Asia Cruise Deals

Pros

Far more cultural immersion opportunities than on the usual cruise ship

Cons

English speakers are often in the minority, particularly on shorter cruises

Bottom Line

A great, easy way to discover Japan and its culture

Pros

Technologically advanced ship offers exceptional cabins and activities.

Cons

Ship has been modified for Chinese cruisers; Western dining is limited.

Bottom Line

Best if you get the ship's Asian focus and are fine sailing with other cultures/customs.

Pro: Destination-focused itineraries; friendly and fun onboard vibe

Con: Standard cabins are small with tiny bathrooms, despite a high price tag

Bottom Line: Destination-immersive, upscale cruising, with not a lot of nickel and diming

Pro: Destination-focused itineraries; friendly and fun onboard vibe

Con: Standard cabins are small with tiny bathrooms, despite a high price tag

Bottom Line: Destination-immersive, upscale cruising, with not a lot of nickel and diming

Multinational guests and crew

Some two-story cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows

Squok Club has innovative children's programs

Multinational guests and crew

Some two-story cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows

Squok Club has innovative children's programs

Multinational guests and crew

Some two-story cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows

Squok Club has innovative children's programs

Pros

Far more cultural immersion opportunities than on the usual cruise ship

Cons

English speakers are often in the minority, particularly on shorter cruises

Bottom Line

A great, easy way to discover Japan and its culture

Pro: Destination-focused itineraries; friendly and fun onboard vibe

Con: Standard cabins are small with tiny bathrooms, despite a high price tag

Bottom Line: Destination-immersive, upscale cruising, with not a lot of nickel and diming

Pro: Destination-focused itineraries; friendly and fun onboard vibe

Con: Standard cabins are small with tiny bathrooms, despite a high price tag

Bottom Line: Destination-immersive, upscale cruising, with not a lot of nickel and diming

Pro: Destination-focused itineraries; friendly and fun onboard vibe

Con: Standard cabins are small with tiny bathrooms, despite a high price tag

Bottom Line: Destination-immersive, upscale cruising, with not a lot of nickel and diming

Pros

Many perks included in cruise fare, including one-of-a-kind thermal suite and fine dining

Cons

People looking for traditional cruise activities -- casino, glitzy production shows -- will be disappointed

Bottom Line

A solid value on a cruise ship that focuses on exploration onboard and ashore

Pro: Destination-focused itineraries; friendly and fun onboard vibe

Con: Standard cabins are small with tiny bathrooms, despite a high price tag

Bottom Line: Destination-immersive, upscale cruising, with not a lot of nickel and diming

Pro: Destination-focused itineraries; friendly and fun onboard vibe

Con: Standard cabins are small with tiny bathrooms, despite a high price tag

Bottom Line: Destination-immersive, upscale cruising, with not a lot of nickel and diming

Pros

Far more cultural immersion opportunities than on the usual cruise ship

Cons

English speakers are often in the minority, particularly on shorter cruises

Bottom Line

A great, easy way to discover Japan and its culture

Elegant with plenty of opportunities for formal dressing

Varied enrichment program

Sense of occasion on every cruise

Pro: Interesting itineraries, good food and welcoming crew

Con: One of Australia's oldest ships, and young couples may find it a bit quiet

Bottom Line: The elegant midsize ship offers varied cruise options and outstanding service

Pro: Destination-focused itineraries; friendly and fun onboard vibe

Con: Standard cabins are small with tiny bathrooms, despite a high price tag

Bottom Line: Destination-immersive, upscale cruising, with not a lot of nickel and diming