Are you an exotic travel fan? Do you wish you’d booked an Asian vacation for this coming winter? Well, if life was whirling by and you simply didn’t get around to it, there’s still time. Check out what Seabourn plans between December 2024 and March 2025, or in November 2025.
The 600-passenger Seabourn Encore and the 458-passenger Seabourn Quest will embark on a series of voyages across Southeast Asia and Japan. Voyages span the breadth and depth of Asia — Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and many more Far East destinations.
“With its diverse beauty, rich culture, and deep history, our ultra-luxury cruises to Asia continue to be a favorite among our guests,” says Natalya Leahy, Seabourn’s president. “To meet the growing demand, we’ve enhanced our itineraries this season.”
(Photo of a tour boat and Hong Kong’s modern skyline is shown above. Photo by Seabourn.)
Seabourn Asia: Winter 2024-2025 – Seabourn Encore
So, here’s the scoop on what’s being offered. From December 2024 to March 2025, Seabourn Encore will sail seven voyages between Singapore and Hong Kong, China. With both 13-day and 14-day options, each itinerary will take guests to exotic ports of call in such spots as Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and the Philippines.
Among the voyage perks are these. In Koh Kood, Thailand, Seabourn’s guests can head out to enjoy the line’s signature “Caviar in the Surf” experience. The ship will also overnight in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, providing opportunities for evening dining, cultural pursuits or entertainment ashore.
Another Asian itinerary option? Departing March 2, 2025, Seabourn Encore will offer a 14-day “Southeast Asia & Japan“ voyage from Singapore to Kobe, Japan. One highlight we like is that the ship will visit a new port of call for the Seabourn fleet – Tokushima, Japan.
Not familiar with Tokushima? Honestly, we weren’t either. But we found this “Top Things to Do in Tokushima” quite helpful. It’s a good resource for potential visitors -showcasing everything from “indigo dyeing” to the gorgeous Oboke Gorge or whirlpools of Naruto.
Another great sightseeing outing is to visit a temple that’s part of Japan’s “88 Temple Pilgrimage.” That way you can immerse yourself in one small aspect of the pilgrimage’s 840-mile route around Shikoku.
Two Maiden Calls
That two-week Seabourn Encore itinerary will also make maiden calls at both Kobe and Kochi, Japan. At press time, fares for this two-week exotic Seabourn Asia sailing started at $6,839 per person, double occupancy.
As for ultra-luxury accommodations, Seabourn Encore offers 13 categories of oceanfront suites with private verandas. Suites range from 251 square feet to 1,306 square feet of indoor space, plus an additional 98 square feet to 960 square feet for a private veranda. All suites have sweeping ocean views through glass veranda doors.
Seabourn Asia: Guest Speakers
In terms of an enrichment perk, select voyages will host renowned speakers. That’s part of Seabourn’s complimentary onboard enrichment program, Seabourn Conversations.
Specializing in Asian destinations is Jim Laurie, an international writer, lecturer, broadcaster and media consultant. He’ll join Seabourn Encore for several sailings between December 15, 2024, and February 16, 2025.
Ann Cleeves OBE, an award-winning author of 35+ novels, will sail during the ship’s 14-day holiday voyage. She’ll be aboard from December 22, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
Seabourn’s Pacific Crossing
Finally, Seabourn Encore will finish its Asia season with a 25-day Japan & Hawaiian Islands Pacific Crossing from Kobe, Japan to Long Beach, CA. Again, there’s something new for Seabourn’s guests —Wakayama, Japan, a maiden port of call. Also, for the first time Seabourn Encore will visit the United States.
“Of course, one of the top benefits of a ‘crossing voyage’ is the chance to kick back, relax and enjoy multiple sea days,” says Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel. “Guests might book a pampering spa treatment, spend time socializing with newfound friends in Seabourn Square, or enjoy a wine tasting or culinary demonstration.” Also on tap are enrichment lectures, fine dining, other onboard activities and entertainment.
Seabourn Asia: Spring 2025 – Seabourn Quest
In March and April 2025, Seabourn Quest will set sail on 14-to-34-day springtime Asia itineraries. Guests can combine voyages for a robust Asia vacation.
One plus? Guests will go ashore on Japan’s northernmost and southernmost isles. Plus, they can enjoy learning about Japanese geography, heritage and eco-beauty — and at the height of the spring cherry blossom season.
Seabourn will also offer a 20-day “Pacific Passage: Golden Week to Glacier Bay” voyage departing in April 2025. This provides the opportunity for guests to enjoy the vibrant cultural festivities of “Golden Week” in Japan — with the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
They’ll also head into Alaska destinations for amazing wildlife viewing and cultural interactions. Best of all, they’ll explore America’s Last Frontier during the 49th U.S. state’s less-crowded season. At press time, fares for this nearly three-week voyage started at $6,459 per person, double occupancy.
Return to Japan: Fall 2025
In fall 2025, Seabourn Quest will return to Japan to showcase autumn landscapes. Between September and November 2025, the ship will embark on four 12- to 41-day sailings. These itineraries will take guests to more than 20 destinations across Japan’s four main islands., and hidden gems in smaller southern islands.
Maiden calls for Seabourn Quest will include the following enticing destinations. Just click on each link to learn more about what to see and do ashore in each destination.
- Akita, with its hot springs and samurai districts, and a dog breed of the same name!
- Ishinomaki, renowned for its vibrant arts scene
- Niigata, celebrated for its coastal beauty
- Wakayama, home to impressive architecture and sacred sites
New Japan Shore Excursions
For those headed to Japan with Seabourn, here’s another tidbit of interest. The line will introduce two new optional shore excursions on select voyages to Japan. Talk with your personal travel planner about whether they’re available on the specific voyage you’re considering.
Very Best of Kobe: This full-day tour will take guests out to explore Kobe’s top highlights. So, guests will view the majestic exterior of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Himeji Castle, and also see the serene Koko-en Garden. Guests will enjoy a Kobe beef lunch.
Travelers will also delve into Japan’s sake culture and learn about the traditions of making this iconic alcoholic beverage at the Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewery Museum. This robust, all-day tour is priced at $550 per person.
Hiroshige Museum & Tea Ceremony: This half-day tour in Shimizu includes a visit to the Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art. There guests can admire traditional Japanese ukiyo-e art. That’s followed by a Japanese tea ceremony at the serene Miyuki-tei house.
This new shore excursion concludes with a scenic walk through the Miho-no-Matsubara pine grove, offering stunning views of Mount Fuji, weather permitting. This tour is priced at $200 per person.
Seabourn Asia: How to Learn More?
For more details on Seabourn’s Asia itineraries, visit the line’s official website. For more information including pricing about specific departure dates and accommodations and air options, contact your personal travel planner.
“Don’t have one? Then just call us on your cell phone or start an online chat,” says Steudle. “It’s easy-peasy and we’ll find you a great advisor. Our skilled professionals are eager to talk about your vacation plans and itinerary desires.”
Steudle adds that Pavlus Travel never charges any service fees. “Plus, we’ll assure you get all you’re entitled to in the way of discounts and promotions,” she emphasizes. “So, just follow the contact directions below.”
Before you know it, you’ll be gazing in awe at the sparkling skyline of Singapore, the iconic, snow-capped Mount Fuji or the bustling canals of Bangkok. Plus, you’ll be sailing in the utmost style, comfort and luxury on a Seabourn cruise.
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