Asia Cruises

Choosing when to take an Asia cruise depends on what kind of atmosphere you’re seeking. Autumn is a great time for leaf-peepers, who can take full advantage of the breathtaking vistas of Japan's luminous foliage. Typically, the spectacle peaks between mid-November and December, visible anywhere from the mountains of Hokkaido to the parks of Tokyo. In winter, Far East cruises offer a wholly different spectacle: that of snow-capped mountains, including Japan's majestic Mount Fuji. While the weather can be colder at this time of year, it's the perfect opportunity to take advantage of some warming specialities, like Japanese ramen, Korean tofu stew or a cup of rejuvenating tea, perfectly demonstrating some of the varied and inspired cuisine you’ll find on Asian cruises. Springtime in Japan is justifiably renowned for its cherry blossoms, which typically bloom from late March in southern Tokyo and Hiroshima before reaching northern Sapporo and Aomori towards mid-April. Taipei experiences similar blooms, and these beautiful views – combined with the mild temperatures of this subtropical region – make spring one of the best times to visit Taiwan (China).

The weather on Far East cruises can vary a little depending on the season. The subtropical climate of Taiwan (China) makes it the perfect place to extend a continental summer, meaning that autumn (from September onwards) is a great time to visit. This period also avoids the particularly hot Taiwanese summers. Early autumn in Busan is clear and crisp (and things cool down even further from November), while a Japanese autumn is pleasantly temperate. In winter, Japan and the Republic of Korea cool down significantly. The crisp, bright days in some regions, like Hokkaido in far north Japan, are all the better for warming up with a cup of local tea. Cities like Tokyo and Kyoto tend to be milder, and in the Republic of Korea, Busan boasts the mildest weather nationwide, closely followed by Jeju Island. Taipei winters, meanwhile, are typically cool and dry, but with average lows of just 15°C, it's never too cold to explore. Spring (generally during March, April and May) in both Japan and Taiwan (China) is synonymous with cherry blossoms and pleasant temperatures. Busan, too, boasts mild weather in spring, though it can get chillier when strong spring winds blow. With so many different regions and so many climates to experience in different seasons, there’s no end to the things you can do on an Asia cruise with MSC Cruises.

An Asia cruise with MSC Cruises affords near-endless possibilities for your Far East holidays. Japanese ports like Tokyo and Yokohama showcase a blend of innovation and ancestral traditions, while natural feats abound in ports like Kagoshima, known for its Sakurajima volcano, or Ishigaki, a gateway to the remote Yaeyama Islands (the southernmost and westernmost inhabited islands in Japan). From Kyoto's sacred Buddhist temples to Naha, the birthplace of karate, these Japanese ports are perfect for new discoveries. In Taiwan (China), cruises dock at the port of Keelung, part of the Taipei-Keelung metropolitan area. Here, Keelung's mighty mountain is juxtaposed with the bustling metropolis of Taipei. In China, ports in Shanghai and Shenzhen offer a modern inroad into some of the country's more ancient towns. These include the water village of Zhujiajiao, reachable via a coach ride past paddy fields, and the Dafen oil painting village, famous for its reproductions of international masterpieces. In the Republic of Korea, Busan is best known for its beaches and mountains, as well as its delicious culinary offerings. The port at Gangjeong on Jeju Island, a former fishing village now known for its proximity to some of the country's most stunning forests and beaches, boasts a plethora of outdoor activities including hiking, biking and watersports. Asia cruises may also dock in vibrant Hong Kong, the ruins of Aomori, or Japan's fugu capital, Shimonoseki.

An Asia cruise is, of course, an incredible adventure, but with MSC Cruises, show-stopping destinations like Tokyo, Busan and Taipei are all reachable on any budget. The cost of your cruise will depend on a range of factors, including the season and length of the trip, but with our selection of Asia cruise deals, you’ll be able to lock in your adventure at a fantastic price.

Packing for your cruise doesn't need to be stressful. A few great staples will ensure you're comfortable on all of your Far East holidays. Be sure to take comfortable casual wear, as this will be perfect for daytime excursions and relaxing onboard. Light layers are best, in case the weather changes unexpectedly. In the evenings, you'll want a smarter look for the main dining rooms, theatre, bars or lounges: collared shirts, tailored trousers and dresses are all popular items. Be sure to pack a light jacket or jumper for chilly evenings and air-conditioned spaces. On Gala Night, pull out all the stops, perhaps with a tuxedo, evening gown or cocktail dress. Themed parties are an invitation to break out fun and elegant outfits. On Asia cruises, excursions to spots like Gangjeong on Jeju Island or Chung Cheng Park in Taiwan (China) are the perfect opportunity for a nature walk, so be sure to bring comfy walking shoes or hiking boots. Sports attire is a must to take advantage of the onboard gym, and don't forget swimming attire for a dip in the sea at Busan's Haeundae Beach. Many shore excursions include visits to religious sites, so be sure to plan accordingly, avoiding revealing clothing and sleeveless tops. And don't forget to leave some space in your bags – depending on your destinations, you may find that Asia cruises are a great opportunity to boost your wardrobe with fashionable finds in cities like Tokyo and Taipei.

Different currencies are in use in different Asian countries. The currency in Japan is the yen. In the Republic of Korea, the South Korean won is used. The currency in Taiwan (China) is the New Taiwan dollar, which replaced the old Taiwan dollar in 1949, while the currency in the People's Republic of China is the renminbi, also known as the Chinese yuan.

On your Asia cruise, you'll be several hours ahead of local time back home. But the exact time difference will vary, depending not just on where but when you take your Asia holidays, since Asian countries do not observe daylight savings time. In British Summer Time, Japan and the Republic of Korea are eight hours ahead of London, while China and Taiwan (China) are seven hours ahead. In Standard Time, meanwhile, these time differences are increased by one hour, so Japan and the Republic of Korea are nine hours ahead of London, while China and Taiwan (China) are eight hours ahead. It bears mentioning that China specifically is an interesting case: given the size of the country, nearly that of the continental US, China could easily be divided into five time zones, but officially, the entire country uses just one.

An Asia cruise with MSC Cruises can vary significantly in length, depending on how long you'd like your Far East holidays to last. The shortest Asia cruises are just three nights long, with cruises that may depart from Tokyo and land at Keelung (Taipei), or leave Keelung (Taipei) with stops in Ishigaki and Naha. A five-night itinerary provides ample time to journey from, for example, Tokyo to Naha by way of Keelung (Taipei) and Ishigaki. Longer itineraries in Asia last for 11 nights, offering the chance to visit a wide array of ports, from Tokyo to Muroran to Sakata, hopping over to Busan, Kochi and Osaka before returning to Tokyo. So, whether you’re after a short jaunt to get a taste of Asia or you’re keen to dive into an all-encompassing trip, MSC Cruises has the ideal itinerary for you.

An Asia cruise offers almost limitless options when it comes to activities and experiences. Learn about artisanal crafts and cultural skills, such as Shanghai's calligraphy tradition, which can be seen along East Nanjing Road. Linger over the collections at outstanding museums, including Taipei's National Palace Museum, whose 700,000-piece collection is a journey through thousands of years of Chinese history and art. And don't forget the modernity that runs through these proudly contemporary cities, where skyscrapers are always an awe-inspiring sight. See the world from up high at Taipei's 101 Tower or the immense Tokyo Tower. Make sure to sample plenty of local cuisine throughout your travels. Whether it’s Japanese sushi or the Republic of Korea's bulgogi and garlicky, spicy kimchi, you’re sure to find a new favourite or two. These regions also boast abundant natural beauty. In Japan, spend time exploring the five-kilometre Gyokusendo Caves, studded with underground pools, or the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, known for its black pearl cultivation and white sand beaches. In the Republic of Korea, take in the volcanic island of Jeju, home to Jeongbang Waterfall, which cascades directly into the sea. These are just a few of the many highlights that can be encountered on Far East holidays.

An Asia cruise blends innovation and tradition. Spend your holiday soaking up time-tested artisanal crafts and local cultural traditions, which might include anything from Okinawa's karate to Shanghai's calligraphy and silks. Linger over the collections at some of the continent's best museums, including Taipei's National Palace Museum. Historic temples abound on Far East holidays, from the ancient Baoan and Longshan temples to Busan's Beomeosa Temple, a Buddhist shrine dating to 678 AD, located at the base of Geumjeongsan Mountain. But don't neglect the modernity that governs these contemporary, skyscraper-peppered cities. Take a trip up Taipei's 101 Tower, a 101-storey, bamboo-shaped building, or the self-supporting steel Tokyo Tower. These regions also boast an abundance of natural beauty. In Japan, spend time exploring the five-kilometre Gyokusendo Caves and its underground pools, or the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, renowned for its white sand beaches. In Korea, take in the volcanic island of Jeju, home to the hypnotically beautiful Jeongbang Waterfall.