Asia Archives - OFFSHORE

New report highlights the changing face of luxury travel in Asia Pacific

July 19, 2024 No Comments

As the Asia Pacific region continues to be the growth engine for luxury travel, a new comprehensive report from the Luxury Group by Marriott International has identified new expectations and travel preferences among high-net-worth (HNW) travellers in Asia Pacific.

Across the region, 68 per cent are planning to spend more on travel over the next 12 months – 89 per cent among Indians – with 74 per cent planning to travel within Asia Pacific and 88 per cent prioritizing gastronomy as the reason to travel. One in four of all holidays planned (25 per cent) are celebrations.

Three distinct new groups of luxury traveler have emerged – the ‘Venture Travelist’ who seeks business opportunities when traveling, ‘Experience Connoisseur’ Millennials who are traveling for enrichment and ‘Timeless Adventurer’, over 65s who are building their own itineraries and exploring places before they become popular.

Longer holidays on the rise

The research among HNW travelers in Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia and India reveals they are traveling frequently with longer holidays especially across the Asia Pacific region. An average of six leisure trips is planned within the next 12 months while 33% of respondents are planning at least seven holidays this year. On average, a short stay comprises three nights while a long stay is two-and-a-half weeks. For many, the kinship and connection within a group enhances the richness of the travel experience, with over 70% choosing to travel with family or friends.

Australia is the destination of choice (46 per cent, above Japan (42 per cent) and Hong Kong, China (27 per cent). Sixty-nine per cent of India’s HNW tourists are planning a trip to Australia and it is the top destination of choice for Indonesian, Japanese and Singaporean travellers.

Travel trends revealed

Increasing demand in India

The most active and engaged travel market, 89 per cent of Indian HNW say they are planning to spend more on travel.

Families and friends are touring together to mark key milestones, attend a private function or event, with 38 per cent planning a trip with friends and 33 per cent making theirs a celebratory trip.

A Fascination for Food

A whopping 88 per cent are picking their holiday destination based on discovering a new food or culinary experience. Acutely aware of dining trends, almost half of the respondents (49 per cent) describe a fine dining experience as an ideal night out.

Reinforcing this point, 83 per cent will choose a destination to visit an award-winning restaurant and 35 per cent agreed they would spend more on unique culinary experiences. When choosing a hotel, 81 per cent of HNW travellers make their selection based on fine dining options and 83 per cent choose a destination so they can visit a celebrated restaurant.

New traveller personas emerge

With more disposable income for holidays and a growing population of ageing travellers, the research has identified three new categories of affluent travellers. These include:

i) The ‘Venture Travelist’
The next-generation Bleisure tourist, the Venture Travelist prioritizes holiday destinations that will generate business opportunities. While they enjoy their vacation with their family and loved ones, they are always on the lookout to secure a deal. Entrepreneurs at heart, they explore a location, shopping for local products and antiques, and looking to forge business connections with members from the local community.

ii) The ‘Experience Connoisseur’
Predominantly millennials, Experience Connoisseurs plan their leisure travel as an opportunity for personal enrichment. They travel extensively and see the experience as an investment in their mental and physical wellbeing. They want to deeply explore a destination, they value personalization and actively seek exclusive one-of-a-kind experiences.

iii) The ‘Timeless Adventurer’
Debunking every stereotype of the over-65 ‘silver set travelers’, Timeless Adventurers are keen explorers who want to immerse themselves in a destination. They’re less interested in tourist attractions and more drawn to what gives the destination a sense of place, what makes it unique and memorable.

The full report is available to download.

A look inside the luxury rail car that connects South Central Vietnam

July 15, 2024 No Comments

The Vietage by Anantara recently added a second railway carriage, which will operate a daily return journey between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon.

Building on the resounding success of the existing carriage, which runs every day between Da Nang and Quy Nhon, the new custom-designed addition will connect the renowned coastal city of Nha Trang (served by Cam Ranh International Airport), offering timeless luxury travel experiences through South-Central Vietnam.

Heralding a new age of slow and sustainable travel, the five-hour journeys meander through the picturesque Vietnamese countryside, transporting guests into a world of glamour and nostalgia with all the comforts of modern luxury. Twelve reservation-only seats in private booths of two blend sleek modern interiors with inspiration from Indochina, along with expansive picture windows offering stunning views. A sit-up bar gives guests the chance to watch expert mixology in action as the on-board hosts create railway-inspired cocktails and mocktails, while relaxation time beckons in the dedicated spa area for 15-minute head and shoulder treatments on the go.

An exclusively curated and sumptuous afternoon tea experience takes guests on a culinary adventure, including poached Bai Dai Lobster and Da Lat Caviar to whet the appetite, a tea tower with a selection of home-made finger sandwiches, pastries, cakes and traditional scones with all the trimmings. An artisanal cheese and charcuterie platter rounds off the occasion. A dedicated vegan menu is also available.

Slow down for the scenery

While not visible from the railway itself, the train passes near Vietnam’s oldest lighthouse, Mui Dien, which sits at the easternmost point of the country making it the first place to witness the sunrise. Continuing its northerly track through the province’s capital city of Tuy Hòa, Vietnam’s longest wooden bridge at half a mile in length, Bình Thạnh Bridge, is a gateway to some other local notable landmarks.

Guests traveling from Nha Trang to Quy Nhon can enjoy accommodations at the luxurious Anantara Quy Nhon Villas beachside retreat. For the ultimate Vietnam itinerary, jump on board The Vietage by Anantara running from Quy Nhon to Da Nang and to visit the charming Hoi An Ancient Town with a stay at Anantara Hoi An Resort.

A one-way ticket aboard The Vietage by Anantara between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon costs US $420 per person, including luxury afternoon tea, a 15-minute head and shoulder treatment, free-flowing wines, cocktails, beers, mocktails, soft drinks and a selection of local tea and coffee.

The Vietage by Anantara departs from Nha Trang every afternoon arriving at Dieu Tri station in. It then continues up to Da Nang arriving after midnight. Running in the opposite direction, The Vietage by Anantara’s additional carriage departs from Da Nang every morning, arriving at Dieu Tri station in Quy Nhon in the early afternoon and then onto Nha Trang for a mid-evening arrival.

What to see, where to stay and what to eat in Bangkok, Thailand

June 28, 2024 No Comments

My first night in Bangkok, I felt a bit like Leonardo DiCaprio’s backpacker character, Richard, in the hit thriller The Beach.

As non-stop neon lights glared and English karaoke hits blared; tuk-tuks and taxis zipped and zoomed and tourists crowded the sidewalks down below, clamouring for deep-fried pork skins, chicken and even banana, I sat cross-legged on the bed in my hotel room, memorizing the details of my trip’s itinerary.

Most first-time travellers to Thailand head south after landing in Bangkok and start in the Phi Phi Islands, hitting up DiCaprio’s fictional hideaway inspired by the real-life Maya Bay, before ferrying over to Phuket, the country’s largest island covered in rainforest canopies and surrounded by warm waters so blue they look fake.

But I was heading west for Kachanaburi, the first town of several I’d be seeing in a span of eight days with G Adventures, as part of the tour operator’s National Geographic Journeys collection.

From trains to planes, rivers to waterfalls and serene Buddhist temples to bustling street markets, after starting out in the capital city of Bangkok, the itinerary encompassed visits to some of Thailand’s most popular cities, like Chiang Mai in the north, as well as lesser-known parts, like the ancient city of Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam and home to the UNESCO-designated Ayutthaya Historical Park.

As a National Geographic Journey tour, accommodations included four and five-star luxury properties and transportation (with luggage handling) via a private, air-conditioned vehicle.

From Bangkok to Chiang Mai and back, here are some of the best things to see, do and eat—as well as the best places to stay—on your next trip to Thailand.

STAY

SIRIPANNA VILLA RESORT & SPA

A five-star hotel located in Chiang Mai, rates range between $67 a night for a deluxe room to $160 for the royal villa. The outdoor pool, designed to mimic the ancient Mae Ping river in the centre of the lost city of Wiang Kum Kam, is the star of the resort, framed by fragrant frangipani trees. The newly-opened Divana Spa is another highlight, with a series of signature Thai massages and treatments, including discounted morning specials for early risers.

SHANGHAI MANSION

Tucked away in Bangkok’s Chinatown neighbourhood, Shanghai Mansion is a four-star, luxury boutique property that’s located close to the famous Khao San Road, and steps from the new MRT station, Wat Mangkon.

The colourful rooms are decked out in nostalgic Chinese decor—think paper lanterns and silk throw pillows—while the lively lobby expands to the hotel’s Red Rose Restaurant, which spotlights some of the city’s best Chinese plates—including a cannabis-focused menu—and stunning cocktails in an open-air setting.

ROYAL RIVER KWAI RESORT

Set along the banks of the River Kwai, Royal River Kwai Resort is framed by a series of beautiful gardens and stone statues depicting Thai relics. Go for a quiet morning swim at the resort’s spacious pool, or head to the Rantee spa for a hot stone massage.

The hotel’s restaurant, also located on the river’s edge, is the perfect spot to catch a stunning sunset during dinner, or wind down with a glass of wine.

EAT

The signature dish of Chiang Mai, Khao Soi is a must for anyone visiting this part of Thailand—in fact, it can be quite tricky to find it once you leave the city. Khao soi is a coconut curry soup made with fresh egg noodles and garnished with freshly-chopped shallots, green onion, pickled Chinese cabbage, crispy fried noodles and sometimes, an egg.

Rice accompanies many dishes in Thailand as a side, but it’s also enjoyed as a dessert, too. Mango sticky rice is made with cooked rice that’s then drizzled with a cooked coconut cream and served with sweet, ripe mango. It can also be enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.

Thailand is home to red, yellow and green curries, each with a completely different flavour profile. While yellow is typically the mildest and red is considered medium-heat, those looking for something spicy should order the Thai green curry—but you’ve been warned! Served with warm roti bread or rice, the green curry is made with a coconut milk base, bitter-tasting baby eggplants, lime leaves and cilantro and topped with either chicken or shrimp.

DO

ERAWAN WATERFALLS

Located in Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi, just north of Bangkok, Erawan Falls is a cascading, seven-tiered waterfall that gets its name from the three-headed mythical Hindu elephant bearing the same name.

The hike to the seventh tier takes a couple of hours, but level two of the falls is a gorgeous spot to take a dip—and enjoy a free fish spa treatment.

The falls are home to hundreds of red garra fish, sometimes called “doctor fish”, as they’re known to nibble the surface layer of your skin—it doesn’t hurt, but if you’re ticklish, just keep treading!

TAKE TIME FOR TEMPLES

Thailand is home to more than 40,000 temples, ranging from ancient ruins to modern works of art. In Ayutthaya, you’ll find one of the region’s oldest and most significant temples, Wat Maha That, a former royal temple opened in 1374.

In Bangkok, travellers can visit Wat Traimit, also known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha.

Wat Pho is a temple complex where you’ll find the Reclining Buddha, a massive statue measuring 46 metres in length and 15 metres tall, covered in dazzling gold foil and mother-of-pearl. In Thailand, it’s customary to remove your shoes before entering a temple.

BARGAIN IN BANGKOK

For those looking for a deal on souvenirs, Thailand’s night markets—aptly named because they typically open at 6 p.m. or later and run into the wee hours of the morning—are the perfect place to spend your remaining Thai baht.

Like any good street market, you can bargain with the vendors (to a degree). From incense sticks to Muay Thai boxing shorts, to handmade pottery and jade jewellery, you’ll find it here. The Anusarn Market in Chiang Mai is one such market that also doubles as a food hall where you can delve into Thai favourites, or try something new, like fried scorpion.

This story first appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of OFFSHORE. To subscribe to the print magazine, click here.

Why does this hotel look like it’s made of giant Jenga blocks?

June 14, 2024 No Comments

While doing a lazy backstroke in the lagoon pool, my eyes gravitate to the constellation of lights reflected in the mirrored ceiling five storeys above.
All that’s on my mind is relaxation and the illuminated eye candy – not thoughts of hallmark sustainability, biophilic design, or carbon sequestering.

But, I will eventually wrap my head around all the eco coolness of this design hotel of all design hotels – the Pan Pacific Orchard in Singapore.

To be honest, my wife, Kerry, and I chose to stay at the Pan Pacific Orchard because it’s uniquely beautiful and luxurious, not because it has a bio-digester that transforms food waste into water that can be used for cleaning.

After all, the 23-storey, 347-room hotel, which opened in June 2023, is an architectural wonder resembling a tower constructed of giant Jenga blocks. Its most marvelous features are four, 22-metre-tall terraces scooped out of its vertical facade.

The second-floor Forest Terrace is for the open-air lobby and bar; the fifth-floor Beach Terrace for the lagoon pool; the 11th-floor Garden Terrace for the cabana lawn and patios of the Pacific Club Lounge and Florette Champagne & Oyster Bar; and the 18th-floor Cloud Terrace for the outdoor convention space.

Each guest room overlooks one of the terraces and the balcony of each room juts into the terrace’s air space.

“It creates four vertical, curated, themed and symmetrical ecosystems,” said Pan Pacific Orchard director of communications Teresa Koh as she showed my wife and I around.

“We’re very proud to be a luxury hotel that at its core is all about responsible sustainability.”

It doesn’t hurt that all this environmental consciousness is uber-chic and eye-catching.

The two exposed support columns either side of the hotel are covered in vines that are now creeping across the building and dripping from the terraces.

More than 100 other species of plants, shrubs and trees, including all those palms on the pool terrace, end up covering 300% of the hotel’s base land area in lush foliage. The greenery and the terrace’s designs result in self-shading, that aforementioned natural cross ventilation, carbon sequestering and air purification. Singapore-based WOHA Architects, a biophilic specialist, designed the hotel to be an iconic slice of nature in an otherwise largely concrete-and-glass megatropolis.

The Green Mark Platinum Certification was awarded for solar panels on the roof that power all common areas, collected rainwater keeping the terrace ecosystems lush, the previously mentioned bio digester and Swisspro water filtration systems in every room eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles.

All in all, it makes Pan Pacific Orchard the new prototype for high rise tropical hospitality.

Guest rooms are compact and well-designed with comfy beds and high-end linens and that balcony that juts out into the terrace air space. We lounge at the lagoon pool; sip signature cocktails called Cloud and Forest (in a nod to the terrace themes) at Florette; eat crispy pork at Mosella restaurant; and take breakfast, afternoon tea and happy hour in Pacific Club Lounge on the garden terrace.

Pan Pacific has 50 hotels and resorts in 30 cities in Asia, Europe and North America under the Pan Pacific, Parkroyal and Parkroyal Collection banners, including Pan Pacifics in Vancouver, Whistler and Toronto

In April, Air Canada started flying four times a week between Vancouver and Singapore, the only non-stops connecting Canada with the multicultural, Asian city state of six million people. In fact, it’s the longest flight Air Canada operates at 16 hours and 10 minutes Vancouver-Singapore. One-way fares on the quick, quiet and comfortable Boeing Dreamliner 787 start at $734.

Hotel rates for Pan Orchard start at around SG$440.

For more information, visit www.aircanada.com and www.panpacific.com.

—STORY BY: STEVE MACNAULL

Hyatt is bringing new luxury hot spring brand ATONA to Japan

May 27, 2024 No Comments

Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Kiraku, Inc. are opening properties in Yufu, Yakushima, and Hakone under the modern hot spring ryokan (Japanese-style inn) brand, ATONA.

The ATONA brand was announced in 2022 under a joint venture between a Hyatt affiliate and Kiraku, a Japanese company dedicated to preserving valuable assets for future generations. The first ATONA ryokans are slated to open in 2026 across some of Japan’s top hot spring destinations and areas of natural beauty.

“Hyatt is a leading global hospitality company that is synonymous with elevated contemporary luxury. Aside from reaching valuable guests through World of Hyatt, the industry’s fastest growing loyalty program, this collaboration enables us to leverage Hyatt’s global expertise to deliver high operational efficiency and exceptional guest experience and focus on long-term capital appreciation and substantial investor returns,” said Kou Sundberg, founder and chief executive officer of Kiraku. “We are delighted to have identified prime locations for the first ATONA ryokans and successfully secured funding for the Atona Impact Fund. Having already partnered with Takenaka Corporation to restore a heritage sake brewery in Nagano, we are excited to expand our collaboration with more regional revitalization projects.”

“Through the ATONA brand, we look forward to introducing Japan’s hot springs and new destinations to our World of Hyatt members, and international and domestic travellers alike. With Kiraku’s expertise in deal sourcing, asset management and business development, the ATONA brand is poised to meet the rising demand for high-end ryokans,” said Sam Sakamura, Hyatt’s vice-president, Japan and Micronesia. “At Hyatt, we believe business is personal. We are excited to work with Kiraku and are grateful for the trust from Takenaka Corporation, with whom we have nurtured a long-standing relationship through various global projects, as we introduce fresh hospitality experiences to Japan.”

Air Canada just added extra summer flights to Asia and Europe

April 24, 2024 No Comments

Air Canada customers have a wide range of exciting options across Europe and Asia this summer, along with a choice of 120 destinations in North America, to fulfill their summer travel plans.

Alongside new and enhanced international routes to Singapore, Madrid, Stockholm, Osaka and Seoul, the carrier’s Summer 2024 international capacity is growing by 30 per cent into Asia-Pacific and 25 per cent to key leisure destinations in Southern Europe compared to last summer.

Air Canada’s Atlantic schedule will provide the most non-stop service between Canada and Europe of any carrier. From Montreal and Toronto, Air Canada is launching new non-stop routes to Stockholm, and will increase frequencies to Rome and Athens. From Montreal, the carrier will also launch year-round service to Madrid, increase flights to Paris to up to three-times daily during the summer peak, and restore service to Lyon.

From Toronto, service will increase to Copenhagen and will commence Edinburgh and Brussels earlier in the season.

A gateway to the Pacific

Across the Pacific, Air Canada continues to build its Vancouver hub as the gateway to the Pacific.

The carrier recently started year-round service to Singapore from Vancouver, and will increase capacity to Hong Kong, Osaka and Seoul. On the East Coast, the airline is excited to start seasonal service from Toronto to Osaka and increase capacity to Tokyo, while from Montreal, Air Canada will begin seasonal service to Seoul, complementing enhanced capacity to Tokyo.

In North America, new routes will be offered from Toronto and Montreal to Tulum, from Toronto to Charleston, and from Montreal to St. Louis, Austin and New Orleans. Within Canada, Ottawa–Calgary and Halifax–Vancouver flights will resume, and there will be frequency or capacity increases, including between Toronto and Saskatoon, Regina, Victoria, Sydney and Gander, as well as between Montreal and Regina, Saskatoon, Victoria, Edmonton, Moncton, Fredericton and Deer Lake.

Air Canada is increasing its international network capacity by 8 per cent for summer 2024 compared to summer 2023. The airline is also boosting service to North America, with an increase of four per cent in available daily seats in 2024, with 518 flights to 120 destinations.

Contiki launches island-hopping trip to the Philippines

March 1, 2024 No Comments

Contiki recently launched its first trip to the Philippines.

The new nine-day and 13-day Island Hopping tour visits some of the country’s most famous tourist hotspots and unique hidden gems on the Palawan Island.

The nine-day version goes to Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, and El Nido, and includes many island adventures. Some of these include a boat ride through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Subterranean River National Park, an island-hopping day trip in Port Barton, a Jeepney ride to Nacpan Beach, and a unique Special Stay and Make Travel Matter Experience at the Isla Experience in Daracoton Island – which directly contributes to the welfare of the locals.

Among the included experiences is a Filipino-classic tricycle ride to Las Cabanas for a beach sunset, and a traditional boodle fight. Travellers will also have a chance to visit a local’s house for an authentic locally-grown Filipino meal.

The 13-day version includes a 4-day boat expedition, that takes travellers to some of the undiscovered gems in the Philippines, including Palawan Calamian’s Group of Islands (Northern Palawan archipelago) and famous attractions such as Coron islands, Cullion and Linapacan. It includes a private boat, the chance to go snorkeling in Coral Garden, seaside camping in Coron, and a visit to Turtle Islands.

For more information about the new Philippines Island Hopper trip, click here.

You can now fly directly to Osaka, Japan from Toronto

February 7, 2024 No Comments

Air Canada has unveiled a new seasonal, direct service between Toronto and Osaka.

Flights between Pearson International Airport and Kansai International Airport will run three times a week from June 17 to Oct. 25, 2024, onboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Paired with increased frequency on their popular Vancouver-Osaka flight, this will more than double Air Canada’s capacity to Osaka, compared to the previous summer.

Direct service to Japan

Japan continues to be an expanding market for the airline, which has steadily increased both their capacity and number of direct routes to accommodate the demand.

During peak summer season this year, Air Canada will offer more than 12,000 seats a week between Canada and Japan, resulting in an overall capacity increase of approximately 20 per cent compared with last summer.

Air Canada currently runs direct flights between:

Toronto-Osaka (KIX) *Seasonal
Toronto-Tokyo (HND)
Toronto-Tokyo (NRT)
Montreal-Tokyo (NRT)
Vancouver-Osaka (KIX) *Seasonal
Vancouver-Tokyo (NRT)

A vibrant city

Thanks to its continual growth and development, Japan is now more accessible than ever for Canadian tourists, opening a direct gateway for visitors to experience the land of the rising sun for themselves.

Osaka is a vibrant city best known for its food, fun and nightlife. A convenient 30-minute train ride from Kansai International Airport, it is a gateway not only to the Kansai region but to the rest of Western Japan, with convenient access to the many attractions in Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Nagasaki and beyond.

Four Seasons is opening a second luxury hotel in China

November 6, 2023 No Comments

The bustling downtown core of Hangzhou, China, will soon welcome a Four Seasons hotel as part of the highly anticipated Hangzhou Centre mixed-use development project.

Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at Hangzhou Centre will offer a luxury hospitality experience inspired by the timeless elegance of the city’s natural landscape. Characterized by Hangzhou’s islands, historic temples, expansive parkland, freshwater lakes and rolling hills, the hotel will provide a peaceful contrast to the city’s busy downtown district. The 150,000 square metre (1.6M square foot) complex consists of two 130 metre (426 feet) towers and 8,500 square metres (91,493 square feet) of vibrant outdoor green space throughout.

About Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou

The new hotel features 214 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites with river and West Lake views ranging from 54 to 300 square metres (581 to 3,229 square feet).

Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at Hangzhou Centre will feature an array of restaurant, lounge and event spaces. With panoramic city views, the culinary offerings will include a signature Chinese restaurant with five private dining rooms; a glamorous rooftop bar with gardens to enjoy whiskey and artfully crafted beverages; a garden tea pavilion for serene afternoon refreshments and an all-day dining outlet featuring a globally inspired menu with an interactive hot pot experience with live stations for seafood, butchery and snacks.

our Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at Hangzhou Centre will be joining the existing Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake as well as a growing collection of properties throughout China including the upcoming Four Seasons Hotel Dalian, Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou and Four Seasons Hotel Xi’an.

Cruise line adds 10 new Asian countries for 2024-2025 sailings

June 19, 2023 No Comments

Holland America Line’s 2024-2025 Asia season includes departures from Hong Kong, China; Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan; and Singapore to some of the most exciting cities across 10 countries, with a strong focus on Japan.

Noordam will sail a series of nine different 14-day itineraries that travel around Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. The cruises showcase the diversity of the countries while celebrating their unique histories.

Late departures and overnight ports allow extra time for sampling the nightlife, cuisine and culture of the region.

Westerdam also heads to Asia on a new 53-day “Majestic Japan” Legendary Voyage roundtrip from Seattle. Travelers can visit the Far East with a convenient North American flight, easy embarkation and jetlag-free journey spanning several time zones.

Longer voyages

LEGENDARY VOYAGE: New 53- or 52-Day “Majestic Japan” aboard Westerdam departing Sept. 1 or 2, 2024, either roundtrip Seattle, Washington, or between Vancouver, Canada, and Seattle. Featuring 21 total ports, 13 calls throughout Japan and overnights at Yokohama (Tokyo) and Kobe, Japan, and Honolulu, Hawaii.
LEGENDARY VOYAGE: New 28-Day “Coral Triangle, Volcanoes and The Great Barrier Reef” departing Jan. 5, 2025, roundtrip from Singapore aboard Noordam that explores 10 ports in five countries, including Indonesia and the Philippines, with scenic cruising in the famed Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait, and past the Kumba and Krakatau volcanoes.

Highlights of the 2024-2025 Asia season

Noordam explores Asia from September 2024 through April 2025.
Overnight calls include Yokohama (Tokyo) and Kobe (Osaka); Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand; and Da Nang, Vietnam.
The cruises visit a combined 49 ports in the region, including 24 in Japan.
“North Pacific Crossing” between Vancouver and Yokohama:
- 13 days, departing Sept. 29, 2024, Vancouver to Yokohama, including calls at Sitka and Kodiak, Alaska, and Kushiro, Japan.
- 15 days, departing April 27, 2025, Yokohama to Vancouver, including Kushiro, and Alaska’s Kodiak, Juneau, Ketchikan and Glacier Bay.
“Circle Japan” — 14 days, roundtrip from Yokohama. Three itineraries:
- Osaka (Kobe), Kochi, Fukuoka, Sakaiminato, Niigata, Aomori, Otaru (Sapporo) and Hakodate, all in Japan, as well as Sokcho, South Korea.
- Kochi, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Kanazawa, Niigate, Otaru, Aomori and Hakodate, all in Japan, as well as Busan(Pusan), South Korea.
- Shimizu, Kobe, Kochi, Hiroshima, Sakaiminato, Tsuruga, Toyama, Akita, Hakodate and Miyako, all in Japan; as well as Sokcho.
“Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines” — 14 days, between Yokohama and Singapore. Calls at Osaka (overnight), Nahaand Ishigaki, Japan; Keelung (Taipei) and Kaohsiung, Taiwan; and Manila, Boracay and Puerto Princesa, Philippines.
“Far East Discovery” — 14 days, between Hong Kong and Singapore. Calls at Halong Bay, Da Nang (Hue), Nha Trangand Phu My, Vietnam; Sihanoukville, Cambodia; and Laem Chabang (Bangkok, overnight) and Nathon (Koh Samui), Thailand.
“Far East Discovery Holiday” — 14 days, roundtrip from Singapore. Thailand: Nathon (Koh Samui) and Laem Chabang (Bangkok, overnight). Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Phu My, Halong Bay and Da Nang (overnight).
“Indonesian Discovery” — 14 days, roundtrip from Singapore. All calls are in Indonesia and include Probolinggo and Semarang, Java; Celukan Bawang and Benoa (Denpasar), Bali; Komodo Island; Lembar, Lombok; and Tanjung Priok, Jakarta. Scenic cruising by the active Krakatau Volcano.
“Japan and Taiwan” — 14 days, roundtrip from Yokohama. Japan: Amami (Naze), Naha, Ishigaki Island, Nagasaki, Abruatsu, Kochi and Kobe. Taiwan: Hualien and Keelung (Taipei).
“Japan and South Korea Discovery” — 14 days, roundtrip from Yokohama. Japan: Kobe (overnight), Kochi, Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Kagoshima. South Korea: Sokocho, Busan, Jeju City (Cheju) and Incheon (Seoul).