Asia’s diverse regions and cities are ideal for cruising, allowing visitors to admire the continent’s coastal beauty and dynamic cityscapes, while also enjoying exciting ports of call and excursions. While the cruise industry in the West is growing at a slower rate, numbers are skyrocketing in Asia.

According to Cruise Lines International Association, Asia’s passenger growth grew 24 per cent last year, surpassing 2 million in 2015, with China accounting for nearly half of that number. Other key Asia-based cruise markets include Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong and India. The China market is projected to see 3–4 million passengers by 2020.

Singapore also plays an instrumental role in the development of the Asia Pacific cruise market, due to its strategic maritime position, allowing it to accommodate larger and newer ships. Singapore itself saw a 16 per cent increase in cruise passengers in 2016.

As these markets continue to expand, the industry sees significant potential for building new ports, new ships and expanding itineraries.

Celebrating 10 years of operation in Southeast Asia, Royal Caribbean has its radar set on significant development in the region in the coming years. The cruise line launched a brand-new, billion-dollar ship from Tianjin in 2016, its sixth ship sailing from the mainland.

Farriek Tawfik, southeast director, Princess Cruises, called the region the next “Caribbean of the East” and said, “We have 25,000 islands. We have all year good weather and nice beaches. We have food and culture. The advantage is there.”

From Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok and the islands of Indonesia, Asia has a lot to offer its visitors, and taking to the seas is a great way to take it all in.