MS Europa Laem Chabang - Singapore

MS Europa Laem Chabang to Singapore - courtesy of Hapag Lloyd </p> <p>CruisesEnlightenment is close enough to touch. Full of awe, you stand before symbols of reverence with dimensions almost beyond comprehension. The mighty Khmer kings erected them as witness to their divinity, while the followers of Buddha unhurriedly created a gigantic statement of faith out of stone. Nature also shows herself as extremely moving, reveals why she is so worthy of protection. Asia from its fascinating side. A 16 day /15 night cruise itinerary

Highlights

Bangkok/Thailand - Eight exciting days could already be behind you when you come on board. The pre cruise programme Thailand Exclusive - Bangkok and the North* takes you deep into the Golden Triangle.

Laem Chabang (Bangkok)/Thailand - Rural Thailand* and the beauty of its landscape invite you to the wai - the traditional bow. Sleepy villages, tropical rainforests, white beaches - you will find plenty of good reasons to love this country. Such as the exotic flora and fauna which are protected in nature parks from disruptive factors. One of the highlights of your trip is the overland excursion to Angkor Wat*, UNESCO World Heritage Site. This massive temple city of the Khmer kings was once swallowed up by the jungle. Today, the immense ruins with their lotus towers, innumerable flat reliefs and the hundreds of smiling stone faces radiate an atmosphere of mystery. Stroll through the world-famous heritage of a lost epoch.

Kampong Saom (Sihanoukville)/Cambodia - In 1434, the Khmer kings moved their residence to Phnom Penh*, which has remained the country’s capital down to the present day. Visit the Wat Phnom, the exalted spiritual centre of the city, or the Royal Palace and its shining silver pagoda - immerse yourself in this historic city at the confluence of Mekong and Tonle Sap.
This is also where the guests from the overland excursion to Angkor Wat will re-embark.

Kota Kinabalu/Sabah/Malaysia - Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures and offers a colourful diversity in other respects as well: sandy beaches lined with coconut palms, dense jungles, modern cities and remote, primeval rural areas. Visitors are attracted above all by the beauty of nature found here. The Kinabalu National Park* in Sabah is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of Southeast Asia’s highest mountain, Mount Kinabalu. The biodiversity in the nature world at its foot is without equal. Ancient trees, blooming orchids, rhododendrons and begonias excite the visitors’ eye, while the representatives of a fantastic bird world flutter and sing above your head. Truly an experience. Mangrove swamps, green fields and small villages move past your window as you travel by train* through the landscapes of Borneo.

Sandakan/Sabah/Malaysia - Sandakan’s colonial heritage* can be found on the eastern coast of Sabah. From here, your route will take you into the realm of the apes. The Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre* is a protected refuge for this endangered species in which orphaned orang-utans are raised and prepared for a life in the wilderness. Watch them being fed, and hike through the primordial, untouched rainforest of the park.

Parepare/Sulawesi/Indonesia - Although the island has the shape of an orchid, life here has not always been so flowery: until well into the 20th century, the ancient Malay people of the Toraja in the highlands were feared as headhunters. Even today, the course of life in Toraja land* is determined by traditional beliefs, ancestor worship and spirits and demons. Since the Toraja view earthly life only as a transition, funerals take on particularly great significance. Valuable burial objects take their places in the cliff graves, which are guarded by tau taus, wooden figures representing the dead. The houses of the Toraja, built completely without nails and decorated with numerous carved ornaments, are also worth seeing. An excursion into a different world. The Bugis also place great value on their ancient traditions. This proud people lives in the vicinity of Batu-Batu*, a magnificent region of mountains, waterfalls and lakes. Many of the Bugis live in houses on stilts which may rise as much as 10 feet above the ground. Look forward to exciting encounters.

MS Europa itinerary map courtesy of Hapag Lloyd </p> <p>CruisesSemarang/Java/Indonesia - The world’s largest Buddhist shrine was discovered under a mountain of volcanic debris in 1814: Borobudur*. The UNESCO World Heritage Site in terraced form takes visitors upwards past innumerable reliefs, rising to the level of enlightenment. 72 stupas containing seated stone Buddhas adorn the upper circular terraces, which also offer a marvellous view of the surroundings. You will collect beautiful views of the landscape and the rice paddies of Java during a trip with the old Loco Train* which belongs to the Ambawara Railway Museum. Friends of clove cigarettes can follow the development of the kreteks*, an Indonesian word imitating the crackling sound made by the cloves when the cigarettes are smoked. Even today, most of these cigarettes are manufactured on Java.

Pulau Sepa/Indonesia - The Zodiacs cruise in clear waters just off a small paradise: Pulau Sepa, one of hundreds of tropical atolls in the Thousand Islands. Snorkel along the magnificent coral reefs, enjoy hours of perfect happiness on one of the beaches, or explore the island. No matter what you decide to do, you will be rewarded.

Singapore - Welcome to Singapore - this is not only your greeting in the dazzling metropolis, but also the name of the post cruise programme* during which you can explore the fascinating city for two days.

Daily Itinerary

  • Thurs 03/06 Manila Transfer to embarkation on the EUROPA = Manila/Philippines, departure 11:00 pm
  • Fri 03/07 Relaxation at Sea
  • Sat 03/08 Kaohsiung, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Sun 03/09 Hong Kong, arrival 1:00 pm
  • Mon 03/10 Hong Kong, departure 7:00 pm
  • Tue 03/11 Passing through the Hainan Strait
  • Wed 03/12 Cruising in Halong Bay, about 7:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Thurs 03/13 Da Nang, 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 03/14 Relaxation at Sea
  • Sat 03/15 Journey on the Saigon River
  • Ho Chi Minh City, arrival 09:30 am
  • Sun 03/16 Ho Chi Minh City, departure 4:00 pm
  • Journey on the Saigon River
  • Mon 03/17 Relaxation at Sea
  • Tue 03/18 Ko Samui, 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wed 03/19 Laem Chabang (Bangkok)/Thailand, arrival 7:00 am Transfer to the airport

Also tagged with: Cruise Expeditions, Asia, Indonesia, Thailand, Deluxe Cruises, Hapag Lloyd, MS Europa, World Cruises


Vantage World Strongly Recommends Insurance for all your Travel Programs

Insure My Trip We provide, through TravelSafe Insurance, one of the nation's largest and most respected providers of travel insurance, a TravelSafe Custom Plan, where you decide the benefits YOU want and the levels of protection YOU desire including access to their 24-hour emergency assistance service from anywhere in the world. Click the link below the Plan Benefits table for plan details.