Whad’Ya Know: Welcome to the NPR Cruise

Do you consider yourself a faithful follower of NPR? Can you not begin most mornings without turning on the radio in your car and tuning into hear the familiar sounds of “Morning Edition?” If you find yourself shaking your head in agreement, maybe you should consider sailing the high seas with Michele Norris and other NPR journalists? This dream is about to come true.

NPR has arranged, along with Crown Cruise Vacations and Artful Travelers, to offer a 16-night cruise on the Regent’s Seven Seas Voyager. If you enjoy culture, health and wellness, politics and personal finance, or are just driven by your intellectual curiosities, and you love cruises, then this is the vacation for you! You will be able to enjoy 16 nights with NPR’s top personalities. There will be cocktail parties, private dinners and plenty of opportunities for one-on-one interactions with some of the world’s brightest minds.

Where is it going?

The NPR cruise is scheduled to ride the waves from Beijing to Bangkok. It will be stopping at several ports along the way. At each port of call, the passengers can rub shoulders with that country’s most exhilarating people:  those who know the ins and outs of politics, history and the arts.

These exciting people are NPR’s correspondents and sources, located in each of the countries along the journey. At every stop, patrons will enjoy unlimited shore excursions. This will allow them to soak in the culture of each port and bask in the geo-political climate. The exact itinerary is:

  • March 16 – depart from Beijing, China
  • March 18 – port in Shanghai, China for two days
  • March 20  – cruise through the Taiwan Strait
  • March 21 – port in Xiamen, China
  • March 22 – port in Hong Kong, China for two days
  • March 24 – cruise through the South China Sea
  • March 25 – port in Hanoi, Vietnam
  • March 26 – cruise through the South China Sea for two days.
  • March 28 – port in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for two days
  • March 30 – cruise through the Gulf of Thailand
  • March 31 – port in Bangkok for two days.

This itinerary is subject to change at any time. Be sure to check with Regent for the latest updates.

Who will be there?

The highly esteemed hosts of this cruise are experts in their respective fields. Their experience and exposure won’t be found anywhere else in the world and especially not on any other cruise trips! There will be in-depth question and answer sessions with many of NPR’s best and brightest correspondents.

There will also be presentations on personal finance, health and wellness, culture and more. Below is the guest list:

  • Michele Norris – Host of NPR’s “All Things Considered” and primary host of this cruise.
  • Chris Turpin – Executive Producer of NPR’s “All Things Considered.”
  • Louisa Lim – NPR’s foreign correspondent based in Beijing, China.
  • Anthony Kuhn – NPR’s foreign correspondent based in Jakarta, Indonesia.
  • Madhulika Sikka – Executive Producer of NPR’s “Morning Edition.”
  • David Greene – Host and Correspondent for NPR’s morning program.
  • Frank Langfitt – NPR’s Shanghai correspondent.

How much is it?

A ticket starts at $12,311 per passenger. For the Master Suite, it will run at $37,349. There are various suites and penthouses available within that range. While this may seem daunting, consider that the booking includes:

  • Round trip airfare (with a business class upgrade for penthouse or higher)
  • A suite on the ship
  • Unlimited free shore excursions
  • Hotel packages
  • Included fine wines and quality spirits
  • Complimentary travel insurance when booked with Crown Cruise Vacations
  • Pre-paid gratuities

Is this for you?

First, consider the price tag. If you are able to foot the bill, it just may be the cruise for you. You will certainly be getting your money’s worth as you explore Asia, meet various highbrow journalists and enjoy luxurious dining.

Second, consider that it will be chock full of NPR correspondents and listeners. If you are a die-hard NPR fan, this is the perfect cruise for you. If you do not enjoy NPR or their programming, you will likely be able to find a cruise that is much better-suited for you.

Third, it’s going through Asia. If you are not a particularly huge enthusiast of Asia, this may not be worth the money. NPR may be doing another cruise in the future that will have a desirable destination. However, if you are a fan of Asian culture and cuisine, this is the ideal setting to soak it in and enjoy it.

Most importantly, are you read for two weeks of being treated like royalty? Swimming in inviting Asian seas? Meeting your favorite NPR journalists in person?  If so, then this is the cruise for you!

This article was provided by Walter Deel. A New Yorker who works in the travel and hospitality, Walter has been helping people book cruises from New York and around the country for over ten years.