There are many words to describe cruising round the Far East and Asia but the primary one would have to be diverse. Each destination has so many highlights and in some ways are poles apart but on the other hand are very alike.

There is a stark contrast between the capital of Malaysia Kuala Lumpur and Tanjung Rhu, one of the most picturesque beaches the country has to offer. Kuala Lumper or K.L as the locals like to call it is bustling with shoppers and city professionals; there is no doubt you will certainly feel the ‘buzz’. If stretching out on a divine beach is what you are looking for than you would love Thailand. Thailand has some of the most famous beaches in the world especially ones in Phuket, Krabi and Ko Phi Phi Leh where the Hollywood film The Beach was filmed. Whatever your penchant you will certainly find something to capture your imagination and enliven your senses.

China

The world’s most populous country, rich in a dynastic culture stretching back over 4 millenniums. Although a land very different to our own, hidden away from the world behind closed doors for many years, China can be credited with some of the keystones that underpin the modern world; paper, gunpowder, banking and paper money.

As China’s economy charges headlong into its position as a major global player, the doors are know opening for the world to see the hidden treasures of the ancient nation.
There are three must see attractions for today’s visitors;

– The Great Wall of China
– The Forbidden City in Beijing
– The Terracotta Army of Xi’An.

All three speak for themselves and require little presentation or promotion from the author!

There are of course many many more sights and sounds to experience in China, perhaps a cruise along the Yanghtze River or the culinary delights of Canton.

Whoever you are, wherever you’ve been, we guarantee you will be enchanted by the mysteries of China.

India

A real feast for the senses, India is awash with colour, smells and spices. Although there is still hustle and bustle of towns and cities, the low rise buildings ooze authentic charm and culture so different to anywhere else in the world.

Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is the main cruise port, and is memorable beyond imagination. Amongst it’s chaos and excess, it’s landmarks include colour markets such as Mangaldas Market or Crawford Market, world class restaurants to fill you up ready for the next adventure, and stately architecture such as the High Court or the University of Mumbai. Perhaps most breathtaking are the rock cut temples on Elephanta Island, named after a large stone elephant near the shore which collapsed in 1814 and now stands in Mumbai’s Victoria Gardens. Carved into basalt rock, this is one of the most impressive collections of temple carvings in India.

Cruising away from India and into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, idyllic islands await you, including Mauritius, the Seychelles and Sri Lanka. Paradise at it’s best.

Japan

Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, People’s Republic of China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia. It consists of four major islands, surrounded by more than 4,000 smaller islands. The four major islands are Hokkaido located in the North, Honshu the main island, Kyushu the southern island and Shikoku the smallest island out of the quad.

Geographically Japans landscape is very diverse. Its mixed coastlines attract many visitors for the breathtaking scenery and soaring mountains, some of which are volcanic. For the explorers there is an array of hidden valleys certain to take you back to nature. Japan is divided into 47 prefectures, one of which is the capital and largest city in Japan, Tokyo. Landmarks such as the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower the world’s tallest self-supporting steel tower attract visitors for all over the globe.

Packed full of history and culture there is so much to see and do. Whatever time of year you choose to visit Japan some of the dates to circle in the calendar include 6th January this is when Dezome-shiki, New Year’s Parade of Firemen takes place in Tokyo, warning people of the dangers of fire through acrobatic stunts on top of ladders, 15th-16th February in Yokote City is when the Kamakura Snow Festival takes place, more than 100 rooms called Kamakura are carved from snow and lit by candlelight creating a serene ambiance, 23rd-25th July in Soma City is when Soma-Nomaoi – Wild horse riding takes place, a 1,000-year-old traditional festival which introduces the code of the samurai, 1st-3rd September in Yatsuo-machi, Toyama City features Owara Kaze-no-Bon Festival A festival praying for protection against wind damage and for an abundant autumn harvest. These dates are to name but a few, with so much activity you can be certain of an action packed getaway.