The newest ships and voyages in Japan, China, Singapore, Vietnam and more
I’m pleased to say that Asian cruises are continuing the trend and will offer cruisers increased choice on ships of all shapes and sizes over the next two years.
If you’re a big-ship enthusiast, Norwegian Cruise Line is sending four ships to Asia for a 50-cruise bumper season ending in April 2027 in response to strong demand for Asian cruises. Norwegian Jade makes its Asian debut in October 2026; guests can embark in Tokyo, Incheon, Hong Kong or Singapore.
Princess Cruises will see its biggest Japan season ever in 2027, with Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess having 78 departures. Highlights include cherry blossom cruises, around Japan and the Okinawa islands, and cruises to Taiwan.
From November 2026 to March 2027, Diamond Princess will be homeported in Singapore and offer 11 sailings to 28 ports across the region.
Carnival Cruise Line is sending two ships, Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Adventure, to Asia for the first time in the 2026-27 season. Although they only cruise four itineraries, the move eventually establishes Asia as a cruise destination in its own right rather than just a place to pass through on repositioning journeys.
Itineraries include Sydney-Singapore, Tokyo-Singapore and a round trip from Singapore to ports in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Carnival ships will visit Hong Kong, Osaka, Fukuoka, Seogwipo (Jeju) and Keelung for the first time.
After an even bigger ship? Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas will homeport in Singapore for the first time between October 2026 and February 2027, embarking on three- to 12-night cruises to destinations such as Penang, Phuket, Langkawi, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City before heading to Japan on East Asia itineraries.
If it’s a smaller, luxury experience you’re looking for, Seabourn is also launching new Asia sailings from December 2026 to April 2027. Japan voyages in particular visit not only major ports but also smaller ports such as Toba, Miyako, Sendai and Hitachinaka.
Seabourn Encore will also sail a 12-day cruise from Hong Kong to Tokyo and operate Southeast Asia sailings between Singapore and Hong Kong or roundtrip sailings from Singapore.
This news is also good for those interested in expeditions. New Zealand company Heritage Expeditions is increasing its Asia offerings, Lindblad Expeditions is offering diving trips in Indonesia from October 2026, and Aqua Expeditions is launching seven-night cruises in Raja Ampat South from December 2026.
New Australian exploration company Pearl Expeditions will sail to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea from the end of this year. Coral Expeditions continues to operate throughout Indonesia and is expanding capacity on new itineraries in Papua New Guinea in October and November 2026.
And finally, after a five-year hiatus, G Adventures returns to Sri Lanka from next month with catamaran cruises along the south coast connecting the UNESCO-listed port city of Galle with remote beaches and the fishing village of Kudawella for swimming, snorkeling and surfing.
Sign up for the Traveler Deals newsletter
Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.
Brian Johnston seemed destined to be a travel writer: an Irish man born in Nigeria, raised in Switzerland, lived in Britain and China, and now calls Australia home.
