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Cruise in the East Asia from Hong Kong aboard Costa Serena ship with visits to Hong Kong, Viet Nam, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea for 29 days
Cruise in the East Asia from Hong Kong aboard Costa Serena ship with visits to Hong Kong, Viet Nam, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea for 29 days
About this cruise
Embark on a 29-day cruise through East Asia, starting from Hong Kong on the Costa Serena ship. Discover enchanting locations in Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea during your voyage.
Day 2: Sea day.
Day 3: Nha Trang, Vietnam. Arrival time: 13:00. Departure time: 20:00. Duration of port stay: 7 hours. Nha Trang is a friendly coastal city with white, palm-lined sandy beaches and clear water, ideal for snorkeling and diving. Nha Trang is also famous for its excellent seafood. The city boasts numerous restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs. A must-see attraction is the Nha Trang Cathedral, built in French Gothic style, and the Chua Long Tu Temple located on a hill, featuring a nearly 15-meter-tall white Buddha statue. From the bay, visitors can see the quirky rock formations known as "Buddha`s Footprints" by locals. It`s highly recommended to take a boat trip to the nearby islands. Heading slightly north of the Cho River, one can visit the Cham towers of Po Nagar and Po Klong, perched on a small hill. Here, you can see the remains of the prayer hall and the approximately 20-meter-tall Thap Chinh tower dating back to the 9th century.
Day 4: Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam. Arrival time: 14:00. Departure time: 23:00. Duration of port stay: 9 hours. Approximately 2 hours south of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, lies the port city of Phu My.
Sights in and around Ho Chi Minh City: Reunification Hall, National History Museum, former US Embassy, City Hall, Saigon Cathedral, Vung Tau, Rex Hotel, Temple of the Sea Goddess.
Day 5: Sea day.
Day 6: Ko Samui, Thailand. Arrival time: 09:00. Departure time: 18:00. Duration of port stay: 9 hours. Ko Samui is Thailand`s third largest island, located about 700 kilometers south of Bangkok. With its 3 million coconut palms, the island is also known as "Coconut Island." There are approximately 1,000 coconut farmers here. The harvesting of coconuts is largely done by monkeys trained specifically for this task. Once a hidden gem, Ko Samui is becoming increasingly popular as a travel destination, without losing its idyllic charm. For those seeking a place with flawless white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and picturesque landscapes, Ko Samui is the perfect destination. The most visited attraction on the island is the Big Buddha, a 12-meter tall Buddha statue built in 1972.
Day 7: Sea day.
Day 8: Singapore, Singapore. Arrival time: 08:00. Departure time: 18:00. Duration of port stay: 10 hours. Singapore is a city-state located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, just about 100 km north of the equator. Today, the city is one of the most important ports and commercial centers in Southeast Asia. Singapore has a population of over 3 million, mainly consisting of Chinese, Malays, and Indians. Europeans and other ethnic groups contribute to the multicultural fabric of this four-language-speaking state. Notably, the city boasts clean and well-maintained streets and squares, and is considered one of the safest cities in the world. Some interesting colonial-era buildings have been preserved, including several former British government offices and the famous Raffles Hotel, which has hosted many renowned writers. Visitors can enjoy boat tours along the Singapore River and Marina Bay from the southern shore of the river. Key attractions include Orchard Road shopping street, Chinatown, Little India, the Singapore River, Botanic Gardens, Zoo, and Fort Canning.
Day 9: Sea day.
Day 10: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Arrival time: 13:00. Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of Brunei and is located in the north of the island of Borneo on the Brunei River.
Impressive sights dominate the image of the coastal city. The Sultan`s Palace, Istana Nurul Iman, with a living area of over 200,000 m², is the largest palace in the world.
Also worth seeing is a village built on stilts in the water. Today, over half of the residents of Bandar Seri Begawan call the water village home.
Day 11: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Departure time: 01:00. Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of Brunei and is located in the north of the island of Borneo on the Brunei River.
Impressive sights dominate the image of the coastal city. The Sultan`s Palace, Istana Nurul Iman, with a living area of over 200,000 m², is the largest palace in the world.
Also worth seeing is a village built on stilts in the water. Today, over half of the residents of Bandar Seri Begawan call the water village home.
Day 12: Puerto Princesa, Philippines. Arrival time: 08:00. Departure time: 20:00. Duration of port stay: 12 hours. Puerto Princesa is the capital city of the Philippine province of Palawan, located on the island of the same name. While the western side of the city faces the South China Sea, the eastern coast is along the Sulu Sea. With an area of 254 hectares, Puerto Princesa is the largest city in the country. The white sandy beaches are perfect for relaxing or sunbathing, while the sea offers opportunities for diving or dolphin watching.
Day 13 - 14: Sea day.
Day 15: Hong Kong, China. Arrival time: 10:00. Departure time: 22:00. Duration of port stay: 12 hours. The Chinese island of Hong Kong (known as "Xiang Gang" in Chinese) has been part of the Chinese Special Administrative Region since July 1, 1997, along with Lantao Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. "Hong Kong proper" forms the urban core of the island group with over 4 million inhabitants. The city is one of the world`s major financial centers and a hub for maritime traffic in the region. Attractions include floating restaurants in the harbor, the Tai Po racecourse, beaches at Castle Peak, the Man Mo Temple, the clock tower at the top of Kowloon Peninsula serving as a viewpoint of the city skyline, the 800-meter-long escalator on Hong Kong Island (the world`s longest), the Tiger Balm Garden with caves and statues from Chinese myths, and Victoria Peak offering views of the harbor and the city. Additionally, there are numerous restaurants and shops in the area.
Day 16: Sea day.
Day 17: Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan. Arrival time: 08:00. Departure time: 17:00. Duration of port stay: 9 hours. Keelung is a port city located in the northern part of Taiwan. One of its attractions is the statue of Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, situated on a hilltop. The northeastern coastal road passes through the foothills of the central mountain range, offering stunning views of the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Fascinating art treasures at the National Palace Museum and the impressive Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall are worth a visit.
Day 18: Naha (Okinawa), Japan. Arrival time: 14:30. Departure time: 23:00. Duration of port stay: 8 hours 30 minutes. Naha is a bustling city proud of its past. Amidst the department stores and boutiques of Kokusai-dori (International Street), you can find a variety of Okinawan specialties for sale, such as lacquerware, textiles, glassware, and local Tsuboya pottery. All of this and more can be discovered in the numerous shops lining Heiwa-dori, where merchandise is stacked to the ceiling. The nearby public market is an excellent place to experience (and sample) Okinawan culinary culture.
With a population of 300,000, Naha is the capital of Okinawa. Exploring the surrounding area from Naha is worthwhile, with one of the most famous attractions being Gyokusendo, a 5-kilometer-long cave, the largest in the Orient, with its ceiling covered in thousands of tightly packed stalactites formed from corals three million years ago. In this area, you can also find Gyokusendo Kingdom Village, a theme park showcasing Ryukyu culture, featuring local handicraft skills like glassblowing, pottery, and Awamori brewing, as well as traditional dances.
Day 19: Sea day.
Day 20: Kagoshima (Kyushu), Japan. Arrival time: 08:00. Departure time: 18:00. Duration of port stay: 10 hours. Kagoshima is the capital city of the prefecture located on the Japanese island of Kyushu. It is the southernmost major city in Japan, known for its tropical warmth and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere despite its modernity. Across the city, on a peninsula in the sea, stands the rugged silhouette of the over one-thousand-meter-high volcano Sakurajima, with smoke constantly rising from its jagged crater. Kagoshima holds the memory of the Jesuits in high regard, as they facilitated Japan`s first real contact with the West in the 16th century, which is reflected in many monuments throughout the city. Notable attractions include various museums, such as the new prefectural museum built on the grounds of the old castle, which showcases a wide range of cultural and historical themes of the region.
Day 21: Sea day.
Day 22: Tokyo (Honshu), Japan. Arrival time: 07:00. Departure time: 16:00. Duration of port stay: 9 hours. Tokyo, the capital of Japan with almost 8 million inhabitants, combines tradition and progress. Buddhist temples coexist with Shinto cultural facilities and skyscrapers. In peaceful alleys, you can find kimonos, fans, and carved miniature figurines, not far from modern banking districts and upscale architectural masterpieces. Relaxation can be found in the spectacular Koraku Garden with replicas of Japanese landscapes, while thrill-seekers can head to the fish market where fish can be auctioned off. The largest Japanese museum, the National Museum, houses over 90,000 art objects. In 1958, the Japanese built a replica of the Eiffel Tower, which now stands taller than the original as the Tokyo Tower, at 333 meters high.
Other attractions: Meiji Shrine, Kaisergarten and Palace, City Hall, Capsule Hotel with accommodation in "drawers", Asakusa Kannon Temple, Temple gardens in Kamakura.
Day 23: Kobe (Honshu), Japan. Arrival time: 15:00. Departure time: 23:30. Duration of port stay: 8 hours 30 minutes. Kobe is the capital of Hyogo Prefecture and one of Japan`s largest cities. It is situated between a large lake and the Rokko Mountains, and is considered one of Japan`s most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities. For several centuries, Kobe has been Japan`s most important port city, with its port being the first to open for foreign trade.
Day 24: Sea day.
Day 25: Nagasaki (Kyushu), Japan. Arrival time: 08:00. Departure time: 18:00. Duration of port stay: 10 hours. Nagasaki is the only city in Japan with European influence, as it was the only place where some settlements were allowed during the country`s 300 years of isolation. The city is located at the end of a bay between mountain ranges, offering a beautiful view of the city, the islands in front, and the sea. The old trams make it easy to move around the city and visit the sights.
Nagasaki is a bustling and colorful city, but its tragic past as the second target of an atomic bombing overshadows its fascinating early history of encounters with the Portuguese and Dutch. Urakami, the center of the atomic explosion, is now a prosperous and quiet suburb. Here lies the poignant Atomic Bomb Museum, a haunting reminder of the horrors of nuclear destruction; and the Hypocentre Park with a black stone pillar marking the exact point where the bomb exploded, along with remnants and ruins. A bell at the turtle-shaped Zen temple Fukusai-ji tolls every day at 11:02 a.m., the time of the explosion.
Day 26: Busan, South Korea. Arrival time: 07:00. Departure time: 17:00. Duration of port stay: 10 hours. The name of the bustling metropolis of Busan means "Teakettle Mountain" and refers to the city`s location surrounded by mountains on three sides. In front of the port stands the "Dragon Head Island". From the platform of Busan Tower or the small restaurant in the tower, you have a great panoramic view. At the base of the tower, there is a maze of narrow alleys of Kukje Market. The traditional Chagalchi Fish Market is Korea`s liveliest market, offering freshly caught seafood and fish specialties. Taejongdae provides a magnificent view of the East Sea, featuring a beautifully situated bizarre rock formation with a large plateau. The city museum "Pokchon-dong" showcases Busan`s history from the 4th century onwards.
Other attractions include the Pomo(sa) Temple, the fortress of Kumjongsansong on Mount Kumjong, and Kumgang Park with a cable car and old trees.
Day 27 - 28: Sea day.
Day 29: Hong Kong, China. Arrival time: 10:00. The Chinese island of Hong Kong (known as "Xiang Gang" in Chinese) has been part of the Chinese Special Administrative Region since July 1, 1997, along with Lantao Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. "Hong Kong proper" forms the urban core of the island group with over 4 million inhabitants. The city is one of the world`s major financial centers and a hub for maritime traffic in the region. Attractions include floating restaurants in the harbor, the Tai Po racecourse, beaches at Castle Peak, the Man Mo Temple, the clock tower at the top of Kowloon Peninsula serving as a viewpoint of the city skyline, the 800-meter-long escalator on Hong Kong Island (the world`s longest), the Tiger Balm Garden with caves and statues from Chinese myths, and Victoria Peak offering views of the harbor and the city. Additionally, there are numerous restaurants and shops in the area.
Cabin Prices
The cruise price at the top of the page (4.939€) is listed for the accommodation of one person in a double cabin. To get the total cabin cost, multiply this price by two. All subsequent prices are listed for the entire cabin and do not require additional multiplication.
All prices presented on this website are approximate and do not constitute a public offer. For precise price information, please contact the service provider.
Single Cabin Price
| Cruise Date | Interior Cabin | Ocean View Cabin | Balcony Cabin | Suite |
| 03/12/2025 - 03/01/2026 | 10.430€ | 11.550€ | - | - |
| 05/12/2025 - 02/01/2026 | 8.960€ | 9.920€ | 11.260€ | 11.040€ |
| 31/12/2025 - 31/01/2026 | 10.090€ | 11.330€ | - | - |
| 02/01/2026 - 30/01/2026 | 8.920€ | 9.980€ | 16.280€ | 17.200€ |
Double Cabin Price
| Cruise Date | Interior Cabin | Ocean View Cabin | Balcony Cabin | Suite |
| 03/12/2025 - 03/01/2026 | 11.430€ | 12.550€ | - | - |
| 05/12/2025 - 02/01/2026 | 9.920€ | 10.880€ | 16.980€ | 19.240€ |
| 31/12/2025 - 31/01/2026 | 10.830€ | 12.070€ | - | - |
| 02/01/2026 - 30/01/2026 | 9.880€ | 10.940€ | 14.940€ | 19.540€ |
Cabin Price for Two Adults with One Child
| Cruise Date | Interior Cabin | Ocean View Cabin | Balcony Cabin | Suite |
| 03/12/2025 - 03/01/2026 | 12.440€ | 13.560€ | - | - |
| 05/12/2025 - 02/01/2026 | 11.340€ | 12.460€ | 16.980€ | 19.240€ |
| 31/12/2025 - 31/01/2026 | 11.560€ | 12.800€ | - | - |
| 02/01/2026 - 30/01/2026 | 11.280€ | 12.520€ | 18.000€ | 19.540€ |
Cabin Price for Two Adults with Two Children
| Cruise Date | Interior Cabin | Ocean View Cabin | Balcony Cabin | Suite |
| 03/12/2025 - 03/01/2026 | 14.100€ | 14.560€ | - | - |
| 05/12/2025 - 02/01/2026 | 12.000€ | 12.460€ | 16.980€ | 19.240€ |
| 31/12/2025 - 31/01/2026 | 12.290€ | 13.530€ | - | - |
| 02/01/2026 - 30/01/2026 | 11.280€ | 12.520€ | 18.000€ | 19.540€ |
Cruise Route
Day 1: Hong Kong, China. Departure time: 22:00. The Chinese island of Hong Kong (known as "Xiang Gang" in Chinese) has been part of the Chinese Special Administrative Region since July 1, 1997, along with Lantao Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. "Hong Kong proper" forms the urban core of the island group with over 4 million inhabitants. The city is one of the world`s major financial centers and a hub for maritime traffic in the region. Attractions include floating restaurants in the harbor, the Tai Po racecourse, beaches at Castle Peak, the Man Mo Temple, the clock tower at the top of Kowloon Peninsula serving as a viewpoint of the city skyline, the 800-meter-long escalator on Hong Kong Island (the world`s longest), the Tiger Balm Garden with caves and statues from Chinese myths, and Victoria Peak offering views of the harbor and the city. Additionally, there are numerous restaurants and shops in the area.Day 2: Sea day.
Day 3: Nha Trang, Vietnam. Arrival time: 13:00. Departure time: 20:00. Duration of port stay: 7 hours. Nha Trang is a friendly coastal city with white, palm-lined sandy beaches and clear water, ideal for snorkeling and diving. Nha Trang is also famous for its excellent seafood. The city boasts numerous restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs. A must-see attraction is the Nha Trang Cathedral, built in French Gothic style, and the Chua Long Tu Temple located on a hill, featuring a nearly 15-meter-tall white Buddha statue. From the bay, visitors can see the quirky rock formations known as "Buddha`s Footprints" by locals. It`s highly recommended to take a boat trip to the nearby islands. Heading slightly north of the Cho River, one can visit the Cham towers of Po Nagar and Po Klong, perched on a small hill. Here, you can see the remains of the prayer hall and the approximately 20-meter-tall Thap Chinh tower dating back to the 9th century.
Day 4: Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam. Arrival time: 14:00. Departure time: 23:00. Duration of port stay: 9 hours. Approximately 2 hours south of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, lies the port city of Phu My.
Sights in and around Ho Chi Minh City: Reunification Hall, National History Museum, former US Embassy, City Hall, Saigon Cathedral, Vung Tau, Rex Hotel, Temple of the Sea Goddess.
Day 5: Sea day.
Day 6: Ko Samui, Thailand. Arrival time: 09:00. Departure time: 18:00. Duration of port stay: 9 hours. Ko Samui is Thailand`s third largest island, located about 700 kilometers south of Bangkok. With its 3 million coconut palms, the island is also known as "Coconut Island." There are approximately 1,000 coconut farmers here. The harvesting of coconuts is largely done by monkeys trained specifically for this task. Once a hidden gem, Ko Samui is becoming increasingly popular as a travel destination, without losing its idyllic charm. For those seeking a place with flawless white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and picturesque landscapes, Ko Samui is the perfect destination. The most visited attraction on the island is the Big Buddha, a 12-meter tall Buddha statue built in 1972.
Day 7: Sea day.
Day 8: Singapore, Singapore. Arrival time: 08:00. Departure time: 18:00. Duration of port stay: 10 hours. Singapore is a city-state located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, just about 100 km north of the equator. Today, the city is one of the most important ports and commercial centers in Southeast Asia. Singapore has a population of over 3 million, mainly consisting of Chinese, Malays, and Indians. Europeans and other ethnic groups contribute to the multicultural fabric of this four-language-speaking state. Notably, the city boasts clean and well-maintained streets and squares, and is considered one of the safest cities in the world. Some interesting colonial-era buildings have been preserved, including several former British government offices and the famous Raffles Hotel, which has hosted many renowned writers. Visitors can enjoy boat tours along the Singapore River and Marina Bay from the southern shore of the river. Key attractions include Orchard Road shopping street, Chinatown, Little India, the Singapore River, Botanic Gardens, Zoo, and Fort Canning.
Day 9: Sea day.
Day 10: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Arrival time: 13:00. Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of Brunei and is located in the north of the island of Borneo on the Brunei River.
Impressive sights dominate the image of the coastal city. The Sultan`s Palace, Istana Nurul Iman, with a living area of over 200,000 m², is the largest palace in the world.
Also worth seeing is a village built on stilts in the water. Today, over half of the residents of Bandar Seri Begawan call the water village home.
Day 11: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Departure time: 01:00. Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of Brunei and is located in the north of the island of Borneo on the Brunei River.
Impressive sights dominate the image of the coastal city. The Sultan`s Palace, Istana Nurul Iman, with a living area of over 200,000 m², is the largest palace in the world.
Also worth seeing is a village built on stilts in the water. Today, over half of the residents of Bandar Seri Begawan call the water village home.
Day 12: Puerto Princesa, Philippines. Arrival time: 08:00. Departure time: 20:00. Duration of port stay: 12 hours. Puerto Princesa is the capital city of the Philippine province of Palawan, located on the island of the same name. While the western side of the city faces the South China Sea, the eastern coast is along the Sulu Sea. With an area of 254 hectares, Puerto Princesa is the largest city in the country. The white sandy beaches are perfect for relaxing or sunbathing, while the sea offers opportunities for diving or dolphin watching.
Day 13 - 14: Sea day.
Day 15: Hong Kong, China. Arrival time: 10:00. Departure time: 22:00. Duration of port stay: 12 hours. The Chinese island of Hong Kong (known as "Xiang Gang" in Chinese) has been part of the Chinese Special Administrative Region since July 1, 1997, along with Lantao Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. "Hong Kong proper" forms the urban core of the island group with over 4 million inhabitants. The city is one of the world`s major financial centers and a hub for maritime traffic in the region. Attractions include floating restaurants in the harbor, the Tai Po racecourse, beaches at Castle Peak, the Man Mo Temple, the clock tower at the top of Kowloon Peninsula serving as a viewpoint of the city skyline, the 800-meter-long escalator on Hong Kong Island (the world`s longest), the Tiger Balm Garden with caves and statues from Chinese myths, and Victoria Peak offering views of the harbor and the city. Additionally, there are numerous restaurants and shops in the area.
Day 16: Sea day.
Day 17: Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan. Arrival time: 08:00. Departure time: 17:00. Duration of port stay: 9 hours. Keelung is a port city located in the northern part of Taiwan. One of its attractions is the statue of Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, situated on a hilltop. The northeastern coastal road passes through the foothills of the central mountain range, offering stunning views of the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Fascinating art treasures at the National Palace Museum and the impressive Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall are worth a visit.
Day 18: Naha (Okinawa), Japan. Arrival time: 14:30. Departure time: 23:00. Duration of port stay: 8 hours 30 minutes. Naha is a bustling city proud of its past. Amidst the department stores and boutiques of Kokusai-dori (International Street), you can find a variety of Okinawan specialties for sale, such as lacquerware, textiles, glassware, and local Tsuboya pottery. All of this and more can be discovered in the numerous shops lining Heiwa-dori, where merchandise is stacked to the ceiling. The nearby public market is an excellent place to experience (and sample) Okinawan culinary culture.
With a population of 300,000, Naha is the capital of Okinawa. Exploring the surrounding area from Naha is worthwhile, with one of the most famous attractions being Gyokusendo, a 5-kilometer-long cave, the largest in the Orient, with its ceiling covered in thousands of tightly packed stalactites formed from corals three million years ago. In this area, you can also find Gyokusendo Kingdom Village, a theme park showcasing Ryukyu culture, featuring local handicraft skills like glassblowing, pottery, and Awamori brewing, as well as traditional dances.
Day 19: Sea day.
Day 20: Kagoshima (Kyushu), Japan. Arrival time: 08:00. Departure time: 18:00. Duration of port stay: 10 hours. Kagoshima is the capital city of the prefecture located on the Japanese island of Kyushu. It is the southernmost major city in Japan, known for its tropical warmth and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere despite its modernity. Across the city, on a peninsula in the sea, stands the rugged silhouette of the over one-thousand-meter-high volcano Sakurajima, with smoke constantly rising from its jagged crater. Kagoshima holds the memory of the Jesuits in high regard, as they facilitated Japan`s first real contact with the West in the 16th century, which is reflected in many monuments throughout the city. Notable attractions include various museums, such as the new prefectural museum built on the grounds of the old castle, which showcases a wide range of cultural and historical themes of the region.
Day 21: Sea day.
Day 22: Tokyo (Honshu), Japan. Arrival time: 07:00. Departure time: 16:00. Duration of port stay: 9 hours. Tokyo, the capital of Japan with almost 8 million inhabitants, combines tradition and progress. Buddhist temples coexist with Shinto cultural facilities and skyscrapers. In peaceful alleys, you can find kimonos, fans, and carved miniature figurines, not far from modern banking districts and upscale architectural masterpieces. Relaxation can be found in the spectacular Koraku Garden with replicas of Japanese landscapes, while thrill-seekers can head to the fish market where fish can be auctioned off. The largest Japanese museum, the National Museum, houses over 90,000 art objects. In 1958, the Japanese built a replica of the Eiffel Tower, which now stands taller than the original as the Tokyo Tower, at 333 meters high.
Other attractions: Meiji Shrine, Kaisergarten and Palace, City Hall, Capsule Hotel with accommodation in "drawers", Asakusa Kannon Temple, Temple gardens in Kamakura.
Day 23: Kobe (Honshu), Japan. Arrival time: 15:00. Departure time: 23:30. Duration of port stay: 8 hours 30 minutes. Kobe is the capital of Hyogo Prefecture and one of Japan`s largest cities. It is situated between a large lake and the Rokko Mountains, and is considered one of Japan`s most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities. For several centuries, Kobe has been Japan`s most important port city, with its port being the first to open for foreign trade.
Day 24: Sea day.
Day 25: Nagasaki (Kyushu), Japan. Arrival time: 08:00. Departure time: 18:00. Duration of port stay: 10 hours. Nagasaki is the only city in Japan with European influence, as it was the only place where some settlements were allowed during the country`s 300 years of isolation. The city is located at the end of a bay between mountain ranges, offering a beautiful view of the city, the islands in front, and the sea. The old trams make it easy to move around the city and visit the sights.
Nagasaki is a bustling and colorful city, but its tragic past as the second target of an atomic bombing overshadows its fascinating early history of encounters with the Portuguese and Dutch. Urakami, the center of the atomic explosion, is now a prosperous and quiet suburb. Here lies the poignant Atomic Bomb Museum, a haunting reminder of the horrors of nuclear destruction; and the Hypocentre Park with a black stone pillar marking the exact point where the bomb exploded, along with remnants and ruins. A bell at the turtle-shaped Zen temple Fukusai-ji tolls every day at 11:02 a.m., the time of the explosion.
Day 26: Busan, South Korea. Arrival time: 07:00. Departure time: 17:00. Duration of port stay: 10 hours. The name of the bustling metropolis of Busan means "Teakettle Mountain" and refers to the city`s location surrounded by mountains on three sides. In front of the port stands the "Dragon Head Island". From the platform of Busan Tower or the small restaurant in the tower, you have a great panoramic view. At the base of the tower, there is a maze of narrow alleys of Kukje Market. The traditional Chagalchi Fish Market is Korea`s liveliest market, offering freshly caught seafood and fish specialties. Taejongdae provides a magnificent view of the East Sea, featuring a beautifully situated bizarre rock formation with a large plateau. The city museum "Pokchon-dong" showcases Busan`s history from the 4th century onwards.
Other attractions include the Pomo(sa) Temple, the fortress of Kumjongsansong on Mount Kumjong, and Kumgang Park with a cable car and old trees.
Day 27 - 28: Sea day.
Day 29: Hong Kong, China. Arrival time: 10:00. The Chinese island of Hong Kong (known as "Xiang Gang" in Chinese) has been part of the Chinese Special Administrative Region since July 1, 1997, along with Lantao Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. "Hong Kong proper" forms the urban core of the island group with over 4 million inhabitants. The city is one of the world`s major financial centers and a hub for maritime traffic in the region. Attractions include floating restaurants in the harbor, the Tai Po racecourse, beaches at Castle Peak, the Man Mo Temple, the clock tower at the top of Kowloon Peninsula serving as a viewpoint of the city skyline, the 800-meter-long escalator on Hong Kong Island (the world`s longest), the Tiger Balm Garden with caves and statues from Chinese myths, and Victoria Peak offering views of the harbor and the city. Additionally, there are numerous restaurants and shops in the area.