The Far East is a term used in English (with equivalents in various other languages of Europe and Asia, Chinese 遠東 yuǎn dōng literally translating to "far east") mostly equivalent to East Asia (including the Russian Far East) and Southeast Asia,^[1] sometimes to the inclusion of South Asia for economic and cultural reasons.

"Far East" came into use in European geopolitical discourse in the 19th century, denoting Eastern Asia as the "farthest" of the three "easts", beyond the Near East and the Middle East. For the same reason, ancient Chinese people called western countries "Tàixī (泰西)"—i.e. anything further west than the Indian subcontinent. The term is no longer commonly used, as it connotes the "orientalism" of the 19th century as described by Edward Said. In the 1960s terms likeEast Asia and the Orient had become more common.

Cruise to Asia and the Orient and open yourself up to a world of diverse experiences. Savour the intense aroma of spices that fill the warm air. Sink your toes into talcum soft sand. Immerse yourself in the electric environment of city life. The Far East’s spectacular combination of ancient and advanced offers a cruise holiday to stir the senses.

As you cruise the Far East you’ll discover that, today, with the ever-expanding cities of Singapore and Hong Kong dominating the shoreline, it’s the pulsating cities with their glistening skyscrapers that symbolise this region. However, behind these dominating skylines lies the rural beauty of provinces, where remote villages embody a simpler way of life. Huge expanses of paddy fields are lovingly tended and fishing methods employed that have stood the test of time. Welcome to an intoxicating blend of exotic cultures, varied landscapes and ancient treasures.