Voyage of the Far East: 14 Days of Luxury on Seabourn Encore

Hong Kong

We had the pleasure of beginning our cruise from the vibrant city of Hong Kong, a captivating destination to explore before or after your voyage. Take a look at my Hong Kong trip guide for tailored recommendations that will make your visit truly unforgettable.

Port Visits

Seabourn expertly coordinates port visits and we really appreciated the convenient private bus transfers running to one or two key stops in the city. While you have the option to join a variety of high-quality, curated Seabourn tours, you can also choose to venture out on your own. This allows you to tailor your experience to match your personal interests and pace. This flexibility ensures that you get the most out of each destination, whether you prefer guided experiences or independent discovery.

Hạ Long Bay Vietnam

As we sailed into Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam, we were amazed at the emerald waters dotted with thousands of unique limestone rock formations that rise dramatically from the sea. Taking a Junk boat tour through the bay offered the chance to see traditional floating fishing villages, hidden caves and secluded beaches.

For those happy to explore on their own, you can take the Seabourn bus to the downtown area of Hạ Long Bay and wander the market stalls. There are many restaurants of varying sophistication where you can sample local variations of pho and other traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Some also chose to take a tour from Hạ Long Bay to Hanoi. The 3-hour drive to Hanoi takes you through a countryside dotted with rice paddies and small villages.

Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Arriving in Vietnam was a really special experience sailing up the Saigon River. We were invited to gather at the front of the ship. Servers brought breakfast and champagne while witnessing the diverse activity on the water. There were small fishing boats, fuel tankers and cargo ships all sharing the same busy space. The captain had to sound the horn several times to warn approaching boats of our presence. It was a chaotic and amazing scene!

Exploring the old colonial quarter of Saigon is a captivating blend of past and present. Walking along tree-lined boulevards, it was interesting to see the grand colonial buildings like the Central Post Office alongside the rapid development of luxury hotels and high-end stores. Head to The Refinery at the historic La Manufacture d’Opium, where you will find a beautiful courtyard with a variety of restaurants and cafes.

The highlight of our trip was a food tour with Vespa Adventures, where we explored the bustling streets on the back of a Vespa, discovering hidden local eateries. Navigating through the sea of motorbikes was an unforgettable experience. The sheer sophistication and effortless flow of traffic amidst the seeming chaos of the city felt like watching a perfectly orchestrated symphony in motion. It was an incredible way to immerse ourselves in the culture of the city while indulging in its culinary delights.

We love bringing art back from our travels as a beautiful reminder of each country we visit. Tran Phu Street in District Five is lined with art shops showcasing an incredible array of handcrafted pieces. Highly recommend hiring a taxi or private driver to help navigate the bustling streets of Saigon and assist in transporting your treasured finds.

There are tours offered that provide an opportunity to visit sites associated with the Vietnam War. While they all offer historical context, it's important to consider the perspective from which the information is presented and be prepared for deeply emotional stories of the war's lasting impact. All the tours were a thought-provoking and intense experience, and while not for everyone, an option for those looking to understand the war’s legacy.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Cambodia is a truly unique destination, rich with an extraordinary history and cultural heritage. Once a laid-back backpacker's haven, Sihanoukville was known for its casual beachside restaurants and crystal-clear seas. The area is now undergoing significant economic development, as seen from the amount of construction throughout the city. I definitely recommended booking a guided tour to make the most of your time in port.

• Cooking classes are a wonderful introduction to authentic Khmer cuisine and Cambodian culinary traditions. The classes provide an enriching way to explore Cambodia’s food culture while learning valuable cooking skills you can take home with you.

• Ream National Park is the destination for nature lovers seeking to explore Cambodia's natural beauty. You will be able to experience the coastal mangroves, rainforests, coral reefs and rivers, home to over 150 bird species, dolphins and wildlife like monkeys and monitor lizards.

• Temple tours in Sihanoukville provide a peaceful and culturally immersive experience. Wat Leu and Wat Krom temples offer a serene retreat, showcasing the significance of Buddhism, traditional rituals and sacred architecture in community life. If you don’t want to take the tour to Phnom Penh but want to learn about Cambodia’s culture, this is a great alternative.

• The Seabourn private charter bus will take you to the local market where you can shop with the villagers. It is not for the faint of heart. You will see traditional wet market stalls packed tightly together. Vendors offer an array of colorful fruits, vegetables, and spices alongside live animals. Butchers cut meat on-site, and shoppers haggle with vendors to secure the best deals. The market is a sensory experience. It is full of energy, where locals gather not just to shop but to socialize, creating a lively and communal atmosphere.

• A tour from the cruise port in Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh offers a scenic journey through Cambodia’s rural countryside. The roughly four-hour drive leads to the bustling capital city of Phnom Penh. You will explore historic landmarks, all while soaking in the rich culture, history and charm of the city.

• An Angkor Wat Mid-Cruise Journey leaving from the port stop in Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City and returning in Sihanoukville was available as a Seabourn sponsored trip. It fills up very fast, so if you are interested, you need to book your cruise and the shore excursion early. While we did not go on it, when speaking to those who did, there was a bit of a trade-off. You miss the port stops in Saigon and Sihanoukville to see Ankor Wat. Some felt it was worth it. But others felt they would have preferred to do a separate trip to Ankor Wat to spend more quality time in all the locations.

Ko Kood Island, Thailand

The day at Ko Kood Island, Thailand, aboard the Seabourn Encore, was one of the best days of the trip. In addition to spending the day on one of Thailand's most unspoiled islands, we also enjoyed Seabourn’s signature Caviar in the Surf beach barbecue. The Seabourn team jump into the water to serve caviar and Champagne from a surfboard. The BBQ provides an extensive array of food throughout the day. They also arranged for Thai massages for guests, which were an extra charge, but well worth it!

Laem Chabang, Thailand

A cruise stop at Laem Chabang, Thailand, serves as the gateway to Bangkok and Pattaya, offering a mix of cultural experiences and excursions.

From Laem Chabang, you can take a day trip to Bangkok, about 90 minutes away, where you can explore iconic sites like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and the famous floating markets. Traffic in Bangkok can be intense, so booking a Seaborn sponsored tour is advisable as they guarantee a return to the ship vs. booking your own tour. Alternatively, closer to the port, the Seabourn private charter bus will take you to Pattaya, which offers shopping, beaches and water sports for a fun day out.

Singapore

Our cruise ended in Singapore. To get inspired about what you can do with a few days pre-or post-cruise, check out the Fora Travel Singapore destination page to see what Fora recommends.

The ship

Sailing on the Seabourn Encore was an incredible experience. Our suite was spacious and beautifully appointed, and the personalized service made every moment feel special. All the seaborn team members were very gracious, and because it is a small boutique ship with only about 600 passengers, you got to know them and they got to know you. The balconies are so lovely and relaxing. You can even call room service and they will deliver breakfast or caviar and champagne to serve to you while you relax overlooking the ocean!

Restaurants and Dining

• There are six restaurants on the ship offering a variety of cuisines along with all-day room service. There is never a shortage of food or drinks available, and it is all included in your fare. Our favorites were The Restaurant (main dining venue) and the sushi restaurant. But there is such a wonderful variety of dining options, no matter what your preference, you will find something to suit your palate.

• You are not assigned a table for dinner. It is your choice where you eat and who you eat with. We often chose a table for two and then met with people before or after dinner to socialize.

• Seabourn will also customize a meal for you. If you have a special occasion, a big group or really want a specific dish not on the menu, you can coordinate ahead of time.

• Seabourn has a specially crafted Zero at Sea drinks menu for those who are looking for non-alcoholic options.

• Following our trip, Seabourn launched a new Mediterranean restaurant concept called Solis that is getting rave reviews!

Entertainment and Activities

The ship publishes a daily itinerary of activities happening around the ship. You can be as busy and social as you choose.

• There is live entertainment every night, which comprises of a variety of comedians, special guests, the Seabourn entertainment team, music and dancing. We loved going after dinner. It was a great, lively atmosphere!

• Don’t miss going out on the deck for the sail-away parties! Drinks, canapés, singing, dancing all along a beautiful coastline, sailing to the next destination.

• We were fortunate to have two very interesting experts host discussions relevant to the locations we visited as part of the Seabourn Conversations program. This allowed us to gain invaluable insights into each port’s history, culture and current political landscape. Additionally, guests were encouraged to engage with the experts beyond the formal lectures. This fosters ongoing conversations and personal connections that enrich the experience throughout the cruise.

• On sea days, we met up with our trivia team to battle it out with our fellow passengers for the latest branded Seabourn gear. They served popcorn and drinks from the bar — the bloody Mary’s were great (vodka is optional)!

• Relax with afternoon tea in the Observation Bar, a lovely way to enjoy the beautiful ocean views.

• The spa and gym facilities are superb — make sure to book ahead at the spa to get the best date and time for you. With such a long itinerary, there was ample time to enjoy all the amenities.

• We traveled in January and the weather was variable. We had cooler weather with some rain in Hạ Long Bay, but by the time we got to Saigon, the sun and heat appeared. This made for some fabulous sea days at the pool. Make sure to get out early to get the best sun loungers!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Singapore page.