The Ritz-Carlton's Luminara is setting sail between December 2025 and May 2026. — The Ritz-Carlton’s Luminara is setting sail between December 2025 and May 2026.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: Voyaging in Asia for The First Time

December 2025 sees luxury cruising in Asia go up a notch with the arrival of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in the region. Inaugural voyages include overnight stays to enjoy the vibrancy of some of the most inspiring cities in the world.

Guests will enjoy the opulence of the newest superyacht: the Luminara, which will take to the sea in 2025. The first voyage in Asia is a seven-night round trip from Singapore, along the Malay Peninsula taking in Malaysia and Thailand, the vibrant city sights of Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, and the historic charms of Penang and Malacca. Not forgetting the golden beaches of Phuket and hidden caves in Langkawi.

In March 2026, the Luminara leaves Hong Kong for a 12-night cruise taking in some of the region’s most stunning vistas, from bustling Shanghai to captivating Seoul and the quiet splendor of Japan. Arriving just in time for cherry blossom season. With 226 suites featuring private terraces, Luminara can accommodate 452 guests in absolute comfort.

Click here for all The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection itineraries.

Oceania Cruises: Breathtaking Luxury Cruising

Plan ahead early for Oceania Cruises’ intriguing 2026 collection of voyages. Top of the list is the Grand Voyage of Da Gama, a 44-day cruise on the Sirena which takes in some real geographical treasures and experiences, from the endless blue seas of the Maldives to the majesty of Cape Town, with the chance to see a colony of thousands of African penguins that live there.

Cruising is an absolute pleasure on the recently refurbished Sirena, which plays host up to 670 guests. This is a voyage that embodies the joy of discovery, exploring some of the lesser known parts of the region such as a traditional fishing village near Ghana’s Sekondi-Takoradi. Photographic opportunities abound, from the volcanic landscape of Timanfaya National Park to the geothermal activity of Fire Mountains.

For a shorter, but by no means less exciting opportunity, six-day cruises from Singapore in April 2025 take in the delights of Malaysia and Thailand aboard Regatta while a six-day dip into Europe in July 2025 starting in Italy and finishing in Greece by way of Croatia and Montenegro provides the opportunity to be among the first to experience Allura on its maiden voyage.

Click here for all Oceania Cruises itineraries.

Read all about DestinAsian editor-in-chief Christopher P. Hill’s Mediterranean cruise experience here.

Passengers aboard Crystal Symphony will be treated to an overnight stop in Singapore. — Passengers aboard *Crystal Symphony’s* Asia voyage can enjoy Singapore’s stunning skyline.

Crystal Cruises: Luxury Adventures to Remember

Sea travel is one of life’s greatest pleasures, with a front row seat of nature’s show-stopping brilliance from breathtaking sunrises to stunning sunsets. For seasoned sailors or those looking for a great adventure, a 47-night round trip from Singapore aboard Crystal Symphony promises to unveil some of Asia’s greatest treasures, from intriguing Taiwan to the tropical Thai allure of Koh Samui, the romantic mystery of Vietnam’s Halong Bay or the bright lights of Hong Kong and Tokyo. Overnights in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Shanghai, and Singapore provide an insight into the many treasures of Asia.

While adventurers from colder climes are looking for the best cruises in tropical Asia, Southeast Asian travelers may enjoy a cool respite from the humidity with a Northern European Grand Journey that takes in the region’s historic splendor on a 40-night voyage starting in Stockholm.

The long days of summer are made for this luxury European cruise, which takes in Northern Europe and the Baltics, from the medieval charms of Tallinn in Estonia to the lesser-known beauty of Sweden’s Visby and the art nouveau architecture of Riga in Latvia. An overnight stay in Copenhagen provides ample time to visit treasures such as the Tivoli Gardens, before venturing to Kristiansand, and the Shetland and Orkney Isles, where the views get more spectacular with every passing hour, culminating in the iconic landscapes of Iceland and Norway. Optional land experiences include a helicopter ride over Iceland’s volcanic landscape, revealing the subterranean energy below.

This voyage, aboard the Crystal Serenity, sails right to the North Cape, before an overnight in Amsterdam with the final stop in Liverpool, home to the Beatles.

Click here for all Crystal Cruises itineraries.

Disney Adventure is an ideal choice for families exploring Asia. — *Disney Adventure* is an ideal choice for families exploring Asia.

Disney Cruise Line: a Cruise Full of Character(s)

Disney has been entertaining families for generations, adding cruises to the repertoire in the Nineties. Asia is set to become the latest destination for the company when the newest ship: the Disney Adventure sets sail from Singapore on its maiden voyage in December 2025, the Disney Cruise Line debut in Asian waters.

Disney Adventure’s cruise starts from Singapore with itineraries that include three- and four-night voyages, along with two five-night voyages where guests can enjoy the year-end festivities. Fireworks at sea and Broadway-quality shows are some of the attractions of a Disney Cruise, where the whole family, from toddlers to grandparents, will find something to keep them entertained. It’s an ideal vacation solution for extended families, with areas such as the fitness center kept for adults only.

Click here for all Disney Cruise Line itineraries.

The Scenic Eclipse on a 13-day cruise to Antarctica. — The *Scenic Eclipse* on a 13-day cruise to Antarctica.

Scenic Cruises: Discover The Icy Beauty of Antarctica

Cruise lovers from Asia will enjoy a change of temperature, going from life in tropical climes to sailing the icy beauty of the southern hemisphere. The wild beauty of Antarctica is waiting to be discovered; and a 13-day polar expedition aboard Scenic Eclipse gives guests the opportunity to revel in the icy landscape where awe-inspiring sights of humpback whales and penguins from spacious veranda-suites add to the region’s allure.

The weather and scenery changes daily, which is an added attraction for photographers and nature lovers alike. Notably, the passenger to crew ratio is close to 1:1 on this luxury yacht that hosts just 200 guests.

Learn about the wildlife and destination from up to 20 marine biologists, historians, geologists, naturalists and local guides, and get up close to the icy landscape with Zodiac and kayak opportunities; all exploration kit and equipment is included. Ten dining experiences and an expansive spa ensure there’s plenty of opportunity to relax and marvel over the day’s exploration.

For adventurous types, Scenic Cruises’ submersible Scenic Neptune can take guests on a literal deep-dive into the crystal clear waters. This 13-day expedition voyage departs from Buenos Aires on November 11, 2025.

Click here for all Scenic Cruise itineraries.

Join a jazz-focused cruise with Ponant this October. — Join a jazz-focused cruise with Ponant. (Courtesy of Ponant)

Go Niche on These Special-Interest Sailings

As the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar is a smart choice when it comes to themed culinary cruises. Among its upcoming gastro-focused sailings is Adriatic Archipelagos and Greek Goddesses, which begins in Venice and ends in Athens. James Beard Award–winning guest chef Jennifer Jasinski will be aboard Windstar’s 342-passenger flagship Wind Surf—one of the world’s largest sailing ships—to lead market tours, cooking demos, and host a wine-paired dinner (Aug. 27–Sep. 5).

A Hamburg-based operator of smaller luxury ships, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will suit golf enthusiasts to a tee with its golf-friendly itineraries. From the Mediterranean to Mauritius, pre-booked packages on selected international voyages on Europa and Europa 2 include access to some superb courses, with a PGA golf pro on hand to offer coaching and advice (various sailings).

Jazz at Sea in the Aegean is a new eight-day cruise from Ponant that brings the spirit of a jazz club aboard Le Lapérouse as the 184-passenger vessel sails through the waters of Greece’s Thessaly and Macedonia regions. Highlighting the itinerary are talks by Hughes Kieffer, the director of the Marseille Jazz Festival of the Five Continents, and concerts by the Erik Truffaz Quartet (Oct. 17–24).

With tranquil Norwegian fjords as a backdrop, Cunard’s seven-night Wellness at Sea voyage (ex Southampton) on the Queen Anne will include a variety of wellness-themed experiences, from invigorating stretching classes and tailored spa treatments to talks from expert speakers (July 5–12, 2026).

Out at Sea: The Best Cruise Itineraries

Stay inspired with our DestinAsian newsletters