Queen Elizabeth's Asian Sojourn

25 Feb 2028
Departs Evening

Among the one of the world’s busiest ports and prosperous cities, Singapore is full of culture, history and excitement, where you are welcome to enjoy a tropical climate and multicultural population.

At its colonial core is Padang, a cricket field since the 1830s now flanked by the 18 Corinthian columns of City Hall. In Chinatown stands the oddly named but beautiful Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.

The first settlement known as Singapore was formed in the late 13th century on the banks of the Singapore River. This served as the only port at the southern end of the Strait of Malacca, thriving in its infancy before its role as an international trading port declined by the 15th century. Singapore’s main settlement and port were later destroyed in the early 17th century, with no significant settlement or functionality present here until Sir Stamford Raffles landed on the island in 1819.

Raffles established a new settlement and international port for Britain, keen to draw in traders from Asia and Europe. The Chinese began to set up trading houses on the river’s south bank and lower reaches, while the British resided on the upper reaches of the river. Singapore thrived and continued to do so when it ceased to be part of the British Empire in 1963, despite small setbacks in trade up until the 1990s, when the port once again became a key player.

A remarkable combination of history, culture, modernised ideals and tropical climate contribute to Singapore’s diverse and prosperous character. Business is booming, with the towering skyscrapers and big brands residing in the Central Business District proving a powerful nod to this. This is the area most visitors should start exploring during their Port of Singapore cruise given that the river forms the central artery of Singapore.

Beyond the business are several intriguing attractions centred round where Raffles founded his colony. Do not miss Cavenagh Bridge, the city’s oldest bridge, constructed in 1869. Take a look at the grand Fullerton Hotel, once the General Post Office building. Along the front of the river are a number of traditional shop houses in which today restaurants and bars are located. You cannot leave Singapore without tasting its famous chilli crab or sipping on a Singapore sling, and this is the best area to do so.

Marina Bay continues the theme of flamboyance and fortune, crowned by the incredible architecture of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. From here you will enjoy the best view of the Central Business District, further enhanced by a nightly fountain and light show along the river itself. Do not miss the Gardens by the Bay behind the hotel, especially if you fancy some serenity amid the busy city.

Chinatown and Little India bring another example of Singapore’s diversity to the table, home to wonderful authentic eateries and some stunning temples. In Chinatown, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is the star of the show. While in Little India, a visit to the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple will allow you to discover the district’s oldest and busiest temple.

28 Feb 2028 - At Sea

29 Feb 2028 - 01 Mar 2028
Arrives Early morning

Contradiction is part of Hong Kong’s attraction. While the city buzzes with modern commerce, soaring skyscrapers and sophistication, it remains a place of ancient beliefs and intriguing local customs.

Your guide to Hong Kong.
Few cities balance old and new like Hong Kong. A city as fiercely modern as it is traditional, life here pulses with vigour and vitality while still honouring ancient customs and beliefs. Market traders hawk steaming dumplings on neon-lit streets. Sacred temples stand in the shadow of skyscrapers and luxury boutiques populate glossy shopping centres. Contradiction is all part of Hong Kong’s appeal, the city’s dynamic personality a complementary blend of Chinese and British influences. Heralded as one of the world’s foremost culinary, cultural and commercial capitals, a port call here provides myriad ways to satisfy your stomach, your senses and your suitcase.

At Sea - 03 Mar 2028

04 Mar 2028
Arrives Early morning
Departs Evening

Busan is South Korea’s second largest city and seaport, and it's a laid-back, metropolitan destination. Its pace is slower, and its diversity more pronounced, than the country's capital city of Seoul.

Busan has an intriguing medley of culture and history, beautiful natural settings and exciting adventures. It’s also near South Korea’s cultural capital, Gyeongju, and the fortress of Jinju.

The area has a long history dating back almost 2,000 years. Though the city of Busan itself was first designated as a port at the beginning of the 15th century, primarily trading with Japan. When Japan invaded Korea later that century, the role of the port diminished somewhat, until 1876 when Korea assigned Busan as its first international port.

05 Mar 2028
Arrives Early morning
Departs Evening

Japan’s first real contact with the West was through Portuguese explorers and Jesuit missionaries, and then Dutch merchants. Apprehensive Shoguns thus closed Japan to foreign trade except at Nagasaki.

Stop by Peace Park for a moment of serenity, or visit the Confucian Shrine to see the influence that the Chinese community has on Nagasaki.

06 Mar 2028
Arrives Early morning
Departs Evening

On the southern tip of Kyushu lies Kagoshima, a place of spectacular scenery. Why not enjoy the rugged mountain vistas, rivers and bubbling hot springs, and the unexpected palm tree-lined streets?

07 Mar 2028 - At Sea

08 Mar 2028 - 09 Mar 2028
Arrives Early morning

In 1859, Yokohama became the first major Japanese Treaty Port opened to foreign trade, so there is interesting maritime and international flavour to one of the country’s most accessible and second largest cities.

It’s an exciting city filled with Japanese charm and culture, and is less than 30 minutes’ train ride from Tokyo, so there’s an opportunity to sample two of Japan’s greatest urban centres.

Once a small fishing village, the trigger for Yokohama’s evolution came in 1853 when Japan opened several of its ports for commerce. Yokohama’s once sleepy settlement expanded and the Port of Yokohama officially opened in 1859, instantly becoming the base of foreign trade for the entire country.

British and Chinese traders came to the city, creating settlements and laying the foundations for the international character still present in the city today. A setback in the city’s history occurred in 1923 when the Great Kantō earthquake destroyed many structures and buildings. However, Yokohama experienced immense post-war growth with major urban development creating a modern and affluent identity.