Hong Kong - Port Louis (Mauritius) Focus on the Far East: trends, culture and Asian rituals

The economic heart of Vietnam beats in Ho Chi Minh City, a metropolis located in the south of the country at the mouth of the Saigon River. Formerly known as Saigon, it was renamed after the reunification of north and south Vietnam in 1976 in honour of the former president, Ho Chi Minh. The city’s skyline features buildings that can be seen from miles away, including the 461 m (1,512 ft) high skyscraper Landmark 81 and the Bitexco Financial Tower at a height of around 260 m (853 ft). As well as its economic importance, Ho Chi Minh City is also a culinary centre with a variety of Vietnamese and international restaurants. Chinatown, also known as Cholon, in the busy city centre is an inviting place to spend time browsing and admiring the curiosities on offer at the markets. The ship will stay overnight – perfect for enjoying your time to the fullest.

Take advantage of the evening arrival to experience Singapore’s highlights at night. Enjoy the flair long after sunset, because your ship will stay overnight here.

Singapore combines modern glamour with deeply rooted traditions. The smallest city in Southeast Asia, whose name means “Lion City”, boasts an exciting mix of futuristic buildings, historic districts and green oases. The city’s landmark, the Merlion, stands guard over the harbour, while its skyline is dominated by the impressive Marina Bay Sands and its breathtaking SkyPark – featuring one of the longest swimming pools in the world. Singapore is a great place for strolling along the busy Orchard Road, discovering long-standing traditions in Chinatown and experiencing the future of urban nature in the Gardens by the Bay.

From Port Kelang, you can embark on a discovery tour of exciting Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. KL, as the city is known, offers a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition. The majestic Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world, dominate the skyline, while there are plenty of exotic discoveries to be made in the narrow streets: markets, Hindu temples and districts such as Little India and Chinatown, which reflect the diversity of Malaysian culture. Kuala Lumpur is an ideal destination for explorers looking for a combination of modern architecture and cultural heritage.

George Town on the Malaysian island of Penang combines colonial charm with a lively, multicultural atmosphere. Founded in 1786 by Francis Light as a British trading post, the city soon developed into an important port in Southeast Asia. Still today, scenes in the old town, with its historic buildings, temples, mosques and colourful street art, reflect Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. All over the city, the irresistible aroma of the famous Penang cuisine, known for its variety and aromas, wafts from the traditional food stalls. George Town is easy to explore on foot or in a trishaw, a type of rickshaw, allowing you to make an authentic discovery of the history and culture of Penang.