Cruising the Coast of China

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While China has been steadily emerging as a destination for ocean-going cruises, many cruise enthusiasts are surprised by the variety of itineraries available for seeing the cities and scenery along the country’s long eastern coastline. While many cruises of the region are 10 nights or longer, there are itineraries as brief as five nights. And, many of these itineraries include ports in neighboring countries, such as Japan, Taiwan or Vietnam, providing a more complete Asian cruise experience.

 For example, Oceania Cruises offers a 17-night cruise on the Nautica that begins in the cosmopolitan Chinese city of Hong Kong, then sails to Taipei, Taiwan; Okinawa, Kyoto and Hiroshima, Japan; Shanghai, China; Seoul, South Korea; and finally to the Chinese capital of Beijing (via the port of Tianjin). Established by Kublai Khan in 1267, Beijing is a massive city with incredible historical treasures. Tian’anmen Square, the largest public square in the world, has impressive monuments and is near the China National Museum. Just north of the square is the Forbidden City, which serves as China’s imperial palace complex and government center for almost 500 years.

Princess Cruises offers several different itineraries, one of which – a 24-night cruise – begins in Australia. After an overnight stay in Sydney, the Diamond Princess sails north to call on Port Douglas and Darwin, Australia, then threads its way through the islands of Indonesia to call on Hong Kong. The ship continues to Taipei, Taiwan; Kagoshima, Japan; Busan, South Korea; and Dalian, China, before proceeding to Beijing. Dalian has a strategically important position on the tip of the Liaodong peninsula, and the influence of past invaders and traders from Russia, Japan, and Western Europe can be seen and felt in the city.

Princess also offers a 16-day repositioning cruise that begins in Anchorage, Alaska, and ends in Beijing – a great opportunity to experience two distinctive destinations, with a relaxing sea voyage in between.

For a briefer look at China and Southeast Asia, Royal Caribbean offers a five-night cruise on the Legend of the Seas that departs from the cruise terminal in Xiamen, China, and sails to Halong Bay, Vietnam, known for its striking limestone formations. On the return trip to Xiamen, the ship also calls on Hong Kong.
 
For a truly China-centric cruise experience, you might also consider a cruise of the country’s mighty Yangtze (Yellow) River, which passes through spectacular scenery. Or, consider a “cruisetour” package that combines your cruise with a land-based exploration of China’s interior. For more information on your China cruise options, talk with Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.
     
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