Seabourn, the world's finest ultra-luxury cruise line, will return to Asia in late 2018 and early 2019 with an exciting schedule of voyages aboard its newest ship, Seabourn Ovation.

From the natural splendours of Vietnam and Thailand to the modern skylines and urban culture of Hong Kong and Singapore, the yacht-like ship will visit an array of exotic destinations and fascinating cities, as well as offer a variety of optional shore excursions and pre- and post-cruise Seabourn Journeys to Unesco World Heritage Sites, in this inspiring part of the world, said Seabourn.

"Asia has so many cities and towns on the must-see list of travellers and it's easy to see why with its diverse culture, rich history and beautiful landscapes and scenery," said Chris Austin, Seabourn's senior vice president of global marketing and sales.

"We designed the voyages for Seabourn Ovation's inaugural season in Asia to take travellers to many of the most intriguing cities, including a number of Unesco World Heritage Sites, while sailing on the world's finest resort at sea."

Seabourn Ovation's first season in Asia will begin in Singapore with a series of five 14-day Vietnam and Thailand voyages between Singapore and Hong Kong (departing December 22, 2018, and January 5, January 19, February 16 and March 2, 2019). These itineraries will feature a coveted overnight stay at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest city, bustling with culture and French colonial architecture that is also a gateway to a visit on the Mekong Delta. The voyages will also feature the line's popular Caviar in the Surf beach parties at Ko Kood in Thailand, a quaint island with sweeping sandy beaches, as well as an extended day at scenic Halong Bay in Vietnam, allowing for optional excursions to the capital city of Hanoi with its blend of Asian and French heritage.

The season will also include a 14-day Gems of the South China Sea voyage from Hong Kong to Singapore (departing February 2, 2019), visiting destinations such as Xiamen, China and an overnight call in Manila, Philippines, providing options for appealing 28-day combo cruises with the Vietnam & Thailand voyages.

Seabourn Ovation is the second of two ships designed by hospitality design icon Adam D Tihany. The ship features all oceanfront suites with private verandas, along with modern design elements and innovations in keeping with Seabourn's reputation for understated elegance, as well as one additional deck, expanded public areas and a brand-new, al fresco dining venue, "Earth & Ocean at The Patio".

Seabourn Sojourn will also sail in Asia as part of its Extended Explorations voyages, which allow a more in-depth experience in a particular region. The season includes:

• Jewels of Southeast Asia: Singapore to Shanghai (departs April 10;18 Days) - Sail to ports in Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and China including Hong Kong, as well as Taiwan, and Ishigaki, Japan.

Seabourn will offer travellers many opportunities and unique experiences to discover the region, with special programming such as Shopping with the Chef excursions, which allow guests to learn about local food markets and see how the freshest ingredients are selected.

The ships' talented culinary team will also whip up regionally inspired cuisine using local seasonal produce and seafood. To further enhance the guest experience, the voyages will also feature a number of special guest speakers, including historian and destination experts as part of the line's Seabourn Conversations program, who will provide valuable insight and knowledge of this captivating region.

In addition, thanks to Seabourn's relationship as the official cruise partner of Unesco World Heritage, the itineraries will offer optional shore excursions to a number of Unesco World Heritage Sites, featuring enhanced content and providing more opportunities for guests to experience the local culture and history.

Seabourn will also offer a number of in-depth immersive pre and post-sailing experiences connected to these Asia itineraries. Seabourn Journeys will include: Unesco Treasure of China: Beijing, Xian & Hong Kong, and Unesco Cambodia: Phnom Penh & the Temples Of Angkor. These pre- and post-cruise land extensions allow guests additional opportunities to further explore and experience Asia and its diverse culture and sights beyond the ship.

Seabourn represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury travel with intimate ships offering key elements that set the line apart: spacious, thoughtfully appointed all-suite accommodations, many with verandas and all 100 per cent ocean front; superb dining in a choice of venues; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available on board at all times; award-winning service and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel right at home on board, Seabourn said.

The ships travel the globe to many of the world's most desirable destinations, including marquee cities, Unesco World Heritage Sites, and lesser-known ports and hideaways.