Riviera
January 8, 2024

Mumbai, India, offers docking at Mumbai Port. Travelers explore the Gateway of India and Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO site. Excursions visit Bollywood studios or Colaba’s markets. Local markets sell pav bhaji. The peak season, November to March, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures colonial architecture and Arabian Sea views. Dining onboard includes vada pav, a Mumbai favorite. Souvenirs, like bangles, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Mumbai’s trade history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance market walks. Mumbai’s vibrant urban energy and cultural richness offer a dynamic Indian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks, bustling markets, and Bollywood flair, making Mumbai an engaging destination for exploring India’s cosmopolitan heart and coastal heritage.

Mormugao, Goa, India, provides docking at Mormugao Port. Travelers explore Old Goa’s UNESCO-listed churches, like Basilica of Bom Jesus. Excursions visit Dudhsagar Falls’ scenic cascades. Local markets sell feni liquor. The peak season, November to March, brings mild weather for sightseeing. Photography captures colonial architecture and lush jungles. Dining onboard includes Goan fish curry. Souvenirs, like cashew nuts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Goa’s Portuguese history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance church and waterfall tours. Mormugao’s blend of colonial heritage and natural beauty offers a vibrant Indian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks, scenic waterfalls, and Goan culture, making Mormugao an engaging destination for exploring India’s coastal and cultural treasures.

New Mangalore Port, India, provides docking at Mangalore Port. Travelers explore the Gokarnanatheshwara Temple and St. Aloysius Chapel’s frescoes. Excursions visit Udupi’s Krishna Temple. Local markets sell masala dosa. The peak season, November to March, brings mild weather for sightseeing. Photography captures colorful temples and Arabian Sea beaches. Dining onboard includes Mangalorean fish curry. Souvenirs, like sandalwood carvings, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Karnataka’s coastal culture. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance temple tours. New Mangalore’s blend of spiritual sites and coastal charm offers a vibrant Indian stop. Cruise travelers experience a rich mix of Hindu traditions, colonial history, and scenic beaches, making Mangalore a compelling destination for cultural exploration and relaxation along India’s southwest coast.

Kochi, India, has docking at Kochi Port. Travelers explore Fort Kochi’s colonial history and Chinese fishing nets. Excursions visit Mattancherry Palace. Local markets sell cardamom. The peak season, November to March, brings dry weather. Photography captures backwaters and historic streets. Dining onboard includes fish curry, a Keralan favorite. Souvenirs, like coir mats, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover colonial history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Comfortable shoes enhance fort walks. Kochi’s cultural richness offers a vibrant Indian stop, blending heritage with coastal charm.

Male, Maldives, offers docking at Male Port. Travelers explore the Old Friday Mosque and bustling fish market. Excursions include snorkeling in vibrant coral atolls and island-hopping to resorts. Local markets sell dried tuna. The peak season, November to April, brings dry weather for water activities. Photography captures turquoise lagoons and Islamic architecture. Dining onboard features mas huni, a Maldivian breakfast. Souvenirs, like shell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maldivian culture. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while snorkeling gear enhances reef exploration. Male’s tropical paradise and cultural richness offer a vibrant Maldivian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a blend of urban exploration, pristine marine life, and island relaxation, making Male a perfect gateway to the Maldives’ stunning atolls and vibrant local traditions.

Returning to Male — see Day 6 above for port info.

Colombo, Sri Lanka, docks at Colombo Port, 2 kilometers from downtown, with taxis for 10-minute rides. The city, population 750,000, features the Gangaramaya Temple with Buddhist relics. Local markets sell cinnamon tea. Excursions to Galle, 2 hours south, visit Dutch forts. Peak season November to April; taxis 500-1000 LKR. Dining includes kottu roti at street stalls. Souvenirs feature batik fabrics.

Returning to Colombo — see Day 8 above for port info.

Hambantota, Sri Lanka, has docking at Hambantota Port. Travelers explore Yala National Park’s wildlife, spotting leopards. Excursions visit Bundala’s bird sanctuaries. Local markets sell cinnamon. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather. Photography captures jungles and coastal vistas. Dining onboard includes kottu roti, a Sri Lankan dish. Souvenirs, like batik fabrics, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover biodiversity. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Binoculars enhance wildlife spotting. Hambantota’s wild beauty offers a vibrant Sri Lankan stop, blending nature with cultural heritage.

Phuket, Thailand, offers docking at Phuket Port. Travelers explore Patong Beach and Big Buddha. Excursions visit Phang Nga Bay’s limestone karsts by boat. Local markets sell tom yum. The peak season, November to April, brings dry weather for island tours. Photography captures turquoise bays and Buddhist statues. Dining onboard includes pad thai, a Thai favorite. Souvenirs, like silk scarves, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Phuket’s history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Phuket’s vibrant coastal allure offers a dynamic Thai stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic beaches, cultural landmarks, and marine adventures, making Phuket an engaging destination for exploring Thailand’s Andaman beauty and island culture.

Returning to Phuket — see Day 13 above for port info.

Langkawi, Malaysia, has docking at Porto Malai Port. Travelers explore Sky Bridge and mangrove tours. Excursions visit Kilim Geoforest Park. Local markets sell batik fabrics. The peak season, November to April, brings dry weather. Photography captures limestone peaks and Andaman Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes roti canai, a Malaysian favorite. Souvenirs, like pewter crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover island ecology. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Sturdy shoes enhance mangrove tours. Langkawi’s tropical allure offers a vibrant Malaysian stop, blending nature with coastal beauty.

Malacca, Malaysia, features docking at Malacca Port. Travelers explore Jonker Street’s vibrant night market and Stadthuys’ Dutch colonial architecture. Excursions visit A’Famosa Fort’s ruins. Local markets sell nyonya laksa. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather for sightseeing. Photography captures colorful shophouses and Malacca River views. Dining onboard includes chicken rice balls, a local specialty. Souvenirs, like batik fabrics, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Malacca’s trading history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Malacca’s rich blend of Malay, Chinese, and colonial heritage offers a vibrant Malaysian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a dynamic mix of historic sites, bustling markets, and cultural diversity, making Malacca a captivating destination for exploring Malaysia’s storied past and lively present.

Penang (Pulau Pinang), Malaysia, offers docking at George Town Port. Travelers explore Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang’s street art. Excursions visit Penang Hill’s viewpoints. Local markets sell char kway teow. The peak season, November to March, brings dry weather for city tours. Photography captures colonial architecture and vibrant murals. Dining onboard includes nasi kandar, a Malaysian favorite. Souvenirs, like batik fabrics, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Penang’s multicultural history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance street walks. Penang’s cultural richness offers a vibrant Malaysian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites, street food, and scenic views, making Penang an engaging destination for exploration.

Port Klang, Malaysia, has docking at Port Klang with excursions to Kuala Lumpur. Travelers explore Petronas Towers and Batu Caves. Excursions visit Chinatown’s markets. Local markets sell durians. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather. Photography captures urban skylines and limestone caves. Dining onboard includes nasi lemak, a Malaysian favorite. Souvenirs, like batik fabrics, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Malaysian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Comfortable shoes enhance city tours. Port Klang’s access to Kuala Lumpur offers a vibrant Malaysian stop, blending urban energy with cultural richness.

Pulau Bintan, Indonesia, provides docking at Bintan Port. Travelers explore Tanjung Pinang’s markets and Trikora Beach. Excursions include snorkeling at White Sands Island. Local markets sell kueh lapis. The peak season, November to March, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures tropical beaches and Malay heritage. Dining onboard includes otak-otak, an Indonesian favorite. Souvenirs, like batik crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Riau history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Pulau Bintan’s island charm offers a vibrant Indonesian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural markets, scenic beaches, and marine adventures, making Pulau Bintan an engaging destination for exploring Indonesia’s Riau Islands.

Singapore offers docking at Marina Bay Cruise Centre. Travelers explore Gardens by the Bay and Merlion Park. Excursions visit Sentosa Island. Local markets sell Hainanese chicken rice. The peak season, November to March, brings milder weather for city tours. Photography captures futuristic skylines and Singapore Strait vistas. Dining onboard includes laksa, a Singaporean favorite. Souvenirs, like orchid crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Peranakan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Singapore’s urban charm offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern landmarks and cultural heritage, making Singapore an engaging destination for exploration.

Returning to Singapore — see Day 20 above for port info.

Muara, Brunei, provides docking at Muara Port. Travelers explore Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Kampong Ayer’s water village. Excursions visit Ulu Temburong National Park’s canopy walk. Local markets sell ambuyat. The peak season, November to March, brings milder weather for sightseeing. Photography captures golden domes and stilt villages. Dining onboard includes nasi katok, a Bruneian dish. Souvenirs, like woven mats, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Brunei’s Islamic heritage. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance village walks. Muara’s blend of Islamic culture and natural beauty offers a vibrant Brunei stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of architectural splendor, unique water villages, and jungle adventures, making Muara an engaging destination for exploring Brunei’s rich traditions and lush landscapes.

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, has docking at Kota Kinabalu Port. Travelers explore Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park’s islands. Excursions visit Mount Kinabalu’s trails. Local markets sell pearls. The peak season, February to April, brings dry weather. Photography captures coral reefs and rainforest vistas. Dining onboard includes laksa, a Malaysian favorite. Souvenirs, like batik crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Sabah’s biodiversity. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Sturdy shoes enhance hikes. Kota Kinabalu’s coastal vibrancy offers a lively Malaysian stop, blending marine beauty with rainforest adventures.

Puerto Princesa, Philippines, offers docking at Puerto Princesa Port. Travelers explore the Subterranean River’s UNESCO-listed caves and Honda Bay’s islands. Excursions include island-hopping tours. Local markets sell cashew nuts. The peak season, November to April, brings dry weather for cave tours. Photography captures limestone karsts and turquoise bays. Dining onboard includes kinilaw, a Filipino favorite. Souvenirs, like pearl crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Palawan’s ecology. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance island exploration. Puerto Princesa’s natural allure offers a vibrant Filipino stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of underground rivers, scenic islands, and tropical beauty, making Puerto Princesa an engaging destination for exploring the Philippines’ Palawan.

Coron Island, Palawan, Philippines, anchors offshore with tenders to Coron town, population 50,000. Travelers kayak Kayangan Lake for limestone views. Diving explores WWII wrecks. Local markets sell cashew nuts. Excursions to Malcapuya Island, 1 hour by boat, offer beach time. Peak season November to April; taxis 100-200 PHP. Dining includes danggit at harbor stalls. Souvenirs feature pearl earrings.

Manila, Philippines, provides docking at Manila South Harbor. Travelers explore Intramuros’ colonial walls and Fort Santiago. Excursions visit Rizal Park and Taal Volcano. Local markets sell adobo. The peak season, November to April, brings dry weather for city tours. Photography captures Spanish-era architecture and Manila Bay sunsets. Dining onboard includes sinigang, a Filipino sour soup. Souvenirs, like barong tagalog shirts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Philippine history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Manila’s vibrant blend of colonial heritage and modern energy offers a dynamic Philippine stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks, bustling markets, and scenic beauty, making Manila a captivating destination for exploring the Philippines’ rich cultural tapestry and urban vitality.

Chan May (Hue), Vietnam, docks at Chan May Port, 50 kilometers from Hue, with buses for 1-hour rides. Hue, population 350,000, features the Imperial City, a 19th-century Nguyen Dynasty citadel. Local markets sell com hen. Excursions to Hoi An, 2 hours south, explore ancient towns. Peak season November to April; taxis 200,000-400,000 VND. Dining includes bún bò Huế at riverside stalls. Souvenirs feature silk lanterns.

Nha Trang, Vietnam, offers docking at Nha Trang Port. Travelers explore Po Nagar Cham Towers and Vinpearl Amusement Park. Excursions visit Hon Mun Island for snorkeling. Local markets sell pho. The peak season, November to April, brings dry weather for beach tours. Photography captures ancient temples and turquoise bays. Dining onboard includes banh xeo, a Vietnamese pancake. Souvenirs, like silk scarves, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Cham history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while snorkeling gear enhances reef exploration. Nha Trang’s vibrant coastal beauty offers a dynamic Vietnamese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites, scenic beaches, and marine adventures, making Nha Trang an engaging destination for exploring Vietnam’s coastal culture and natural splendor.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, offers docking at Phu My Port with excursions to the city. Travelers explore Notre-Dame Basilica and Cu Chi Tunnels. Excursions visit Mekong Delta markets. Local markets sell phở. The peak season, November to March, brings dry weather for city tours. Photography captures colonial architecture and Saigon River vistas. Dining onboard includes bánh mì, a Vietnamese favorite. Souvenirs, like lacquerware, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Vietnam’s history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Ho Chi Minh’s urban energy offers a vibrant Vietnamese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of history and culture, making it an engaging destination.

Returning to Ho Chi Minh City (saigon) — see Day 31 above for port info.

Gulf of Thailand, no docking; ships sail to Bangkok. Travelers spot Irrawaddy dolphins. Excursions to Koh Samui beaches. Local markets sell durian. Peak season November to February; taxis 100-200 THB. Dining includes tom yum at harbor stalls. Souvenirs feature silk scarves. The gulf’s islands and beaches provide Southeast Asian coastal cruising.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia, offers docking at Sihanoukville Port. Travelers explore Otres Beach and Ream National Park. Excursions include snorkeling at Koh Rong. Local markets sell lok lak. The peak season, November to March, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures sandy beaches and Gulf of Thailand vistas. Dining onboard includes kuy teav, a Cambodian favorite. Souvenirs, like krama scarves, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Khmer history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Sihanoukville’s coastal allure offers a vibrant Cambodian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic beaches and marine adventures, making Sihanoukville an engaging destination for exploration.

Laem Chabang, Thailand, has docking at Laem Chabang Port with excursions to Bangkok. Travelers explore Wat Pho’s reclining Buddha and Grand Palace. Excursions visit Pattaya’s beaches. Local markets sell mango sticky rice. The peak season, November to February, brings dry weather. Photography captures temples and urban skylines. Dining onboard includes tom kha gai, a Thai soup. Souvenirs, like silk scarves, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Thai history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Comfortable shoes enhance temple tours. Laem Chabang’s access to Bangkok offers a vibrant Thai stop, blending culture with urban energy.

Returning to Laem Chabang (bangkok) — see Day 35 above for port info.