Bangkok & Vietnam Cruise 10 Nights • Singapore, Singapore • Quantum of the Seas

Heading out on a cruise from Singapore? You’re in for an unforgettable adventure. Just make sure you set aside a few days before your sailing to really get to know the best of Singapore while you’re there. This vibrant island-state is a true cultural hub. It boasts four official languages and is home to a community that represents countries around the world. If you want to stretch your legs, climb to the summit of Mount Faber. At just over 300 feet, it’s more of a hill than a mountain, but it offers pretty panoramic views of the skyline and bay. Or spend some time exploring the impressive Orchid Garden and Botanic Garden, where you’ll find 250 different types of ginger growing. It’s the perfect lead-up to a meal of Singapore’s world-famous street food, like sweet and buttery kaya toast, flaky roti prata (sometimes called the “Asian croissant”), and tender Hainanese chicken rice, considered by many to be Singapore’s national dish.

Your ship departs promptly at 4:30 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your holiday early.

Thailand's capital city, Bangkok is a feast for the senses. Visit the elaborate Grand Palace, the former home of the Thai royalty dating back to 1782: See the intricate blend of traditional Thai and European architecture, and stand in awe of the Emerald Buddha housed within. Then, bring a picnic of shrimp noodles and papaya salad and lounge over lunch in Lumpini Park, or see more of the city from a boat tour of the Bangkok Canals.

When you arrive, take a port shuttle into the city to explore. Head to the park Cong Vien Cang Du Lich Bach Dang, where you can catch a water bus for river tour of the city. Later, see a traditional Vietnamese bamboo dance at the Opera House. Or stroll through the Saigon Botanical Gardens, and see exotic lizards and tigers at the attached Saigon Zoo.

After you arrive at Chan May, take the one-hour drive south to Danang. Hike up verdant Son Tra (Monkey) Mountain — the world's tallest statue of the Goddess of Mercy lies at the top — and check out pink-hued Danang Cathedral. Or head north to Hue, less than 90 minutes from port: Here, you can see seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda (Vietnam's tallest religious building) and walk among imperial battlements at the Citadel.

After arriving at the Singapore Cruise Centre, hit the ground running and begin your activity of choice — hike Mount Faber Park, and take in the panoramic views of the city from the Terrace Garden. Stroll among 250 different types of ginger at the Botanic Gardens, then taste the flavor of the spicy plant in the form of fragrant chicken rice from one of the city's many street hawkers.

The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.