Day 1 - Friday - Nov 1, 2019
Embark today and settle in for a fascinating journey that bridges the cultures of Asia and North America. Settle in to your veranda stateroom and explore your ship, perhaps browsing our onboard art collection. Later, head for dinner in our elegant main dining room, The Restaurant.
Day 2 - Saturday - Nov 2, 2019
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 3 - Sunday - Nov 3, 2019
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 4 - Monday - Nov 4, 2019
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 5 - Tuesday - Nov 5, 2019
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 6 - Wednesday - Nov 6, 2019
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 7 - Thursday - Nov 7, 2019
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 8 - Friday - Nov 8, 2019
Visit Busan, one of the world's largest ports. Despite its centuries of history, the city's modernity is unmistakable and distinct. Get to know its treasures during an included panoramic tour of Busan's sights, stopping along the way for photos and free time. Alternately, journey to the magnificent hillside temple of Beomeosa and the bustling Gukje Market, or marvel at the brilliantly kaleidoscopic Gamcheon Culture Village. Return on board for dinner.
Day 9 - Saturday - Nov 9, 2019
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 10 - Sunday - Nov 10, 2019
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 11 - Monday - Nov 11, 2019
| 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 12 - Tuesday - Nov 12, 2019
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 as the world's tallest building from 2004 to 2009.
Day 13 - Wednesday - Nov 13, 2019
| 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 14 - Thursday - Nov 14, 2019
Cruise into dazzling Hong Kong this morning and admire the glittering forest of skyscrapers standing between soaring mountains, a bustling harbor, and offshore islands. See where deeply held Eastern traditions meet modern Western sensibilities during a panoramic city tour that takes you up Victoria Peak for sweeping views of the metropolis. An overnight stay in Hong Kong lets you explore further on your own or with one of our shore excursions.
Day 15 - Friday - Nov 15, 2019
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 16 - Saturday - Nov 16, 2019
See where Hong Kong's deeply held Eastern traditions meet modern Western sensibilities during a panoramic city tour that takes you up Victoria Peak for sweeping views of the metropolis. Alternately, you may explore further on your own or with one of our shore excursions.
Day 17 - Sunday - Nov 17, 2019
| Cruising the South China Sea, China |
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Enjoy a full day indulging in the amenities of your ship as you cruise the South China Sea. You might find your inner calm with yoga on the Sports Deck. Lounge by the Main Pool with its retractable roof and enjoy a cocktail at the Aquavit Bar. After an al fresco dinner at the World Cafe, settle in for some light jazz and a nightcap at Torshavn.
Day 18 - Monday - Nov 18, 2019
Ha Long Bay is home to about 2,000 limestone islands rising from the water to astonishing heights. Legend says they were created by dragons who breathed out jewels into the bay to prevent enemy ships from coming ashore. Perhaps embark on a scenic and serene cruise on an authentic junk through one of the world's most magnificent landscapes. As we dock here overnight, you will have ample time to explore the bay and its surroundings.
Day 19 - Tuesday - Nov 19, 2019
Ha Long Bay is home to about 2,000 limestone islands rising from the water to astonishing heights. Legend says they were created by dragons who breathed out jewels into the bay to prevent enemy ships from coming ashore. On an included tour, board an authentic junk for a scenic cruise, passing rock formations and caves that have been whittled away over centuries. If you would like, visit Yen Tu Monastery, where you will learn about Vietnam's history and Buddhist traditions at one of the country's major religious centers.
Day 20 - Wednesday - Nov 20, 2019
Arrive in Chan May, with its lovely location along the Perfume River. Embark on an included tour to the coastal city of Da Nang, taking in picturesque views of the Vietnamese countryside along the way. After time to explore the area's historic temples and sculptures, you will stop for photos at My Khe Beach, considered the country's most beautiful beach. Or, explore the nearby city of Hue on one of our optional excursions, immersing yourself in its intriguing past and enduring culture. You will have ample time to explore this port today.
Day 21 - Thursday - Nov 21, 2019
| Cruising the South China Sea, China |
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As you cruise the South China Sea, attend an illuminating enrichment lecture on board. Take in the sea views from the Explorers' Lounge. Tonight, dine at your choice of venues, perhaps pairing sommelier-selected wines with a carefully prepared tasting menu at The Chef's Table.
Day 22 - Friday - Nov 22, 2019
| Ho Chi Minh City (Formerly Saigon), Vietnam |
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Call on Ho Chi Minh City today, formerly known as Saigon. Join an included excursion to view the Reunification Palace, the Central Post Office, and Chinatown, and meet artisans at a lacquer workshop. Or, you may choose to take a Vietnamese cooking class, or explore the city by pedal cab. With two nights here, you will have ample time to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the south on our optional tours or a two-day excursion.
Day 23 - Saturday - Nov 23, 2019
| Ho Chi Minh City (Formerly Saigon), Vietnam |
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Enjoy another day in this captivating city. You might choose to tour the fabled Mekong Delta, known to many as "Vietnam's rice bowl". This fascinating region, seemingly untouched by the passage of time, is one of the most fertile areas in the nation, with much of its abundance of fruit, vegetables, and seafood sold at the many floating markets.
Day 24 - Sunday - Nov 24, 2019
| Ho Chi Minh City (Formerly Saigon), Vietnam |
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Take the morning to further explore Ho Chi Minh City. Perhaps you will pay a visit to Ben Thanh Market, breathing in the heavenly scents as you sample regional dishes and admire the handiwork of local artisans. Or, you may choose to enjoy the city's modern bustle and colonial charm on your own. Return on board for lunch and an afternoon departure.
Day 25 - Monday - Nov 25, 2019
| Cruising the Gulf of Thailand, Thailand |
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Cruise through the Gulf of Thailand today. As you do so, perhaps soothe your body with a hot sauna and a few minutes amid the gently falling snow of the Snow Grotto. This evening, enjoy cocktails in the Explorers' Lounge and a dinner of authentic Thai dishes at The Restaurant.
Day 26 - Tuesday - Nov 26, 2019
Call on Cambodia's coastal town of Sihanoukville, surrounded by stunning beaches. Spend the morning experiencing the authentic Khmer culture of Sihanoukville, ringed by cerulean waters. Take in the local ambience at the town's market, return to Independence Beach, or explore the beaches lined with colorful fishing boats. During your included tour, visit Wat Krom with its colorful murals and Buddha sculptures, stroll Independence Beach, and explore a local market and fishing village.
Day 27 - Wednesday - Nov 27, 2019
For an authentic taste of life in this Cambodian seaside town, see its main sights on board a traditional tuk-tuk. Sihanoukville is the also gateway to Cambodia's stunning Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a supreme example of classical Khmer architecture. If you wish, you may join an overland excursion to witness this magnificent, sprawling temple complex.
Day 28 - Thursday - Nov 28, 2019
| Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand |
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Experience another day amid the splendor of Bangkok and explore more of this magnificent capital on your own. Perhaps head out to marvel at the temples and elegant buildings of the renowned Grand Palace, or take a ride in a tuk-tuk to view the city's main sights. Your ship remains docked overnight.
Day 29 - Friday - Nov 29, 2019
| Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand |
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Disembark this morning and transfer to the Bangkok airport for your flight home. Or, explore more with our post-extension in this fascinating city.
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