CruiseTastic!

Crystal Cruises has tapped international authors on Asian culture and a chef to join guests on several tours in Vietnam, India and Thailand. On select April cruises, Crystal guests have the opportunity to explore Vietnam’s Cu Chi Tunnels and the imperial city of Hue with filmmaker and author Jean Pierre-Isbouts, share the Taj Mahal with author/historian Diana Preston who wrote a book about the treasure of India, or visit a local Thai market with guest chef Azmin Ghaherman.

The “Mysteries of the Far East” cruise from Hong Kong to Singapore operates April 14-25 and features a call in Chan May, Vietnam; an overnight call in Ho Chi Minh City; an overnight call in Bangkok’s port of Laem Chabang; and overnight stay in Singapore. Isbouts, a recognized authority on Southeast Asia, will offer insights and commentary on the intricate Chu Chi tunnel networks once used by the Vietcong, and a more personalized look into the history, culture and architecture of Hue, from its Imperial Palace to the Heavenly Lady Pagoda. Fares for the 11-day cruise start at $4,495. The Cu Chi tunnel and Hue tours are $73 and $110, respectively.

The “Silk and Spices” voyage from Singapore to Dubai operates April 25-May 11 and features calls in Phuket, Thailand; Cochin, Marmagoa, and Mumbai, India; Muscat, Oman; Doha, Qatar (a maiden call); and an overnight call in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Preston, author of “Taj Mahal: A Love Affair at the Heart of the Moghul Empire,” will escort the full-day tour to discuss the structure’s creation, its cultural and architectural heritage, and daily life within the imperial palace. The excursion includes chartered roundtrip air from Mumbai to Agra, lunch and hospitality room accommodations, and an exclusive tour of the Taj Mahal.

Ghaherman will supplement his onboard Wine & Food Festival demos and dinner with a shore-side excursion to a local market in Phuket. The owner of Sapphire Laguna restaurant in Laguna Beach, Ghaherman was born in Iran, educated in Switzerland, and has held executive chef positions from Australia to Malaysia. Fares for 16-day cruise fares start at $5,335. The full-day Taj Mahal tour accompanied by Preston begins at $2,350 per person. Fares and reservations for the marketplace tour will be available on board.