MS Volendam
April 14, 2026

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.

Returning to Yokohama (tokyo) — see Day 1 above for port info.

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.

Cross International Date Line offers scenic cruising without docking. Travelers experience the time shift at sea, gaining or losing a day. No excursions or facilities exist; activities are ship-based. The peak season varies by itinerary, typically warm for Pacific crossings. Photography captures vast ocean vistas. Dining onboard includes international dishes, reflecting the global journey. Souvenirs, like nautical crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover maritime history and navigation. Light clothing suits the variable climate, while comfortable shoes enhance deck walks. Crossing the Date Line offers a unique maritime stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of educational briefings and open-sea relaxation, making the Date Line an engaging destination for exploration.

Kodiak, Alaska, has docking at Kodiak Port. Travelers explore Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge for bear spotting. Excursions visit Russian Orthodox churches. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings mild weather. Photography captures rugged coasts and wildlife. Dining onboard includes king crab, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like bear carvings, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Russian history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate. Binoculars enhance bear spotting. Kodiak’s wild beauty offers a vibrant Alaskan stop, blending nature with cultural heritage.

Sitka, Alaska, offers docking at Sitka Port. Travelers explore Sitka National Historical Park and St. Michael’s Cathedral. Excursions include whale-watching tours. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures totem poles and Inside Passage vistas. Dining onboard includes halibut, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like Tlingit crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Russian history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance park walks. Sitka’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of native heritage and scenic fjords, making Sitka an engaging destination for exploration.

Ketchikan, Alaska, offers docking at Ketchikan Port. Travelers explore Totem Bight Park and Creek Street. Excursions include Misty Fjords flights. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures totem poles and Inside Passage vistas. Dining onboard includes halibut, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like Tlingit crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Native Alaskan history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance historic walks. Ketchikan’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of native heritage and scenic fjords, making Ketchikan an engaging destination for exploration.

Seattle, Washington, offers docking at Pier 91. Travelers explore Pike Place Market and Space Needle. Excursions include whale-watching in Puget Sound. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures urban landmarks and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes Dungeness crab, a Washington favorite. Souvenirs, like native crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Salish history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Seattle’s urban charm offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of iconic markets and scenic waterways, making Seattle an engaging destination for exploration.

San Diego, California, offers docking at San Diego Port. Travelers explore Balboa Park and Gaslamp Quarter. Excursions visit La Jolla’s sea lions. Local markets sell fish tacos. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Spanish architecture and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes carne asada, a Californian favorite. Souvenirs, like surf-themed crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Kumeyaay history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance park walks. San Diego’s urban charm offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural parks and scenic coasts, making San Diego an engaging destination.