Asia
Africa - Middle East - India
Ancient Sanskrit literature used the word Ratnakara, “mine of gems,” to describe the massive body of water south of the Indian subcontinent. Although “Indian Ocean” is the common name nowadays, gems are still very much found throughout its shores.
From the coast of Cape Town in South Africa to the southeastern tip of Australia, the countries, regions, and cities that enclose the Indian Ocean form a vast, diverse, and fascinating network of cultures and landscapes. A cruise vacation or packaged tour to this region is a truly exotic journey into unfamiliar and remarkable lands.
China - Japan - Korea
Millenary civilizations and ultramodern metropolises, ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology, peaceful shrines and bustling markets… ever straddling the line between familiar and exotic, East Asia offers a veritable yin yang of experiences and attractions. The countries of China, Japan, and Korea are treasure troves of fascinating cultures, stunning landscapes, historic sites, and world-famous cuisine. From the skyscrapers of Seoul and the hustle-and-bustle of Shanghai to the endless majesty of the Great Wall and the serenity of Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion, East Asia remains a must-visit destination. A cruise vacation or packaged trip to these countries offers travelers the chance to see and experience an unmatched array of wonders.
Russian Coast
Remote, rugged, and stunningly beautiful, the coasts of the Russian Far East are about as off-the-beaten-path as you can get. Covering the North Pacific and crossing beyond the Arctic Circle, the eastern seaboard of Russia is a vast collection of pristine landscapes, jagged mountains, volcanic islands, and lush habitats thriving with Arctic life. Cruise ships call on several ports, including Anadyr, Petropavlosk-Kamchatskiy, and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, as well as significant landmarks such as the Bering Strait, Cape Dezhnev, and Wrangel Island.
Southeast Asia
With beaches that can rival the best that Australia and the South Pacific have to offer, historical sites on par with those found in India, and cities every bit as vibrant and mesmerizing as the urban giants of East Asia, it’s tempting to think of Southeast Asia as a “greatest hits” of sorts of the vast Asia-Oceania region. After all, the French called this Indochine, relying on the fact that it’s located roughly between India and China. But that label feels like a disservice to the culturally rich and fiercely distinct nature of the nations that comprise Southeast Asia. Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, and Indonesia shine all with a light of their own, reflective of their native traditions and colonial experiences.
