Expatriate Forums in Yemen

Introducing Yemen travel Classified Site

andreina — Sat Apr 04, 2009 9:40 am

Author: andreina

Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 9:40 am

Fundook is a free, community website to find Homes/Jobs/Cars/Accommodation, share interests, invite public to an event or even to offer gift ideas....................
http://www.sanaa.fundook.com/
http://www.aden.fundook.com/

HTC X7500 $350 HTC P4350 $200 Haier M1000 $140

harris — Tue Apr 24, 2007 12:25 am

Author: harris

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 12:25 am

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Palm Treo 700p $170

Asus P535 $190
Asus P525 $180
Asus P505 $160
Asus Z810 $200
Asus V85 $150
Asus V75 $130

Haier A7 $200
Haier M600 Black Pearl $190
Haier M2000 $170
Haier M1200 $150
Haier M1000 $140
Haier M260 $130
Haier N70 $129

HTC X7500 $350
HTC S710 $330
HTC P350 $300
HTC P3400 $250
HTC P4350 $200
HTC P3600 $210
HTC P3300 $150
HTC S620 $170
HTC S310 $190
HTC TYTN $1700
HTC MT EOR $190

X cute Dv80 $190
X cute Dc50 $180
X cute Dv2 $160
X cute Dv1 $140

Qtek 8100 $125
QTEK 8300 $145
Qtek 8310 $155
Qtek 8500 $165
Qtek 8600 $225
Qtek 9600 $270

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02 X4-- $130
02 X3-- $120
02 x7-- $140
02 xDA Exec--$280
02 XDA Atom--$260
02 XDA NEO-- $265
02 XDA IIi-- $180
02 XDA IIs-- $185
02 XDA mini S-- $270
02 XDA II mini--$200

I-Mate JAM 128MB $210
I-Mate JAM $190
I-Mate JAMin $220
I-Mate JASJAR Quadband $350
I-Mate K-Jam QuadBand $240
I-Mate Smartflip QB. $250
I-Mate SP5 $140

TomTom Mobile 5 $290
TomTom GO GPS Car Navigation System $280
TomTom Navigator 5 Bluetooth GPS $270
TomTom Mobile GPS for Smartphones $260

Nokia N95 for $350usd
Nokia 8800 sirocco for $300usd

Xbox 360 premuim package for $250usd

Ps 3 for $250usd
Ps 2 for $200usd
Ps 1 for $150usd

Large Sidekick 3 for $280usd
Sidekick 3 for $200usd
Sidekick 2 for $150usd
Sidekick 1 for $120usd

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Name.....Mr Harris Noel
E-mail.....

Thanks,
Management.

YEMEN HOTELS : Hotels in Yemen Guide

Luckycat — Mon Jul 10, 2006 11:43 pm

Author: Luckycat

Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 11:43 pm

Useful list of top hotels in Yemen!! Thx

Yemen Embassies Overseas - Yemen Embassy List

Anonymous — Wed Jan 04, 2006 11:56 am

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 11:56 am

Yemen Embassies Overseas-Yemen Embassy List

Algeria
St. 10 Mohammed Drayinee, Haydarah
El Djezair, Algier,
Tel: (213-2) 548950, 548599
Fax: (213-2) 548700

Australia
2b 11 West Street, Nort Sydney,
2060 Sydney
Tel: (61-2) 99823752
Fax: (61-2) 99821053

Autria
Ksarolinengasse 5/7
A-1040 Vienna
Tel: (43-1) 5032930/1
Fax: (43-1) 5053159

Bahrain
P.O.Box 26193, Manama
Tel: (973) 277702, 276113
Fax: (973) 262358, 324258

Belgium
Pr. J. Plateaustraat 49
B-9000 Gent
Tel: (32-9) 2250174
Fax: (32-9) 2256414

Bulgaria
Mladost 1, Building Andrei Saharov R 3
BG-1784 Sofia
Tel: (359-2) 9745639, 9745546
Fax: (359-2) 9745628, 9743463

Canada
788 Island Park Drive, Ottawa
ON KIY 0C2
Tel: (1-613) 233-8582/3, 232-8525
Fax: (1-613) 232-8276

Peoples Republic of China
5 Dong San Jei San Li Tun
Beijing 100600
Tel: (86-10) 65321558, 65323346
Fax: (86-10) 65324305

Croatia
Biankinijev A6, Zagreb
Tel: (385-1) 4553114
Fax: (385-1) 4553144

Cuba
Calle 16 #503, E/5 TA Y 7MA, Miramar
Havanna, Playa Cuba
Tel: (37) 204-3222/ 1509/ 1506
Fax: (37) 2041131

Czech Republic
Za Habspaulkou 2,
CZ-Prague 2
Tel: (420-2) 3333-1598/ 1568
Fax: (420-2) 33332204

Cyprus
P.O. Box 124, Limassol
Tel: (357-5) 326844
Fax: (357-5) 369275

Djibouti
Al-Jazirah/ Aden St./ Alexander St.
P.O. Box 194, Djibouti-Ville
Tel: (253) 352975, 356680
Fax: (253) 354323

Egypt
28 Amin El Rafei Street
Dokki, Cairo
Tel: (20-2) 7604806, 761422-4/ 5/ 6
Fax: (20-2) 7604815

Eritrea
P.O.Box 5566, Asmara
Tel: (291-1) 184892, 181399
Fax: (291-1) 181183

Ethiopia
P.O.Box 664, Addis Ababa
Tel: (251-1) 711811, 712204, 710990
Fax: (251-1) 710991

France
25, Rue Georges Bizet,
F-75016 Paris
Tel: (33-1) 5323-8787/ 7786
Fax: (33-1) 47236941

Germany
Rheinbabenallee 18
14199 Berlin
Tel.: (49-30) 897305-0
Fax: (49-30) 897305-62
Email: Info@Botschaft-Jemen.de
Consulate Frankfurt: Tel: (49-69) 9592480
Fax: (41-69) 95924820

Great Britain
57 Cromwell Road, GB-London SW7 2ED
Tel: (44-171) 5846607
Fax: (44-171) 4893350

Greece
9 Patission Street
GR-10431 Athens
Tel: (30-1) 5246324, 5220623

Hungary
Tomorkeny utca 3a
H-1021 Budapest 11
Tel: (36-1) 2123991
Fax: (36-1) 2123883

India
J-16-Haus-Khas, Sri Aurobindo Marg,
New Delhi 110016
Tel: (91-11) 26602481
Fax: (91-11) 26602483
Consulate Mumbai: Tel: (91-22) 18-4583/ 3956/ 7570
Fax: (91-22) 187661

Indonesia
29 Jalan Yusuf Adiwinata Menteng
Jakarta Pusat
Tel: (62-21) 3108035, 3108029, 4124074, 3904074
Fax: (62-21) 3904946

Iran
P.O.Box 87, Khayban Wali Asr Shahid Ejazi, Tehran
Tel: (98-21) 241-6682/ 4446
Fax: (98-21) 2409534, 2421022

Iraq
P.O.Box 13037
Baghdad
Tel: (964-1) 5413514, 5435146
Fax: (964-1) 5414275

Italy
Via Bosio Antonio, No. 10
Rome
Tel: (390-6) 4423-1679/ 3695
Fax: (390-6) 44233695
Consulate Florence: Tel: (390-55) 2398747
Fax: (390-55) 2398153

Japan
38 Kowa Building, 8th Floor, Room 807 4-12, chome Nishi-Azabu Minato-ku, Tokyo 106
Tel: (81-3) 34997151/2
Fax: (81-3) 34997837

Jordan
Emir Hashem Bin Al-Hussein St.
P.O.Box 5803, Amman
Tel: (962-6) 592377-1/ 2
Fax: (962-6) 5923773

Kazakhstan
Dostyk Ave.
Suit 709 A, Almaty
Tel: (7-3272) 919823
Fax: (7-3272) 919823

Kenya
P.O. Box 44642, Nairobi,
Tel: (254-2) 574-646/ 650/ 656
Fax: (254-2) 574680

Republic of Korea
3rd Floor, Taedong Bldg
32-28 Iiannam - Dong, Seoul 140-210
Tel: (82-2) 7929883/4
Fax: (82-2) 7929885

Kuwait
P.O.Box 7182, Al-Jabirya St., Kuwait City
Tel: (965) 534941-6/ 7
Fax: (965) 5349415

Lebanon
P.O.Box 114/5007, Beirut
Tel: (961) 852-688/ 691/ 692
Fax: (961) 821610

Libya
P.O.Box 4839, Tripoli
Tel: (218-21) 361599-6/ 7/ 8
Fax: (218-21) 3165991

Malaysia
Jalan Kedondong, Off Jalan Ampan Hilir
55000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (60-3) 425-11793/ 22481
Fax: (60-3) 42511794

Morocco
P.O.Box 6290, Rabat
Tel: (212-7) 376743-06/ 63
Fax: (212-7) 37674769

Netherlands
Surinamestraat 9, NL-2585 The Hague
Tel: (31-70) 3653936/7
Fax: (31-70) 3563312

Oman
P.O.Box 105 or 110, Muscat
Tel: (968) 604172, 600815, 600147
Fax: (968) 605008

Pakistan
P.O.Box 1573, Islamabad
Tel: (92-51) 2821146/7
Fax: (92-51) 2795677

Poland
03-941 Warzawa, Zwciezcow
Tel: (48-22) 6176025/6
Fax: (48-22) 6176022

Qatar
P.O.Box 3318, Doha
Tel: (974) 4325567, 4432720
Fax: (974) 4429400

Romania
Bd. Aviaitorilor No. 50, Bugharest
Tel: (40-1) 2300746, 2313272
Fax: (40-1) 2307679

Russian Federation
St. Avlerwini Abalimoveski Preulik, Moscow
Tel: (7-095) 246-4427/ 2799
Fax: (7-095) 2302305

Saudi Arabia
P.O.Box 94356, Riyadh
Tel: (966-1) 4826764, 4881769, 4881744
Fax: (966-1) 4881562
Consulate Jeddah: Tel: (966-2) 6874291, 6803904
Fax: (966-2) 6894567

Singapore
36 Purvis St., 02-07 Tailb Centre,
Singapore 188613,
Tel: (65) 3392776;
Fax: (65) 3392776

Somalia
P.O.Box 493, Mogadishu,
Tel: (262-1) 81246, 80701, 81597

South Africa
P.O. Box 13343, 1063 Pretorius St., Hatfled,
Pretoria 0083; Tel: (27-12) 4309-101/ 044;
Fax: (27-12) 4309100

Spain
114 P. de la Castellana, Piso 3-P-1/E-1,
28046 Madrid;
Tel: (34-91) 4119950/ 1/ 2;
Fax: (34-91) 5623865

Sri Lanka
Thorestan Street,P.O. Box 269,
22/2 Colombo,
Tel: (94-1) 576959;
Fax: (94-1) 576959

Sudan
PO.Box 1010, Khartoum,
Tel: (249-11) 47162-4/5;
Fax: (249-11) 471020

Sweden
Utrikbsdepatement,
10339 Stockholm,
Tel: (46- 143715;
Fax: (46- 202248

Switzerland
UN-Mission/Europe, 19,
ch Du Jonc - 1216 Cointrin, Geneve,
Tel: (41-22) 798533-3/4/5;
Fax: (41-22) 7980465

Syria
Boite Postale 4956, Damascus,
Tel: (963-11) 613389-0/1/2;
Fax: (963-11) 6133893

Tansania
P.O.Box 349, Dar Al-Sallam,
Tel: (255-51) 211-0615/ 7650;
Fax: (255-51) 211-5924

Thailand
45/ 4 Sukhumvit, Wallana 10116,
SO13 Bangkok,
Tel: (66-2) 650330-1/4;
Fax: (66-2) 6503305

Tunisia
Lotissement 6 - 9, Rue Ali Ben Abu Taleb,
1004 Tunis,
Tel: (216-1) 71-7677604/ 234562;
Fax: (216-1) 71-787144

Turkey
Fethiye Sok., Buyukeeligi, No 2/G.O.p.,
TR-Ankara,
Tel: (90-312) 446-2637/ 3178;
Fax: (90-312) 446-1778
Consulate Istanbul: Tel: (90-216) 2482046/ 2312705/ 2333117;
Fax: (90-216) 2406808

United Arab Emirates
P.O. Box 2095, Abu Dhabi,
Tel: (971-2) 448454, 448457/8;
Fax: (971-2) 447978
Consulate Dubai: P.O. Box 1947, Dubai, Tel: (971-4) 3970-213/ 131;
Fax: (971-4) 3972901

U.S.A.
2600 Virginia Avenue, #705, N.W., Washington, DC 20037,
Tel: (1-202) 965-4760/1, 965-4781/5/6;
Fax: (1-202) 337-2017

YEMEN TRAVEL TIPS (Traveling to Yemen essentials)

Anonymous — Wed Jan 04, 2006 11:24 am

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 11:24 am

Yemen Travel Tips ( Traveling to Yemen Essentials)

What to know about the culture
Yemen is a strict Muslim country and most people have their life arranged around religion. Especially Ramadan and Eid are important events. As the Yemenis are very hospitable and friendly you will be invited for iftar (breaking the fast during Ramadan) more than ones. Do take a small gift if you are invited.
During Ramadan life in Yemen gets turned upside down. People will often go to bed at four o’clock in the morning and will get up late. Shopping in daytime becomes difficult and easiest decision is to start shopping only after seven in the evening. The whole city will be illuminated and everybody gets out on the street. Do not be surprised if they tell you to come at two at night to collect your photographs or if they want to deliver something you’ve ordered at night time. A few warnings should also be made here: During Ramadan people tend to be very irritated just before iftar time and they will drive accordingly. Be wise and avoid going into the traffic at an hour before and after iftar time. We have seen some major accidents happen. Another warning concerns the religiosity during Ramadan. People will suddenly start living according to the rules much more and differences between religions tend to become sharpened so try to avoid any conflict and tone down a bit.
Life in Yemen is strictly divided between the sexes. A party (like marriage) will either be for males or for females. If you are invited as a couple you may expect that the men will be in another house than the women, so make an appointment beforehand if you use the same vehicle to travel.

Do’s and don’ts Being a Muslim country alcohol is not permitted in Yemen so if you do have alcohol, be careful and do not consume alcohol in public. In some restaurants it is possible to drink your own wines and beers, but they may not allow you during Ramadan. During Ramadan many Yemenis will go to a restaurant and during their Holy Month they do not want to be confronted with alcohol. Best is to ask the management before taking out your bottles and cans.

Be careful in making pictures. Many sites are considered military or strategic and making pictures there might get you in good trouble so avoid them. Also making pictures of women is tricky business. Always ask beforehand if you are allowed to make a photograph of them. If the answer is no you must respect that. Not abiding with this shows a lack of respect and may (especially outside Sana’a) lead to people throwing stones at you. Remember that Yemen is mainly stone and the practice of stoning is not extinct.

As in any country it is wise to also here refrain from insulting the country or religion. Many Yemenis are sceptical about their own country but still they are proud of Yemen. Do not join in and let scepticism come from themselves.

Another don’t (although in Sana’a and Aden it might be less of a problem) is going outside with wet hair and with loose hair. The first hair culturally leads to the though that you just had sex and the second hair leads men to think that you are looking for male company. Women would only untie the hair when in each other’s company or for husband only.

Security
Every now and then safety and security is one of the heavily discussed subjects among foreigners in Yemen. When it comes to burglary, robbery and other criminal acts you will most likely not be bothered at all in Yemen and you can feel very safe. This does not mean that you should leave your money in a hotel room or that your wallet should be hanging out of your pocket. Most people are poor and could do with some extra finance. In general you will be very safe when roaming the streets and shops of Sana’a.
Security in Yemen these days is a bit less easy to grasp and thus more of a hot topic. We will give you a brief background on this: As Yemen has a strong tribal background tribes are always part of politics and due to the mountainous areas it is difficult for the central government to control the country completely.
In the past kidnapping of foreigners was an important way for tribes of getting negotiations with the government into the right direction. Except on one occasion when the government tried to free a number of tourists by force, nothing bad has happened to the kidnapped. Most people who were ever kidnapped here tell that they were treated well and have enjoyed the hospitality of the tribe. Nevertheless it is not a desirable happening to be kidnapped. Since the year 2000 the number of kidnappings of expats has decreased enormously and fear for kidnappings has more or less disappeared. Unfortunately another threat has emerged that is less predictable and more violent.
Over the past decennia Yemen has been a good hide-out for fundamentalists and extremists and it is said there have been training camps for terrorists. In the past this save refuge meant that Yemen was left alone and was no playground for attacks. Since the USS Cole attack in Aden and the attack on the oil tanker Limburg things have changed in Yemen. Through these attacks the government experienced that Yemen can be harmed by terrorism. The Yemeni harbours were avoided by boats (due to the increase of 300% for insurance premiums to be paid) and monthly huge amounts of revenues were missed due to this. Tourism, which was another good source of income, came to a halt after September 2001 and it took more than half a year before any tourist would come to Yemen again. Still tourism is slow.
Nowadays most foreign agencies and embassies will be surrounded by security just to not be an easy target for extremists. It all looks a bit overdone but still it is necessary for all to be alert as threats are received regularly and plans for attacks are discovered every now and then. As a foreigner in Yemen you will have to live with these security measures. This means you will need to be aware of what is going on around you and in world politics. Take care you are in touch with your own embassy or other national agency and get registered there. While driving, keep enough distance to be able to escape if necessary and try to avoid routine routes. It is necessary to always keep a feeler for the atmosphere around you. Your guard may be a good help in finding out what is going on in your neighbourhood. Anything in politics or war can change the atmosphere dramatically and Yemenis are usually well aware of what is happening in the world. As many mosques in Yemen do not restrict themselves to religious matters but tend to go into world politics it is wise to avoid the inner city after the Friday prayers.

Traffic in Yemen
The traffic in Yemen is chaotic but as the people are usually relaxed and tolerant they will not bother about mistakes (or about being overtaken by a female driver). Many cars lack the presence of any mirror (and lights etc.) so they will not look behind them but just ahead. As long as everybody keeps an eye on what is going on ahead and expects the unexpected, the system works quite well.

You will find most drivers very alert as always something unexpected is happening in the Sana’a traffic. Be aware that the sidewalks along the roads are in bad shape and thus most pedestrians just use the road to walk.

Most taxis are not well maintained and will take any bump in the road as slowly as possible in order not to fall apart, so keep some distance. A nuisance is the dababs (the small mini buses). They stop in any place at any moment preferably at a crossing or at a corner. Stay away from them as they really make a mess out of the traffic and a collision with them is not unthinkable.

In case you do have an accident: Stay calm and try to get in touch with someone who can help you with Arabic if needed. Be reminded that friendliness quickly disappears if there are casualties so avoid them at any cost. Taking the number of a traffic policeman or anybody else will not work. The costs are yours unless you have a major accident and somebody supports you if you have a complaint against any other driver.

As many cars in Yemen lack any lights the traffic is dangerous in the evening or at night. Outside Sana’a you will not find many roads that have lanterns at night. Coupled with the badly maintained vehicles and ill protected roads this leads to dangerous driving so always avoid driving in the dark. When travelling in the country plan to be at your destination before darkness. By then it will be dinnertime anyhow.

Rent a car
Herz (tel: 440309)is the most used company for car-rent in Sana’a. They will charge you $ 50 per day to rent a car. Their office is located on the 60 Meter Road, opposite to the area where you find the UN offices. They are part of Universal travel and are in the Universal building.

An alternative is Universal (tel. 440305 ), a tourist agent with office on the 60 meter Road (see Herz). They rent out cars with driver for approximately US$ 50,- a day. The drivers usually only speak limited English, but they know their way around

A cheaper possibility to rent a car is via Sam (tel: 73760174), the barkeeper of the British Club. Sam has some seven different cars to offer and will charge you a 300$ per month. That’s the best deal you will get here. Besides being a bar tender and car rental Sam is also part of Yemen Smile. An NGO that collects money to have children with a cleft palate operated and help them enjoy life better and unashamed. Try to support them every now and then because they make other people happy.

Hertz Rent a Car
Universal Building, 60 Meters Road
Tel:
Sana’a: 440309
Aden: 245625

Universal Rent a Car
Hertz International Franchisee
Sana’a Tel: 440309 Fax: 440310
Aden Telefax: 245625
E-mail: utthertz@y.net.ye

Source by : Rosan Aalbers

Asia Cruise Lines, Book Cruising trip & travel info

admin — Tue Jan 03, 2006 3:58 pm

Author: admin

Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 3:58 pm

Asia Cruise Lines, Cruise Trip Booking & Travel Information

Cruise Lines Set Their Sights on Asia

Articles by
By AMY GUNDERSON
Published: October 2, 2005
New York Times

OVER the next year, Bob Fabian, a retiree from Charlotte, N.C., will visit Bangkok, Bali, Singapore, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Pusan in South Korea, and some 10 cities in Japan. But his trips aren't taking him through countless airports and hotels - instead, Mr. Fabian is traveling around Asia by cruise ship.

"Bangkok is fabulous," he said. "The Grand Palace is just indescribable. It's like the eighth wonder of the world."

Mr. Fabian went with his wife on their first cruise to Asia a year and a half ago aboard a Crystal Cruises ship and was so enthralled that he booked three more cruises to the region. In December, the couple will take a 20-day trip from Singapore to Sydney aboard Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess.

Then next spring, they plan to sail on Oceania Cruises' Nautica from Hong Kong, making stops in Vietnam, Thailand and India before traveling up the Suez Canal to its final destination, Athens, some 35 days later. In October, it's a 14-day trip with Cruise West, a small-ship operator that docks in ports throughout Japan.

Until recently, Asian ports were the mainstay of smaller cruise lines or those so-called world cruises, globe-circling treks of typically 100 or more days that would include several stops in the Far East. But cruising makes going to Asia more accessible for many tourists - language barriers and the logistics of moving around the region are less of a problem when you can return to your ship each night - and airlines are beefing up their nonstop flights to the region. Now, travel agents are marketing sailings in Asia to cruise veterans and accomplished travelers as an alternative to the Caribbean and Europe.

"For baby boomers like me, we've all been there and done that," said Nancy Yale, a travel agent in Fairfield, Conn., who specializes in cruises and has seen her bookings to Asia increase exponentially over the last two years. "Some of my clients have been to Asia on business or have even done land tours there, but they are going back for cruises."

Operators are adding ships to the region, venturing into new ports and diversifying schedules to include shorter trips.

"Cruises to Asia are changing," said Carolyn Spencer Brown, the editor of CruiseCritic, an online magazine. "The cruise industry is trying to market to a younger, more active audience, so they are sending bigger, newer ships there. In the past, the oldest, smallest ships got the Asia assignment. There are also now shorter itineraries, so if you don't have three weeks off, you can go for 10 days."

Silversea Cruises - which will operate 17 separate cruises in Asia and Australia in 2006, ranging from 8 to 16 days - has a program that charges passengers daily rates so they can join a cruise at the port of their choice. Travelers can embark at any point, but must stay a minimum of five nights, for a daily rate as low as $480.

While most cruise lines have their ships in Asia for only part of the year, the Malaysia-based Star Cruises, which also owns Norwegian Cruise Line, runs trips year round in Asia. It caters primarily to Asian travelers, but its SuperStar Virgo itineraries attract the greatest diversity of passengers, including Australians, Britons and Americans. The ship maintains an Asian d飯r and restaurants - there is even a poolside noodle bar.

Princess Cruises launched its first full season of cruises in Asia in 2004, and next year is beefing up capacity in the region by 25 percent.

Holland America, which previously only stopped in Asia on world cruises or during 30-day sailings once a year, is moving its refurbished 1,258-passenger Statendam to the region in March for four cruises, some as short as two weeks.

Oceania Cruises' newest ship, the Nautica, will begin its service in November by sailing for five months in Asia.

There are also a growing number of itineraries to choose from. Princess Cruises, which distinguishes itself from most other operators by running summer cruises in Asia, is adding the Cambodian port of Sihanoukville - from which travelers can reach Angkor Wat - in 2006. Holland America also added more overnight stays in ports like Shanghai and Osaka.

Overnight stays in ports are also featured on Oceania Cruises.

"The overnights are very heavy on the Asia cruises," said Tim Rubacky, manager of Oceania's marketing and public relations. "They've become a trademark for us in Europe, but in Asia it is even more important."

The extra time allows travelers plenty of opportunity to get into a city, and comes in handy for checking out the night life. Reaching a city center or shore excursion can mean a trek of a half-hour or more from the port. Hanoi, which is on Oceania's itineraries, is about a three-hour drive from Halong Bay.

Though many cruise lines are delving into trips that take up less time, long-haul world cruises are still a standard offering, and they can also be bought in shorter segments. Radisson Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Voyager goes to Asia as part of its 108-day world cruise. As the ship makes its way from Sydney to Dubai there are three trips ranging from 14 to 22 nights. Radisson added Rangoon to the 2006 itinerary, and the ship spends multiple nights in Hong Kong, rather than just a single overnight stay. In 2007, Holland America will run three longer cruises, including a 105-day trip on the Amsterdam that will stop for the first time in Nha Tran, Vietnam; Tuticorin, India; and Salalah, Oman.

The Queen Mary 2 will run its first world cruise in 2007, an 80-day trip that can be bought in segments as short as 14 days. The ship's 19-day trip from Sydney to Dubai will stop in Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Cochin, India. While the cruise ships might be swathed in luxury, often the Asian ports are not, but that is also changing. Singapore upgraded its port in 1998, and Shanghai broke ground on a new cruise ship terminal that should be completed by early 2007.

"The majority of ports there are not what you might see in the U.S.," said Mr. Rubacky. "But with more ships returning to Asia, countries are starting to put a better face on the ports."

Asia Cruise Lines Guide

The number of cruise lines sending ships to Asia has increased markedly in the past couple of years, making it easier to travel in the Far East. All prices below are per person double occupancy and do not include air fare unless noted.

Star Cruises
http://www.starcruises.com/
(60) 3 3101 1313, Star Cruises is the biggest Asian based cruise line and one of the fastest-growing in the world. Starting with two ships in 1993, the company owns ten ships at the moment. The Star fleet consist of three distinct brands: Star, SuperStar and MegaStar. The cruise line has bought many ships from other cruise lines (the former Sun Viking from Royal Caribbean, the former Golden Princess from Princess Cruises and even the former Baltic ferries Athena and Kalypso. Star Cruises has also purchased the luxury liner Europa from Germany's Hapag-Lloyd with plans to convert it to the most luxurious ship cruising in Asian waters. The cruise line is also building new ships, the first two are already in service - the superliners Superstar Leo and Superstar Virgo. .

Holland America,
http://www.hollandamerica.com
(877) 724-5425, has three 14-day cruises aboard the 1,258-passenger Statendam. On March 20 and April 17, 2006, the ship departs from Hong Kong and travels north with overnight stays in Shanghai and Xingang, from which passengers can reach Beijing and the Great Wall. The boat also visits Dalian, China; Pusan, South Korea; and Nagasaki, Japan, where onshore trips tour Shimabara castle and a samurai village, before reaching Osaka. It does the reverse route on April 3. Prices start at $2,199.

Princess Cruises
http://www.princess.com
(800) 774-6237
The 670-passenger Pacific Princess, leaves Bangkok on Aug. 17, 2006, for Mumbai, India. The 16-day trip stops at Sihanoukville, Cambodia; Phu My, Vietnam - where passengers can reach Ho Chi Minh City; Singapore; Kuala Lumpur and Penang in Malaysia; Phuket, Thailand; Colombo, Sri Lanka; and the port of Mormugao on the west coast of India. It does the reverse route on Sept. 1, 2006. Prices start at $2,995.

Seven Seas Cruises
http://www.rssc.com
(877) 505-5370,
The 14-night segment of a world cruise on Radisson 700-passenger Seven Seas Voyager, departs Feb. 24, 2006, out of Hong Kong and includes overnight stays in the Vietnamese ports of Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Gai, where travelers can visit Halong Bay or Hanoi. The ship also stops in Bangkok before arriving in Singapore. Until Oct. 15, fares start at $9,296, including air fare, but if you book flights separately you can get a $1,400 credit against the cost of the cruise.

Cruise West
http://www.cruisewest.com
(888) 851-8133
The small-ship operator is offering its inaugural tour of Japan aboard the 120-passenger Spirit of Oceanus. It is sold out for 2006, but space on all of its seven 2007 voyages remains. The trip lasts 14 days and includes two nights at hotels at the start and end of the 10-night cruise. It leaves from Kobe or Niigata and stops in eight Japanese ports including Okayama, home to the 17th-century Korakuen Garden, and Izumo, site of the country's oldest Shinto shrine, as well as Pusan, South Korea. The 2007 cruises start at $5,699, and depart Niigata on March 28, April 17 and Oct. 18, and leave from Kobe on April 7 and 27, Oct. 8 and 28.