| Day |
Schedules and Accommodations |
1-2
[top] |
Depart Home /Fly Overnight to Hong Kong, China
To make sure you’ll have time to fully experience this dynamic city, Vantage has arranged an INCLUDED three-night stay for you in a Superior First-Class Hong Kong hotel.
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3
[top] |
Hong Kong Hotel
Awake to a hearty Western-style buffet breakfast. Then begin your acquaintance with Hong Kong Island on your included panoramic city tour that takes you to historic Repulse Bay, Aberdeen floating village, and to the top of Victoria Peak, for fabulous views. At nightfall, the city turns neon and the night markets open, offering bargains on everything you can imagine, including cashmere, embroidered silk, watches, tee-shirts, designer knock-offs, jade, cloisonné, and toys that are “made in China,” of course. Enjoy this afternoon on your own or you may opt to take a half-day Heritage Tour. This evening, enjoy dinner on your own and the evening at leisure or an optional Seafood Dinner Tour that includes a boat ride.
(B) |
4
[top] |
Hong Kong
Today, explore Hong Kong at your own pace or join an optional full-day tour to Macao, which includes lunch.
Regal Kowloon Hotel  (B) |
5
[top] |
Hong Kong / Embark Ship
Enjoy an included breakfast at the hotel and a leisurely morning before embarking the ms Statendam in time for a buffet lunch on board.
ms Statendam (B,L,D) |
6
[top] |
At Sea
ms Statendam (B,L,D) |
7
[top] |
At Sea
As you cruise the Taiwan Strait and East China Sea, take advantage to your time at sea to sample the ms Statendam’s many Signature of Excellence upgrades. In the new Explorations Café you can read the New York Times, browse 2,000 books, connect to the Internet, and watch Discovery Times Channel programming.
ms Statendam (B,L,D) |
8-9
[top] |
Shanghai, China
Arrive in Shanghai, a bustling center of international commerce. In fact the main boulevard, the Bund, is a long sweep of grand European architecture along the riverfront — which certainly seems out of place in China! Since your ship spends the night in port, you’ll have two full days to explore. Perhaps you’ll view the exquisite porcelain at the Shanghai Museum, visit the Jade Buddha Temple, or stroll one of the fine parks, such as stroll the Yu Yuan Gardens, inspiration for the famous “willow pattern” chinaware. Arrival times into Shanghai are subject to tidal conditions.
ms Statendam (2B,2L,2D) |
10-11
[top] |
At Sea
As you cruise the Yellow Sea, treat yourself to a massage at the fabulous Greenhouse Spa & Salon, join a yoga or pilates class, or choose to do nothing at all.
ms Statendam (2B,2L,2D) |
12-13
[top] |
Xingang (Beijing), China
With two full days docked at Xingang, you’ll have time to marvel at the ancient wonders and modern landmarks of nearby Beijing. Choose to walk along the top of the Great Wall, enter the Forbidden City, and come face to face with the much larger-than-life portrait of Mao Zedong looking over Tiananmen Square.
ms Statendam (2B,2L,2D) |
14
[top] |
Dalian, China
Next you’ll sail to Dalian, a relatively small (by Chinese standards), picturesque seaport. What this city lacks in population, it more than makes up for in other categories, especially when it comes it fabulous beaches, delicious seafood, and exquisite hand-blown glass. While here you might choose to visit the National History Museum, arrange an outing to the snake sanctuary and museum on Snake Island, or browse the shopping and dining venues on Tianjin Jie. At the end of today the ms Statendam casts off from China, setting a course for South Korea.
ms Statendam (B,L,D) |
15
[top] |
At Sea
Today you’ll continue cruising the Yellow Sea. Relax a bit and read up on the destinations ahead, attend a port of call talk, play bingo, watch a movie, or claim a lounge chair with a view of the sea.
ms Statendam (B,L,D) |
16
[top] |
Pusan, South Korea
After a refreshing day at sea, you’ll dock in Pusan, also commonly known as Busan. South Korea’s second largest city, is noteworthy as a major world seaport and the seat of one of Asia’s largest international film festivals. With a full day to explore you might discover Chinju, an ancient fortress on the South River cliffs, or take a dip in nearby hot springs. Or, visit other historic landmarks — such as Kyongbok Palace or Changdok Palace. Toksu Palace, home to the National Museum and Art Gallery, is another great option.
ms Statendam (B,L,D) |
17
[top] |
Nagasaki, Japan
Your next port of call, Nagasaki, an ancient city that rises up the steep hillsides in “terraced” steps and winding streets. Here, you’ll have the chance to visit Glover House, where Puccini’s Madame Butterfly reputedly awaited her errant Lieutenant Pinkerton. Or, head to what is quite possibly the city's focal point — Peace Memorial Park — which honors the lives lost to World War II's second atomic bomb. You can also take in a myriad of other local treasures, such as the Sofuku-ji temple, inhabited by Chinese Buddhist monks.
ms Statendam (B,L,D) |
18
[top] |
At Sea
Today you cruise the Inland Sea, actually a commingling of five separate seas, interspersed with over 1,000 islands. When you’re not admiring the scenery, why not slip inside for a game of cards or to pick up a souvenir in the shipboard boutique?
ms Statendam (B,L,D) |
19
[top] |
Kobe, Japan / Disembark Ship / Enjoy 3 FREE Nights in Kyoto!
You’re not ready to return to the U.S. just yet! After disembarking the ship on board in Kobe, you’ll be transferred to a First-Class Kyoto hotel, enjoying an included panoramic city tour of Osaka en route. Enjoy the evening at leisure or join an optional "Kyoto by Night" tour.
(B) |
20
[top] |
Kyoto
Today, explore Kyoto at your leisure, or you may choose to join an optional tour on which you will experience various facets of Japanese culture — including food, tea, and the Kimono.
Rihga Royal Hotel  (B) |
21
[top] |
Kyoto
Today is yours to enjoy beautiful Kyoto on your own. You may choose, however, to join an optional half-day tour to Nara Nara, which features seven ancient temples, shrines and magnificent ruins.
Rihga Royal Hotel (B) |
22
[top] |
Kyoto / Osaka / Return Home
Today, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home.
(B) |
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