2023 Asia Cruises: Explore Hong Kong & Singapore
Narrowing down where to go in Asia can be challenging, especially with so many epic countries and destinations waiting for you. Fortunately, Norwegian makes it easy! Book a cruise vacation and explore multiple exciting ports in Asia. If you've been dreaming about visiting Asia for the first time or missing your favorite cities over the last few years, now is the time to book a 2023 Asia cruise with Norwegian.
Ready to start planning? Explore all 2023 Asia cruises.
Norwegian's 2023 Asia Ports
Whether you want to visit Southeast Asia or East Asia, Norwegian can get you there. A few of the exciting ports you can visit include the following:
Notable Sights and Shore Excursions
Norwegian's 2023 Asia cruises take you to some of the most iconic destinations. You'll be able to visit many historical landmarks, exciting attractions, and natural landscapes. To get your Asia cruise vacation planning started, here are a few of the best things to see and do on our Asia cruises.
Step back in time with a visit to the historical Chi Chi Tunnels.
1. Chi Chi Tunnels
Explore an extensive network of underground tunnels where the Viet Cong troops hid during the Vietnam War. The Chi Chi Tunnels span thousands of miles, making it a bit of an underground city. There were living quarters, smokeless kitchens, schools, and hospitals. These tunnels were only around five feet tall and less than three feet wide. The Viet Cong disguised air passages as animal holes or tree roots. The tunnels you visit on a shore excursion have been expanded for guest safety and convenience.
2. Halong Bay
If you choose a cruise that stops in Hanoi, you can visit the stunning Ha Long Bay, renowned for its emerald green waters and the impressive limestone cliffs that tower over the bay.
3. Have a Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel
This famous 19th-century hotel is where bartender Ngiam Tong Boon created the popular Singapore Sling cocktail years ago. The hotel gets its name from Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, who founded Singapore. If you choose a Norwegian 2023 Asia cruise that starts or ends in Singapore, include a stop at the Raffles Hotel while you're there!
Marina Bay in Singapore
4. Day Trip to Kyoto
If you book one of Norwegian's 2023 Asia cruises that visit Osaka, you can take day trips to places like Kyoto or Nara. Opt for a traditional Kyoto tour that takes you to some of Kyoto's most famous sights. You'll start with a visit to Kinkakuji, with its beautiful three-story Chinese-influenced Pavilion. Next up is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nijo Castle, with its impressive walls and moat. Finally, you'll stop at Sanjusangendo, renowned for its 1,001 12th-century Buddhist statues of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy.
5. Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is located on the island of Honshu and is the tallest mountain in Japan. It's an active volcano and is considered one of Japan's sacred mountains. You'll find multiple temples and shrines located around the base. It is a UNESCO cultural site of importance as its beauty has inspired poets and artists for centuries.
Some Norwegian cruises in Asia include a stop at Mount Fuji. You can choose from several different excursions that include some views of this iconic mountain. Some options include a fish market lunch, sake tasting, or a tea ceremony.
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Cherry blossom season in Japan
Seasonal Events and Festivals in Asia
If you're able to time your cruise with an unforgettable seasonal event or epic festival, Asia has plenty going on all year long.
1. Cherry Blossom Season in Japan
If you've seen photos of the cherry blossoms in Japan, it probably is no surprise why this is a peak time for tourism. It's hard to plan definitively as the blooming times vary from year to year. You'll want to be in Japan between late March to mid-April to improve your chances of seeing these iconic flowering trees. The peak blooms also vary depending on where you are in Japan.
Enjoy water gun play during the Songkran festival.
2. Songkran in Thailand
Songkran is the famous water festival held every year in Thailand. It takes place in mid-April to mark the arrival of the new year. The premise is to wash away the evil and negativity associated with the old year and start off the new year fresh. Locals use water pistols and soak each other as you walk around town. You don't need to be a local to participate either. Be sure you have a waterproof camera or a waterproof case for your electronics!
3. Tet in Vietnam
Tet is the traditional Vietnamese New Year holiday and takes place for almost a week. The date varies each year based on the lunar calendar, but it typically falls between late January and mid-February. Part of the annual celebrations include parades in cities and towns and people making noise in the streets with gongs, drums, firecrackers, and more to ward off evil spirits.
4. Chinese New Year in Hong Kong and Taiwan
Chinese New Year is one of the biggest celebrations in East Asia. Like Tet, the dates vary each year based on the lunar calendar. Generally, Chinese New Year occurs in or around February. The celebration takes place over 16 days. One of the biggest attractions for tourists is the lantern festival toward the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
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