Day 1 - Tuesday - Apr 9, 2024
Arrive in dazzling Hong Kong today and embark your ship. Take time to settle in and explore, perhaps admiring the city's magnificent setting, a glittering forest of skyscrapers standing between soaring mountains, a bustling harbor, and offshore islands. Our overnight stay gives you ample time to experience the rich cultural tapestry and unmistakable British influence.
Day 2 - Wednesday - Apr 10, 2024
Another day in port allows you to admire the city's magnificent setting, a glittering forest of skyscrapers standing among soaring mountains, a bustling harbor, and offshore islands. Tonight, perhaps enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or spend a leisurely evening on board.
Day 3 - Thursday - Apr 11, 2024
| Cruising the East China Sea, China |
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The East China Sea welcomes you today. This strategically important shipping lane is also a key stretch of water for several nations' fishing industries. As you cruise today, enjoy regional cuisine in the World Cafe or treat yourself to a massage at The Spa.
Day 4 - Friday - Apr 12, 2024
Visit the fascinating Taiwanese capital of Taipei on the island's northern shore. This city boasts a curious blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Western influences. Visit the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a monument dedicated to the founding father of Taiwan, and the National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine to those who have fallen in China's wars. You will stop for photos of Taipei 101, a stunning skyscraper that held the title of the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2009.
Day 5 - Saturday - Apr 13, 2024
| Cruising the East China Sea, China |
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Spend a relaxing day onboard as you cruise the East China Sea. Perhaps you will learn about your next destination, Japan, in The Library or at an enrichment lecture. Enjoy a Norwegian-inspired lunch at Mamsen's gourmet deli. This evening, savor wine pairings with your dinner at The Chef's Table.
Day 6 - Sunday - Apr 14, 2024
Call in Nagasaki today, where East meets West-most notably in the city's delicious cuisine. Embark on an included tour of Nagasaki, pausing at the Nagasaki Peace Park to stroll among its moving statues. You will also see the Urakami Cathedral and the former island of Dejima, designated to house European merchants. If you like, you may choose to enjoy lunch and a geisha performance followed by a visit to a 1,000-foot-high observatory on one of our optional excursions.
Day 7 - Monday - Apr 15, 2024
Situated on a scenic bay formed by a sunken caldera and overseen by the Sakurajima volcano, Kagoshima is often called the "Naples of the Eastern World" for its setting. During a city tour, head to the hilltop Shiroyama Park for splendid views of the city and Sakurajima volcano, and visit the Reimeikan museum in the old city castle to view exhibits on Japan's history and culture. Or, you may opt to participate in a unique "sand bath" experience at a nearby hotel.
Day 8 - Tuesday - Apr 16, 2024
Explore Japan's leading hot spring resort, Beppu, with its nearly 3,000 gushing vents in a small area. Marvel at the clouds of steam rising through the city's streets, caused by the underground volcanic activity. The springs boast properties that are said to boost health and well-being because of their mineral content. At one of the best-known examples, Myoban Yunosato, experts will introduce you to the benefits of these minerals and the process of extracting crystals to produce bath and skin care products.
Day 9 - Wednesday - Apr 17, 2024
Arrive in Hiroshima for an overnight stay, giving you time to ponder this resilient city. Once at the forefront of industry and education, it grew from the 19th century to become one of Japan's most important industrial centers. Contemplate the city's decades-long recovery from its devastation on August 6, 1945, at the burned-out shell of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall and the Peace Memorial Park. Perhaps you will choose to travel to historic Hiroshima Castle and the charming "shrunken scenery garden", or board a ferry to discover the wooded hills and cherished Itsukushima Shrine on the picturesque Itsukushima Island.
Day 10 - Thursday - Apr 18, 2024
Today, you may combine a visit to the beautiful Mitaki Temple with the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. If you prefer, you may explore more of Hiroshima on your own, perhaps paying your respects at the Children's Peace Monument; its Flame of Peace will burn until the last nuclear weapon on the planet has been dismantled.
Day 11 - Friday - Apr 19, 2024
Home to two of Japan's oldest shrines, Osaka is a pilgrimage site for many devout followers of Shinto. At Sumiyoshi-taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine), admire the fine architecture that stretches back 17 centuries, a stark and elegant style with vivid red beams and columns. On the way back to your ship, admire the nearly 1,000-foot-tall Abeno Harukas, Japan's tallest building. If you wish, you may journey to Kyoto, Japan's former imperial city of stunning shrines, bamboo forests, and the splendid Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion).
Day 12 - Saturday - Apr 20, 2024
Arrive in Shimizu for an overnight stay, affording you time to get to know this historic city. Travel to beautiful Nihondaira, where the area's elevated topography allows you to take in sweeping views of the city and the famous Mt. Fuji. This included tour also features a guided walk through scenic Miho no Matsubara. Alternately, you may opt to learn more about one of Shimizu's most important industries on a visit to a tea plantation. Tonight, enjoy dinner in town or on board and an evening at leisure.
Day 13 - Sunday - Apr 21, 2024
You have another day to relax and enjoy the lush natural surroundings of Shimizu. You may also travel to the slopes of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest peak. You will ascend to an elevation of 7,900 feet, passing pristine countryside and charming small villages. Pause your journey to view the work of famed artist Utagawa Hiroshige in a museum dedicated to the Japanese landscape master.
Day 14 - Monday - Apr 22, 2024
Formerly known as Edo, today's Tokyo is the cultural and economic heart of Japan, residence of its emperor, and a fascinating study in contrasts. Take in sweeping views of Tokyo as you drive across the Rainbow Bridge, and admire some of the city's signature landmarks before strolling through the plaza of the emperor's primary residence, the Imperial Palace. You may choose to join a walking tour of one of the world's largest wholesale seafood markets, followed by a visit to a local restaurant to learn how to make the city's signature Edomae sushi. Or, immerse yourself in Japan's ancient traditions on a visit to a bonsai museum.
Day 15 - Tuesday - Apr 23, 2024
Disembark today in Tokyo and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Or stay on in Tokyo to explore its rich and fascinating culture.
