Seabourn Encore
January 20, 2024

Hong Kong offers docking at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Travelers explore Victoria Peak and Temple Street Market. Excursions visit Lantau Island’s Big Buddha. Local markets sell dim sum. The peak season, October to April, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures skyscrapers and Victoria Harbour vistas. Dining onboard includes char siu, a Hong Kong favorite. Souvenirs, like jade crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Cantonese history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Hong Kong’s urban charm offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern landmarks and cultural markets, making Hong Kong an engaging destination.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, has no docking; ships anchor offshore with tenders to limestone karsts. Travelers kayak through emerald waters and caves. Excursions visit floating villages. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, October to April, brings dry weather. Photography captures karst vistas and sunsets. Dining onboard includes pho, a Vietnamese staple. Souvenirs, like lacquerware, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover UNESCO heritage. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Waterproof shoes enhance kayaking. Ha Long Bay’s surreal beauty offers a stunning Vietnamese stop, blending natural wonders with cultural charm.

Hue, Vietnam, has docking at Chan May Port with excursions to Hue and Da Nang. Travelers explore Hue’s Imperial City, a UNESCO site. Excursions visit Da Nang’s Marble Mountains. Local markets sell conical hats. The peak season, November to April, brings dry weather. Photography captures ancient citadels and coastal vistas. Dining onboard includes bun bo Hue, a spicy noodle soup. Souvenirs, like silk lanterns, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Nguyen dynasty history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Comfortable shoes enhance citadel tours. Hue’s imperial heritage offers a rich Vietnamese stop, blending history with scenic beauty.

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 7 above for port info.

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.

Ko Kut, Thailand, has no docking; ships anchor offshore with tenders to pristine beaches. Travelers snorkel clear waters and explore waterfalls like Klong Chao. Excursions visit fishing villages. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, November to February, brings dry weather. Photography captures turquoise seas and palm-lined shores. Dining onboard includes som tam, a Thai papaya salad. Souvenirs, like woven hats, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover island culture. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Snorkeling gear enhances reef exploration. Ko Kut’s tranquil beauty offers a serene Thai stop, blending beaches with island charm.

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.

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.