“It’s the trip of a lifetime,” said one of our members who recently traveled on Singles Travel International’s recent 14-night cruise to Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Hong Kong (China). We were each living out something, whether a bucket-list item, reaching a new continent not yet explored, discovering more about an area of interest we’ve long held dear.

Our group met onboard the luxurious Oceania Riveria, at the port of Bangkok, Thailand. Even at first sight, the ship felt luxurious and unhurried. Our cabins were much like the room in a 5-star hotel, complete with so much storage, luxurious bedding, full-length sliders leading out onto a private balcony, marble bathrooms (again, with plentiful storage!), two reusable water bottles and plush bathrobes and slippers.

Unlike many cruise ships, the Riviera had six complimentary dining options, including one specialty Asian, Italian, French and steakhouse in addition to the main dining and the fabulous buffet restaurant. And when I say the food – all of the food – was incredible, I am not exaggerating. Each and every meal was gourmet. Even the buffet restaurant, usually eschewed by guests as a dinner option, served lobster, steak and sushi every evening! The Vietnamese buffet evening was nothing less than spectacular in its array of offerings and presentation!

Our group, as their Signature Experience, participated in a “Perfect Pairings” cooking lesson in the Riviera’s Culinary Center. Led by a chef, they learned how to make four dishes and how to pair that food with wine. Did you know, for example, that the reason a hearty red wine goes well with lamb or beef is because the fat in the meat helps to cut the tannins? I didn’t!

This 14-night cruise offered so many opportunities for learning about the local cultures. For instance, some of our members opted to take the “Good Morning, Vietnam” excursion while we were docked in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City); this tour included a visit to the famous Chi tunnels and explained the Vietnam war through the eyes of the Vietnamese. Another member, while we in Nha Trang, did an excursion that taught about Buddhism and ancient traditions such as basket-weaving, wood carving, musical-instrument production and harvesting of rice.

All of the areas we visited were so colorful and lively, and the people extremely friendly! I dare say our members will try to get back to Asia in the future!