Unique Itinerary: Asia

 Silver Shadow Voyage 3130: Asia with a Twist.

Illustration courtesy of Silversea Cruises

When we look for unique itineraries, we like to focus on voyages that offer an interesting mix of ports to destinations that are either off the beaten path or simply different from other competing cruises.  Throw in a great ship, and you've got a recipe for a stellar cruise vacation.

One of the hottest "new" areas of the world to cruise is Asia.  After being tentatively explored on a handful of voyages by various lines, the popularity of Asian cruises have exploded in the past few years, offering passengers the ability to experience a variety of unique and historic countries from the comfort of your ship.  from the West Coast of North America, a flight to Hong Kong or Tokyo is only a tad longer than a similar flight to London or Barcelona, meaning Asia has never been more accessible.

It's also the destination served by our Unique Itinerary of the Week.

Departing November 9, 2011 aboard Silversea's Silver Shadow, this interesting voyage whisks guests to some of the most diverse ports in Vietnam, including an overnight stay in historic Ho Chi Minh City. 

The full itinerary:

Nov 09 2011	Wed	Hong Kong, China		6:30 PM
Nov 10 2011	Thu	Day at Sea
Nov 11 2011	Fri	Haiphong (Hanoi), Vietnam	8:00 AM	9:00 PM
Nov 12 2011	Sat	Ha Long Bay, Vietnam	7:00 AM	1:00 PM
Nov 13 2011	Sun	Chan May (Hue/Da Nang), Vietnam	8:00 AM	6:00 PM
Nov 14 2011	Mon	Nha Trang, Vietnam	1:00 PM	6:00 PM
Nov 15 2011	Tue	Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	1:00 PM
Nov 16 2011	Wed	Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam		3:00 PM
Nov 17 2011	Thu	Day at Sea
Nov 18 2011	Fri	Singapore, Singapore	8:00 AM

Sweetening the deal are Silversea's "Passport To Luxury" offerings for this voyage: roundtrip airfare and transfers are included from most major North American gateways, and guests will receive a $1,000 Onboard Spending Credit to be used as they see fit.  Why not take in some of Silversea's diverse shore excursions, relax in the Silver Shadow's spa, or treat yourself to a full degustation menu in the line's signature Le Champagne specialty restaurant.  Complete with vintage wine pairings, a meal here is like nothing you've ever had before, and the experience in itself is the real reward.

Why not use your Onboard Spending Credit on a superb 

degustation experience in Le Champagne?

Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders 

One thousand dollars goes quite a long way on Silversea, since all drinks - from water to wine and spirits - are included in the cost of your cruise fare, along with all gratuities.  In fact, the hardest part of a Silversea cruise is remembering you don't need to reach for your cruise card every time you order a drink!

But there's also another reason to see Asia now.  With more lines deploying ships on a seasonal or even year-round basis to Asia, this is one hot destination that won't stay relatively unexplored forever.

For more information, including full pricing details, shore excursions, and information about Silver Shadow, visit the Silversea Cruises website.