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Destinations of Haganes Cruises
The M/V Haganes follows the best weather moving around the finest destinations of Southeast Asia. As an example, the Philippines is prone to typhoons and our visits there are limited to periods typhoons are unlikely. Likewise, the east coasts ot Thailand and the Malay peninsula have very rough seas June through October. Borneo and the west coast of Malaysia and Thailand are blessed with relatively good seas 12 months a year.
Although the guests are responsible for the costs of repositioning the ship, these costs are waived if the ship is already positioned in that area.
We have described sample itineraries but since you are the only guests, YOU refine your vacation destinations. Except for the Haganes’ visits to Ko Samui (Thailand) and the Langkawi/Phuket area, the areas visited are off of the beaten path of cruise ships and brochure holidays. Everywhere Haganes visits the people are genuinely friendly and welcoming and you can be assured that your visit will be a memorable one.
West Coast of Malaysia and Thailand (Langkawi to Phuket) – You fly into either the airports of Langkawi (Malaysia) or Phuket (Thailand) and you will be met by our ground staff. This area has a very strong tourist industry in place with many water and land based activities possible. Langkawi is a duty free grouping of islands. This area offers great beaches and diving possibilities.
West Coast of Borneo (Malaysia & Brunei) – You fly into the International Airport at Kota Kinabalu and will be met by our ground staff. The Haganes sails to the Sultanate of Brunei with its majestic mosques and their famous stilt village. The ship also calls at the duty free island of Labuan (Palau Labuan) where you can purchase duty free goods and beverages from all over the world at true duty free prices. A day is spent snokelling in the crystal clear waters or exploring the island of Kerman. Gaya Island Marine Park is another lovely stop on the cruise, and depending on the weather Kudat, at the very northern tip of Borneo where we anchor off the beautiful seaside golf course.
North Coast of Borneo (Malaysia) – This section of Borneo is more remote. You fly into Kota Kinabalu and are met by our ground staff. Depending on your wishes, you can visit Kota Kinabalu and Gaya Island first and then sail to the North Coast of Borneo – or you can travel three hours by mini-bus to meet the Haganes in Kudat. Beautiful anchorages, clear water, snorkeling and diving are thoughout the islands off of the north coast.
Tioman Island (Palau Tioman, Malaysia) – This duty free island off of the east coast of peninsular Malaysia has been compared by many naturalists to the Galapagos Islands of Charles Darwin fame. According to a BBC documentary, there are over 400 species of plant and animals found nowhere else but on Tioman Island. The government of Malaysia is working hard to protect this area of reefs and beautiful tropical forest laden volcanic mountains. The west and southern sides of the island are dotted with small holiday resorts. There are several islands within 40 miles with snorkeling and diving and picnicking on some of the uninhabited islands. You fly into Singapore and transfer to a Berjaya Air flight to Tioman where you will be met by the Haganes ground staff. This is one of the Captain’s favorite stops.
Ko Samui and Surrounding Islands – This area is a tourist and backpacker destination with Ko Samui almost completely developed and the northern islands much less developed. We cruise the islands of Koh Phangan and Ko Tao in this island group. The Haganes visits Ko Samui in August. You will be met at the Ko Samui airport by our ground staff after transiting through Bangkok.
Palawan, Philippines – This island is called the ‘last frontier’ of the Philippines. Tropical forests still stand. We offer Palawan as it is probably the most beautiful and unspoilt island in the Philippines with more activities available for hiking, diving, snorkeling, and sightseeing ashore. Some of the finest baskets and weavings are made by the mountain tribes that still exist here. You will be met at the airport in Puerto Princesa after your flight from Manila.
Repositioning Voyages – These can be your best or worst trip you have ever experienced. As much as we would like, we cannot control the weather. We travel with weather forecasts provided by the US Navy and other prime weather information bureaus. On these cruises you must be flexible as we will not sail until we see a good forecast. You can watch or participate in the operation of the ship. Our talented chef will produce the best meals they can based on the conditions. The level of service is diminished as ship staff will be operating the ship. These repositioning cruises are at least a week long but may last two weeks or more. Because of the uncertainties, these are offered at ˝ price. No matter the time the cruise takes you still only pay for one week. Guests on repositioning cruises must know they do not get sea sick, and in any event must be prepared and should bring anti-seasickness medication. Sailing dates are varied.