Breakaway - Old World Journeys - Part I: Sailing The Far East

I’ve always thought Old World journeys – by ship, train and caravan – are infinitely more glamorous and romantic than the incessant rush of air travel these days. The latter may be more efficient, yes, but not necessarily more comfortable or enjoyable. Old world travelling may take longer to get from A to B, but but you can languish elegantly with wine and good company, and let’s face it – it’s a luxury if you can afford that kind of time just for pleasure!

So now that one is no longer struggling to climb the corporate ladder, and there is some extra cash for the occasional indulgence, maybe ‘tis time to revisit the art of travelling. Squished in a teensy-tiny seat in cattle class on a plane is in no way romantic, compared to a suite (not bunk!) on a ship with a view. So when I came across information on cruises and train trips, I figured I had to give it a bit of SimplyFab air time. Here goes in Part 1….

The Rolls Royce of the Sea, Silversea’s Silver Shadow is slipping into our waters end September to do its Asian runs. This marks the start of its winter season through the Far East and South Pacific (See? Doesn’t that already sound romantic?) with seven eastern journeys meandering past giant cities and remote islands. Here’s a sampling….

A round-trip journey to Hong Kong departs 16 – 26 November, hugging southern China with calls at Xiamen, Shanghai then northward to Naha Okinawa in Japan, Keelung in Taiwan and Kaosiung in China on the return leg of the voyage. From US$5712 (S$7950)

If you’re already in Hong Kong, head home to Singapore in style on another cruise which departs 26 November, sailing through Vietnam, stopping at Haiphong in Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh city. Reach Singapore on 6 December. From US$5,358 (S$7460)

Prepare ahead for Christmas and New Year on a cruise with its Sydney to Auckland trip 21 December – 4 January. A 15 day treat, it leaves Sydney to reach Melbourne on Christmas Eve in Melbourne. Spend Christmas day onboard the Silver Shadow with gourmet dining and festive entertainment, arriving in Hobart on Boxing day. From here, push on to Dunedin and Christchurch in New Zealand where there’s a tea party awaiting with Maori entertainers and punting down the Avon River in a boat guided by an Edwardian punter. Then sailing onward to Wellington, Napier and Tauranga and finally Auckland. Prices from US$8,187 (S$11,400)

On a tour of one of their ships a couple years ago, someone had remarked that the prices were high. Well, it’s no cheap date, for sure, but let’s compare: a 13-hour flight on SIA’s A380 first class suite from Singapore to London costs almost S$20,000. Hold that up against S$11,400 for the 15-day trip to with luxe, free-flow everything with a suite I can dance around in, and I think I know where I’d like to lay down the moolah.

What else is thrown in apart from the trip? All-suite accommodation, gourmet meals, complimentary wines, Champagne and spirits, all gratuities, excursions and onboard activities, plus 24-hour complimentary room-service – from formal multi-course dinners to full breakfast. Evenings are filled with entertainment from classical music performances to theatre shows, and insightful lectures given by luminaries from around the world on food and wines, famous explorers, celebrities and renowned authors and artists at each destination.

Log onto www.silversea.com or Tel: 65 6223 7066
(Photos courtesy of Silversea Cruises)