Name: Grand Pacific Explorer
Brand: Viking Ocean Cruises
Rating: 4.5 (6 reviews)

Overview

There's no better way to see Far East and Indonesia than from the deck of Viking Venus, sailing with Viking Ocean Cruises for 26 nights from Hong Kong. The route winds through 3 ports including Ha Long Bay, Ko Samui, and Surabaya, interspersed with 6 sea days for unwinding on board. Few things rival waking up in a new port most mornings, and this 26-night itinerary serves up exactly that kind of variety. Book this Far East and Indonesia cruise from just £10,899 per person for a truly unforgettable holiday.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking began as a river cruise line and entered the ocean-cruise market with the launch of the 930-guest Viking Star.

Viking has already made an indelible mark on the sector with its fleet of stylish, near-identical, adult-only ships.

The cruise line currently has 10 ships in its fleet.

Cruise Itinerary

Days 1-2

Hong Kong

Hong Kong, originally a small fishing village, has evolved into a vibrant global metropolis and a significant gateway to China. Its subtropical climate facilitates a lively blend of urban and natural experiences, from neon-lit streets to serene hikes like Dragon's Back. Hong Kong offers an authentic exposure to Cantonese lifestyle and cuisine amidst its towering skyscrapers. A unique fact: it boasts one of the world's highest per capita concentrations of cafes and restaurants, offering an eclectic dining scene.

Day 3

Days 4-5

Ha Long Bay

Day 6

Chan May

Near the former demilitarized zone that once divided North and South Vietnam, Chan May is now a gateway to some of Vietnams most profound cultural treasures. With a subtropical climate, it features lush landscapes that burst with color during the rainy season, offering a dramatic contrast to the typical dry scenery often associated with Vietnam. Chan May is not just a stop; its an invitation to explore the untamed beauty of Central Vietnam, complete with hidden lagoons and local villages where traditional lifestyles thrive. Here, the serene Lap An Lagoon mirrors the sky, providing a picturesque setting unique to this part of the world.

Day 7

Days 8-10

Ho Chi Minh City

Once a pivotal market town on the banks of the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, has blossomed into a high-energy metropolis, merging tradition with modernity. Its tropical climate enhances the lush, green expanses scattered throughout the city, perfect for those who seek respite within vibrant urban confines. The citys streets, a labyrinth of local food vendors, French colonial architecture, and bustling markets, offer an authentic snapshot of Vietnamese life. Intriguingly, its also the motorbike capital of the world, with over 8 million bikes weaving through the citys veins.

Day 11

Days 12-13

Sihanoukville

Days 14-16

Laem Chabang

Laem Chabang, Thailands largest port, is not just a commercial hub but a gateway to exploring the less charted beauties of Eastern Thailand. Its tropical climate and proximity to both sea and jungle create a dynamic environment, ideal for those who seek variety in their travels. This port town showcases authentic Thai life, from bustling local markets to serene temple grounds. A unique fact about Laem Chabang is its position near the historic city of Ayutthaya, a link to Thailands ancient roots just a day trip away.

Day 17

Ko Samui

Koh Samui was once a self-sustained microcosm, relying solely on its coconut plantations and fishing prowess. Its climate, a tropical paradise, offers year-round warmth, enticing those who seek an escape with both sunlit beaches and shadowed rainforests. Koh Samui represents Thailand away from the crowd, with local festivals and street markets that pulsate with authenticity. Notably, it is home to the unique pink dolphins, a rare sight that adds a touch of magic to its coastal waters.

Days 18-19

Day 20

Port Klang

Days 21-22

Singapore

Singapore, once a humble fishing village, has transformed into a global hub of commerce and culture. The city-state's equatorial climate supports a lush green landscape amidst urban sophistication, offering a year-round tropical environment that contrasts sharply with its modern architecture. Renowned for its efficiency and cleanliness, Singapore uniquely blends Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, evident in neighborhoods like Little India and Chinatown. An interesting fact: it is one of the few city-states in the world and has a national tree planting day every November to preserve its title as a Garden City.

Day 23

Day 24

Semarang

Semarang stands as a testament to architectural fusion, where colonial Dutch buildings intermingle with Javanese traditional houses. The city's tropical climate, characterized by warm days and cooler evenings, makes it a year-round destination that consistently attracts cruisegoers. Key attractions include the iconic Lawang Sewu, known for its thousand doors and rich history, and the ancient Sam Poo Kong temple, which celebrates Chinese influence in Java.

Day 25

Surabaya

Surabaya, known as the "City of Heroes" due to its pivotal role in the Indonesian battle for independence, offers a blend of urban charm and historical significance. Its tropical climate makes it a year-round destination, appealing to cruisegoers with its warm weather and cultural depth. Notable sights in Surabaya include the majestic Heroes Monument, the vibrant Chinatown district, and the historic House of Sampoerna, where visitors can delve into the intricacies of Indonesia's tobacco industry.

Days 26-27

Benoa, Bali

Benoa Harbor, the gateway to Bali's enchanting allure, was transformed from a small fishing village into one of Indonesia's primary cruise hubs, reflecting its growing popularity among international travelers. Its tropical climate ensures warm, sunny days perfect for exploration and relaxation, drawing cruisegoers consistently throughout the year. Main attractions in Benoa include the serene Benoa Beach, the bustling local markets offering a taste of Balinese culture, and water sports activities that cater to adventure seekers.

Days 1-2

Hong Kong

Day 3

Hong Kong

Days 4-5

Ha Long Bay

Day 6

Chan May

Day 7

Chan May

Days 8-10

Ho Chi Minh City

Day 11

Ho Chi Minh City

Days 12-13 Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville

Days 14-16

Laem Chabang

Day 17

Ko Samui

Days 18-19 Ko Samui

Ko Samui

Day 20

Port Klang

Days 21-22

Singapore

Day 23

Singapore

Day 24

Semarang

Day 25

Surabaya

Days 26-27

Benoa, Bali

930

Passengers

465

Crew

2020

Launched

48000t

Tonnage

227m

Length

29m

Width

20kts

Speed

Decks

EUR

Currency

Viking Venus

With their sleek, yacht-style bows and teak promenade decks, Viking’s ocean ships are a million miles from the large liners that sail the seas.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

Laid back luxury

Beautiful ship, wonderful service and some of the best food we've had at sea. Free access to the spa pool area was a bonus and perfect on the couple of slightly cooler days we had. Entertainment wasn't as varied as some cruises we've been on but as we are happy to make our own, this wasn't an issue. I will certainly be sailing with Viking again.

Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Sky

Reviews

What an amazing experience

Sailed from Moscow to St Petersburg for 12 days and was totally immersed in Russian culture and life.

Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Venus

Reviews

Amazing cruise from Barcelona to rome

We’d always done river cruises with Viking but decided to an ocean cruise with them! We weren’t disappointed as it was amazing as soon as we arrived at Barcelona airport as the Viking were there to meet us ! The ship was beautiful and they’d upgraded us as well! The staff were so friendly and helpful! Food was yummy and excursions and entertainment great! It was our anniversary whilst on the cruise so had a lovely meal at mandfridos who made it special. Certainly a wonderful cruise!

Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Mars

Reviews

2023-06-02 15:25:44

We went all the way to Australia and New Zealand for our first Viking cruise. The welcome at Sydney airport left a lot to be desired with co-ordination between two reps was non existent. We were left sitting outside waiting and waiting and eventually directed to a coach, where the driver asked “ where had we been?” He too was frustrated. The hotel was very well located and excellent. We boarded the ship, which looked like a newly built house with everything new. The food was good, but the carvery catered for non UK tastes with the meat very pink! But with plenty of alternatives so you could avoid it. Our only real complaint was trying to register for an excursion. Instead of using the theatre like all other cruise lines, Viking staff attempted this in a corridor, with people trying to register and others simply trying to get past. As the ship was only six months old I guess. the staff were inexperienced .

Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Mars

Reviews

2023-06-02 13:27:28

This was our first cruise. We had a fabulous time. We did end up missing two port of calls because of Cyclone Gabrielle but Viking took great care of us. We also extended 4 days in New Zealand which was incredible! We will definitely be cruising with Viking again.

Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Orion

Reviews

2023-03-28 17:59:06

Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Jupiter

Reviews

2023-03-09 12:00:04

Was great except the World Cafe ( Their Carvery ) catered for American tastes with the meat hardly cooked, Viking Mars needs to rethink this when moving to Europe.

Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Mars

Reviews

2023-03-08 17:09:20

Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Sky