Grand Asia

Join us as we sail the Sea of Japan and the Yellow and South China Seas, winding our way around islands and down a coastline that has enticed explorers, adventurers, conquerors and kings for centuries. Wander through ancient temples and pagodas. Relish the cacophony of a bustling market. Embrace the silence of a tranquil monastery.  And take in the natural beauty of the land and seascapes of Grand Asia.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - ARRIVE IN JAPAN

Transfer from Osaka’s Kansai Airport to Kobe where you’ll spend the night at your deluxe hotel.

Day 2 - KOBE

Enjoy the morning at leisure to explore historic attractions of this port city, one of the first to begin accepting foreign traders following Japan’s two and a half centuries of isolation. Visit Himeji (White Egret) Castle, Japan’s most beautiful stronghold. Board the Spirit of Oceanus and set sail in the early evening. BD

Day 3 - MIYAJIMA / HIROSHIMA

Bright red floating Torii gates and tame deer welcome you to Miyajima as you approach the mountainous “island of the shrines,” once regarded as so sacred a place that people were forbidden to till the soil, give birth, pass away or be buried on the land. Here we will meet a Shinto priest and enjoy a performance and personal tour of the famous Itsukushima Shinto shrine.

Hiroshima, a city once battered, is now thriving and devoted to peace. In memory of the 1945 atomic bomb explosion, a Peace Flame, never to be extinguished until all nuclear weapons are abolished, burns in front of the Memorial Cenotaph. Tour the Peace Park, Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum. BLD

Day 4 - NAGASAKI

Once Japan’s “Gateway to the West,” Nagasaki was one of the few ports open to foreign traders during Japan’s 250-year period of isolation. It was also the second city to be destroyed by an atomic bomb in World War II. The Peace Park offers spectacular views, a reminder of the war’s devastation and a message of hope and rebirth. Tour the Atomic Bomb Museum and Glover Garden, an open-air museum exhibiting 19th-century Victorian mansions and gardens built by an enterprising Scotsman who helped to overthrow the shogunate. BLD

Day 5 - JEJU ISLAND, SOUTH KOREA

Often thought of as the “Hawaii of the U.S.” for its volcanic rock, mountainous terrain and temperate climate, Jeju, the “Island of the Gods,” boasts South Korea’s highest peak. Explore the Jeju Folk Village Museum, home to over 400 thatched-roof houses still inhabited by villagers. Visit the Biosphere Reserve at Seogwipo and learn the legend of the lone Oedolgae Rock pillar, standing tall off the seashore. BLD

Day 6 - SHANGHAI, CHINA

Originally a sleepy fishing town, Shanghai is now China’s premier cultural, commercial and financial center and the largest city in the country. Strategically located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, it’s one of the world’s busiest ports. The new, architecturally adventurous Shanghai Museum exhibits an extraordinary collection of Chinese art through the ages, while the beautiful pavilions, corridors, streams and courtyards of the Yuyuan Garden offer timeless tranquility. Other not-to-be-missed Shanghai experiences include the French Concession District and the Children’s Palace. BLD

Day 7 - SHANGHAI / SUZHOU

Delve deeper into Shanghai, exploring the city on your own, or meander the classical gardens of Suzhou on an optional excursion. BLD

Day 8 - AT SEA

Bask in the amenities of the Spirit of Oceanus and prepare for the delights ahead as we sail south along China’s eastern coast. BLD

Day 9 - AT SEA

Bask in the amenities of the Spirit of Oceanus and prepare for the delights ahead as we sail south along China’s eastern coast. BLD

Day 10 - XIAMEN

A fusion of natural splendor and man-made wonders, Xiamen (meaning “gate of China”) has been one of China’s major seaports since ancient times. Explore the extraordinary Buddhist Nanputao Temple nestled at the foot of the massive Wulaofeng (Mountain of Five Old Men) overlooking the sea. Return the smile of a Laughing Buddha at the Heavenly Kings Hall and visit Gulangyu Island, home to 20,000 residents, renowned for its delicate natural beauty, ancient relics and colonial architecture. BLD

Day 11 - HONG KONG

Ride to the top of Victoria Peak for a stunning panoramic view of the city. Browse the open-air Stanley Market for everything from silk garments to arts and crafts to costume jewelry. Visit the Man Mo Temple (built to honor the god of literature and the god of war) alongside students praying for good results on their exams. Alternatively, participate in an optional cooking class and savor China’s delectable cuisine. BLD

Day 12 - AT SEA

Skip the roadways and make your way to Vietnam in the lap of luxury — relaxing aboard the Spirit of Oceanus as you sail the South China Sea. BLD

Day 13 - DANANG / HOI AN

Strategically located in Vietnam’s center, Danang played an important role in the wars of the 20th century. Nearby Hoi An, a small town nestled on the banks of the Thu Bon River, was a vital seaport in the Champa Kingdom. Harboring a wealth of temples, pagodas and shrines, Hoi An has been classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site. BLD

Day 14 - CHAN MAY / HUE

Vietnam’s new port of Chan May provides easy entree to Hue, the Imperial City, once capital of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945). Hue, on the banks of the Huong or “Perfume” River — surrounded by rice fields, is an important trade center. Legacies of both the ancient Champa Kingdom and years of colonial rule are alive in the city’s art and architecture, including the Forbidden Purple City and the moated Imperial Citadel. BLD

Day 15 - AT SEA

Soak up the expertise of our Exploration Leaders and learn about the cultures you’ve experienced and are about to encounter as we cruise north towards Haiphong. BLD

Day 16 - HA LONG BAY, VIETNAM

Take in a seascape of thousands of limestone mountains dotting calm waters as you approach Ha Long Bay. Known as the “Bay of the Descending Dragon,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Gulf of Tonkin includes some 1,600 mostly uninhabited islands and islets. Legend has it that Ha Long Bay was carved into the seabed by the tail of a dragon as it plunged to earth. BLD

Day 17 - HAIPHONG / HANOI

After disembarking in Haiphong, explore Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital. A fascinating blend of East and West, Hanoi’s architecture is a fusion of Chinese influence from centuries of dominance, and French design from its colonial past. Spend the night at your deluxe hotel. BLD

Day 18 - HANOI

Explore Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. In the evening, toast your journey with a special farewell dinner at the imposing Co Loa Citadel, an architectural wonder and Vietnam’s first capital. BD

Day 19 - HANOI / HOME

Following breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the Hanoi Airport for your flight home. B

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All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.