Join me as I recount my family’s cruise of Asia onboard Norwegian Jewel. Embarking on a cruise through Asia is like stepping into a treasure trove of cultural richness, natural wonders, and vibrant experiences. Cruising through Asia is a great way to see several countries on one trip and you only have to unpack once.
Our adventure began in the dynamic city of Taipei, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modernity. We arrived 2 days before our cruise to take in the sights of this fascinating city. We checked in to the Shangri-La Far east, put on our walking shoes then caught a taxi to the Shilin night markets.
The Shilin Night Market in Taipei is an exhilarating sensory overload, where vibrant colours, tantalizing aromas, and bustling crowds converge. As you navigate through the maze of narrow alleys, your senses are bombarded with an eclectic array of sights and smells. From sizzling skewers of stinky tofu to piping hot bowls of beef noodle soup, the market offers a cornucopia of unconventional delicacies that beckon adventurous palates. Whether you’re sampling bizarre street foods or haggling over prices for unique trinkets, the Shilin Night Market promises an unforgettable sensory journey that captures the essence of Taipei’s vibrant street culture.
The next day we hopped onboard the hop on hop off bus for a city tour. The Taipei Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is a convenient and flexible way to explore the city’s key attractions. We visited the popular landmarks Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, and the vibrant Ximending district. The bus was a great way to experience Taipei’s rich cultural history.
It was now time to head to the Norwegian Jewel to start our Aisa cruise. We caught a taxi over to the Port of Keelung to board the Norwegian Jewel. Once onboard we set about exploring the ship. The Norwegian Jewel has a lot to experience. From the pool deck to the specialty restaurants there is something for everyone.
As we cruised towards Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s largest port city welcomed us with open arms. The Lotus Pond, with its striking pagodas and temples, left us in awe of Taiwan’s architectural marvels. In Currimao, Philippines, we were greeted by pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for a day of relaxation and water activities. A highlight was catching a ride from the port in a local tricycle.
Our next stop on the Norwegian Jewel cruise was Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines. From the historic walls of Intramuros to the vibrant markets of Quiapo, Manila’s rich heritage and warm hospitality left an indelible mark on our hearts.
No journey through the Philippines is complete without a visit to the famed island paradise of Boracay. The crystal-clear water was calling our name. So, we jumped in a local electric trike and headed for the famous White Beach. White beach did not disappoint the powdery white sand and calm waters are perfect for families and people of all ages. White Beach boasts a vibrant culinary scene with restaurants serving both local Filipino delicacies and international cuisines, while nearby markets offer fresh seafood and local produce for those craving an authentic taste of Boracay.
Cruising on the Norwegian Jewel into Puerto Princesa, nestled in the heart of Palawan. Greeted us with its breathtaking landscapes and ecological wonders. From the stunning limestone cliffs of the Underground River to the vibrant marine life of Honda Bay. Puerto Princesa offered a glimpse into nature’s boundless beauty. We decided to explore the islands of Honda Bay and took a tour with a local guide on a traditional boat. First stop was some snorkeling in the bay followed by a visit to Luli Island where the locals had made an amazing sand sculpture. Final stop was the beautiful Cowrie Island where we swam in the tropical waters and were treated to a delicious lunch.
As we sailed towards Malaysia. The vibrant city of Kota Kinabalu beckoned with its bustling markets and panoramic views from Signal Hill Observatory. In Kota Kinabalu we walked to the local markets. We were amazed by the animals that were on sale for locals to take home as a pet. From goldfish in bags to hamsters and porcupines it was a real eye opener.
The majestic Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque stood as a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and architectural splendor. The mosque was a serene experience, and we admired the intricate architecture.
Vietnam’s coastal gem, Nha Trang, welcomed us with its pristine beaches and vibrant markets.
Today we caught the bus to the Dam markets in downtown Nha Trang. The Dam market was inspired by the shape of a lotus flower and is a round shape with a diameter of approx. 66 meters. The markets were sweltering hot and packed with traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. No visit would be complete without haggling over the price of a traditional Vietnamese hat. After some serious bartering and a few bags of treasures we were in need of a cool down. We stopped at a local restaurant for an ice-cold beer for my husband and cokes for myself and out daughters.
Eventually our journey took us south to the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City. Where the echoes of history resound amidst the modern skyline. From the solemnity of the War Remnants Museum to the vibrant chaos of Ben Thanh Market, every moment in Ho Chi Minh City was a testament to Vietnam’s resilience and vitality.
We hired a local guide who was a wealth of information and set out on a city tour of Ho Chi Minh city. The traffic was bustling and from the Port into the city took over 1 hour. First stop was the War Remnants Museum where powerful exhibits, photographs, and artifacts, provided a sombre reflection on the war’s impact on the Vietnamese people. It was quite a poignant experience seeing the harrowing realities and lasting consequences of the war. Then it was on to Independence Palace to see where Vietnamese and international leaders have stayed and conversed.
Following a delicious local lunch of soup, stir fried fish and rice we admired the Saigon Central Post office. The post office was built in the late 1890’s and showcases stunning French architecture. The high ceilings and beautiful mosaic floors hold so much history as well as being beautiful. As the post office is still a working post office, we took the opportunity to send some postcards home. Lastly, we stopped at the Ben Thanh markets for a quick look at how the locals shop and then it was back to the Norwegian Jewel.
As we disembarked in Singapore, the city-state’s iconic skyline greeted us with its glittering lights and towering skyscrapers. From the serene Gardens by the Bay to the bustling streets of Chinatown. Singapore’s multicultural tapestry offered a fitting finale to our unforgettable cruise journey through Asia.
Lastly we spent 3 nights at the Shangri-La Singapore. We visited the Gardens by the bay, the Newton food centre and shopped on Orchard Rd. The Gardens by the bay are worth a visit regardless of your interest in flowers. The captivating flower dome and cloud forest are immersive experiences. They showcase diverse plant species from around the globe in stunning climate-controlled environments.
There are many Hawker centers in Singapore, so we had to try one. Crazy Rich Asians filmed a scene at the Newton food centre so we decided on a visit to this world-famous hawker centre. Renowned for its diverse selection of local delicacies, from succulent satay skewers to fragrant seafood dishes like chili crab. We left the hawker centre with full bellies and satisfied smiles, the experience at Newton Hawker Centre lingers as a delightful memory.
There are many reasons you should cruise in Asia and as I reflect on our journey aboard the Norwegian Jewel. I am filled with gratitude for the memories made and the experiences shared. From the tranquil beauty of Taiwan to the vibrant streets of Vietnam. Each destination offered a unique perspective and left an indelible mark on our hearts.
I emphatically recommend a cruise through Asia. Where each country offers a unique experience of cultures, sights, and natural wonders. Every destination presents a distinct experience, making it a journey of endless fascination and unparalleled diversity.
Until our next adventure, may the spirit of exploration continue to guide us on journeys near and far.
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