Asia’s imminent cruise boom is great news for Aussies

Australians might well wonder why Asia has long had such limited cruise choices. We look north and know this continent has plenty to explore, from glittering cities to spice-scented islands, steaming jungles to chilly volcanic landscapes.

At last, our hopes of more choices are being realised as Asian cruises become more common. The growth is partly fuelled by the increasing number of Asian cruise passengers and the rise of Asian cruise lines. Countries such as China, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and South Korea have improved their port infrastructure and are actively courting the cruise business.

American and European cruise companies have long been aware of Asia’s potential, and of the increased interest in Asia from their customers. Celebrity, Cunard, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Scenic, Silversea and Viking have a growing presence in Asia. MSC will launch MSC World Asia in 2026, its second ship dedicated to Asian cruising.

Viking ship the Yi Dun docked in Shanghai.Credit:

Asia is now the fourth most popular cruise destination in the world after the Caribbean, Mediterranean and the rest of Europe. Key home ports are Shanghai and Singapore, with Hong Kong growing rapidly.

Yet, there is huge room for growth: only some 100 cruise ships have sailed in Asia this year. But that number is set to rise as companies ratchet up their Asian offerings.

Celebrity Cruises introduced year-round itineraries in Asia in 2024 on Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Millennium, and for the first time, all-summer sailings from Yokohama that focus on Japan.

Holland America is sailing its most diverse Asian season ever in 2024-25, from bases in Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore. The company will visit 49 ports in 10 countries, with a strong focus on Japan, where it calls in at an impressive 24 ports.

Meanwhile, Princess Cruises will extend its Asian season in 2025-26 and has added 11 new voyages of nine to 22 days in Japan aboard Diamond Princess. Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas will be home-ported in Singapore between October 2025 and March 2026.

Norwegian Cruise Line, which reports a 20 per cent increase in demand for Asian destinations, is operating an extended Asia season between September 2024 and March 2026, with a record three ships sailing itineraries of between nine and 19 days. Guests can enjoy overnight stays in key ports such as Osaka, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Seoul.

Norwegian’s ships aren’t only visiting big-name cities, but smaller ports such as Matsuyama and Niigata in Japan too. Among its various Asian voyages are Japan cruise round-trips from Tokyo, a 15-day cruise from Taipei to Singapore, and a 12-day South-East Asian cruise from Singapore to Bali.

Oceania Cruises also has new sailings in Asia in the first half of 2025, ranging from six-day cruise round-trips from Singapore to 24-day journeys between Tokyo and Singapore via the Philippines and Brunei.

Oceania’s add-on land-tour options take guests to destinations such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Xian in China, and the Red River in Vietnam, offering more to explore than ever before.