Windstar Cruises - Experience Asia in Private Yacht Style
Windstar Cruises - Experience Asia in Private Yacht Style
by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
Windstar Cruises has just released their 2017 and 2018 Asia cruise schedule. If you enjoy a small-ship, private yacht cruise experience, you’ll want to take a look at these cruises visiting must-see Asian destinations.
“Windstar’s Asia Collection now offers larger-than-life adventures and exceptional experiences only possible on a small ship,” says Windstar President John Delaney. “Reaching dozens of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and bringing guests in contact with some of Asia’s less frequented landmarks. Windstar will also proudly sail straight into the heart of must-see Asian cities where larger ships typically dock on the outskirts.”
Windstar Cruises operates a six-ship fleet visiting 170 ports throughout Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, the Panama Canal, sailing year-round in Tahiti and the South Pacific, and adding newly announced Alaska, Canada, New England, Asia and Arabia.
Their boutique cruise ships are known for ”an intimate private yacht-style experience, unique itineraries and exclusive access to the world’s best small ports and hidden harbors.”
THE BEST OF THE PHILIPPINES & BORNEO
Singapore to Hong Kong - 14 Days
Unwind on a postcard-perfect Philippine beach full of natural beauty and see the blinding procession of Philippine wonders from Boracay, the “Best Island in the World” to Hundred Islands National Park including an overnight in charming Manila. Explore the tiny sultanate of Brunei and discover the maze of wooden boardwalks there. Captivating cities and untamed nature entice you, in turn, from your graceful yacht.
ICONS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA
Hong Kong to Bangkok - 14 Days
From Hong Kong and Bangkok's energetic embrace of east and west to Halong Bay's soul-stirring beauty, this journey will capture your heart. UNESCO World Heritage Sites are everywhere: the ancient trading city of Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary, Hue, Halong Bay. And between them lie miles of emerald jungle, brilliant smiles, and time at sea to make Star Legend your very own.
MALAY & SINGAPORE SOJOURN
Singapore to Singapore - 7 Days
Every day is a gift on this pre-holiday cruise through the Straits of Malacca. Toast Sir Stamford Raffles with a Singapore Sling at the famous Long Bar in Singapore. Kayak through thick, tangled mangroves on Langkawi. Have your fortune told on Jonker’s Street in Malacca. Watch a famous Phuket sunset, and soak up the Old World charm and New World glamor of Kuala Lumpur.
MARVELS OF CHINA & THE JAPANESE ISLANDS
Hong Kong to Beijing (Tianjin) - 14 Days
Rarely does one voyage capture so much of East Asia’s mystery and magic. Overnight in Shanghai and Beijing with more time to explore the 9,999 rooms of the Forbidden City, or the Great Wall, whose sticky rice mortar bound the bricks so tight that in many places weeds still cannot grow. Discover the Venice of China in Zhujiajian’s watertown, and a bit of Germany in Qingdao. Taste dim sum in Hong Kong and locally brewed sake in Miyakojima. Return each night to Star Legend, the exquisite thread that unites them all.
STAR COLLECTOR: SINGAPORE & THAI TREASURES
Singapore to Singapore - 14 Days
Overnights in Singapore and Phuket and a day in Kuala Lumpur add big-city bling to a string of less-visited pearls. Discover hidden coves and beaches in the karst islands of Phang Nga Bay. Snorkel from the very shores featured in the movie The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Swim from the Watersports Platform into aquarium-clear waters. Explore places known for their cuisines, their sunsets, their mesmerizing beauty..Singapore & Thai Treasures.
SPLENDORS OF JAPAN & SOUTH KOREA
Beijing (Tianjin) to Yokohama (Tokyo) - 14 Days
As you travel from China to South Korea to Japan, take in nearly a score of UNESCO wonders and 5,000 years of culture along the way. See temples, parks, and waterways at their finest, covered with delicate pink cherry blossoms and the ethereal beauty of Mount Fiji. Visit cities brimming with cultural touchstones — choose from at least 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites within your reach.
GRAND JAPAN
Yokohama (Tokyo) to Osaka - 10 Days
Layer after layer, Japan’s story unfolds. In Edo-period gardens with their perfectly sculpted karikomi. In Chiran’s exquisitely preserved samurai homes. In the peace memorials of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. And time after time you struggle to describe unforgettable moments, from your first view of Mount Fuji to the fluttering paper cranes of peace at Hiroshima’s Atomic Dome.
JAPAN & NORTH PACIFIC CROSSING
Yokohama (Tokyo) to Seward (Anchorage) - 13 Days
Explore Japanese ports that larger ships pass by, witnessing scenes that other cruise ship passengers never see. Jodogahama Beach, with its sharp white pine-covered pinnacles and mesmerizing jade-green waters. Hakodate’s star-shaped fort, where over a thousand cherry trees bloom in early May, just when you’ll be here. Indigenous Ainu people playing haunting music on a mukkuri at Kushiro’s Ainu Village. The sight of nothing but ocean and stars as you trace your wake across the Pacific on your Alaska bound cruise.
PEARLS OF THE INDIAN OCEAN
Dubai to Singapore - 16 Days
In 16 memorable days you’ll discover a voyage of contrasts – the contemporary urban centers of Dubai and Singapore the Indian cultural experiences in Mangalore and Cochin, the stunning beaches of Phuket, and UNESCO sites found in Sri Lanka, Malacca and Mumbai. You’ll cruise through breathtaking islands and waterways like the Arabian Sea and the Straits of Malacca. Delve into traditional ways of life, from cooking with curry and cumin to shopping at Mumbai’s “Thieves Market.” Above all, let go.
ALEUTIANS & NORTH PACIFIC CROSSING
Seward (Anchorage) to Tokyo - 16 Days
Retrace the route of the Russian-American fur trade as you island-hop along the Aleutian archipelago, and cross the Pacific as guest lecturers enthrall you with tales of the Japanese islands ahead. Gain insights into fascinating cultures from Aleuts to Ainu, and rest your eyes on thrilling landscapes from ice-shrouded Kenai Fjords to the wild cliff- and cave-studded coastline of Miyako. Go beyond the tourist mainstream as you kayak the remote wildlife-rich waters off Sand Point and view World War II’s forgotten relics in Dutch Harbor. From Kodiak’s legendary brown bears to the quirky bohemian atmosphere of Homer, Kushiro’s rare Japanese cranes to Tokyo’s Michelin-starred restaurants, each day is a new and life-enriching adventure.
COMPREHENSIVE CHINA EXPLORATION
Beijing (Tianjin) to Hong Kong - 11 Days
Embark on a journey of discovery in China that will send your senses reeling. Taste dim sum in Hong Kong and local brewed beer in Qingdao. Soak in powder blue hot springs and taste the umami of oyster pancakes and stinky tofu found in the hours of the Taiwanese night markets. Climb the Great Wall for an unparalleled view of China’s past and to the Star Bar for an unparalleled view of your yacht in the present.
POP CULTURE KINGS OF ASIA
Tokyo to Beijing (Tianjin) - 11 Days
J-pop, Harajuku culture, and Korean dramas are born from the center of Asian pop culture – Japan and South Korea. Shop up a storm in the largest underground mall and admire the lasting grace of geishas with overnights in Seoul and Osaka. Cruise the Inland Sea, stopping for famed art pieces in Uno Port, mixing equal parts pop culture and cultural heritage throughout your journey.
STAR COLLECTOR: ARABIA & ANCIENT SPICE ROUTES
Athens to Singapore - 34 Days
The call to Arabia beckons like the call to prayer from distant minarets, reverberating through winding passages and across flagstones laid down centuries before the discovery of the New World. Embark from Athens, the cradle of Western Civilization, on an odyssey of contrasts and retrace some of the oldest known sea routes in the world as you experience the cuisine, culture and landmarks of Egypt, Jordan, Oman, UAE, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia.
STAR COLLECTOR: RISING SUN TO THE LAST FRONTIER
Osaka to Seward (Anchorage) - 23 Days
Here is a cruise that appeals to both your active lifestyle and lounging days. Spend 23 days cruising from Osaka to Seward and discover the rich heritage and distinct cuisines of places like Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Kagoshima as you walk through the shrines, gardens and castles. Fill your senses with the smell of the cherry blossoms and the majesty of Mount Fuji. Then rest your soul at sea, across the International Date Line, relaxing on deck and rejuvenating your spirit doing exactly as you please and treating your palate to delightful dishes created just for you. Rested and ready to go when you reach Seward, extend your Alaska stay with a post-cruise land tour to Denali.
STAR COLLECTOR: SAILING AMONG DRAGONS: CHINA & JAPAN
Singapore to Beijing (Tianjin) - 28 Days
Wander through ancient temples and cosmopolitan cities in this diverging adventure of old and new in Vietnam, China and Japan. Test your culinary courage and indulge in unusual and unforgettable dishes and delicacies. Browse unique wares and surprising ingredients in charming open markets. These cruises redefine intercultural perceptions and boundaries, providing ample opportunities to sample the food and sights at stops in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Miyakojima, scenic Okinawa, Ishigaki Island, historic Beijing and more.
STAR COLLECTOR: THE BEST OF CHINA, KOREA & JAPAN
Hong Kong to Yokohama (Tokyo) - 28 Days
An ideal choice for adventurous travelers seeking an array of excursion options, these cruises from China to South Korea and Japan grant access to more than 17 exceptional UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Experience the Ming Tombs, the Great Wall, China’s Forbidden City, Korea’s Changdeokgung Palace and Japan’s breathtaking Osaka Castle while savoring delicious and memorable regional dishes along the way. Bright cosmopolitan delights, including the world’s largest underground shopping mall in Seoul, Korea, beckon to shoppers of all tastes.
STAR COLLECTOR: THE GRANDEUR OF SOUTHEAST ASIA
Singapore to Bangkok - 28 Days
Set sail on a journey of memorable contrasts as you discover ancient traditions, sample elegant cuisines and explore breathtaking UNESCO settings in Malaysia, Brunei, China, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. Indulge in diverse excursions that combine urban adventures with breathtaking natural scenery, including the fragrance of hundreds of rare orchids in Malaysia’s Kinabalu Park and the echoes of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in Palawan. This cruise is an ideal choice for those seeking cultural immersion at places far removed from the familiar.
TASTE OF SIAM & SINGAPORE
Phuket to Singapore - 7 Days
Revel in the radiant natural beauty of beach-fringed islands and emerald karst pillars. Weave your way through lush mangroves watching for orchids, monkeys, and enormous sea eagles. Enough, by far, for any cruise … but this one. For in between these Kodachrome moments, you’ll discover the finest urban delights Asia has to offer in Singapore, Phuket, and Kuala Lumpur.
by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
Windstar Cruises has just released their 2017 and 2018 Asia cruise schedule. If you enjoy a small-ship, private yacht cruise experience, you’ll want to take a look at these cruises visiting must-see Asian destinations.
“Windstar’s Asia Collection now offers larger-than-life adventures and exceptional experiences only possible on a small ship,” says Windstar President John Delaney. “Reaching dozens of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and bringing guests in contact with some of Asia’s less frequented landmarks. Windstar will also proudly sail straight into the heart of must-see Asian cities where larger ships typically dock on the outskirts.”
Windstar Cruises operates a six-ship fleet visiting 170 ports throughout Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, the Panama Canal, sailing year-round in Tahiti and the South Pacific, and adding newly announced Alaska, Canada, New England, Asia and Arabia.
Their boutique cruise ships are known for ”an intimate private yacht-style experience, unique itineraries and exclusive access to the world’s best small ports and hidden harbors.”
THE BEST OF THE PHILIPPINES & BORNEO
Singapore to Hong Kong - 14 Days
Unwind on a postcard-perfect Philippine beach full of natural beauty and see the blinding procession of Philippine wonders from Boracay, the “Best Island in the World” to Hundred Islands National Park including an overnight in charming Manila. Explore the tiny sultanate of Brunei and discover the maze of wooden boardwalks there. Captivating cities and untamed nature entice you, in turn, from your graceful yacht.
ICONS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA
Hong Kong to Bangkok - 14 Days
From Hong Kong and Bangkok's energetic embrace of east and west to Halong Bay's soul-stirring beauty, this journey will capture your heart. UNESCO World Heritage Sites are everywhere: the ancient trading city of Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary, Hue, Halong Bay. And between them lie miles of emerald jungle, brilliant smiles, and time at sea to make Star Legend your very own.
MALAY & SINGAPORE SOJOURN
Singapore to Singapore - 7 Days
Every day is a gift on this pre-holiday cruise through the Straits of Malacca. Toast Sir Stamford Raffles with a Singapore Sling at the famous Long Bar in Singapore. Kayak through thick, tangled mangroves on Langkawi. Have your fortune told on Jonker’s Street in Malacca. Watch a famous Phuket sunset, and soak up the Old World charm and New World glamor of Kuala Lumpur.
MARVELS OF CHINA & THE JAPANESE ISLANDS
Hong Kong to Beijing (Tianjin) - 14 Days
Rarely does one voyage capture so much of East Asia’s mystery and magic. Overnight in Shanghai and Beijing with more time to explore the 9,999 rooms of the Forbidden City, or the Great Wall, whose sticky rice mortar bound the bricks so tight that in many places weeds still cannot grow. Discover the Venice of China in Zhujiajian’s watertown, and a bit of Germany in Qingdao. Taste dim sum in Hong Kong and locally brewed sake in Miyakojima. Return each night to Star Legend, the exquisite thread that unites them all.
STAR COLLECTOR: SINGAPORE & THAI TREASURES
Singapore to Singapore - 14 Days
Overnights in Singapore and Phuket and a day in Kuala Lumpur add big-city bling to a string of less-visited pearls. Discover hidden coves and beaches in the karst islands of Phang Nga Bay. Snorkel from the very shores featured in the movie The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Swim from the Watersports Platform into aquarium-clear waters. Explore places known for their cuisines, their sunsets, their mesmerizing beauty..Singapore & Thai Treasures.
SPLENDORS OF JAPAN & SOUTH KOREA
Beijing (Tianjin) to Yokohama (Tokyo) - 14 Days
As you travel from China to South Korea to Japan, take in nearly a score of UNESCO wonders and 5,000 years of culture along the way. See temples, parks, and waterways at their finest, covered with delicate pink cherry blossoms and the ethereal beauty of Mount Fiji. Visit cities brimming with cultural touchstones — choose from at least 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites within your reach.
GRAND JAPAN
Yokohama (Tokyo) to Osaka - 10 Days
Layer after layer, Japan’s story unfolds. In Edo-period gardens with their perfectly sculpted karikomi. In Chiran’s exquisitely preserved samurai homes. In the peace memorials of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. And time after time you struggle to describe unforgettable moments, from your first view of Mount Fuji to the fluttering paper cranes of peace at Hiroshima’s Atomic Dome.
JAPAN & NORTH PACIFIC CROSSING
Yokohama (Tokyo) to Seward (Anchorage) - 13 Days
Explore Japanese ports that larger ships pass by, witnessing scenes that other cruise ship passengers never see. Jodogahama Beach, with its sharp white pine-covered pinnacles and mesmerizing jade-green waters. Hakodate’s star-shaped fort, where over a thousand cherry trees bloom in early May, just when you’ll be here. Indigenous Ainu people playing haunting music on a mukkuri at Kushiro’s Ainu Village. The sight of nothing but ocean and stars as you trace your wake across the Pacific on your Alaska bound cruise.
PEARLS OF THE INDIAN OCEAN
Dubai to Singapore - 16 Days
In 16 memorable days you’ll discover a voyage of contrasts – the contemporary urban centers of Dubai and Singapore the Indian cultural experiences in Mangalore and Cochin, the stunning beaches of Phuket, and UNESCO sites found in Sri Lanka, Malacca and Mumbai. You’ll cruise through breathtaking islands and waterways like the Arabian Sea and the Straits of Malacca. Delve into traditional ways of life, from cooking with curry and cumin to shopping at Mumbai’s “Thieves Market.” Above all, let go.
ALEUTIANS & NORTH PACIFIC CROSSING
Seward (Anchorage) to Tokyo - 16 Days
Retrace the route of the Russian-American fur trade as you island-hop along the Aleutian archipelago, and cross the Pacific as guest lecturers enthrall you with tales of the Japanese islands ahead. Gain insights into fascinating cultures from Aleuts to Ainu, and rest your eyes on thrilling landscapes from ice-shrouded Kenai Fjords to the wild cliff- and cave-studded coastline of Miyako. Go beyond the tourist mainstream as you kayak the remote wildlife-rich waters off Sand Point and view World War II’s forgotten relics in Dutch Harbor. From Kodiak’s legendary brown bears to the quirky bohemian atmosphere of Homer, Kushiro’s rare Japanese cranes to Tokyo’s Michelin-starred restaurants, each day is a new and life-enriching adventure.
COMPREHENSIVE CHINA EXPLORATION
Beijing (Tianjin) to Hong Kong - 11 Days
Embark on a journey of discovery in China that will send your senses reeling. Taste dim sum in Hong Kong and local brewed beer in Qingdao. Soak in powder blue hot springs and taste the umami of oyster pancakes and stinky tofu found in the hours of the Taiwanese night markets. Climb the Great Wall for an unparalleled view of China’s past and to the Star Bar for an unparalleled view of your yacht in the present.
POP CULTURE KINGS OF ASIA
Tokyo to Beijing (Tianjin) - 11 Days
J-pop, Harajuku culture, and Korean dramas are born from the center of Asian pop culture – Japan and South Korea. Shop up a storm in the largest underground mall and admire the lasting grace of geishas with overnights in Seoul and Osaka. Cruise the Inland Sea, stopping for famed art pieces in Uno Port, mixing equal parts pop culture and cultural heritage throughout your journey.
STAR COLLECTOR: ARABIA & ANCIENT SPICE ROUTES
Athens to Singapore - 34 Days
The call to Arabia beckons like the call to prayer from distant minarets, reverberating through winding passages and across flagstones laid down centuries before the discovery of the New World. Embark from Athens, the cradle of Western Civilization, on an odyssey of contrasts and retrace some of the oldest known sea routes in the world as you experience the cuisine, culture and landmarks of Egypt, Jordan, Oman, UAE, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia.
STAR COLLECTOR: RISING SUN TO THE LAST FRONTIER
Osaka to Seward (Anchorage) - 23 Days
Here is a cruise that appeals to both your active lifestyle and lounging days. Spend 23 days cruising from Osaka to Seward and discover the rich heritage and distinct cuisines of places like Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Kagoshima as you walk through the shrines, gardens and castles. Fill your senses with the smell of the cherry blossoms and the majesty of Mount Fuji. Then rest your soul at sea, across the International Date Line, relaxing on deck and rejuvenating your spirit doing exactly as you please and treating your palate to delightful dishes created just for you. Rested and ready to go when you reach Seward, extend your Alaska stay with a post-cruise land tour to Denali.
STAR COLLECTOR: SAILING AMONG DRAGONS: CHINA & JAPAN
Singapore to Beijing (Tianjin) - 28 Days
Wander through ancient temples and cosmopolitan cities in this diverging adventure of old and new in Vietnam, China and Japan. Test your culinary courage and indulge in unusual and unforgettable dishes and delicacies. Browse unique wares and surprising ingredients in charming open markets. These cruises redefine intercultural perceptions and boundaries, providing ample opportunities to sample the food and sights at stops in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Miyakojima, scenic Okinawa, Ishigaki Island, historic Beijing and more.
STAR COLLECTOR: THE BEST OF CHINA, KOREA & JAPAN
Hong Kong to Yokohama (Tokyo) - 28 Days
An ideal choice for adventurous travelers seeking an array of excursion options, these cruises from China to South Korea and Japan grant access to more than 17 exceptional UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Experience the Ming Tombs, the Great Wall, China’s Forbidden City, Korea’s Changdeokgung Palace and Japan’s breathtaking Osaka Castle while savoring delicious and memorable regional dishes along the way. Bright cosmopolitan delights, including the world’s largest underground shopping mall in Seoul, Korea, beckon to shoppers of all tastes.
STAR COLLECTOR: THE GRANDEUR OF SOUTHEAST ASIA
Singapore to Bangkok - 28 Days
Set sail on a journey of memorable contrasts as you discover ancient traditions, sample elegant cuisines and explore breathtaking UNESCO settings in Malaysia, Brunei, China, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. Indulge in diverse excursions that combine urban adventures with breathtaking natural scenery, including the fragrance of hundreds of rare orchids in Malaysia’s Kinabalu Park and the echoes of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in Palawan. This cruise is an ideal choice for those seeking cultural immersion at places far removed from the familiar.
TASTE OF SIAM & SINGAPORE
Phuket to Singapore - 7 Days
Revel in the radiant natural beauty of beach-fringed islands and emerald karst pillars. Weave your way through lush mangroves watching for orchids, monkeys, and enormous sea eagles. Enough, by far, for any cruise … but this one. For in between these Kodachrome moments, you’ll discover the finest urban delights Asia has to offer in Singapore, Phuket, and Kuala Lumpur.
Article and photos by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
Copyright 2017 Sunny Harbor Publishing Sunny Harbor Publishing, PO Box 560318, Rockledge, FL 32956 Phone: 321-446-7552 Email: [email protected] Website: www.SunnyHarborPublishing.org |
|
|
|
|
|
|