Helpful Tips to Know Before You Go
- The majority of the Asian continent experiences two major seasons: the wet season and the dry season. As most of these countries lie close to the equator, you can expect warm weather year-round, but it's a good idea to check when monsoon season is for your favoured ports of call. Bringing waterproofs is a good plan.
- Unlike some parts of the world, there isn't much of a tipping culture in most Asian countries. Tips aren't expected in restaurants and bars. However, tour guides, porters and housekeepers in hotels will be used to receiving tips – it would be polite to tip them when you can.
- While Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at major tourist destinations in Asia, you will likely need cash for street vendors, taxi drivers, small restaurants, and so on. Be sure to keep local currency on hand, and plan ahead of time, as access to an ATM is not always guaranteed.
- There are many different cultures across the Asian continent and it's a good idea to learn how to behave respectfully. When visiting a temple or shrine in particular, cover your arms and legs, don't stare at people praying, and don't photograph monks or other staff unless you have permission. You will often need to take shoes off when touring interior spaces, and should avoid displaying the soles of your shoes anywhere on the grounds.
- Bring an outfit that covers your shoulders and knees, as this is standard dress in many Asian countries. Take a scarf or shawl along to have extra options for covering up if you need to.
- Cherry blossom season in Japan often peaks in March to April. In 2024, the peak is expected to be from late March to early April, particularly in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
Things to Do
- Sample local flavours. Asia is home to a vast array of world-famous foods, from the curries and delicious flatbreads of India to the myriad delights in Japan, China, Korea and more. Sample soba and mochi-based sweets in Japan, try Korean bibimbap, and discover all-new favourite foods.
- Explore Asian cultures. This region contains a wide variety of fantastic cultures, with everything from intricate and dazzling traditional clothing to iconic and beautiful architecture and more. From temples to tea ceremonies, there’s so much to experience.
- Discover world-famous experiences. Some activities available on your Asia cruise are not to be missed, like the incredible cherry blossom viewing parties of Japan, or the floating markets of Thailand. Make the most of your chosen ports and check out these special opportunities.
- Visit famous landmarks. Behold the enormous temple complex of Angkor Wat, ascend Mount Fuji, visit the Presidential Palace in Vietnam, and so much more.
- Appreciate the wonders of nature. Immense natural beauty awaits everywhere, from fantastic rock and formations and mountains to the stunning mangrove forests in Cambodia. The animal life is equally abundant, with plenty to see within the water and on land alike. You can even visit the Panda Conservation Centre in China.
Why Book With Kenwood Travel
At Kenwood Travel, we’re dedicated to making sure you have the best cruise experience possible, giving you memories to look back on fondly for the rest of your life. Our decades of expertise with cruises, and arranging the perfect holidays, puts us in the best position to help you plan your Asia cruise. Whether you’re looking for an itinerary packed with inland river routes, or a more standard ocean-only cruise, we’re here to help. Get in touch today and we’ll put together the cruise to Asia you’ve been dreaming of.
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