The first travelers to the Orient were searching for jewels and silks, spices and ivory. What they found was a great civilization, already ancient when Christianity was born.

Asia is just as much a land of superlatives in current times: the largest continent, the tallest mountains, the longest coastline, and three-fifth's the world's population. The riches of Hong Kong, Singapore and Taipei still defy description. Today, you can gaze into a Buddha's venerable eyes in Vietnam.

Only a handful of cruise lines sail seasonally between October and May to the Orient, Asia and the Far East. Cruises range from 14 days to 21 days depending upon the ship, sailing date, and itinerary.

Because of the variety of destinations that make up this area, it is very rare that you'll begin and end your cruise in the same port city. With this in mind, depending on which cruise you choose, you may visit many of these countries and ports:

Cruises and cruise tours to these itineraries can be very active. You can take walking tours along the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven or marvel at the Famed Terra Cotta Warriors, one of the most beautifully preserved archaeological sites in the World.