Overview
Asia Cruises — Guide for Indian Travelers
Overview
Exotic ports, vibrant cities and tropical islands by sea. Asia cruises combine culture, temples, bustling markets and idyllic beaches — all with the luxury of unpacking just once. From Singapore’s futuristic skyline and Thailand’s islands to Japan’s cherry blossoms and even Indian coastal routes (Mumbai & Lakshadweep), these cruises bring Asia’s diversity to life for Indian travelers.
Why Cruise Asia
– Short regional cruises (3–5 nights) for first-timers and families.
– Longer sailings (7–12 nights) covering Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand.
– Cultural immersion with shore excursions: temples, heritage towns, street food.
– Indian-friendly: Many ships depart from Asia hubs like Singapore, easily connected from India.
– Unique advantage: Cruises also operate from Mumbai to Lakshadweep & Sri Lanka, ideal for Indian travelers who want to sail closer to home.
Visa Requirements (Indian Travelers)
– Singapore: eVisa required (apply online via authorized agents).
– Malaysia & Thailand: eVisa or Visa on Arrival for Indians.
– Vietnam: eVisa required; cruise operator often assists.
– Japan: Tourist visa required, apply in advance.
– India (Mumbai/Lakshadweep cruises): Indian nationals need only entry permits (assisted by cruise operator).
– Always check each port’s specific entry rules; multi-country itineraries may need 2–3 visas.
Best Time to Cruise Asia
– Nov–Apr: Best for Southeast Asia (dry season, calmer seas).
– Mar–May & Sep–Nov: Ideal for Japan cruises (cherry blossom & autumn foliage).
– Dec–Mar: Lakshadweep & Maldives sailing season — calm waters and clear skies.
Top Ports & Highlights
– Singapore: Cruise hub, Marina Bay Sands, Sentosa & Gardens by the Bay.
– Phuket & Krabi (Thailand): Beaches, limestone cliffs, island-hopping catamarans.
– Langkawi (Malaysia): Duty-free shopping, cable car & beaches.
– Bangkok (Laem Chabang): Grand Palace, floating markets & Thai cuisine.
– Vietnam: Halong Bay cruises, Ho Chi Minh City tours, local street food.
– Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto day trips — temples, cherry blossoms & sushi tours.
– Mumbai (India): Gateway of India embarkation; cruises sail to Goa, Kochi, Sri Lanka & Maldives.
– Lakshadweep Islands (India): Coral reefs, diving, secluded beaches, eco-friendly shore excursions.
Food & Dining — Onboard & Onshore
– Cruise lines in Asia offer multi-cuisine dining; Indian vegetarian and Jain meals can be pre-booked.
– Onshore: street food tours in Bangkok, hawker centres in Singapore, sushi in Japan, seafood in Vietnam.
– Luxury ships also feature private chef dining, themed gala nights and fine-dining with wine pairings.
Transport & Connectivity
– Embarkation hubs: Singapore (Changi), Hong Kong, Tokyo, Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Mumbai.
– Direct/one-stop flights connect India to all major hubs.
– Pre/post cruise stays are recommended — Singapore, Tokyo or Bangkok pair beautifully with cruises.
Travel Tips
– Short Asia cruises (3–5 nights) are perfect for first-time cruisers or honeymoon add-ons.
– Longer itineraries (7–12 nights) cover cultural circuits — Japan, Vietnam & Southeast Asia.
– Carry local currencies for street markets; USD is accepted in many ports but not everywhere.
– Book shore excursions early — e.g., Halong Bay overnight extension, Kyoto temple tours, Lakshadweep snorkeling trips.
Average Costs & Budgeting (per person)
– Short Asia cruises (3–5N, balcony): ₹80,000 – ₹2,20,000
– Extended Asia circuits (7–12N, balcony + excursions): ₹1,80,000 – ₹4,50,000
– Luxury Asia voyages (small-ship or yacht-style): ₹3,50,000 – ₹9,00,000+
– Mumbai/Lakshadweep cruises (3–6N, premium cabins): ₹70,000 – ₹2,50,000
Suggested Cruise Packages
– Southeast Asia Sampler — 5N: Singapore → Penang → Phuket → Langkawi → Singapore.
– Japan Cherry Blossom Cruise — 10N: Tokyo → Osaka → Kyoto → Hiroshima → Hakodate.
– Mumbai–Lakshadweep Explorer — 6N: Mumbai → Agatti → Bangaram → Kavaratti → return.
– Luxury Asia Voyage — 9N: Hong Kong → Halong Bay → Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh → Singapore.
Popular Cruise Lines for Asia (includes Mumbai & Lakshadweep departures)
– Royal Caribbean International: Regional deployments from Singapore with varied island itineraries.
– Princess Cruises: Asia itineraries including longer Japan and Southeast Asia sailings.
– Celebrity Cruises: Premium Asian voyages and seasonal deployments.
– Oceania Cruises / Silversea: Luxury small-ship options for Japan & Southeast Asia.
– Cordelia Cruises: India-based operator with Mumbai → Lakshadweep / regional sailings.
– Samudram Cruises (Lakshadweep Administration): Government-operated island services / seasonal cruise-like sailings.
FAQs
Q: Can I start my cruise directly from India?
A: Yes — seasonal departures operate from Mumbai to Lakshadweep, Sri Lanka & Maldives.
Q: Is Indian vegetarian food available onboard?
A: Yes — most lines provide Indian menus if requested at booking.
Q: Which is better — short Asia cruises or Mediterranean?
A: Short Asia cruises are excellent for first-timers; Mediterranean is more diverse and longer. Many couples start with Asia before upgrading to Europe.
Reconnect With
– Asia Travel Guide
– Cruise Theme Hub
Planning to sail Asia? Let Live Traveller curate your perfect Asia cruise — from Singapore to Lakshadweep →
