Trip Overview
Vietnam’s history has often been shaped by outside forces, from centuries under Chinese influence to Western colonial domination by France and later conflict with the United States. Since the 1980s, however, Vietnam has emerged as a dynamic economy striving to join Southeast Asia’s economic tigers. This 14-night journey from Singapore to Hong Kong offers a deep dive into Vietnam’s rich past and vibrant present.
Begin by sailing from Singapore through the South China Sea to the Côn Đảo Islands, known for both their natural beauty and somber history as a brutal prison site. Explore historical landmarks or hike through the island’s highlands. Next, dock for two nights in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Visit landmarks like the Reunification Palace, War Museum, and Củ Chi Tunnels, or savor regional cuisine on a Mekong Delta cruise or in a cooking class. Cruise to Nha Trang, a coastal gem with palm-lined beaches and artisan workshops. Continue to Da Nang, the gateway to the ancient Cham ruins at My Son and the lantern-lit UNESCO town of Hội An. Chan May offers access to the imperial city of Hue, where you can explore the Royal Citadel and ornate emperor’s tombs. After a day at sea, arrive at Hạ Long Bay, a UNESCO site of towering limestone formations. Choose between exploring Hanoi, tranquil Yen Tu Mountain, or cruising Ha Long Bay by local boat. End in vibrant Hong Kong, discovering its bustling markets, herbal medicine shops, and panoramic views from Victoria Peak.
Schedule by Day
Depart on independent flights to Singapore. The program begins on Friday, February 6 in Singapore with three pre-nights at the Pan Pacific Hotel (or similar). Most flight options from both the US East and West coasts will require two calendar days to travel to Singapore. Consequently, guests should plan to depart on Wednesday, February 4 to ensure arrival on Friday, February 6.
Arrive at Singapore Changi Airport, a gateway that feels more like a sanctuary of art and nature. A warm welcome awaits as you’re whisked away to the luxurious Pan Pacific Hotel (or similar), where elegance and comfort set the tone for your stay.
Once a modest colonial port, Singapore has risen to stand among the world’s most dynamic cities—a place where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge innovation, and every street tells a story of transformation. This carefully curated program invites you to uncover the soul of this cosmopolitan city, where cultures converge, nature flourishes, and the future is written in dazzling light.
Overnight: Pan Pacific Hotel (or similar)
Following breakfast visit Tiong Bahru, the city’s oldest residential estate, tradition meets trendiness. Wander through art deco buildings, boutique shops, and markets alive with chatter and the aroma of freshly baked pastries. Pause to sip local coffee paired with signature snacks at the bustling Tiong Bahru Market, a hub of authenticity.
Next, discover Balestier, a district where Singapore’s heritage stands tall amidst modern progress. Explore its hidden gems before heading to the iconic Raffles Hotel, where you’ll enjoy snacks while sipping on the legendary Singapore Sling, a cocktail that tastes of tradition and elegance. A stroll through the chic Raffles Shopping Gallery rounds out your afternoon before an evening of connection and indulgence at the hotel’s welcome reception and dinner where you will celebrate your upcoming voyage with your Harvard Alumni Study Leader and fellow alumni and friends.
Overnight: Pan Pacific Hotel (or similar)
Meals: B, R, D
After breakfast at your hotel, step into the future at Gardens by the Bay, where towering Supertrees and intricate domes house botanical treasures from across the globe. Here, nature and technology unite in awe-inspiring harmony.
From the gardens, your adventure shifts to the captivating ArtScience Museum, a marvel of innovation where boundary-pushing exhibitions spark your imagination. A delightful lunch at a local venue follows, offering a chance to savor Singapore’s culinary magic.
In the afternoon, dive into the vibrant streets of Chinatown, where colorful shophouses and bustling markets paint a vivid picture of Singapore’s multicultural heritage. As the day winds down, a scenic drive take you to the pier for embarkation on the rest of your journey.
Overnight: Le Jacques-Cartier
Meals: B, L, D
Enjoy a day of relaxation and discovery aboard your ship. Unwind in the spa, stay active in the fitness center, or simply soak in the sun by the pool. Explore onboard boutiques, attend enriching lectures or entertainment, and take in panoramic views of the open sea. Keep an eye out for marine life from the upper deck—this day at sea offers a perfect balance of leisure and exploration.
Overnight: Le Jacques-Cartier
Meals: B, L, D
Nestled in the South China Sea, the Côn Đảo Islands enchant with their pristine beauty and poignant history. Once a stop on the Maritime Silk Road and a colonial trading post, this archipelago later served as a penitentiary during Vietnam's struggles for independence. Today, it stands as a memorial site, surrounded by lush vegetation and turquoise waters—a serene tribute to resilience.
Overnight: Le Jacques-Cartier
Meals: B, L, D
Vietnam’s largest city brims with energy and contrasts. Explore landmarks like the Reunification Palace, the ornate Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Cholon’s vibrant Chinatown. A dynamic blend of French colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers, Ho Chi Minh City offers a feast for the senses and a window into Vietnam’s storied past and vibrant present.
Overnight: Le Jacques-Cartier
Meals: B, L, D
Vietnam’s largest city brims with energy and contrasts. Explore landmarks like the Reunification Palace, the ornate Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Cholon’s vibrant Chinatown. A dynamic blend of French colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers, Ho Chi Minh City offers a feast for the senses and a window into Vietnam’s storied past and vibrant present.
Overnight: Le Jacques-Cartier
Meals: B, L, D
Journey along the iconic Saigon River, lined with traditional stilt houses, colonial relics, and contemporary skyscrapers. This serene passage offers glimpses of Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry amid lush tropical landscapes.
Overnight: Le Jacques-Cartier
Meals: B, L, D
When your ship calls at Quy Nhon, you'll have the opportunity to explore Ganh Da Dia, a breathtaking natural wonder formed by a volcanic eruption 200 million years ago. As molten lava met the icy waters, it fractured into striking geometric columns—square, round, or hexagonal—some standing tall, others tilted, creating an almost sculpted appearance.
Beyond its serene beaches, Quy Nhon is a hub of craftsmanship. Visit local villages to observe skilled artisans at work and take part in traditional hat making, rice paper making, or cake making with local families. Alternatively, explore the ancient Cham towers and Long Phuoc Pagoda, a spiritual site and the heart of Vietnamese martial arts.
Overnight: Le Jacques-Cartier
Meals: B, L, D
Enjoy a day of relaxation and discovery aboard your ship. Unwind in the spa, stay active in the fitness center, or simply soak in the sun by the pool. Explore onboard boutiques, attend enriching lectures or entertainment, and take in panoramic views of the open sea. Keep an eye out for marine life from the upper deck—this day at sea offers a perfect balance of leisure and exploration.
Overnight: Le Jacques-Cartier
Meals: B, L, D
Midway along Vietnam’s coast, Da Nang offers a delightful mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Discover the iconic Marble Mountains, the towering Buddha statue, and the city’s famed white-sand beaches. As a gateway to Hội An and Hue, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, Da Nang promises a rich tapestry of experiences.
Overnight: Le Jacques-Cartier
Meals: B, L, D
Located near Hue, the former imperial capital, Chan May is your access point to explore Vietnam’s regal past. Visit the Royal Citadel, a masterpiece inspired by Beijing’s Forbidden City, and marvel at the intricate emperor’s tombs.
Overnight: Le Jacques-Cartier
Meals: B, L, D
Enjoy a day of relaxation and discovery aboard your ship. Unwind in the spa, stay active in the fitness center, or simply soak in the sun by the pool. Explore onboard boutiques, attend enriching lectures or entertainment, and take in panoramic views of the open sea. Keep an eye out for marine life from the upper deck—this day at sea offers a perfect balance of leisure and exploration.
Overnight: Le Jacques-Cartier
Meals: B, L, D
Hạ Long Bay’s dramatic limestone karsts and emerald waters make it one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. Explore bustling streets, discover cultural heritage sites, or simply marvel at the serene beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Overnight: Le Jacques-Cartier
Meals: B, L, D
Enjoy a day of relaxation and discovery aboard your ship. Unwind in the spa, stay active in the fitness center, or simply soak in the sun by the pool. Explore onboard boutiques, attend enriching lectures or entertainment, and take in panoramic views of the open sea. Keep an eye out for marine life from the upper deck—this day at sea offers a perfect balance of leisure and exploration.
Overnight: Le Jacques-Cartier
Meals: B, L, D
After a final day at sea brings you along China’s southern coast the effervescent city of Hong Kong, a former fishing village that is today a sprawling financial hub encompassing some 230 islands. Discover the city’s eclectic mix of tradition and ultra-modern, luxury and simplicity on a panoramic tour that includes an ascent up Victoria Peak for sweeping views. Or delve into the Hong Kong’s vibrant markets, where merchants sell birds' nests, ginseng, herbal medicines, and street food.
Overnight: Le Jacques-Cartier
Meals: B, L, D
Disembark after breakfast, before transferring to the airport for flights homeward.
Pricing
| Category | Per Person, Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
| Deluxe Stateroom (Deck 3) | $17,470 | $32,760 |
| Prestige Stateroom (Deck 4) | $18,740 | $35,300 |
| Prestige Stateroom (Deck 5) | $19,360 | $36,540 |
| Prestige Stateroom (Deck 6) | $20,120 | $38,060 |
| Deluxe Suite (Decks 3, 4, 5, 6) | $25,650 | $49,120 |
| Prestige Suite (Deck 5) | $32,560 | $62,940 |
| Prestige Suite (Deck 6) | $33,940 | $65,700 |
| Privilege Suite (Deck 5, 6) | $48,170 | $94,160 |
| Grand Deluxe Suite (Deck 6) | $52,360 | $102,540 |
| Owner's Suite (Deck 6) | $54,730 | $107,280 |
Accommodations
- Two hotel pre-nights in Singapore
- Fourteen nights aboard Le Jacques-Cartier
Extensions
To be Announced
Busy pacing may include multiple hotel changes plus internal flights or long drives. May involve exposure to the outdoors, full days of touring, and walking up to two hours.
This journey features a range of activity levels to suit various preferences and physical capabilities. Most excursions are moderate, typically involving about 1 to 2 miles of walking on a mix of cobblestones, paved, or uneven surfaces, with some stairs or inclines. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and layered clothing and sun protection are recommended for comfort in changing conditions. While some tours are gentle, others are not recommended for guests with limited mobility. These specifications will be shared in an upcoming mailing in the Shore Excursions Descriptions document. In certain ports of call we will use a tender to disembark and get to shore and then again to embark back onto the ship – this requires stepping down into the tender assisted by our crew onboard.
