Scenic has unveiled its 2025 Asia collection of ocean and river itineraries with one journey including the best of both worlds, combining river and ocean cruising.
The 28-day ‘Ultimate Journey through South East Asia’ explores the Mekong River on board boutique river cruise ship, Scenic Spirit before travelling to Indonesia, the Philippines and Taiwan on board Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse II.
Experiences include a dip in the Kakaban Lake (to swim with stingless jellyfish), a visit to the world’s third-largest coral atoll, and seeing the Komodo dragon. Guests then head to Borneo to see native orangutans before sailing through Taiwan to visit the city of Hualien.
The itineraries
For those who love island-hopping, choose the ‘Ultimate East Coast, Northern Australia & The Indonesian Archipelago’ on board Scenic Eclipse II.
The 28-day voyage sails from Auckland through Northland’s Bay of Islands and onto the Australian islands of the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef before heading to seldom-visited islands of the Indonesian Archipelago. Or, the 17-day ‘Japan & South Korea in Depth’ itinerary means guests can experience 16 ports.
For a more intimate cruise, ‘Treasures of the Mekong’ on board Scenic Spirit, is a 13-day river cruise and land journey taking in Siem Reap in Cambodia and visiting the 12-century Hindu-Buddhist temple of Angkor Wat, before journeying to Vietnam.
Highlights include an excursion in Phnom Penh travelling along the waterfront in a tuk-tuk and visiting the Royal Palace, and in Vietnam, sailing on local sampan boats to discover the historic towns of Tan Chau and Sa Dec before arriving in Ho Chi Minh City.
Scenic Asia Journey Designer, Adam Burke says, “As pioneers in all-inclusive ultra-luxury ocean and river exploration Scenic takes guests to places inaccessible to the ordinary traveller.
“By integrating our renowned Scenic Eclipse II cruises with our intimate Mekong River journeys on board Scenic Spirit, we’re thrilled to offer our guests a seamless all-inclusive experience to discover Asia’s extraordinary landscapes and cultural treasures.
“Guests can look forward to the ultimate Asia journey; one that combines exploration with relaxation, creating memories to last a lifetime.”
The ships
Scenic Eclipse II has just 228 guests in 114 suites, all with private balconies, and personalised butler service.
There are two helicopters, 10 dining experiences, eight bars and lounges, and customised Zodiac experiences.
For those who prefer the tranquillity of the river, Scenic Spirit is an all-inclusive way to explore Asia’s cultural heart on board a floating five-star hotel with capacity for just 68 guests in spacious suites with separate lounge areas.
For more information, visit Scenic.