| Day |
Schedules and Accommodations |
1-2
[top] |
Depart Home / Fly Overnight to Osaka, Japan / Transfer to Kyoto
After arriving in Osaka on Day 2, you'll transfer to Kyoto and heck into your Superior First-Class hotel for your three-night stay.
Rihga Royal Hotel  |
3
[top] |
Kyoto, Japan
After your welcome orientation and briefing in the morning, you'll enjoy a city tour of Kyoto, including visits to the Golden Pavilion, Nijyo Castle and the Kyoto Handicraft Center. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or join an optional "Experience Japanese Culture" tour. The evening is at leisure.
Rihga Royal Hotel (B) |
4
[top] |
Kyoto
Today, you'll have the day to spend at your leisure, or join an optional morning half-day Nara Nara tour. Enjoy the evening at leisure or take an optional "Kyoto by Night" tour with dinner.
Rihga Royal Hotel (B) |
5
[top] |
Kyoto / Kobe, Japan / Embark the ms Statendam
Enjoy an included breakfast at the hotel and a leisurely morning before discovering the beautiful Osaka Castle on your way to the pier. You'll embark the ms Statendam in time for a buffet lunch on board.
ms Statendam (B,D) |
6
[top] |
Scenic Cruising Inland Sea of Japan
ms Statendam (B,L,D) |
7
[top] |
Nagasaki, Japan
Your first 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) |
8
[top] |
Busan (Pusan), South Korea
The next day, 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) |
9
[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) |
10
[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) |
11-12
[top] |
Xingang (Beijing), China (overnight on board)
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) |
13
[top] |
At Sea / Memorable Journeys® Reception
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. Join your fellow travellers for a Memorable Journeys® Reception this evening.
ms Statendam (B,L,D) |
14
[top] |
At Sea
ms Statendam (B,L,D) |
15-16
[top] |
Shanghai, China / Overnight On Board
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) |
17-18
[top] |
At Sea
As you cruise the Taiwan Strait and East China Sea these two days, 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 (2B,2L,2D) |
19
[top] |
Hong Kong, China / Disembark
Disembark the ship and begin your acquaintance with Hong Kong Island with an 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 the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Regal Kowloon Hotel  (B) |
20
[top] |
Hong Kong
Spend the days as you wish in Hong Kong, or join your choice of optional tours. Enjoy the day at leisure or join the optional half-day Heritage Tour. Tonight, enjoy the evening at leisure or join the optional "Seafood Dinner" tour that includes a boat ride.
Regal Kowloon Hotel (B) |
21
[top] |
Hong Kong
Today is at leisure, or you may join an optional full-day Macau tour, including lunch.
Regal Kowloon Hotel (B) |
22
[top] |
Hong Kong
Take the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your flight home. You'll arrive in your home city on Day 23.
Regal Kowloon Hotel (B) |
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