Asia/South Pacific

SEABOURNExpanding Horizons Fresh Experiences for Luxury Clients in Asia & the South PacificBy Lydia GregoryThe Asia/South Pacific region is trending harder than ever this year, with many new cruises and tours redefining the meaning of luxury and adventure in the region.JapanAccording to the Development Bank of Japan and the Japan Travel Bureau Foundation, inbound travel to Japan has been rising steadily for the past couple of years, with visitor numbers surpassing 2019. “In Asia—whether for FITs or for groups, the most frequently booked country is Japan, and within Japan, the most popular combination of destinations for independent travelers is Toyko, Kyoto and Osaka,” says Ricarda Haeger, Director of Avanti Destinations’ Group Sales and Operations. To aid in booking this trending destination, Avanti recently debuted its Groups website. “Travel advisors can gain insights into the distinctions between preformed and affinity groups, along with ideas on how to find partners to expand their reach for promoting trips,” says Haeger. For Japan, the webpage includes a 10-day sample itinerary for Tokyo, Osaka and Kanazawa that includes tours of markets, gardens, temples and castles, a pottery workshop, a tea ceremony and a calligraphy lesson. “But these are just the beginning—we can provide curated shopping sessions, lessons in how to wear a kimono, and a wide range of culinary experiences,” adds Haeger. Advisors can request five-star properties such as St. Regis Osaka, Conrad Tokyo and The Sanraku Hotel Kanazawa as well as spa resorts for groups wanting a luxury vacation. AVANTI QUOTE If your clients prefer cruising, PONANT has them covered, especially for those looking for off-the-beaten-path options in Japan. “The areas we visit are very remote and unusual on our expeditions, that even a local would not have made a visit,” shares Ryo Ijichi, Commercial Manager Japan, Korea & Expedition Leader at PONANT. “Japan’s product is attractive to any market, including from the U.S., even from those that have visited Japan before. Most travelers who have been to Japan have not visited any or most of the places the ship will take the guests.” She adds they can reach some of the most remote regions, thanks to exclusive permission for landing Zodiacs. Seabourn, too, has put the focus on Japan, with the cruise line’s president, Natalya Leahy, noting that “Japan is hot right now. It’s one of the most desired destinations and offers a depth of cultural experience and opportunities to offer bespoke destination experiences for our guests.” Between September and November 2025, Seabourn Quest will explore Japan’s iconic fall foliage on a series of four sailings, ranging from 12 to 22 days. The ship will visit more than 20 destinations on all four main islands of Japan, as well as the hidden gems on the smaller southern islands, and will make maiden calls to the hot springs and samurai districts of Akita; the vibrant arts district of Ishinomak; the coastal beauty of Niigata; and the impressive architecture of Wakayama. “We are very excited [about these itineraries] because everyone knows about the spring season in Japan, but the fall season is equally outstandingly beautiful with unbelievable colors and it’s a little less crowded,” says Leahy. “It’s going to be phenomenal. We wanted to offer something unique to our guests.”South KoreaSouth Korea is coming in at a close second in popularity, and Silversea has added a new shore excursion in Incheon (Seoul), debuting on its 16-day 2024 Venetian Society Reunion Voyage aboard the Silver Nova. Departing from Incheon Port, the tour visits UNESCO-listed Changdeok Palace, followed by a Bulgogi cooking class, a walk through Insadong Street, known for traditional crafts and art, and ends at Gwangjang Market, a hub for street food, textiles and handmade goods, before returning to Incheon. The Venetian Society Reunion Voyage (Oct. 15-31) takes guests to five countries with three overnight calls. Highlights include exploring Kagoshima’s samurai heritage and hot spring, an overnight trip to Hong Kong, and delving into Ho Chi Minh City’s history before concluding in Singapore. This reunion voyage includes special onboard events and exclusive shore excursions for new and loyal Venetian Society members.CRYSTAL CRUISESSingaporeWhen targeting a market to sell the region, Tony Archbold, VP of Sales, APAC for Crystal Cruises, explains, “Asia has so much to offer so you cannot just view the region as ‘Asia.’ It is a multitude of very individual and varied destinations, with each country offering something vastly different to the country, and often the district, it borders, let alone one that is many borders away. “Singapore and Hong Kong serve as excellent hubs for luxury travel,” says Archbold. “Each offers so much for discerning travelers who appreciate high-end experiences and exceptional service. Both operate as excellent launch sites to explore this vast and exciting region where food, climate, history, culture and overall experience is as varied as any region of the world. The service culture and resulting hospitality is at another level, and you will always be greeted with a smile.” He adds that because the region offers so much variety, the target market is equally broad. “The cities are perfect for the less active or conservative travelers looking for shopping and restaurants, and introductory cultural experiences. For the more active and adventurous, you can move out of the cities where there are many outdoor experiences and the ability to visit villages where life has not changed too much over the years.”CRYSTAL QUOTE Archbold points out the brand’s unwavering commitment to providing unique experiences. “From exquisite accommodations and world-class dining on board to destination experiences curated by Abercrombie & Kent, we ensure that every aspect of the journey exceeds guests’ expectations,” he says. For sampling Asia’s legendary destinations, consider the 47-night Singapore to Singapore sailing aboard Crystal Symphony. This itinerary visits Taiwan, Ko Samui, Ha Long Bay, Hong Kong and Tokyo, with extended stays in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Shanghai and Singapore, plus days at sea. “When looking at luxury travel within Asia, Crystal sets the gold standard,” adds Archbold. VIKING QUOTEChinaThe drum roll for this vast country’s itinerary belongs to Viking Cruises, which announced new sailings targeted at experienced travelers ages 55+ who are interested in science, history, culture and cuisine. Kicking off in September 2024, these first-of-their-kind itineraries provide exclusive access to China aboard the Viking Yi Dun. “These domestic sailings of China’s coast highlight rarely seen destinations and ports that only Viking has access to,” says Richard Marnell, Executive VP, Marketing. “This is the first time this access has been offered to international visitors. These 10-20 day itineraries include Best of China, China Discovery, Classic China & the Coast and Wonders of China.” The excursions attached to these itineraries will highlight Viking’s signature Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access experiences. They can include five new pre/post extensions with fully guided, immersive experiences in Mongolia, Hong Kong, Beijing, Guilin and Suzhou.CUNARDAustralia & New ZealandPrincess Cruises’ 2024-2025 Australia/New Zealand season includes the line’s longest World Cruise from Australia: 114 nights. “Australia remains one of our most popular and fast-growing markets with access to a seemingly endless array of fascinatingly beautiful and interesting attractions and landmarks, along with several home ports to choose from,” says Terry Thornton, Princess Cruises’ CCO. “Our 2025-26 season was crafted to deliver an impressive and robust Australia-based program that appeals to every cruiser from first timers, to families, to those who seek longer adventures to explore the world.” The season involves three ships—Discovery Princess, Crown Princess and Grand Princess—covering 78 destinations in 18 countries across 120 departures with 75 unique itineraries. Discovery Princess offers 22 itineraries during her 4-month deployment, including 11 from Sydney. The World Cruise aboard Crown Princess visits 48 destinations in 31 countries, covering 35,000 nautical miles. Highlights include departures from seven Australia/New Zealand homeports, access to over
20 UNESCO World Heritage sites, late-night stays in eight ports and holiday sailings. Itineraries range from two to 37 days, featuring local and international destinations.CUNARD QUOTE At Cunard, Jamie Paiko, VP of Sales in North America, sees “a surge in new guests, particularly seasoned cruisers seeking elevated experiences. Many avid cruisers are drawn to Cunard as the natural progression in their cruise vacation experience, craving more. “Cunard has a wide variety of shore experiences that allow travelers to explore the land; however, we are renowned for bringing the destination to life on board. Cunard voyages in Asia and the South Pacific promise to be enriched by a diverse array of insightful speakers, each offering unique perspectives and expertise spanning culture, history, art, cuisine and more so guests can become knowledgeable about the area they are visiting.” Local flavors and dishes complement onboard menus. Their signature event voyages give “guests a deep dive into the culture,” says Paiko. Examples from Sydney include the Dec. 11-16 Australian Literature Festival at Sea aboard Queen Elizabeth, curated with Australia’s oldest bookstore, Dymocks, featuring workshops, talks and Q&As; and the Feb.6-11, 2025 Great Australian Culinary Voyage with restaurateur, chef, TV host and author Matt Moran and other food experts.French PolynesiaThe West Coast is the top market for Windstar’s French Polynesia voyages. “California should be a focus because Air Tahiti Nui flies direct from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti, a comfortable 8-hour flight,” says CCO Janet Bava. However: “There’s a new direct flight from Seattle as well so that’s increasing business from the N.W. region including Canada. But Tahiti is such a unique destination that people fly there from all over the U.S.—Florida, New York City, Texas—so don’t think someone’s too far.” Windstar’s 36 years in Tahiti help deliver immersive, meaningful experiences. “Our strong relationships with island communities and people help guests meet locals, tour with locals, eat local foods, dance and learn local customs and ways of life,” says Bava. “We deliver on amenities with innovative cuisine including locally sourced fish and produce, multiple included dining venues, large suites, complimentary watersports, a cultural ambassador on board and the best included Destination Discovery Event one evening on a private motu with dinner and local musicians, dancers and fire dancers under the stars, on the beach.” Clients should attend the excursions. “You’ll learn something new about French Polynesia every day,” says adds. In 2027, Windstar will bring back one of its Wind Class ships, Wind Star, to Tahiti, where it will join Star Breeze adding more capacity to meet the growing demand for French Polynesian sailings. Additionally, Windstar is collaborating with Pacific Beachcomber, luxury operator of seven hotels in French Polynesia, to be able to offer land extensions such as a 2-night stay packages at The Brando. Available as of May 1 as a post-cruise add-on, this package is reserved exclusively for guests in Star Breeze’s top suites: the Broadmoor and Sea Island Suites, and Owner’s Suites. The experience includes daily excursions, spa treatments and beach equipment as well as transfers on a plane to/from The Brando. At Goway Travel, VP, South Pacific, Anthony Saba says advisors should focus on love. “Tahiti is in many ways about romance, honeymoons and a place for couples to connect or re-connect. Some stunning resorts and scenery make for picture-postcard settings,” like Conrad Bora Bora Nui, Four Seasons Bora Bora, Savasi Island Resort or The Brando. “For those who want something a little different, some small ship cruising options are a great way to explore beyond the resort vacation and see more of the Islands. “[W]e tailor-make all our trips to Tahiti. We can match an itinerary to suit the travelers’ wants, length of stay and accommodation standards, and within that we can combine different styles of travel such and resorts and cruise to really give a broad experience in Tahiti,” he says.COLLETTE QUOTESoutheast AsiaJacklyn Leibl-Cote, CEO of Collette, talks about their highest-rated small-group Explorations tour, Kingdoms of Southeast Asia, designed for an average group size of 19. “Collette wants to maximize travelers’ time, so there are instances where our transportation adds to the experience. With this tour, travelers will get around using the waterways rather than just riding the coach.” Because it’s small-group, clients can immerse themselves in culture in unforgettable ways. “One of the most unique experiences travelers experience…is a home-hosted meal by a Laotian family,” says Leible-Cote. “It doesn’t get much better than making a connection like this. Travelers also have the opportunity to learn to make their own Vietnamese dishes during an interactive cooking class.” KENSINGTON TOURS “Voyages by Kensington Tours is expanding its offerings in Asia, each one extending the cruise journey with private guided land tours that allow travelers to delve deep into the local culture, history and natural beauty of each destination,” says Joelle Davis, VP of Cruise for Kensington Tours. “New itineraries include a journey from Singapore to Bangkok with Silversea; Vietnam and Thailand with Celebrity; and river cruises with AmaWaterways along the Mekong with stops in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand and with Avalon cruises through Thailand and Vietnam.” In addition, Kelly Torrens, VP of Product, recommends Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand Signature and Luxury Singapore & Bali. “They are very popular with advisors and show how K.T. does very well with multi-country itineraries. As with everything Kensington does, each trip is customized and private guided with top luxury properties.” Among these, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Hotel des Arts Saigon, MGallery Collection and Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort for the former, and The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, Capella Ubud tented camp and Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay for the latter. Contact InformationAvanti Destinations: avantidestinations.comCollette: gocollette.comCrystal Cruises: crystalcruises.com/traveladvisorsCunard: onesourcecruises.com/onesource/loginGoway Travel: blog.goway.com/gowayagentKensington Tours: kensingtontours.comPONANT: pro-us.ponant.comPrincess Cruises:
onesourcecruises.com/onesource/loginSeabourn: onesourcecruises.com/onesource/loginSilversea: silversea.com/other-resources/travel-professional-center.htmlViking Cruises: myvikingjourney.com Windstar Cruises: advisorhub.windstarcruises.comCOVERSANDALSTable of ContentsSANDALS SPREADEditor's NotesWEBINAR HOUSE ADIndustry Insights: Cruise Industry—Overcoming Challenges & Leveraging OpportunitiesPALLADIUMAdvisor Speak: Selling Luxury TravelTURKISH AIRLINESCONDOR AIRLINES SCCONDOR AIRLINES‘A Cruise for Everyone’—Luxury Expeditions to Yacht-Style SailingsCruise: Alaska's Wonders on the MenuATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES SCATLAS OCEAN VOYAGESDISNEY CRUISE LINE SCDISNEY CRUISE LINEEMERALD CRUISES SCEMERALD CRUISESEXPLORA JOURNEYS SCEXPLORA JOURNEYSALASKA ADAsia-South Pacific CoverAsia/South PacificCUNARD SCCUNARDVIKING SCVIKING CRUISESCaribbean/Mexico: The Lavish Life—A Spotlight on LuxuryEDU HOUSE AD