries, plush robes and slippers, and complimentary movies on demand. / FACILITIES Shuffleboard, golf putting, yoga, theatre for evening shows, bars, lounges, fitness stations with a view.

/ FACT FILE Vessels: 15 Passengers: 835-2,650 Destinations: Europe, Russia, China, India, Egypt, Vietnam & Cambodia. / CONTACT Uniworld W: uniworldcruises.com.au

/ FACILITIES Cooking classes, wine tasting, digital and book workshops, BB King’s Blues Club, theatre, fitness centre, spa, yoga.

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Norwegian Cruise Line / DINING An array of eating areas include two complimentary dining rooms; a buffet; fusion restaurants serving Japanese, Thai and Chinese cuisine.

Specialty dining includes French cuisine at Le Bistro and Mexican at Los Lobos.

/ FACT FILE Vessels: 6 Passengers: 930 Destinations: Scandinavia, Baltic, Mediterranean, Americas, Caribbean, Asia, Australia and Africa. / CONTACT Viking Ocean Cruises P: 138 747 W: vikingcruises.com.au/ oceans

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/ DINING The Dining Room is the main restaurant, and the Lido does casual meals. Specialty restaurants include Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto for Italian cuisine, Tamarind for Asian fare and Rudi’s Sel de Mer for contemporary French. All specialty restaurants charge an additional fee.

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iking has six small, luxury ocean-going cruise ships catering for 930 guests each. This allows Viking to go where larger ships cannot reach and guests are able to get to know the destination and cultures more intimately and at a more relaxed pace. There are no casinos, no kids, no umbrellas in drinks, no art auctions and no inside cabins onboard Viking cruise ships.

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orwegian Cruise Lines visits a number of destinations in Canada, Alaska, USA, South America and Europe. Alaska is one of its most popular itineraries with the newest ship, Norwegian Bliss sailing the region. With Norwegian Joy homeported in Shanghai and Tianjin to target the Chinese cruise market, there are plenty of itineraries in the region. Onboard, there is a range of entertainment for adults and children, from broadcasts of big sporting events to the largest race track at sea. There’s also the Galaxy Pavilion for simulator rides and virtual reality games.

/ ACCOMMODATION Norwegian is one of the only lines that caters for singles, with singleoccupancy studios and singles-only lounge and bar. At the top of the scale, The Haven is an exclusive enclave of suites at the top of the ship with a private courtyard, private access to the spa and butler service.

/ FACT FILE Vessels: 17 Passengers: 1,928-4,500 Destinations: Canada, USA, Alaska, South America, Asia and Europe. / CONTACT Norwegian Cruise Line P: 1300 255 200 W: ncl.com/au/en/

/ FACILITIES Multiple pools and hot tubs, casino, spa and fitness centre, theatre.

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Azamara Club Cruises

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zamara’s almost-identical three-star ships, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit and Azamara Journey have been revitalised to exude modern elegance. They are best suited to mature couples who appreciate fine food and a country-club feel. Spirits, beer, wines and gratuities are included in itineraries. Suite guests are provided with an English butler service, four hours internet per guest, one complimentary bag of laundry, dining in specialty

restaurants, complimentary in-room spirits and priority embarkation and debarkation for veranda guests and complimentary in-room afternoon tea service for suite guests.

The line is famous for organising a complimentary AzAmazing Evening on most voyages at a special venue onshore. It is also known for spending more time in port with overnight stays so guests can explore and immerse themselves in local culture.

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hen the revolutionary Celebrity Edge debuts at the end of this year, premium line Celebrity Cruises will have a global fleet of 13 cruise ships. Another three Edge-class ships are on the drawing board for the next four years. With the unmistakable X on its funnel, Celebrity cruise ships are renowned for food, fun activities, and casual ambience, combining European hospitality with warm, engaging service. There are two ships which cruise to

Asia: Celebrity Millennium, one of the line’s Millennium-class ships, frequently sails around Southeast Asia from Singapore visiting Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, China and South Korea; and Celebrity Constellation also sails from Singapore calling at Thailand and Vietnam early next year. She then moves north and offers a 14-night itinerary visiting Shanghai, Hong Kong and Vietnam in February.

/ FACT FILE Vessels: 3 Passengers: 684-690 Destinations: Asia, Alaska, Mediterranean, northern and western Europe, Cuba, Australia, New Zealand, Panama Canal, Central and North America and South America. / DINING Discoveries Restaurant and Bar; Mosaic Café; Aqualina; and steakhouse Prime C; specialty restaurants; Windows Café; outdoor patio and the new Swirl & Top self serve frozen yoghurt station. / ACCOMMODATION Veranda staterooms from 16.3 square metres, with 56

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flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, desk; suites from 24.8 square metres with veranda, daily fruit basket, fresh-cut flowers, shoe-shine service and a flat-screen television. / FACILITIES Spa, acupuncturist, fitness centre, hair salon, sun deck, cabaret lounge, casino, jogging track, swimming pool, hot tubs.

/ CONTACT Azamara Club Cruises P: 1800 754 500 W: azamaraclubcruises.com

/ FACT FILE Vessels: 12 Passengers: 2,138- 3,046 Destinations: Alaska, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Canada, Europe, South America, South Pacific.

/ DINING Options include contemporary main restaurants; speciality venues Murano and Qsine; vibrant Italianinfluenced steakhouse Tuscan Grille; and Asian cuisine at Silk Harvest. Foodies can also attend food and wine pairings, take mixology classes and grill their own steak. / ACCOMMODATION All suites have European-style butler service with

breakfast, lunch or dinner in-suite, afternoon tea and complimentary tea or coffee on your balcony. State rooms vary from standard cabins to the luxurious and spacious Penthouse Suite at 133 square metres.

/ CONTACT Celebrity Cruises P: 1800 754 500 W: celebritycruises.com.au

/ FACILITIES Spa, fitness centres, duty-free shopping, casino bars, lounges and clubs, new rooftop cinema and the option for late checkout.

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Princess Cruises

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/ DINING Princess Cruises take prides in serving every dish “designed for fresh” to satisfy the most discerning appetite. From hand-tossed pizza to gourmet dinners, you are spoilt for choice. Try Curtis Stone’s signature restaurant SHARE for a six-course fine-dining experience. Lovers of good Italian fare should try Sabatini’s Trattoria for handmade pasta dishes from chef Angelo Auriana. If you fancy traditional pub grub, head to Salty Dog Gastropub for a savoury rib-eye burger and a range of beers to choose from. Suite guests have the option of Club Class Dining, and for a romantic dinner, the Ultimate Balcony Dining features a deluxe fourcourse meal in the privacy of your stateroom. / ACCOMMODATION Indulge in a relaxing night of sleep on the new Princess Luxury Bed, scientifically developed by sleep expert Dr Michael Breus and designer Candice Olson. The bed comprises a plush pillow top, a medium-firm mattress for enhanced support, a European-inspired duvet and 100% luxurious Jacquard-woven cotton linens. Guests can envelop themselves in blissful comfort worthy of royalty and wake up fully rejuvenated. / FACILITIES Guests who like to work out can head to the Lotus Spa fitness centre which offers exercise and spin classes. If you prefer to feel the wind in your face, there’s a jogging track. Get your heart pumping with Zumba classes by trained instructors or try yoga on deck. On select voyages, there are tai chi classes. On sea days, guests can visit the art gallery and boutiques for a bit of retail therapy. There is also a casino and library. / HIGHLIGHTS Providing guests with signature entertainment such as Movies Under the Stars and world-class wellbeing facilities including the Lotus Spa where you can choose from a detoxifying ocean wrap or an aroma stone therapy massage. You can chill out at The Sanctuary, a spainspired top-deck retreat for adults only. / WHAT’S NEW Princess has introduced the Ocean Medallion, an interactive wearable personal concierge that lets you book restaurants and select food and beverages without moving from your lounge chair, and even unlock your cabin doors. It’s available now onboard Regal Princess, will be extended to Royal Princess and Caribbean Princess later this year, and eventually will be introduced across its entire fleet. Regal Princess also has the fastest WiFi at sea with MedallionNet, available on Medallion Class ships.

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rincess Cruises is one of the Australia’s favourite lines.

Many cruisers are repeat guests who prefer to sail with a Princess ship again and again.

Spending time on a Princess cruise is an amazing experience that provides guests with the perfect rejuvenation holiday, hence the catch cry “Come Back New.” Taking guests beyond their familiar home territory, but in comfort and style, a journey with Princess Cruises promises to be an unforgettable adventure as well as a relaxing holiday. These qualities and more have 58

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earned Princess Cruises the honour of being voted the top cruise line in Alaska 14 times by Travel Weekly.

Young or old, guests feel revitalised on board by experiencing memorable moments. Marvel at the expansive views from Tamatorizaki Observatory on a cruise to the Japanese archipelago, or take a short cruise from Singapore to explore off-the-beaten-track wonders of Southeast Asia. The wide array of enriching programs, delicious culinary offerings and attentive service are further complemented by immersive shore excursions.

/ FACT FILE Vessels: 18 Passengers: 672-3,600 Destinations: Worldwide, including Alaska, Japan, Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Southeast Asia.

Inclusions: Accommodation;

main meals in selected restaurants; entertainment; room service; onboard activities. / CONTACT Princess Cruises P: 1300 551 853 W: princess.com.au

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/ DINING Specialty dining venues include Chef’s Table, a private five-course culinary experience; 150 Central Park for food and wine pairing; and Hooked Seafood for a taste of New England-style seafood. There are also plenty of bars and lounges for a post-dinner drink or cocktail by the pool.

Quantum Class: Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine, Jamie’s Italian, Michael’s Genuine Pub, Izumi Japanese Cuisine.

Voyager Class: Izumi, Chops Grille Steakhouse, Johnny Rockets diner and Giovanni’s Table. / ACCOMMODATION Four different classes – Interior Staterooms, Oceanview Staterooms, Balcony Staterooms and Suite Staterooms – give you options when it comes to accomodation.

Quantum Class: Loft Suites; Virtual Balcony interior staterooms that come with real-time view of the ocean and destinations; FamilyConnected Staterooms; and Studio Staterooms for single travellers.

Voyager Class: Family Suites and Staterooms; and Promenade Staterooms with windows overlooking the Promenade. / FACILITIES Royal Caribbean is known for its first-at-sea innovative features, notably the North Star elevated glass capsule, Two70 transformative venue and multimedia performance space, Zip Line, AquaTheatre, Central Park, surf and skydiving simulators, ice skating rink and Royal Promenade. / HIGHLIGHTS Quantum Class: North Star, Two70, SeaPlex, Ripcord by iFly skydiving simulator and Bionic Bar. Voyager Class: Royal Promenade, DreamWorks Entertainment, full-sized sports Court and Studio B ice skating rink. / WHAT’S NEW Voyager will have her longest Southeast Asian cruise season ever, calling Singapore home from April this year until June 2019. She will offer around 90 sailings of three to nine nights from Singapore to a variety of popular regional destinations. Quantum will be the biggest ship in Asia when she is homeported in Singapore from November 2019 to April 2020, with 34 sailings during the period. Ovation became the largest ever ship to visit the Philippines when she made her maiden visit to Subic Bay and Manila earlier this year.

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oyal Caribbean International continues to grow its presence in Asia, with three ships calling in regional ports, including Asia’s largest and most revolutionary ship, Quantum of the Seas, the 18-deck, 168,666-tonne vessel which has redefined cruising with her many first-at-sea amenities. Quantum will homeport in Singapore for six months from November 2019 to April 2020 with 34 sailings bringing 150,000 guests to the region.

Following her maiden journey to the Philippines earlier this year, Ovation of the Seas will offer sailings from Singapore to popular 60

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nearby ports before returning to Australia to cruise to New Zealand and the South Pacific in October.

Voyager of the Seas will have her longest Southeast Asian cruise season ever when she calls Singapore home from April until June next year, offering around 90 sailings to regional destinations.

Royal Caribbean has also partnered with Port of Penang authorities to expand the berth facilities at the Swettenham Pier Cruise in George Town so it will be able to accommodate two large cruise ships at the same time.

/ FACT FILE Vessels: 27 Passengers: 2,000 - 6,400 Destinations: Worldwide, 272 ports in 77 countries across six continents.

What’s included in the price: Accommodation; all meals in main dining and buffet restaurants; room service; most entertainment and

activities including all theatre and ice shows; Adventure Ocean activities for kids and teens; most DreamWorks Entertainment programs. / CONTACT Royal Caribbean International P: (65) 6305 0033 W: royalcaribbean.com.sg

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ne of the most recognised cruise companies, APT specialises in river cruises around the world – from the historic cities and towns of Europe to the temples and jungles of Asia. In Europe, APT explores the Rhine, Main, Danube, Moselle, Seine, Douro, Rhône and Garonne rivers, plus Russia’s Volga, Svir and Neva rivers. In Vietnam, food-lovers can cruise the Mekong with world-renowned Australian-born Vietnamese chef Luke Nguyen, who will take guests out into the produce markets of Ho Chi Minh City. Alternatively, cruise the Irrawaddy in Myanmar, the Lower Ganges in India, the Yangtze in China, or the Nile in Egypt.

/ ACCOMMODATION Suites are spacious and most have outside views and elegant ensuites.

Cabins range from about 16 square metres up to 28 square metres for a Royal Suite.

/ CONTACT APT P: 1300 336 932 E: info@aptouring.com.au W: aptouring.com.au

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valon Waterways operates one of the most modern fleets in Europe and also cruises the Yangtze, Ganges, Irrawaddy and Mekong Rivers in Asia and Peru’s Amazon River. All ships offer luxury and style. Some of the highlights of the Yangtze River cruise include visits to the Forbidden City, Imperial Palace and Great Wall. On the Irrawaddy, guests can visit a monastery to present alms to the monks. You will also meet children at a village school. In Europe, guests have the option of cruising on the Rhine, Seine, Danube or do a multi-river cruise.

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ravelmarvel operates two ships in Asia. RV La Marguerite sails the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia while RV Princess Panhwar cruises the Irrawaddy in Myanmar. RV La Marguerite has colonial elements with a contemporary edge while RV Princess Panhwar is a sleek modern ship with Asian-inspired decor. On Mekong river cruises, onboard experts teach guests about local traditions and culture. Irrawaddy cruises are 14-night journeys from Yangon to Mandalay. There is a two-to-one staff ratio on both ships.

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/ ACCOMMODATION Each ship has a number of different suite categories. RV La Marguerite’s luxurious suites have French Colonial-inspired decor. RV Princess Panhwar’s suites start from 26 square metres. / FACILITIES Bar, library, sundeck, spa, fitness centre, gift shop.

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/ DINING Avalon has FlexDining and in 2019 will offer a complimentary picnic lunch for guests to take off the ship.

Avalon’s cruises include full buffet breakfasts and lunches, four-course à la carte dinners and afternoon tea and snacks. For Asian river cruises local beer and spirits are available throughout the day and wine is included at lunch and dinner.

/ FACT FILE Vessels: 18 Passengers: 14 - 200 Destinations: Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Europe, India, Africa, Russia.

/ FACILITIES WiFi, free bicycle use, library, lounge and bar, beauty salon, massage therapist.

/ DINING RV La Marguerite has the Mekong Restaurant, a lounge and bar. RV Princess Panhwar has the Mandalay Restaurant and a lounge. Both ships offer Western and Asian-inspired dishes. Local beer and spirits are included with lunch and dinner.

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APT / DINING Expect gourmet cuisine onboard any of APT’s river ships. The chefs use regional produce, and openseating dining means guests can dine when they like, with whom they like. On some ships, there is an al fresco dining option.

Complimentary beverages are also served throughout the cruise.

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/ ACCOMMODATION In Southeast Asia, suites are luxurious, about 22 square metres, and have floor-to-ceiling slidingglass doors and ensuites, Egyptian cotton linens and slippers.

/ FACT FILE Vessels: 22 Passengers: 36-392 Destinations: Europe, South America, Southeast Asia, China, India. / CONTACT Avalon Waterways E: enquiries@globusfamily. com.au W: avalonwaterways.com.au

/ FACILITIES Lounge, club and bars, fitness centre, library, hair salon, complimentary WiFi, whirlpool.

Pandaw / DINING Dining on Pandaw’s ships include local cuisine and exotic foods. The line sources supplies from local growers and producers. Breakfast and lunch are buffets. Guests who do not enjoy spicy food are offered a European alternative. Dinner is table-service style and at least two nights onboard are themed.

/ FACT FILE Vessels: 2 Passengers: 43-72 Destinations: Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam. / CONTACT Travelmarvel P: 1300 208 712 W: travelmarvel.com.au

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he 16 beautiful Pandaw ships that sail the rivers of Southeast Asia, India and China are hand-finished in brass and teak, and designed to manoeuver in shallow waters, so they can reach remote parts of Asia. Pandaw cruises the Irrawaddy and Chindwin in Myanmar and the Mekong between Saigon in Vietnam and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Guests can participate in cooking classes which include exploring local markets with Pandaw chefs.

Pandaw is pioneering new programs on the Red River in Northern Vietnam, the Upper Mekong in Lao PDR and India’s Brahmaputra, Ganges and Hooghly rivers and Kerala backwaters.

/ ACCOMMODATION A cabin onboard a Pandaw ship, is well sized – most are around 15 square metres – and has twin beds, air-conditioning and French windows. The bathrooms are equipped with kimono robes, slippers and mineral water.

/ FACT FILE Vessels: 16 Passengers: 20-60 Destinations: Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. / CONTACT Pandaw P: 02 8006 7013 E: information@pandaw.com W: pandaw.com

/ FACILITIES Spa, painting, photography, pool table, talks and presentations.

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cenic river cruise ships are like five-star floating hotels with all-encompassing facilities including a pool, sauna, mini-bar which is restocked daily, WiFi, butler service and open-air cinemas. The line launched Scenic Spirit on the Mekong and Scenic Aura on the Irrawaddy in 2016. Spirit has only 34 suites, all with balconies, while Aura has the largest one-bedroom balcony suites on the river, up to 70 square metres. Scenic Freechoice allows guests to tailor-make their shore excursions: whether visiting Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, the saffron-clad monks in Bagan, U-Bein Bridge in Amarapura or a vineyard in Mandalay.

/ ACCOMMODATION Suites from 24 to 70 square metres, private balcony, satellite television, safe, mini-bar. Each suite has separate lounge and dining area.

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eritage Line offers Mekong cruises on two beautifully appointed river vessels – Jahan and Jayavarman. Both ships are designed to emulate the glories of a bygone era. The line’s signature vessel, Jahan, is considered its most romantic ship, evoking the opulent vessels of British India. The line also has three high-end boutique junks plying the waters of Ha Long Bay – the “three sisters” Jasmine, Violet and Ginger, named after flowers native to Ha Long Bay. In Myanmar, Anawrahta, built to resemble a British-Colonial paddle-steamer, cruises the Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers.

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/ FACILITIES Sun deck, spa, gym, steam rooms, observatory, pool (Jahan only).

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/ ACCOMMODATION Mekong Navigator has 34 suites, from 21.5 square metres, with ensuite, individual climate control, pillow menu, French doors to the exterior.

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niworld operates 21 river ships across the world, but only Mekong Navigator plies the waters of Southeast Asia. This 68-passenger handcrafted, colonial-style ship was built in 2015 and sails on 13 to 15-night itineraries along the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers, between My Tho, Vietnam and Kampong Cham, Cambodia. Most suites have private balconies or French doors which open out to the river. Shore excursions include visits to Phnom Penh, the fish farms and local markets in Chau Doc as well as visits to the Cheoung Ek Killing Fields. Guests also get to visit villages and meet the local residents.

Heritage Line / ACCOMMODATION Staterooms from 24 square metres; suites from 48 square metres, with floor-to-ceiling windows and balcony. There are a number of different suites – the top of the range is the Royal Suite which has a private Jacuzzi and terrace.

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/ DINING Le Salon Lounge with full-service bar, Le Marché Restaurant.

/ FACT FILE Vessels: 16 Passengers: 68-169 Destinations: France, Germany, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Ecuador, South America, North America, Europe, Russia.

/ FACILITIES Sun deck, 24-hour room service, pool, sauna, hair salon, open-air cinema, wellness centre.

/ DINING The chefs on board source local produce and local cuisine features prominently on the menu.

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Scenic / DINING Crystal Dining, the main restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch and fourcourse dinner, buffet and à la carte menus available. Specialty restaurants include Portobellos and L’Amour for Italian, French or Portuguese fine dining; River Café for light meals and snacks; and Table La Rive, a six-course degustation paired with wines for Diamond Deck guests.

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/ FACT FILE Vessels: 21 Passengers: 56-398 Destinations: Europe, Russia, China, India, Egypt, Vietnam & Cambodia. / CONTACT Uniworld W: uniworldcruises.com.au

/ FACILITIES Le Salon Lounge, La Bibliothèque Library & Internet Lounge, Observation Lounge, La Vie Spa and Fitness Center.

Aqua Expeditions / DINING There is one dining room onboard each ship with meals designed by award-winning chefs. On the Mekong, Australian David Thompson uses local ingredients such as river prawns, betel leaves and palm sugar in his dishes.

/ FACT FILE Vessels: 6 Passengers: 46-52 Destinations: Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam. / CONTACT Heritage Line W: heritage-line.com

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ive-star luxury river cruise company Aqua Expeditions runs two ships – Aria Amazon on the Amazon in South America and Aqua Mekong on the Mekong. Aqua Expeditions is renowned for its service, modern vessels and exhilarating shore excursions. On the Mekong, the line provides bicycles so guests can explore the riverbank on their own, while guides lead tours through the jungles of Cambodia and Vietnam to visit ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries. Cruise departures in depend on the seasons, and itineraries are between three and seven nights.

/ ACCOMMODATION Aqua Mekong has 20 airconditioned suites, which are 30 square metres and styled with local materials, eight have balconies and all have panoramic windows.

/ FACT FILE Vessels: 2 Passengers: 32-40 Destinations: Peru, Cambodia and Vietnam. / CONTACT Aqua Expeditions P: 1300 124 204 E: information@pandaw.com W: aquaexpeditions.com

/ FACILITIES Gift shop, pool (only on Aqua Mekong), Jacuzzi, spa, games room, gym, library, indoor and outdoor bars, outdoor cinema.

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DIRECTORY

ASEAN DIRECTORY Where to find out more aseantourism.travel / cruiseandtravelasia.com / aseancruising.com

BRUNEI

MALAYSIA

THAILAND

Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources P: (673) 238 2822 E: helpdesk@industry.gov.bn W: bruneitourism.travel

Tourism Malaysia P: 02 9286 3055 E: mtpb.sydney@tourism.gov.my W: malaysia.travel

Tourism Authority of Thailand P: 02 9247 7549 E: info@thailand.net.au W: tourismthailand.org/au

CAMBODIA

MYANMAR

VIETNAM

Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia P: (855) 2388 4974 E: info@tourismcambodia.org W: tourismcambodia.org

Ministry of Hotels & Tourism P: (9567) 406 129, 406 061 E: mohtmail@gmail.com W: myanmartourism.org

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism P: (844) 3943 7072 E: info@vietnamtourism.gov.vn W: vietnamtourism-info.com

INDONESIA

PHILIPPINES

Ministry of Culture and Tourism P: (62) 21 383 8167 W: indonesia.travel

Philippine Department of Tourism P: 02 9279 3380 E: info@morefuninthephilippines.com.au W: tourismphilippines.com.au

LAO PDR Department of Tourism Marketing Ministry of Information, Culture & Tourism P: (856) 21 212 248 E: info@tourismlaos.org W: tourismlaos.org 66

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SINGAPORE Singapore Tourism Board P: 02 9290 2888 E: stb_infosingapore@stb.gov.sg W: yoursingapore.com CRUISE ASEAN 67