by Ana Figueroa
Last updated: 8:00 PM ET, Tue November 20, 2018
Windstar Cruises has made its reputation by delivering authentic, unique experiences aboard its fleet of six boutique ships. Carrying less than 310 passengers, the ships sail to exotic ports around the globe.
In 2019, Windstar's Star Legend will ply the waters of Asia for the second season in a row. Popular cruises will return, and four new itineraries will debut. The line will also increase departures for its Japan cruises timed to coincide with the cherry blossom season and fall foliage.
Windstar President John Delaney notes that the line can reach destinations in Asia accessible only to small ships. "We can sail up rivers and dock in the central areas of Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bangkok. We can anchor off Patong Bay in Phuket, Thailand and small islands in Indonesia like Pulau Bawean on the Java Sea. We visit small ports in the Philippines giving our guests access to places found at the top of Condé Nast Traveler's Best Islands and Best Beaches lists.
Places like Palawan, home to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, one of the new seven natural world wonders, and beautiful Boracay with white sand beaches perfect for snorkeling. All of our itineraries are carefully crafted by knowledgeable experts with scenic cruising and active exploration in mind," said Delaney.
New itineraries in Asia in 2019 include an 11-day cruise from Singapore to Bali. The cruise calls on Jakarta and Semarang in Indonesia, home to historic Dutch trading quarters and 8th-century Buddhist temples. Passengers will encounter the pristine beaches of Bali; volcanic vents of Mount Bromo and legendary Komodo dragons of Indonesia. Two beach days offer a chance to relax like the locals on the small islands of Pulau Bawean and Pulau Menyawakan. The islands are so remote that only ferries can reach them.
An 11-day Bangkok to Singapore cruise is another option for encountering authentic Asia. The itinerary travels along the coasts of Thailand, Malaysia, and China. The journey offers the natural beauty of beaches and coastal areas as well as city life. An overnight in Phuket offers the chance to experience the dining and nightlife of Patong Bay's vibrant waterfront.
In Malacca, passengers can savor regional street food delicacies on Jonkers Walk. In Kuala Lumpur, they can take in sweeping views from the observation deck on the 86th floor of Petronas Towers. And the quiet beaches near Langkawi provide secluded spots for snorkeling and swimming.
Four great cities of Asia form the backdrop of an 11-day cruise from Hong Kong to Beijing. The itinerary calls on Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Taipei, with overnights in both Shanghai and Hong Kong. The cruise also visits Ishigaki Island in Japan, known for its coral reefs and clear waters. Another highlight is Qingdao, China. Passengers will also have the chance to climb the Great Wall of China.
For those interested in a truly immersive cultural experience, the 11-day cruise from Tokyo to Beijing calls on Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul and Beijing. The itinerary reaches lesser-known destinations such as Karatsu, Japan and Tamano/Uno port in the Inland Sea of Japan. But what truly makes the cruise interesting is its connection to Asian pop culture. From J-pop to Harajuku to Korean dramas, the cruise takes passengers to where it all began.
Windstar's extensive range of shore excursions are designed to help guests experience authentic Asia. They include a visit to a traditional Malay home, a night tour of Shanghai with dinner on The Bund, the most famous street in Asia and a foot tour of Komodo National Park.
In addition to the four new sailings, Windstar will once again offer Star Collector Voyages in Asia. The cruises of 14 to 47 days combine itineraries for more in-depth exploration of the region.
"Our new Star Collector sailings have been extremely popular, they combine in-depth itineraries into longer back-to-back sailings, meaning real-time for travelers to discover ancient traditions and contemporary cultures," said Delaney.
For passengers interested in extending their authentic Asian experience, Windstar offers a variety of pre- and post-cruise packages in Asia. Among them: a journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat from Bangkok.
Windstar recently announced a $250-million enhancement project for its Star Ships, including Star Legend.
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