Asia or Panama Canal??

[Rambo1985]

Hi

 

I am after a bit of advice, i cant make my mind up between two cruises (i know it is my choice but i am after advice from anybody who has been to either of these places.)

 

Both cruises are with celebrity in December next year.

 

Here is the 1st itinerary (aboard millenium)

 

Day 1 Singapore.

Day 2 Singapore.

Day 3-4 at sea.

Day 5-6 Bangkok

Day 7 at sea

Day 8 Ho Chi Minh

Day9 at sea

day 10-12 Hanoi

Day 13 at sea

day 14-15 Hong Kong

 

 

Here is the 2nd itinerary (aboard Infinity)

 

Day 1 Fort Lauderdale

day 2-3 at sea

day 4 Cartagena

day 5 colon

day 6 panama canal

day 7 at sea

day 8 manta

day 9-10 at sea

day11-12 lima

day 13 at sea

day 14 arica

day 15-16 at sea

day 17 valparaiso

 

 

Any advice would be welcome, thanks in advance.

[Toronto Guy]

Have done both. Definitely Asia.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[4774Papa]

Have done both. Definitely Asia.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

We have done the second, and it was great. We eventually plan to do the first.

The Asia trip would be a more exotic trip, but the flights to Singapore and Hong Kong are very long. We did China last year with Vantage and it was super, but those 13 hour flights are brutal.

 

The Panama Canal is great. Also, loved South America, especially Peru and Chile.

[cynalan]

I have done both cruises. There is no question in my mind that Asia would be number 1. However, it really does depend on what you are seeking from your cruise. The Panama Canal cruise is really just a Caribbean cruise "plus". It's a fun in the sun experience with the added bonus of transiting the canal. Interesting to see for sure, but the rest of the trip is really not any different from other Caribbean voyages.

 

Asia was really special. Now I will admit that my wife and I were seeking a different experience in Asia. We wanted to experience a different culture and see a new part of the world. Our Asia cruise was phenomenal... the food, the culture, the history - fantastic. It is not, however, a relaxing holiday. As others have mentioned, the flight is long but, I think, really worth it.

 

So, once again, it really depends what you desire from your vacation.

[NLH Arizona]

If you haven't been to Asia, I would do that one over the Panama Canal.

[Bruin Steve]

Hi

 

I am after a bit of advice, i cant make my mind up between two cruises (i know it is my choice but i am after advice from anybody who has been to either of these places.)

 

Both cruises are with celebrity in December next year.

 

Here is the 1st itinerary (aboard millenium)

 

Day 1 Singapore.

Day 2 Singapore.

Day 3-4 at sea.

Day 5-6 Bangkok

Day 7 at sea

Day 8 Ho Chi Minh

Day9 at sea

day 10-12 Hanoi

Day 13 at sea

day 14-15 Hong Kong

 

 

Here is the 2nd itinerary (aboard Infinity)

 

Day 1 Fort Lauderdale

day 2-3 at sea

day 4 Cartagena

day 5 colon

day 6 panama canal

day 7 at sea

day 8 manta

day 9-10 at sea

day11-12 lima

day 13 at sea

day 14 arica

day 15-16 at sea

day 17 valparaiso

 

 

Any advice would be welcome, thanks in advance.

 

That Panama Canal itinerary is definitely NOT the typical Panama cruise...The typical Panama cruise IS basically a half-Caribbean, half-Mexican Riviera cruise--and therefore not all that exciting to those of us who have done several Caribbeans and Mexican Rivieras.

 

That particular itinerary is really a repositioning cruise, moving a ship from the Caribbean down to South America--and more of a South American cruise...and actually looks quite intriguing...

 

That said, I sould STILL go with the Asian itinerary if all else was equal--just a bit more exotic, a bit more out of the norm...

 

Of course, there are other factors--the long flights may be somewhat of a consideration for many (an adventure for others)...Also, the opportunity to do various pre-or post-cruise extensions from both--perhaps a post-cruise to Macchu Picchu and Cuzco...versus an extended visit to China...Also, a lot would depend on where you've been before...

 

But, my vote: Asia

[Rambo1985]

Thanks for all the advice, i have made my decision and going to go for the Asia cruise. The flights dont really bother be to be honest, i will just read or watch films.

 

After looking at the trips and the different places, and as Bruin Steve said Asia is more exotic.

 

I will be speaking to my ta to book it.

 

many thanks again.

[Islandgirl4242]

We loved Asia so much that we're planning to go back!!:D:D:D ~~Judy

[suekay]

We did a "once in a lifetime" cruise in Asia........and are doing it again in March:D

[Gig103]

I'm planning the second cruise because I want to go through the canal and it seems more interesting than East-West USA Canal transits. But between the two you listed, even I would say the first is the better itinerary!

[chris1950]

we done both as well.we liked both but we done asia 4 times now and going back for our 5th time in march,doing the reverse trip to you. so even thou it a 13 hour trip for us as well,asia is the prefered choice

[vicmon]

Asia ... Do the canal transit in 2015 when the expansion (third set of locks) is targeted to be completed... Or during the months of mid december til april ... Is "summer" time in Panama

[kitty9]

I've been to Asia 6 times, 2 on 30 day land trips and 4 on cruises. I would do Asia again in a second. The culture, people, food and sites can't be equaled.

[Keith1010]

Hi

 

I am after a bit of advice, i cant make my mind up between two cruises (i know it is my choice but i am after advice from anybody who has been to either of these places.)

 

Both cruises are with celebrity in December next year.

 

Here is the 1st itinerary (aboard millenium)

 

Day 1 Singapore.

Day 2 Singapore.

Day 3-4 at sea.

Day 5-6 Bangkok

Day 7 at sea

Day 8 Ho Chi Minh

Day9 at sea

day 10-12 Hanoi

Day 13 at sea

day 14-15 Hong Kong

 

 

Here is the 2nd itinerary (aboard Infinity)

 

Day 1 Fort Lauderdale

day 2-3 at sea

day 4 Cartagena

day 5 colon

day 6 panama canal

day 7 at sea

day 8 manta

day 9-10 at sea

day11-12 lima

day 13 at sea

day 14 arica

day 15-16 at sea

day 17 valparaiso

 

 

Any advice would be welcome, thanks in advance.

 

I've done both and would do Asia in a heartbeat.

 

If you can take the time and it fits your budget spend a couple of days in Singapore before the cruise and a few days in Hong Kong after the cruise. This cruise is all about the ports. The Panama Cruise is more about the days at sea.

 

Go with Asia.

 

Keith