Best Oceania Cruises: Exotic Ports, Savory Cuisine, Luxury

For those seeking to combine exotic ports of call with savory dining aboard a luxurious ship, one pampering option is Oceania Cruises. That’s why The Meandering Traveler, when seeking the best Oceania cruises, can’t help pointing out its 2025 East Asia voyages!

With Oceania’s immersive itineraries, guests might explore the vibrant city of Hong Kong, China; lush coves at Bali, Indonesia; ancient temples in Kyoto, Japan; or turquoise waters off Phuket, Thailand.

“Asia is one of the most striking regions in the world to explore by sea,” emphasizes Frank A. Del Rio, Oceania’s president. “The powerful contrasts between its ultra-modern and historic influences are breathtaking.”

Best of all, Oceania’s elegant, luxurious ships carry only 670 to 1,250 guests. The vessels have high guest-to-staff ratios. Size-wise, they’re perfectly sized to access some of Asia’s most remote ports. (Shown in the photo above is Hong Kong at night. Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board.)

Immersive, Small Group Tours

Going ashore, guests can explore in-depth during Oceania’s small group tours. For instance, food-focused tours might range from savory cooking classes in Thailand to bustling market visits in Vietnam.

Alternatively, “Wellness Discovery Tours” nourish the mind, body and spirit. The line’s “Go Local Tours” invite guests to discover authentic local life, while “Go Green” excursions focus on local sustainability practices.

“Guests can also enjoy sun, sea, sand and surf,” says Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel. “For instance, Oceania will offer a half-day ‘Snorkeling at Koh Khai’ shore excursion during a port call at Phuket, Thailand.” That’s offered on the six-day “Malay Peninsula Treasures” itinerary.

“During this shore excursion, guests will board a speedboat and zip through the Andaman Sea to the isle of Koh Khai,” she explains. “They can relax on a gorgeous beach rimming the island and snorkel whenever they please. Then the speedboat will take them to another island for another snorkeling experience.”

On that itinerary, the 670-passenger Regatta will sail roundtrip from Singapore. The itinerary route will take guests to culturally rich cities and some of the world’s best beaches. At press time, fares started at $1,080 per person, double occupancy.

Diverse Lengths: Six to 24 Days

Oceania plans voyages of diverse lengths in East Asia in 2025. Some are shorter, such as six-day jaunts, while others cover more territory and extend up to 24 days. These voyages, which we consider among the best Oceania cruises, will unfold aboard several ships.

Best of all, the line’s “simply MORE” value promise provides two-for-one cruise fares, free shore excursions, free Champagne, wine and beer, and free Wi-Fi. So, cruisers will sail in comfort and with superb value while discovering East Asia’s wonders.

Best Oceania Cruises: Asia Highlights 

Here’s a brief look at a few of the East Asia voyages. “Just click on each itinerary link for more details,” says Steudle. “And for more assistance, to discuss itinerary options, pre- or post-cruise stays, accommodations and for booking of your Oceania vacation, give one of our skilled personal travel planners a call.”

We like the 15-day “Gilded Eastern Kingdoms” itinerary, which operates from Singapore to Taipei, Taiwan. Regatta will head north taking guests to destinations with temples, marketplaces and tropical retreats.

On tap are overnight stays in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong. In mid-July, fares began at $4,250 per person, double occupancy.

Another two-week voyage? From Taipei, guests can board Oceania’s 14-day “Springtime in Asia” itinerary to Kyoto, Japan. Guests will gaze at Japan’s tiered fortresses, China’s sprawling palaces and much more. 

To help guests ensure optimum time ashore, Regatta will overnight in Shanghai and Beijing, China, and Kyoto, Japan. At press time, fares began at $3,995 per person, double occupancy. 

Best Oceania Cruises: Robust East Asia

Seeking a more robust East Asia journey? We’d suggest checking out Oceania’s 20-day Conde Nast Traveler-branded “Extravagant Far East” itinerary. Regatta will sail from Hong Kong to Bali, Indonesia.

Along the route, guests can visit forested islands, pristine beaches and fascinating cities. The ship will overnight in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, plus Bangkok, Singapore and Bali. 

In mid-July, fares for this “Extravagant Far East” vacation started at $5,780 per person, double occupancy.

But what if you desire an even lengthier East Asia voyage? Then we’d take a look at the 24-day “Tropics of the Far East” itinerary. Sailing from Tokyo to Singapore, the 1,250-passenger Riviera will take guests to Boracay Island, the Philippines; Borneo; the Sultanate of Brunei; and many other exotic destinations.

The ship will also overnight in Tokyo and Jakarta, Indonesia. At press time, fares began at $8,099 per person, double occupancy.

Finding the Best Oceania Cruises

Those are just a few of the East Asia voyage highlights. For more 2025 East Asia options, visit this official Oceania website page. Also, keep in mind that the line has curated enticing overland experiences on some voyages.

For example, “bucket list” overland options allow guests to tour Asia’s most spectacular attractions. Among them are Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the Terracotta Warriors Museum in China. 

In addition, guests might trek on an overland adventure through jungle hills and mountains to discover the wet caves in China’s Tu Lan system. Or they might relax along the banks of the Red River in Hanoi.

Best Cruise for You?

While we’re definitely enticed by Oceania’s line-up of 2025 East Asia itineraries, The Meandering Traveler also understands that the “best cruise” for each individual guest varies sizably. So, your “best cruise” choice might instead be an Oceania sailing in Europe, the Americas or another region of the globe.

“That’s one great reason to contact a skilled, professional travel advisor,” emphasizes Pavlus Travel’s Steudle. “We’ll answer all your questions and help you sort out the options. Just use the contact information below and start planning a fabulous trip.”

Important Information from Pavlus Travel