November 5, 2023: As you will cross the international dateline, you will most likely depart from your home city to Bangkok on November 5.  You may book your own air or add Viking Air to your booking.  With Viking Air starting at $1299 for West Coast guests, they have the addition of Air Plus for $100 and you can choose your airline, flights and seats. OR, our FREE to FLY® program allows you to depart from the city of your choice, negotiate your best price or use mileage plans or points if you prefer. You leave when you want and from where you want. Dinner and should be served on your flight with a light breakfast before arrival in the morning.   (D, B)

November 7, 2023: Arrive in Bangkok today, beautifully set on the Chao Phraya River. Settle into your stateroom, and take in the sights and sounds of one of Southeast Asia’s most colorful and cosmopolitan cities, including its many canals plied by traditional longboats and other small vessels.  Once you are checked into your cabin a light lunch will be available onboard and dinner will be served in the evening.  (L, D)

November 8, 2023: Experience another day amid the splendor of Bangkok and explore more of this magnificent capital on your own. Perhaps head out to marvel at the temples and elegant buildings of the renowned Grand Palace, or take a ride in a tuk-tuk to view the city’s main sights. Your ship remains docked overnight. (B,L,D)

November 9, 2023: Today we sail through The Gulf of Thailand.  This massive sea basin is bordered by Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia, and is is still known as the Gulf of Siam to the Malay and Khmer people. Long stretches of sandy beach, low-lying emerald hills and soaring mountains surround this oval-shaped gulf. The lush hills of Botum Sakor National Park unfold north of Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Along Thailand’s shores, several beach-ringed islands point the way to Laem Chabang port. (B,L,D)

November 10, 2023: Making our way to Malaysia, today we sail through the Straight of Malacca. This narrow passage between Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra was a major route for early traders shipping glassware, precious textiles, exquisite gems, camphor, ivory and sandalwood. Today, it is one of the busiest shipping channels in the world, linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Along this historic waterway, the lush shores of Sumatra grace the horizon to the south, stretching out to lowlands, mangroves and swamps. The more urban skylines of Malaysia—George Town and Kuala Lumpur among them—shimmer in the distance to the north. (B,L,D)

November 11, 2023: As we arrive in Kuala Lampur, take in the beautiful cityscapes in this lively capital of Malaysia. From your berth in Port Klang, you will journey to the city for a panoramic tour with many photo opportunities. Pass the National Museum, the huge bronze National Monument and the National Mosque of Malaysia. Stop in scenic Merdeka Square (Independence Square), the most photographed spot in the city, and view the impressive Petronas Towers, the world’s tallest building from 1998 until 2004. (B,L,D)

November 12, 2023: We will arrive in Singapore today. This diverse city is a melting pot of varied influences, as you will see during visits to the Colonial District, Little India, Arab Street and Chinatown on an included tour. If you like, join an optional excursion to visit Gardens by the Bay, with its futuristic Supertree Grove, and take in sweeping views of the city from atop the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark. (B,L,D)

November 13, 2023: Now cruising toward Indonesia, you will sail the Java Sea today. As you cruise, you will have a chance to sample some cuisine of the islands such as rijsttafel, a rice meal adopted by the Dutch and still enjoyed throughout both Indonesia and The Netherlands. (B, L, D)

November 14, 2023: Today, you will arrive in Jakarta, Indonesia’s bustling and colorful capital, for an overnight stay. Discover its treasures during a city tour that takes you to the National Monument, enormous Fatahillah Square and the Wayang Museum (dedicated to Javanese puppetry). Alternately, embark on an optional tour of the city’s fascinating Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park to see exhibits on traditional Indonesian arts, architecture and culture. (B,L,D)

November 15, 2023:  With another day to enjoy in Jakarta you may uncover more of its cultural landmarks on your own, perhaps pausing for a lunch of Betawi cuisine, rich in the food traditions of nearby nations. Or head up 1,000 feet to the town of Bogor to see its tea plantations and farms and explore its lush botanical gardens and safari park. (B,L,D)

November 16, 2023: Today the ship calls at Semarang on the island of Java. Stop for photos of the oldest church in Central Java, visit a historic Chinese Muslim temple and walk through the stunning Rainbow Village on an included tour. Alternately, you may choose to board a vintage railcar for a ride through the Javanese countryside before visiting a coffee plantation. (B, L, D)

November 17, 2023: Once we port in the capital of East Java, Surabaya you will appreciate a totally different culture from the other ports of this island.   View the Heroes Monument, then enjoy a panoramic tour that reflects the city’s diversity, from its mosques and churches to its Arab and European districts. If you prefer, you can immerse yourself in the city’s colonial past and vibrant present on a tour of some its main sights and take in a traditional Balinese performance.(B, L, D)

November 18, 2023: Your last ‘at sea’ day, enjoy stitching with Sue as you cruise the waters of the Bali Sea.  Find time to enjoy the amenities of our ship; you might visit The Spa for a relaxing treatment or enjoy a simple soak in the Thermal Pool. Visit Mamsen’s gourmet deli for an authentic Norwegian snack and settle in a comfortable chair in the Explorers’ Lounge to watch the seascape unfold. Or attend a colorful Destination Performance of Balinese music. (B)

November 19, 2023:  Benoa, Bali. You will disembark in Bali today, Indonesia’s deeply spiritual island. Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or explore more during our 4 night post-cruise culture and textile heritage extension in Bali (see below for details). (B)