6 Things I learnt on my South Asia Fly Cruise

I (Hannah) have recently returned from a true Bucket List Experience with a cruise on Celebrity Solstice around South East Asia, and had the best time ever! Here are 6 things I learnt.

Southeast Asia is vibrant, chaotic, breathtaking—and full of surprises, especially when explored by cruise. After sailing through Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and Hong Kong, I walked away with a handful of lessons I wish I’d known before boarding. If you’re planning your own trip, these six tips will save you time, stress, and confusion—and help you enjoy your journey even more.

1. Cash Is Key in Singapore—Yes, Really

Singapore is ultra-modern, spotless, and impressively efficient… which is why it completely shocked me that taxis don’t always accept card payments. If you’re hoping to hop in a taxi from the airport or around the city, you’ll need cash—either USD or Singapore Dollars.

You can use Grab, Southeast Asia’s Uber alternative, but availability around the city can be hit-or-miss, especially during peak times. Don’t rely on it as your only option.

Pro tip: Bring small notes. Taxis often won’t have change for large notes.

2. Ha Long Bay Is an Absolute Must-Do

When you dock in Hanoi (Ha Long City), do not stay aboard the ship. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most stunning places I’ve ever seen.

A full-day boat tour through the limestone mountains and emerald waters is the best way to experience it—caves, kayaking, floating villages, and endless scenic views. It’s peaceful, surreal, and worth every minute.

If you only pick one excursion on your trip, make it this one.

3. Overnight Docking in Bangkok? Proceed With Caution

Bangkok is incredible—but getting there from your cruise port is… not. Our ship took our passports (standard in some countries), but Thailand requires your passport for hotel check-in, which caused complications.

And the drive? Nearly 3 hours each way, both days. Traffic is no joke.

If you want a more relaxed overnight stop, consider staying nearer the port or visiting Pattaya, which is much closer and still offers beaches, nightlife, restaurants, and activities—without the exhausting commute.

4. USD Is Widely Accepted Across Multiple Countries

If you don’t want to juggle four different currencies, here’s good news: USD is widely accepted across Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and Hong Kong—especially in tourist areas, taxis, and markets.

It’s not always the cheapest way to pay (local currency is sometimes better), but for convenience, USD makes things so much easier.

Bring clean, untorn notes—many places won’t accept worn notes.

5. Ports Are Often Far From Major Cities—Have a Plan

One of the biggest things to note on this cruise is how far ports are from the major destinations:

Bangkok → 2.5–3 hours
Ho Chi Minh → 1.5–2 hours
Hanoi (via Ha Long port) → 2.5+ hours
Even Hong Kong and Singapore have port areas that can be confusing on foot

The key: Don’t wing it. Have transportation arranged in advance or book excursions through the cruise line or a trusted operator.

If you need help planning logistics, transfers, or port days—we can help make it seamless.

6. The Best Ship for Asia? The Celebrity Solstice

After experiencing this route, I can confidently say: the Celebrity Solstice is the best ship for Asia. The entertainment, food, and overall atmosphere fit the itinerary perfectly. The ship felt like the right balance of relaxation and activities—exactly what you want after long port days.

Whether it’s your first time in Asia or your tenth, Solstice makes the journey as memorable as the destinations.

Southeast Asia by cruise offers an amazing mix of culture, scenery, food, and adventure—but a little preparation goes a long way. From currency tips to long transfers to choosing the right ship, these small insights can make a big difference in how smooth and enjoyable your trip will be.

If you’re planning your own Southeast Asia cruise and want help organising port days, transfers, or excursions—just let us know. We would love to help you make the most of it!