
14-DAY CHINA EXPLORER

Starting from
$1,699*
Hong Kong, China to Yokohama, Japan
Ship: ms Westerdam
Departure Date :
Mar 17 2019
Optional tours are available from most ports for an additional charge.
Itinerary
Day Hong Kong, ChinaDepart 11:00 PM
Among the world's most glamorous and cosmopolitan cities, Hong Kong sits on the southern coast of China at the Pearl River estuary of the South China Sea. It comprises Hong Kong Island, where the Central Business District and most affluent areas and attractions are, and, on the mainland, Kowloon and the New Territories. Hong Kong is a regional and global hub for banking, shipping, fashion and food, boasting more than 60 Michelin-starred restaurants. Its five-star hotels are among the most elegant to be found anywhere; many are set in the towering skyscrapers that carpet Hong Kong Island's steep slopes and light up its skyline so beautifully.Officially known as Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong maintains a high degree of autonomy relative to the rest of China, even after it was reunified with China in 1997 after 156 years of British rule ended.Many cruises in Southeast and East Asia start or end in Hong Kong, and it's definitely a great city in which to spend a day or two sightseeing and finding cultural things to do before or after the voyage. Smaller cruise ships can dock right in Victoria Harbour, for front-row seats of the stunning skyline. Unfortunately, pollution is a problem, and sometimes the views are obscured because of it.
Among the world's most glamorous and cosmopolitan cities, Hong Kong sits on the southern coast of China at the Pearl River estuary of the South China Sea. It comprises Hong Kong Island, where the Central Business District and most affluent areas and attractions are, and, on the mainland, Kowloon and the New Territories. Hong Kong is a regional and global hub for banking, shipping, fashion and food, boasting more than 60 Michelin-starred restaurants. Its five-star hotels are among the most elegant to be found anywhere; many are set in the towering skyscrapers that carpet Hong Kong Island's steep slopes and light up its skyline so beautifully.Officially known as Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong maintains a high degree of autonomy relative to the rest of China, even after it was reunified with China in 1997 after 156 years of British rule ended.Many cruises in Southeast and East Asia start or end in Hong Kong, and it's definitely a great city in which to spend a day or two sightseeing and finding cultural things to do before or after the voyage. Smaller cruise ships can dock right in Victoria Harbour, for front-row seats of the stunning skyline. Unfortunately, pollution is a problem, and sometimes the views are obscured because of it.

Day At Sea
Day At Sea
Day Shanghai, ChinaArrive 08:00 AM
"Shanghai is one of Asias most dynamic cities, and one of juxtapositions. Its divided in two by the Huangpu Riverto the west is Puxi and to the east Pudong. Puxi is the citys downtown and its historic center; on this side of the river, much of the city was historically divided into the famous foreign concessions, and its here that much of the shopping, dining and nightlife is concentrated today. Shanghai has more than 30,000 restaurants, from humble soup dumpling spots to formal affairs helmed by Michelin-starred chefs. Its museums, particularly the Shanghai Museum with its 120,000-strong collection of antiquities, are equally impressive. Pudong is where the citys major skyscrapers stand, among them the Jin Mao and Oriental Pearl towers.
Nowhere is Shanghais rich history and bright future more evident than along the Huangpu River. Stand on the Puxi side and, with the Bundalong which curve Shanghais stately early-20th-century heritage buildingsbehind you, you can gaze across the river at some of the worlds tallest buildings, soaring skyscrapers that glow nightly, their lights reflected in the river. "
"Shanghai is one of Asias most dynamic cities, and one of juxtapositions. Its divided in two by the Huangpu Riverto the west is Puxi and to the east Pudong. Puxi is the citys downtown and its historic center; on this side of the river, much of the city was historically divided into the famous foreign concessions, and its here that much of the shopping, dining and nightlife is concentrated today. Shanghai has more than 30,000 restaurants, from humble soup dumpling spots to formal affairs helmed by Michelin-starred chefs. Its museums, particularly the Shanghai Museum with its 120,000-strong collection of antiquities, are equally impressive. Pudong is where the citys major skyscrapers stand, among them the Jin Mao and Oriental Pearl towers.
Nowhere is Shanghais rich history and bright future more evident than along the Huangpu River. Stand on the Puxi side and, with the Bundalong which curve Shanghais stately early-20th-century heritage buildingsbehind you, you can gaze across the river at some of the worlds tallest buildings, soaring skyscrapers that glow nightly, their lights reflected in the river. "

Day Shanghai, ChinaDepart 06:00 PM
"Shanghai is one of Asias most dynamic cities, and one of juxtapositions. Its divided in two by the Huangpu Riverto the west is Puxi and to the east Pudong. Puxi is the citys downtown and its historic center; on this side of the river, much of the city was historically divided into the famous foreign concessions, and its here that much of the shopping, dining and nightlife is concentrated today. Shanghai has more than 30,000 restaurants, from humble soup dumpling spots to formal affairs helmed by Michelin-starred chefs. Its museums, particularly the Shanghai Museum with its 120,000-strong collection of antiquities, are equally impressive. Pudong is where the citys major skyscrapers stand, among them the Jin Mao and Oriental Pearl towers.
Nowhere is Shanghais rich history and bright future more evident than along the Huangpu River. Stand on the Puxi side and, with the Bundalong which curve Shanghais stately early-20th-century heritage buildingsbehind you, you can gaze across the river at some of the worlds tallest buildings, soaring skyscrapers that glow nightly, their lights reflected in the river. "
"Shanghai is one of Asias most dynamic cities, and one of juxtapositions. Its divided in two by the Huangpu Riverto the west is Puxi and to the east Pudong. Puxi is the citys downtown and its historic center; on this side of the river, much of the city was historically divided into the famous foreign concessions, and its here that much of the shopping, dining and nightlife is concentrated today. Shanghai has more than 30,000 restaurants, from humble soup dumpling spots to formal affairs helmed by Michelin-starred chefs. Its museums, particularly the Shanghai Museum with its 120,000-strong collection of antiquities, are equally impressive. Pudong is where the citys major skyscrapers stand, among them the Jin Mao and Oriental Pearl towers.
Nowhere is Shanghais rich history and bright future more evident than along the Huangpu River. Stand on the Puxi side and, with the Bundalong which curve Shanghais stately early-20th-century heritage buildingsbehind you, you can gaze across the river at some of the worlds tallest buildings, soaring skyscrapers that glow nightly, their lights reflected in the river. "

Day At Sea
Day Qingdao, ChinaArrive 08:00 AM Depart 06:00 PM
"Qingdao, located in the southeast part of Shandong Province, is a beautiful seaside city with clear air and enchanting sea view. This city, bordered by the Yellow Sea on two sides, has the largest bathing beach in Asia and produces the mellow Tsingtao Beer.
The red roofs, green trees, blue sea, and azure sky form a bright and colorful picture here. The city is sometimes known as the Switzerland of the Orient. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, the city attracts many visitors with its charming seascape. Sights like the Eight Passes Villas, Wusi Square, the Zhan Bridge, Mt. Laoshan, No.1 Bathing Beach, Badaguan Scenic Area will help you remember the city."
"Qingdao, located in the southeast part of Shandong Province, is a beautiful seaside city with clear air and enchanting sea view. This city, bordered by the Yellow Sea on two sides, has the largest bathing beach in Asia and produces the mellow Tsingtao Beer.
The red roofs, green trees, blue sea, and azure sky form a bright and colorful picture here. The city is sometimes known as the Switzerland of the Orient. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, the city attracts many visitors with its charming seascape. Sights like the Eight Passes Villas, Wusi Square, the Zhan Bridge, Mt. Laoshan, No.1 Bathing Beach, Badaguan Scenic Area will help you remember the city."

Day At Sea
Day Tianjin (Beijing), ChinaArrive 08:00 AM
Tianjin Xingang (literally Tianjin New Port) is the largest and most important seaport in Northern China and the main marine gateway to the capital of the Peoples Republic at Beijing. The actual municipality of Tianjin is a short way inland. The capital is about 170 km (105 miles) away, served by a highway connection, as well as a high-speed bullet train. Seabourn uses the port for access to an optional mid-cruise overland Journey to Bejing and its many incomparable wonders including the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, the Ming Tombs and the Great Wall.
Tianjin Xingang (literally Tianjin New Port) is the largest and most important seaport in Northern China and the main marine gateway to the capital of the Peoples Republic at Beijing. The actual municipality of Tianjin is a short way inland. The capital is about 170 km (105 miles) away, served by a highway connection, as well as a high-speed bullet train. Seabourn uses the port for access to an optional mid-cruise overland Journey to Bejing and its many incomparable wonders including the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, the Ming Tombs and the Great Wall.

Day Tianjin (Beijing), ChinaDepart 05:00 PM
Tianjin Xingang (literally Tianjin New Port) is the largest and most important seaport in Northern China and the main marine gateway to the capital of the Peoples Republic at Beijing. The actual municipality of Tianjin is a short way inland. The capital is about 170 km (105 miles) away, served by a highway connection, as well as a high-speed bullet train. Seabourn uses the port for access to an optional mid-cruise overland Journey to Bejing and its many incomparable wonders including the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, the Ming Tombs and the Great Wall.
Tianjin Xingang (literally Tianjin New Port) is the largest and most important seaport in Northern China and the main marine gateway to the capital of the Peoples Republic at Beijing. The actual municipality of Tianjin is a short way inland. The capital is about 170 km (105 miles) away, served by a highway connection, as well as a high-speed bullet train. Seabourn uses the port for access to an optional mid-cruise overland Journey to Bejing and its many incomparable wonders including the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, the Ming Tombs and the Great Wall.

Day At Sea
Day Nagasaki, JapanArrive Noon 08:00 PM
Situated in the northwest of Kyushu, the third-largest island in Japan, Nagasaki is one of the countrys most cosmopolitan port cities, with a decent tourism infrastructure, a fascinating past that stretches back to the early 7th century and a picturesque harbor thats been an active port since the 16th century. Home to around 500,000 residents, the city is a buzzy yet relaxed place with abundant services, shops and restaurants as well as several cultural and historic attractions that are easily explored on foot and via public transportation. Check out the Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, which outline the horrific bombing of the city during World War II while making a poignant pledge for world peace. Foodies will enjoy the wide variety of tastes to be found in Chinatown and the Shianbashi Gourmet Street. If you are visiting with children, the Huis Ten Bosch theme parkmodeled on a medieval Dutch townmakes for a fun diversion. Look out, too, for popular annual events like October's Kunchi Festival and the wintertime Nagasaki Lantern Festival.
Situated in the northwest of Kyushu, the third-largest island in Japan, Nagasaki is one of the countrys most cosmopolitan port cities, with a decent tourism infrastructure, a fascinating past that stretches back to the early 7th century and a picturesque harbor thats been an active port since the 16th century. Home to around 500,000 residents, the city is a buzzy yet relaxed place with abundant services, shops and restaurants as well as several cultural and historic attractions that are easily explored on foot and via public transportation. Check out the Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, which outline the horrific bombing of the city during World War II while making a poignant pledge for world peace. Foodies will enjoy the wide variety of tastes to be found in Chinatown and the Shianbashi Gourmet Street. If you are visiting with children, the Huis Ten Bosch theme parkmodeled on a medieval Dutch townmakes for a fun diversion. Look out, too, for popular annual events like October's Kunchi Festival and the wintertime Nagasaki Lantern Festival.

Day Kagoshima, JapanArrive 08:00 AM Depart 05:00 PM
"Situated at the southern tip of Japan, Kagoshima is the capital of the prefecture of the same name and famous for its dramatic views of Sakurajima, an active volcano that smolders across the bay. One of the most popular activities is taking a ferry to Sakurajima and hiking on the 100-year-old lava flow that is now a grassy peninsula. Kagoshima, however, offers much more than the volcanos almost overwhelming beauty. The food scene provides opportunities to experience the areas rich culinary culture and features dishes using locally caught fish and regional specialties, like satsuma age (deep-fried fish cake) and shōchū, a traditional beverage made at more than 100 distilleries in Kagoshima alone.
Although the city was officially founded in 1889, it has an even longer history that is reflected in the 17th-century gardens of Sengan-en. More recent events are covered at a museum dedicated to the kamikaze pilots who flew out of Kagoshima. Other popular attractions include the City Aquarium, the Museum of the Meiji Restoration with its exhibits exploring local history and the City Museum of Art with its collection that covers both local contemporary and older art. With so much to do, visitors may want to consider the Cute transit card. Available at tourist information offices, one-day Cute cards cover city buses, trams and Sakurajima ferries and also provide discounted admission to several attractions. "
"Situated at the southern tip of Japan, Kagoshima is the capital of the prefecture of the same name and famous for its dramatic views of Sakurajima, an active volcano that smolders across the bay. One of the most popular activities is taking a ferry to Sakurajima and hiking on the 100-year-old lava flow that is now a grassy peninsula. Kagoshima, however, offers much more than the volcanos almost overwhelming beauty. The food scene provides opportunities to experience the areas rich culinary culture and features dishes using locally caught fish and regional specialties, like satsuma age (deep-fried fish cake) and shōchū, a traditional beverage made at more than 100 distilleries in Kagoshima alone.
Although the city was officially founded in 1889, it has an even longer history that is reflected in the 17th-century gardens of Sengan-en. More recent events are covered at a museum dedicated to the kamikaze pilots who flew out of Kagoshima. Other popular attractions include the City Aquarium, the Museum of the Meiji Restoration with its exhibits exploring local history and the City Museum of Art with its collection that covers both local contemporary and older art. With so much to do, visitors may want to consider the Cute transit card. Available at tourist information offices, one-day Cute cards cover city buses, trams and Sakurajima ferries and also provide discounted admission to several attractions. "

Day At Sea
Day Yokohama, JapanArrive 07:00 AM
"Until the mid-19th century, Japan lived in isolation, closed off from the rest of the world, and Yokohama was a mere fishing village. But in 1853, American naval officer Matthew Perry demanded the country open to foreign trade, and Yokohama was changed forever. The city quickly emerged as an international trading center, and while today it is often overshadowed by nearby Tokyo, it continues to be one of Japans liveliest, and most international, destinations. With its microbreweries and international restaurants, Yokohama has a decidedly different feel from many other Japanese cities.
From Yokohama, its a quick trip to peaceful Kamakura, home to Daibutsu, Japans second-largest bronze Buddha, and to the important Shinto shrine Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Head to Hakone National Park on a clear day and youll be rewarded with picture-postcard views of majestic Mt. Fuji. "
"Until the mid-19th century, Japan lived in isolation, closed off from the rest of the world, and Yokohama was a mere fishing village. But in 1853, American naval officer Matthew Perry demanded the country open to foreign trade, and Yokohama was changed forever. The city quickly emerged as an international trading center, and while today it is often overshadowed by nearby Tokyo, it continues to be one of Japans liveliest, and most international, destinations. With its microbreweries and international restaurants, Yokohama has a decidedly different feel from many other Japanese cities.
From Yokohama, its a quick trip to peaceful Kamakura, home to Daibutsu, Japans second-largest bronze Buddha, and to the important Shinto shrine Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Head to Hakone National Park on a clear day and youll be rewarded with picture-postcard views of majestic Mt. Fuji. "
