Asia Port Adventures Before You Cruise

Cruises are the ideal way to explore different destinations in one vacation. And with so many historic cities near each other, it’s no wonder Asian cruises have jumped in popularity. But so often the focus is on the ports of call that it’s easy to forget the cities where the cruise begins and ends.

And as the part of the Abound by Marriott Vacations™ exchange program, you can use Club Points¹ to book cruises² from around the world. 

Check out some things to do in Asia’s most common port cities without having to worry about a return time.³

Explore Asia’s Cultural Crossroads in Singapore

Singapore makes an excellent base to launch a Southeast Asia cruise, with ships heading to stops in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. It’s also a place where you can sample a captivating cross section of Asia’s best cuisine and culture without leaving the city limits.

Start in Chinatown, where after a breakfast of kaya toast (coconut jam and butter) in a traditional kopitiam (coffee shop), you can ride the MRT to Kampong Glam and explore the shopping stalls around the resplendent Sultan Mosque. Afterward, head to lunch in Little India for a tantalizing selection of restaurants and food stalls from all over the subcontinent.

Cool off with a walk amid hundreds of orchid species at Singapore Botanic Gardens or beneath the futuristic “super trees” of the Gardens by the Bay public park. Toast the day with a classic Singapore Sling cocktail. In the evening, go back to Chinatown to see the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple light up. Then, sample the offerings at a popular “hawker” center where the local classic chili crab is a must-try.

If you’re staying in port for a few days, visit Sentosa Island. Located off Singapore’s main island, the resort features a beach, casino, theme park, two golf courses, and an outpost of Madame Tussauds. Alternatively, the lush themed gardens and historic sites at the sprawling Fort Canning Park are a nice green escape from the urban bustle.

Savor Tokyo on and off the Beaten Path

Tokyo’s the word on every traveler’s lips right now — and it won’t take you long to understand why. The world’s largest city is as much about the storied stone bridges of the Imperial Palace as the neon lights of Shinjuku and Shibuya. The key to getting to know Tokyo is to break it down to its smaller parts. Then, balance must-visit attractions with ones you might not find in a guidebook. 

For example, many people start their day with a walk through Tsukiji Outer Market. Have sushi for breakfast or simply shop with locals for pantry staples like furikake seasoning or dashi soup base. But not everyone knows to ride the Toei Subway Asakusa Line up to Asakusa, which is home not only to an ancient Senso-ji temple but some of Japan’s best tempura.

The same logic works outside the city. Destinations like Nikko (and its 17th-century Tosho-gu Shrine) and coastal Kamakura, one of Japan’s former capitals, have well-deserved reputations as two of Tokyo’s best day trips. However, less-trodden trails await only a bit farther. Ride the ropeway up Mount Nokogiri, across Tokyo Bay in Chiba or watch the sunset behind Mount Fuji at Shin-nase Beach in Zushi, near Yokohama (and, conveniently, the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal).

Discover Past, Present, and Future in Shanghai

As you emerge into the center of Shanghai upon leaving Baoshan Port, it’s impossible to ignore the glittering skyscrapers of Lujiazui on the Pudong (eastern) side of the Huangpu River. The iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower and twisty Shanghai Spire make Shanghai’s skyline one of the world’s most recognizable.

But Shanghai is also rich in history, as you’ll see in The Bund, a stately promenade on the Puxi (western) bank of the river. The neighborhood is home to dozens of century-old buildings, which these days include rooftop bars and upscale boutiques. And this is only the beginning: More treasures await the deeper into Puxi you explore.

You’ll feel major Paris vibes as you stroll along tree-lined Huaihai Road in the historical French Concession. But a wander down any alley to get sheng jian bao fried dumplings or ci fan tuan rice rolls will remind you that you’re still in China. Or pay a visit to the circa 16th century Yu Yuan Garden, which might just transport you back in time — at least until you see a skyscraper peering over the pagoda’s roof. 

Planning to be in Shanghai for a few days? The Zhujiajiao “water town,” which dates back 1,700 years, makes for a fascinating day trip. Or take a high-speed train to nearby Hangzhou, whose willow-lined West Lake area has been drawing people seeking serenity for centuries.

In Keelung, Enjoy a Feast for All Senses

Both locals and visitors know Keelung has a well-deserved reputation as a popular day trip from Taipei. Some must-see spots are the Miaokou Night Market, where you can feast on a meal of steamed whole fish and milk tea with fresh-made boba pearls. Or visit Zhengbin Fishing Harbor, whose colorful facades evoke the canals of Burano Island in Venice.

From Keelung, frequent local trains and buses head southward in the direction of Taipei. Stroll along the Ximending pedestrian street or hike up Xiangshan mountain for a panorama of Taipei’s famous skyline, including towering Taipei 101, one of the tallest buildings in the world. 

Take a bus from Keelung Station along Taiwan’s underrated northern coast to Jiufen Old Street. Scope out breathtaking ocean views from atop steep staircases or beneath vermilion lanterns. Or travel northward from Taipei to Beitou, Taiwan’s hot springs capital, where inviting day spas and breathtaking geothermal formations beckon.

Now Find Your Perfect Cruise

With so many wonderful options from which to choose, the hard part will be selecting which port town to start in. Royal Caribbean^®, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises^®, and others offer multiple voyages for every budget and different kinds of getaways, whether you’re looking for a short jaunt or a longer stay. As an Owner Benefit, Owners using Club Points will receive up to $200 shore excursion credit.⁴

Travel writer Robert Schrader has been exploring (and, at turns, residing in) East and Southeast Asia for almost two decades.

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