A cruise to the Far East is an incredible awakening of the senses. Spices linger in the air, markets bustle with an eclectic array of sounds, and the eyes dance looking at the abundance of golden Buddhas and colorful temples. Holland America Line knows that the Orient is on the bucket list of many travelers, and increased sailings in 2016 will allow even more guests to experience this magical and mysterious part of the world while exploring in pampering comfort and style.

Both Rotterdam and Volendam will spend significant time in Asia this year, with Rotterdam currently sailing an epic 89-Day Passage to the Far East voyage roundtrip from Southampton, England, and Volendam sailing a series of fall cruises. So if you’re looking for a memorable adventure that will introduce you to one of the most culturally rich and fascinating parts of the world, join us in the Far East this year.

Rotterdam’s 89-Day Passage to the Far East Voyage

Although Rotterdam’s 89-Day Passage to the Far East voyage is departing today, there’s still plenty of time to book a segment on this amazing adventure. Sailing roundtrip from Southampton, the journey will take guests to 34 ports in 18 countries. Highlighting the cruise are two transits of the Suez Canal, several late-night departures and an astounding eight overnight calls at some of Asia’s most iconic cities, allowing for more time ashore to take overland and visit the region’s extensive collection of historical and notable landmarks.

In addition to port favorites like Malaga, Spain; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Dubai, U.A.E.; Cochin, India; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; guests also will visit lesser-known jewels like Mangalore, India; Hambantota, Sri Lanka; Komodo Island, Indonesia, home of the infamous Komodo Dragon; and Ajaccio, Corsica, France.

The Bagan Temples are best seen via a majestic hot air balloon ride.

Overnight calls include Thilawa (Rangoon), Myanmar, offering enough time for a visit to the Bagan Temples; Bali, Indonesia; Surabaya, Indonesia; Colombo, Sri Lanka, with its amazing Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage; Mumbai (Bobay), India; and Aquaba, Jordan, where a visit to Petra is an unforgettable experience.

Guests on the full voyage will have the pleasure of two overnight calls at Singapore. The famous Raffles Hotel with its Singapore Sling and the Night Safari are just two adventures guests can experience with the extended time in port.

Singapore from the top of the ferris wheel and the gorgeous gardens.

It’s not too late to join the adventure! Travelers looking to join a segment of the cruise can embark Jan. 31 at Dubai for a 17-day voyage to the first overnight call at Singapore; Feb. 17 at Singapore for a 49-Day cruise back to Southampton; Feb. 17 for a shorter 16-day segment roundtrip Singapore; March 4 at Singapore for a 33-day segment back to Southampton; or March 4 at Singapore for a 34-day cruise back to Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Volendam Spends the Fall Season in Asia
Travelers looking for further Far East explorations can embark Volendam on one (or more!) of the ship’s cruises next fall. Starting in October 2016, guests can take shorter cruises or combine two back-to-back 12- or 14-day sailings to form a longer Collectors’ Voyage for a more in-depth exploration.

Volemdam’s shorter cruises include:

12-Day Indonesian Discovery roundtrip from Singapore to Jakarta, Semarang, Surabaya, Komodo Island, Lembar, Bali and Probolinggo, all in Indonesia. A highlight of this cruise is the call at Semarang and the opportunity to visit Borobudur, world’s largest Buddhist temple.

The impressive Komodo dragons await on Komodo Island.

14-Day Far East Discovery between Hong Kong and Singapore, with calls at Koh Samui and Laem Chabang (overnight), Thailand; Sihanoukville, Cambodia; and Phu My, Nha Trang, Da Nang and Halong Bay, Vietnam.

14-day China and Japan voyage from Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan, to Hong Kong, China, with calls at Kagoshima and Nagasaki, Japan; Jeju City, South Korea; and overnight calls at Xingang (Beijing) and Shanghai, China.

The above voyages can be combined to for several longer Collectors’ Voyages, including a 28-Day China & Japan and Far East Discovery Collectors’ Voyage; 28-Day Far East and Indonesian Discovery Collectors’ Voyage; and a 26-Day Far East & Indonesian Discovery Collectors’ Voyage.

On a Collectors’ Voyage that calls at Semarang, be sure to visit Borobudur.

Make 2016 the year that you set sail across the world and explore the wonders of the Far East on Rotterdam or Volendam. With the View & Verandah promotion going on now, there’s no better time to book. We’re offering stateroom upgrades, up to 10 percent off shore excursions and up to 25 percent off Collectors’ Voyages on 2016-2017 sailings when booked by Feb. 29, 2016!

All photos in this blog post were taken by Jeff Farschman, President’s Club member and “World Adventure” blogger.