MS Noordam
October 13, 2024

Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan, offers docking at Yokohama Port with excursions to Tokyo. Travelers explore Senso-ji Temple and Shibuya Crossing. Excursions visit Kamakura’s Great Buddha. Local markets sell yakitori. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures neon streets and Tokyo Bay vistas. Dining onboard includes sushi, a Japanese favorite. Souvenirs, like ukiyo-e prints, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Edo history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Yokohama’s urban gateway offers a vibrant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic temples and modern cityscapes, making Yokohama an engaging destination.

Aomori, Japan, docks at Aomori Port, 2 kilometers from downtown, with shuttles or taxis for 10-minute transfers. The city, population 280,000, features the Nebuta Museum, showcasing colorful floats from the August Nebuta Festival. Travelers visit Sannai-Maruyama, a 5-minute drive, for Jomon-era village reconstructions from 3900 BC. Hirosaki Castle, 45 minutes by train, offers cherry blossoms in April. Local markets sell apples and sake. Excursions to Lake Towada, 90 minutes south, include boat rides through volcanic scenery. Peak season April to October; taxis 800-1200 JPY. Dining features scallop miso soup at harbor cafes. Souvenirs include kokeshi dolls.

Otaru (Sapporo), Japan, offers docking at Otaru Port with excursions to Sapporo. Travelers explore Sapporo’s Odori Park and Snow Festival sites. Excursions visit Otaru’s historic canals. Local markets sell miso ramen. The peak season, June to August, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures urban parks and Hokkaido’s coastlines. Dining onboard includes jingisukan, a Hokkaido lamb dish. Souvenirs, like Sapporo beer glasses, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Hokkaido’s history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance park walks. Otaru’s access to Sapporo offers a vibrant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of urban culture, historic canals, and Hokkaido’s culinary delights, making Otaru an engaging gateway to Japan’s northern island.

Hakodate, Japan, has docking at Hakodate Port. Travelers explore Goryokaku Fortress’ star-shaped design. Excursions visit Onuma Park’s scenic lakes. Local markets sell fresh squid. The peak season, April to June, brings mild weather. Photography captures night views from Mount Hakodate. Dining onboard includes kaisen don, a seafood bowl. Souvenirs, like glass crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Hokkaido’s history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Comfortable shoes enhance fortress tours. Hakodate’s historic charm and scenic beauty offer a serene Japanese stop, blending culture with natural splendor.

Akita, Japan, accommodates cruise ships at its Northern Port terminal, 5 kilometers from downtown, with shuttles or taxis providing 15-minute transfers. The facility includes restrooms, a cafe, and tourist information. Travelers access the Akita City Museum of Art, showcasing Tadao Ando's architecture with a reflecting pool and works by Tsuguharu Foujita. Senshu Park, adjacent to the station, features the Akita Hachiman Shrine from 1694 and cherry blossoms in April. Kakunodate, 1 hour by train, explores preserved samurai residences with black lacquer walls and gardens. Lake Tazawa, 45 minutes west, offers boat rides on Japan's deepest crater lake, surrounded by beech forests. Local markets sell kiritanpo (rice sticks) and sake tastings. Peak visits October to April; trains cost 500-1000 yen. Dining includes inaniwa udon noodles at harbor eateries. Souvenirs feature Akita dog figurines.

Sokcho, South Korea, offers docking at Sokcho Port. Travelers explore Seoraksan National Park and Naksansa Temple. Excursions include hiking to Ulsanbawi Rock. Local markets sell sundubu. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures granite peaks and East Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes dakgalbi, a Korean favorite. Souvenirs, like ginseng crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Gangwon history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance hikes. Sokcho’s natural charm offers a vibrant Korean stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic mountains and cultural heritage, making Sokcho an engaging destination for exploration.

Sakaiminato, Japan, offers docking at Sakaiminato Port. Travelers explore Mizuki Shigeru’s yokai museum and Tottori Sand Dunes. Excursions visit Matsue Castle. Local markets sell kani sushi. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures manga art and Sea of Japan vistas. Dining onboard includes dashi broth, a Japanese favorite. Souvenirs, like yokai crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Tottori history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance dune walks. Sakaiminato’s quirky charm offers a vibrant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural museums, scenic dunes, and coastal heritage, making Sakaiminato an engaging destination for exploration.

Fukuoka, Japan, offers docking at Hakata Port. Travelers explore Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine’s historic gardens. Excursions visit Canal City’s vibrant shopping complex. Local markets sell hakata ramen. The peak season, March to May, brings cherry blossoms and mild weather. Photography captures shrine architecture and modern cityscapes. Dining onboard includes tonkotsu ramen, a local specialty. Souvenirs, like furoshiki cloths, are available in ship shops. Briefings cover Kyushu’s history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Comfortable shoes enhance shrine visits. Fukuoka’s blend of ancient shrines and modern vibrancy provides a dynamic Japanese stop, immersing travelers in its rich cultural heritage and lively urban energy.

Kagoshima, Japan, has docking at Kagoshima Port. Travelers explore Sakurajima volcano’s active trails. Excursions visit Sengan-en Garden’s historic grounds. Local markets sell shochu. The peak season, March to May, brings cherry blossoms. Photography captures volcanic landscapes and coastal vistas. Dining onboard includes kurobuta pork, a Kagoshima specialty. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Kyushu’s history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Sturdy shoes enhance volcano hikes. Kagoshima’s volcanic beauty offers a dynamic Japanese stop, blending nature with cultural heritage.

Kochi, Japan, has docking at Kochi Port. Travelers explore Kochi Castle’s samurai history. Excursions visit Katsurahama Beach and Ryugado Cave. Local markets sell bonito flakes. The peak season, March to May, brings mild weather. Photography captures castle views and Pacific shores. Dining onboard includes katsuo tataki, a local seared tuna. Souvenirs, like yosakoi crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Shikoku’s history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Comfortable shoes enhance castle tours. Kochi’s coastal heritage offers a serene Japanese stop, blending samurai history with scenic beauty.

Osaka, Japan, provides docking at Osaka Port. Travelers explore Osaka Castle and Dotonbori’s vibrant food scene. Excursions visit Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji Temple. Local markets sell takoyaki. The peak season, March to May, brings cherry blossoms and mild weather. Photography captures samurai castles and neon-lit canals. Dining onboard includes okonomiyaki, an Osaka favorite. Souvenirs, like tenugui cloths, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Kansai history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Osaka’s dynamic urban culture offers a vibrant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks, culinary delights, and modern energy, making Osaka an engaging destination for exploring Japan’s Kansai region and cultural heritage.

Shimizu, Japan, offers docking at Shimizu Port. Travelers explore Mount Fuji viewpoints and Nihondaira’s tea gardens. Excursions visit Shizuoka’s Toro Ruins. Local markets sell wasabi. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Fuji’s slopes and Suruga Bay vistas. Dining onboard includes unagi, a Japanese favorite. Souvenirs, like tea crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Shizuoka history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance garden walks. Shimizu’s scenic charm offers a vibrant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making Shimizu an engaging destination for exploring Japan’s Fuji region.

Tolanaro (Fort Dauphin), Madagascar, offers docking at Tolanaro Port. Travelers explore Nahampoana Reserve and Libanona Beach. Excursions include lemur-watching at Berenty Reserve. Local markets sell zebu curry. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures rainforests and Indian Ocean vistas. Dining onboard includes romazava, a Malagasy favorite. Souvenirs, like raffia crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Tsitongambarika history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance reserve walks. Tolanaro’s natural allure offers a vibrant Malagasy stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of unique wildlife and scenic beaches, making Tolanaro an engaging destination for exploration.

Returning to Osaka — see Day 13 above for port info.

Returning to Osaka — see Day 13 above for port info.

Naha, Okinawa, Japan, offers docking at Naha Port. Travelers explore Shurijo Castle, a UNESCO site, and Tsuboya pottery district. Excursions visit Churaumi Aquarium’s marine exhibits. Local markets sell goya champuru. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for island tours. Photography captures Ryukyu architecture and turquoise seas. Dining onboard includes rafute, an Okinawan pork dish. Souvenirs, like shisa statues, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Okinawa’s Ryukyu history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance castle walks. Naha’s vibrant island culture offers a dynamic Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic castles, marine life, and Okinawan traditions, making Naha an engaging destination for exploring Japan’s southern island heritage.

Ishigaki, Japan, has docking at Ishigaki Port. Travelers explore Kabira Bay’s turquoise waters and Yaima Village’s Ryukyu culture. Excursions visit Taketomi Island’s traditional villages. Local markets sell shisa figurines. The peak season, April to June, brings warm weather. Photography captures coral reefs and island vistas. Dining onboard includes goya champuru, an Okinawan dish. Souvenirs, like coral crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Ryukyu history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Snorkeling gear enhances reef exploration. Ishigaki’s island charm offers a serene Japanese stop, blending culture with tropical beauty.

Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan, offers docking at Keelung Port with excursions to Taipei. Travelers explore Taipei 101 and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial. Excursions visit Yehliu’s rock formations. Local markets sell stinky tofu. The peak season, October to April, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures urban skylines and Taiwan Strait vistas. Dining onboard includes xiaolongbao, a Taiwanese favorite. Souvenirs, like oolong tea, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Formosan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Keelung’s urban gateway offers a vibrant Taiwanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern landmarks and coastal beauty, making Keelung an engaging destination.

Kaohsiung, Taiwan, has docking at Kaohsiung Port. Travelers explore Love River’s scenic waterfront and Cijin Island’s beaches. Excursions visit Fo Guang Shan’s Buddhist monastery. Local markets sell stinky tofu. The peak season, October to April, brings mild weather. Photography captures urban skylines and coastal vistas. Dining onboard includes beef noodle soup, a Taiwanese favorite. Souvenirs, like jade crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Taiwan’s history. Light clothing suits the subtropical climate. Comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Kaohsiung’s vibrant energy offers a dynamic Taiwanese stop, blending culture with coastal charm.

Manila, Philippines, provides docking at Manila South Harbor. Travelers explore Intramuros’ colonial walls and Fort Santiago. Excursions visit Rizal Park and Taal Volcano. Local markets sell adobo. The peak season, November to April, brings dry weather for city tours. Photography captures Spanish-era architecture and Manila Bay sunsets. Dining onboard includes sinigang, a Filipino sour soup. Souvenirs, like barong tagalog shirts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Philippine history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Manila’s vibrant blend of colonial heritage and modern energy offers a dynamic Philippine stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks, bustling markets, and scenic beauty, making Manila a captivating destination for exploring the Philippines’ rich cultural tapestry and urban vitality.

Boracay, Philippines, docks at Caticlan Jetty Port, with ferries to Boracay’s Tambisaan Port, a 15-minute ride to White Beach. The island, population 30,000, offers kitesurfing at Bulabog Beach. Travelers explore Puka Beach, 20 minutes north, for shell collecting. Local markets sell calamansi muffins. Excursions to Ariel’s Point, 30 minutes by boat, include cliff diving. Peak season December to May; taxis 100-200 PHP. Dining includes adobo at beachfront stalls. Souvenirs feature shell necklaces.

Puerto Princesa, Philippines, offers docking at Puerto Princesa Port. Travelers explore the Subterranean River’s UNESCO-listed caves and Honda Bay’s islands. Excursions include island-hopping tours. Local markets sell cashew nuts. The peak season, November to April, brings dry weather for cave tours. Photography captures limestone karsts and turquoise bays. Dining onboard includes kinilaw, a Filipino favorite. Souvenirs, like pearl crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Palawan’s ecology. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance island exploration. Puerto Princesa’s natural allure offers a vibrant Filipino stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of underground rivers, scenic islands, and tropical beauty, making Puerto Princesa an engaging destination for exploring the Philippines’ Palawan.

Hong Kong offers docking at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Travelers explore Victoria Peak and Temple Street Market. Excursions visit Lantau Island’s Big Buddha. Local markets sell dim sum. The peak season, October to April, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures skyscrapers and Victoria Harbour vistas. Dining onboard includes char siu, a Hong Kong favorite. Souvenirs, like jade crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Cantonese history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Hong Kong’s urban charm offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern landmarks and cultural markets, making Hong Kong an engaging destination.