MS Europa Manila - Laem Chabang

MS Europa Manila to Laem Chabang - courtesy of Hapag Lloyd CruisesAsia stretches its feelers towards the sky. Hundreds of skyscrapers line the bay of Hong Kong, welcoming you to a fascinating continent. Sometimes dazzling and colourful, sometimes introspective and pristine, the sites of a history thousands of years old are found by the wayside. Visit dragon pagodas, venerable imperial cities and Ho Chi Minh City, the extremely lively “lady” on the Saigon River. A voyage of excitement between worlds. A 15 day /14 night cruise itinerary

Highlights

Manila/Philippines - Take a little time to become better acquainted with the Philippine metropolis Manila. Our pre cruise programme* will show you the highlights of the city before you go on board the EUROPA.

Kaohsiung/Taiwan - “Made in Taiwan” is the greeting of one of the largest ports in the world. The island has retained much of its ancient Chinese culture and its delicate architecture. While in Kaohsiung, collect impressions of ancient China at the Cheng Ching Lake and the Lotus Lake*. A life-size dragon statue guards the entrance to the Dragon Pagoda which colourfully welcomes you to a small island and admits you to a new world. Rice paddies lie at the feet of Taiwan’s largest Buddha, which majestically watches over events from a golden throne in the temple complex Fokuangshan*. The “Light of Buddha Mountain” is one of the most important Buddhist centres worldwide and is the site of magnificent temples and pagodas.

Hong Kong/People’s Republic of China - You will have two days’ time to view the glittering skyscraper metropolis from a number of impressive perspectives. From Victoria Peak*, for example, the “Mountain of Great Peace”. Or below on the shores, in Aberdeen, the “floating city”, whose inhabitants live on boats. After an evening trip on a tram*, you will find a breathtaking view of the lights and neon advertising signs of the city of millions from the outlook platform on Victoria Peak. The peninsula Kowloon can also be seen from here. Almost everything imaginable can be found there at the night market. Away from the tourist paths, Hong Kong reveals more of itself on the platform of the Bank of China.* From the 43rd floor there, you will have an outstanding view of Hong Kong Park, with its artificial waterfalls and stroll-through aviary. About 150 species of birds can be seen here. One of the most sought-after residential areas is the former fishing town Stanley. During your visit to Stanley Market*, you will be shopping right at the sea. No matter how you go about it, shopping in Hong Kong is a very special experience. Luxury brands from all over the world have their boutiques here and turn the Chinese city into a veritable shopper’s paradise. In contrast: the quiet of the early morning and the calm of a private Tai Chi lesson* among Chinese students in a park.

Passing through the Hainan Strait - Passing China’s largest island, you approach your next destination: Vietnam.

Cruising in Halong Bay - More than 3,000 limestone needles rise from the water in Vietnam’s Halong Bay, offering a sight that defies description.

Da Nang/Vietnam - The country between the Red River and the Mekong Delta has retained its original character. Whether it is the rice paddies, the gently rolling hills or the fisherman at the river - Vietnam leaves no one cold. The picturesque coast around Da Nang is famous for its beaches. A little distance away is the proud imperial city Hue* in which the last imperial dynasty resided until 1945. A visit to the old citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Imperial Palace is like a trip back in time to another age, past dragon ornaments, the ornate throne room and hundreds of Buddhist temples and pagodas. You also feel you have been transported back to another century in the small port town of Hoi An*. Dreamlike narrow streets wind through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lined by old trading houses with artful carvings and pagodas.

Journey on the Saigon River - Experience the wondrous morning atmosphere on and along South Vietnam’s main artery, the mighty Saigon River.

MS Europa itinerary map courtesy of Hapag Lloyd CruisesHo Chi Minh City (Saigon)/Vietnam - Colonial past appears side by side with Asian business life and colourful pagodas in Vietnam’s largest city. You will have two days’ time to immerse yourself in the pulsating life of the old lady on the Saigon River. Noteworthy sights in Saigon include the Historical Museum, the beautiful colonial Central Post Office or the neo-Romantic cathedral Notre Dame, where many bridal couples have said “I do”. In Chinatown, trade is still carried on in the narrow streets just like 300 years ago. And the patron goddess of seafarers is honoured in the Thien Hau Pagoda. The hall of the Binh Tay Market from 1914 is enormous - the range of products offered here is just as overwhelming. Move through the Cu Chi tunnels* 33 feet under the surface. The underground network of narrow passageways served the Vietcong and the inhabitants as hiding places from the Americans. Before saying good-bye, enjoy once again a romantic journey on the Saigon River - this time in the subtle light of evening.

Ko Samui/Thailand - The “Coconut Island” off Thailand’s coast lures visitors with long sandy beaches for relaxation and a golden Buddha: The Big Buddha of Wat Phra Yai* sits on a small island and radiates Asian imperturbability.

Laem Chabang (Bangkok)/Thailand - Your holiday does not have to end after checking out of your ship accommodation in the lively “City of Angels”*: Take advantage of an exclusive post cruise programme* to be enchanted for a few more days by the sights of culture and landscape in the north of Thailand and by the country’s fascinating capital Bangkok.

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, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, 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.