India’s Pink City is a heady mix of colour and history, replete with forts and palaces as far as the eye can see.
But what to do in Jaipur when the skies above Rajasthan open?
1. Very happy hour at Taj Rambagh
Nurse a classic G&T (or two) and embrace the days of the Raj at the celebrated Polo Bar, in the grand Taj Rambagh Palace hotel. Check out the memorabilia on the walls inside before grabbing a table looking out to the clipped lawns and the Aravalli Hills in the distance.
2. View from the top
A Rajput architectural wonder courtesy of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Nahargarh Fort once formed part of the defences of the city. Located six kilometres from the centre, there is a wax museum within, but the real drawcard is seeing Jaipur stretched out below. Dine at its restaurant, Padao, which won’t win any awards for its food, but has the best view in town.
3. Excess and the City
The opulent City Palace, once the seat of power for the Maharajas, is now an impressive museum housing fascinating collections of fabrics, manuscripts, artworks, weapons and armour, as well as lavish state rooms. Buy the Royal Grandeur ticket, which gains you exclusive access to some of the gorgeously decorated private rooms in the palace.
4. Hooray for Bollywood at Rajmandir
Catch a latest release at the colourful confection that is Rajmandir, one of the oldest movie theatres in Jaipur. Bollywood movies can last for hours, so make ample use of the intermissions to stock up on snacks, but don’t expect popcorn and choc tops; piping hot samosas are the favoured fare here.
5. Garden state: Sisodia Rani ka Bagh
Built in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II for his second wife Sisodia, the lush walled pleasure garden of Sisodia Rani ka Bagh, located 10 kilometres from the city, is at its most beautiful during the life-giving monsoon season from June to October. Linger (or shelter) a while in its pretty pavilions.
6. Lassi is more
The tangy yoghurt drink lassi is a must-try when in India, and the best place to sample one in Jaipur is at the famous Lassiwala on MI Road. Going strong for over 70 years, it serves the icy cold drink in traditional pottery kulhads, costing less than $2. Beware imitations: head to the sign that says ‘Since 1944’ and you’ll be in the right place.
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Iconic destinations, unforgettable adventures and thrilling onboard adventures; say hello to your next Asia holiday with Royal Caribbean.
When you want to explore the gleaming skyscrapers of Shanghai and the bars of Singapore, but also embrace centuries-old traditions in Japan before traipsing through the lush jungles of Malaysia, a conundrum presents itself: how do you do it all seamlessly without the stress of flying (or repacking)? Enter, Royal Caribbean.
With a brand designed around maximising your holiday time, sip cocktails by the pool or watch Broadway-style performances on board as the ship glides effortlessly from one atmospheric port to the next.
Now that you have Asia at your fingertips with minimal effort, the big question is: which all-inclusive experience (and itinerary) is best for you?
Japan
The itinerary
Prepare for a show, on and off the ship.
The Land of the Rising Sun has never been hotter, and Royal Caribbean has a vast array of unforgettable Japanese itineraries – these range from eight-night adventures to 14-night holidays circumnavigating the country’s islands.
The eight-night Best of Japan sailing is memory-making perfection, kicking off in Shanghai (Baoshan) on 24 October 2026. Stop at fascinating ports to soak in the sweeping landscapes and seascapes of Saikaiminato, Kyoto, Niigata and Hakodate while enjoying incredible dining and adventurous activities onboard Spectrum of the Seas®. Complete your journey back in Shanghai, ‘the Paris of the East’.
Port highlights
See iconic vistas of Japan.
Off the ship, hike the dramatic volcanic peaks of Sakaiminato’s Daisen-Oki National Park, explore the iconic temples of Kyoto, enjoy traditionally brewed sake made in Niigata (the birthplace of many quality sake brands), and taste local flavours at Kanemore Red Brick Warehouse, a premier dining and shopping district in Hakodate.
Don’t miss Royal Caribbean’s Amanohashidate Highlights shore excursion in Kyoto, an exhilarating experience that features a cable car ride up to Kasamatsu Park and includes a visit to Nariaiji Temple, a hillside Buddhist site.
The ship
Step on board Spectrum of the Seas®.
Aboard Spectrum of the Seas®, days at sea are just as action-packed as those on land. Here, 17 dining venues, along with eight bars and lounges, take guests on the ultimate global dining tour. Stop into Sichuan Red, designed specially for this ship, where you can savour a rich tapestry of authentic spices and Asian-influenced flavours. Start with the chef-recommended royal sea cucumber, then move on to a hot and savoury bowl of mapo tofu simmered in a traditional spicy sauce, or authentic pickled radish and duck soup.
Fancy a little post-dinner entertainment? Talk salsa lessons, or book front row seats to Showgirl, a multisensory spectacular that pays homage to the ultimate siren of the stage. You can also take a visual journey into the exotic cultures of the Far East with The Silk Road at Two70®.
Kids (and kidults), as always, are well-catered for, with aqua park Splashaway Bay℠ and the largest indoor active space at sea, SeaPlex®, which offers everything from laser tag to bumper cars. Those looking to relax can find peace in the adults-only solarium, as well as a wealth of treatments at Vitality℠ Spa.
Thailand and Malaysia
The itinerary
Sit down to hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠.
Royal Caribbean’s Southeast Asia sailings deliver the perfect fusion of culture, cuisine and coastlines, and the four-night Penang & Phuket cruise is proof that short escapes can still feel spectacularly rich.
Kick off with Royal Caribbean’s iconic Sail Away Party as Ovation of the Seas® departs from Singapore on 27 February 2026. The itinerary then weaves through two of the region’s most mesmerising destinations: Malaysia’s melting pot of cultures in Penang and Thailand’s sun-soaked island of Phuket.
Each port stop is layered with history, flavour and natural beauty, while each moment spent onboard Ovation of the Seas® is filled with fun and excitement.
Port highlights
Zoom around the ‘James Bond Island’.
In Penang’s George Town, a maze of heritage architecture, vibrant murals and street stalls serving sizzling char kway teow and aromatic laksa come together, blending past and present. Visit the Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple to soak up its peaceful energy, ride the century-old funicular to the forested summit of Penang Hill for panoramic views, and wander Batu Feringhi Beach, where the Andaman Sea laps gently against golden sand. Jet skis? Why not?
Then it’s north to Phuket, where both adventure and relaxation beckon. Make the most of the local beach scene at Kata Noi and wander up Monkey Hill for sweeping vistas (and mischievous company). Be sure to book Royal Caribbean’s thrilling shore excursion here – you’ll zip along in a three-engine speedboat to the iconic ‘James Bond Island’ made famous in The Man with the Golden Gun. After a day of exploration, you’ll have enough time to enjoy a sunset cocktail on the waterfront before returning to your ship for another unforgettable evening.
The ship
Experience thrills aboard Ovation of the Seas®.
Of course, life on board Ovation of the Seas® is just as exhilarating as your adventures off it. Sit down to 16 flavoursome finds, from Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver® to theatrical hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠.
Build up an appetite with Royal Caribbean’s iconic onboard activities, from the FlowRider® surf simulator to soaring sky-high on RipCord® by iFLY® and zipping around in bumper cars in SeaPlex®. You can really choose your own adventure.
End the night with Spectra’s Cabaret at Two70®, a fascinating fusion of music, robotics and light that redefines entertainment at sea.
