MS Noordam
October 27, 2024

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.

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.

Returning to Osaka — see Day 2 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.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, has no docking; ships anchor offshore with tenders to limestone karsts. Travelers kayak through emerald waters and caves. Excursions visit floating villages. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, October to April, brings dry weather. Photography captures karst vistas and sunsets. Dining onboard includes pho, a Vietnamese staple. Souvenirs, like lacquerware, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover UNESCO heritage. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Waterproof shoes enhance kayaking. Ha Long Bay’s surreal beauty offers a stunning Vietnamese stop, blending natural wonders with cultural charm.

Da Nang in Vietnam has docking at Tien Sa Port. Travelers explore Hoi An’s ancient town, a UNESCO site. Excursions visit Marble Mountains’ caves. Local markets sell silk lanterns. The peak season, February to August, avoids monsoons; taxis cost 100,000-200,000 VND. Photography captures Cham temples. Dining onboard includes banh mi. Souvenirs, like lacquerware, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover cultural heritage. Light clothing suits the tropical climate. Da Nang’s beaches and history provide a vibrant Vietnamese coastal stop.

Nha Trang, Vietnam, offers docking at Nha Trang Port. Travelers explore Po Nagar Cham Towers and Vinpearl Amusement Park. Excursions visit Hon Mun Island for snorkeling. Local markets sell pho. The peak season, November to April, brings dry weather for beach tours. Photography captures ancient temples and turquoise bays. Dining onboard includes banh xeo, a Vietnamese pancake. Souvenirs, like silk scarves, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Cham history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while snorkeling gear enhances reef exploration. Nha Trang’s vibrant coastal beauty offers a dynamic Vietnamese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites, scenic beaches, and marine adventures, making Nha Trang an engaging destination for exploring Vietnam’s coastal culture and natural splendor.

Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam, offers docking at Phu My Port with excursions to Ho Chi Minh City. Travelers explore Notre-Dame Basilica and Cu Chi Tunnels. Excursions visit Mekong Delta. Local markets sell phở. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather for city tours. Photography captures colonial architecture and South China Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes banh mi, a Vietnamese favorite. Souvenirs, like lacquerware, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Viet history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Phu My’s cultural gateway offers a vibrant Vietnamese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic deltas, making Phu My an engaging destination.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia, offers docking at Sihanoukville Port. Travelers explore Otres Beach and Ream National Park. Excursions include snorkeling at Koh Rong. Local markets sell lok lak. The peak season, November to March, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures sandy beaches and Gulf of Thailand vistas. Dining onboard includes kuy teav, a Cambodian favorite. Souvenirs, like krama scarves, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Khmer history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Sihanoukville’s coastal allure offers a vibrant Cambodian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic beaches and marine adventures, making Sihanoukville an engaging destination for exploration.

Laem Chabang, Thailand, has docking at Laem Chabang Port with excursions to Bangkok. Travelers explore Wat Pho’s reclining Buddha and Grand Palace. Excursions visit Pattaya’s beaches. Local markets sell mango sticky rice. The peak season, November to February, brings dry weather. Photography captures temples and urban skylines. Dining onboard includes tom kha gai, a Thai soup. Souvenirs, like silk scarves, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Thai history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Comfortable shoes enhance temple tours. Laem Chabang’s access to Bangkok offers a vibrant Thai stop, blending culture with urban energy.

Returning to Laem Chabang (bangkok) — see Day 25 above for port info.

Ko Samui, Thailand, has docking at Nathon Port. Travelers explore Big Buddha Temple and Chaweng Beach. Excursions visit Ang Thong Marine Park. Local markets sell coconut candy. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather. Photography captures palm-lined beaches and limestone islands. Dining onboard includes khao soi, a Thai noodle dish. Souvenirs, like silk scarves, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Thai culture. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Snorkeling gear enhances marine park exploration. Ko Samui’s vibrant beaches offer a lively Thai stop, blending culture with tropical allure.

Singapore offers docking at Marina Bay Cruise Centre. Travelers explore Gardens by the Bay and Merlion Park. Excursions visit Sentosa Island. Local markets sell Hainanese chicken rice. The peak season, November to March, brings milder weather for city tours. Photography captures futuristic skylines and Singapore Strait vistas. Dining onboard includes laksa, a Singaporean favorite. Souvenirs, like orchid crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Peranakan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Singapore’s urban charm offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern landmarks and cultural heritage, making Singapore an engaging destination for exploration.