14-night Southeast Asia and Hong Kong Cruise

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. A British Overseas Territory until 1997, Hong Kong is home to long-cherished Eastern traditions amid modern Western sensibilities. This forest of glittering skyscrapers stands between soaring mountains and bustling Victoria Harbor. The entire sweeping vista is best taken in from atop Victoria Peak, lush with landscaped gardens and footpaths. Back down at sea level, Aberdeen provides a fascinating glimpse of China old and new as a skyward-reaching cluster of residential towers watches over a bustling bay where floating villages bob in the waters beside stylish pleasure boats.,

Victoria Harbor keeps the heart of Hong Kong beating and it does so with grace and beauty. The natural harbor divides Hong Kong Island from Kowloon. Today, much of the harbor's beauty lies in its location amid a dense urban area. Junks, tugs, sampans, yachts, and the distinctive Star Ferry commuter boats share these teeming waters surrounded by a stunning setting. For the most impressive view of Hong Kong's forest of skyscrapers and Victoria Peak, join locals for a harbor crossing on a Star Ferry. Or take in the nightly light show that plays off the skyline.,

Sail one of the world's most important waterways; one third of all commercial shipping passes through these waters. As you sail today, savor a range of international cuisine onboard. Choose from a variety of international flavors at the World Café, enjoy al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, or regional specialties in The Restaurant.,

More than 1,600 islands of towering limestone dot the seascape of Ha Long Bay. Among them, Vietnam emerges at its most authentic. Fishermen cast their nets into the bay, villages hug the shores, and children play in the waters as traditional junks drift by. As local lore has it, dragons created this magnificent place when the gods sent them to the coast to protect locals from marauders. The protective beasts breathed countless jewels into the bay, sinking the approaching ships—and creating a spellbinding canvas of mystical-looking monoliths.,

Evidence of a human presence in Ha Long Bay dates back to prehistoric times, with the discovery of stone tools attributed to the Hoabinhian culture that flourished in the region 10,000 years ago. As late as the 19th century, the bay was used as a base by Chinese and Vietnamese pirates. During the 20th century, the bay remained sparsely populated; today, a community of approximately 1,600 people live on Ha Long Bay spread across four fishing villages, living in distinctive floating houses with fishing and marine aquaculture being the primary occupations.,

Chan May serves as a gateway to the fascinating and historic city of Hue, scenically set along the Perfume River. From 1802 to 1945, this was the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors. Numerous historic monuments from that period remain, including the massive walled Imperial City, built in the 19th century, that once housed the country's most extravagant temples and royal residences and was hailed as the center of politics, religion, and culture. Among the Imperial City's treasures are palaces, shrines, and the Forbidden Purple City.,

Leaning against the Truong Son Mountains, Chan May Cape is in the shape of an enormous crescent. The Cape is located next to Lang Co Beach, north of the Hai Van Pass. It is a famous site in the province of Thua Thien Hue since its beaches are considered to be the nicest in Central Vietnam. Lang Co Beach has white sand and clean and shallow waters. Lang Co is a popular destination in the central region. According to the research of the Institute of Physics and Hydrology, the seawater in this area is accessible to vessels exceeding 10 tons. Chan May Harbor along with Dung Quat Industrial Zone greatly contributes to the economical development of Central Vietnam.

Sail the South China Sea; after the five oceans of the world, it is the world's largest body of water, covering more than one million square miles. Renew your body, mind, and spirit in the Scandinavian-inspired spa, a Nordic sanctuary of holistic wellness, today while at sea. Whether you unwind in the Sauna, refresh in the Snow Grotto, or take a dip in the Thermal Pool, you will feel recharged and revitalized.,

Founded as a small fishing village, Ho Chi Minh City is now Vietnam's largest city. Though it is still commonly called Saigon, locals are as likely to simplify the name of their hometown to HCMC. No matter what you call it, it is a seamless blend of history and modern youthful energy, where pagodas and French colonial grandeur mingle with bustling old-world marketplaces and modern skyscrapers, all against a constant buzz of motor scooters and trill of bicycle bells. From enduring, narrow alleyways to wide, Parisian-style boulevards, Ho Chi Minh City has an identity all its own.,

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a heady mix of French and Vietnamese cultures, where baguettes and croissants are sold alongside pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) and motor scooters buzz past colonial-era architecture. The city's wide boulevards are reminiscent of Paris, lined with jewels such as the Opera House, fashioned after the Petit Palais, and the grand Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel. Aromatic food stalls and colorful shops purvey local specialties and all manner of Vietnamese wares, from conical hats to ao dai, the traditional silk tunic worn by women.,

Despite Ho Chi Minh City's densely packed urban districts, there are several green spaces that can be enjoyed. In Tao Dan Park, locals can be spotted engaging in their daily morning exercise with a round of badminton, tai chi, or the outdoor gym equipment. Afternoons welcome a number of classes, from aerobics to dance, attracting good-sized crowds. In addition to the wide open spaces, there are a variety of walking trails shaded by towering trees as well as water features and ponds to be admired.,

The Gulf of Thailand, the massive sea basin bordered by Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia, is still known as the Gulf of Siam to the Malay and Khmer people. Long stretches of sandy beaches, low-lying emerald hills, and soaring mountains surround this oval-shaped gulf. The lush hills of Botum Sakor National Park unfold north of Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Along Thailand's shores, several beach-ringed islands point the way to Laem Chabang port.,

Sihanoukville is perched on the end of a scenic elevated peninsula. Its almost uninterrupted stretch of sandy shores and turquoise waters lend it one of the nation's most picturesque settings. This sleepy city was developed after the French departed, so its streets are lined with less fanciful examples of New Khmer architecture and traveled by modern-day tuk-tuks, carriages pulled by motorcycle. The city's many beaches and offshore islands draw locals and visitors alike, making this one of Cambodia's prime seaside resorts.,

Sihanoukville has an abundance of beautiful beaches and a lively culture along its shores, drawing backpackers, young adventurers, and other beach lovers to its long stretches of sand. One of its most famous beaches, the tree-shaded Independence Beach, was visited by Jacqueline Kennedy in 1967 during her tour of Cambodia. The clean, white sands of Otres Beach, lined with casuarina trees and coconut palms, are also a firm favorite. At Serendipity Beach, locals and visitors take in the seaside vistas from one of the many beachside outdoor cafés.,

Often called the "City of Angels", Bangkok is Thailand's largest and most populous city. A sprawling and heady mix of modern skyscrapers, floating markets, and longtail boats skimming the Chao Phraya River, the scintillating capital of old Siam engages all the senses. Yet it all seems devoutly grounded by the presence of its revered gilded wats, or temples. Wat Arun, in particular, can be seen from all corners of the city. This majestic riverside "Temple of Dawn" catches the first light of each day like a pearl, casting a soft glow on one of Asia's most remarkable cities.,

Thai culture is rich and engaging in this bustling center beautifully set on the Chao Phraya River, and its origins are reflected through centuries-old Buddhist wats, or temples. The towering Wat Arun, named for the god of the rising sun, stands dramatically on the river's banks. The revered temples and elegant buildings within the walls of the renowned Grand Palace date to the late 1700s. A gilded array of golden pagodas and stupas (shrines), it has been the royal family's residence for more than 150 years. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.,