MS Westerdam - February 3, 2024

One of the most popular destinations in Asia, Hong Kong offers a plethora of options: some of the world's best cuisine, first-class entertainment, and of course, shopping! For a more relaxing afternoon, watch the sun set over Victoria Harbour or take a stroll downthe beach, alongside the green mountains and the South China Sea.

Shanghai's reputation as a center of unrestrained commerce and intrigue has drawn adventures since the time of the Opium Wars. Modern Shanghai will surprise you with its sprawling landscape of towering offices, beautifully contrasted by calm lakes and graceful pagodas dating from the 10th century. Take a trip to Wuxi and visit a silk factory, or serene Jichang Gardens.

Shanghai's reputation as a center of unrestrained commerce and intrigue has drawn adventures since the time of the Opium Wars. Modern Shanghai will surprise you with its sprawling landscape of towering offices, beautifully contrasted by calm lakes and graceful pagodas dating from the 10th century. Take a trip to Wuxi and visit a silk factory, or serene Jichang Gardens.

This large city is an excursion base from which to explore the wonders of Kyushu, Japan's third largest island. Mount Sakurajima, an active volcano, can be reached by ferry. To the north, Kirishima-Yaku National Park is a scenic area of smoking volcanoes, craters, and lakes. South of the city, Ibusuki, the island's most popular seaside resort, welcomes kimono-clad bathers to its sandy beaches and warm, underwater springs.

One of Japan's most historic cities, Nagasaki was a major port, trading with the Portuguese and Dutch in the 16th century. On a hill overlooking the bay, beautiful Glover Mansion, the setting of Madame Butterfly, is typical of the fine homes built by wealthy foreign residents. But a famous Chinese temple and numerous fine Korean and Chinese restaurants reveal Nagasaki's ancient ties with Korea and China.

Pusan is South Korea's second largest city and largest port, handling most of the nation's foreign trade. Lying at the head of the Naktong River basin, it has served as a main southern gateway to Korea from Japan. Historic landmarks include the Kyongbok Palace, built in 1394 by the first monarch of the Yi dynasty; the Changdok Palace, containing many valuable relics; and the Toksu Palace, which houses the National Museum and Art Gallery.

This large, bustling port is the starting point for tours to the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, the cultural fountainheads of classical Japan. Kyoto's Imperial Palace and the shogunal Nijo Castle remain glorious symbols of the power the city held for over 1,000 years. But you may wish to stay in Osaka itself for a few days to experience the delightful cuisine, including okinomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), tako yaki (fried octopus balls, and more.

Shimizu city, a port and fishing center located in Shizuoka Prefecture, exports tea, oranges, and canned food. Shimizu also produces motorcycles, ships, and musical instruments and is home to petroleum and aluminum refineries. Nearby is Miho-no-matsubara, a breakwater famed for its beauty. Located between Tokyo and Osaka, Shimizu is conveniently located for touring central Honshu.

Japan's second largest city and one of its leading seaports, Yokohama belongs to the extensive urban-industrial belt around Tokyo called the Keihin Industrial Zone. The city has four universities; a variety of Christian churches, Shinto shrines, and temples; and numerous parks and gardens, notably Nogeyama Park, which was created after the earthquake of 1923. It is the site of Kanazawa Library, founded in 1275, which houses a large collection of historical documents.

This large, bustling port is the starting point for tours to the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, the cultural fountainheads of classical Japan. Kyoto's Imperial Palace and the shogunal Nijo Castle remain glorious symbols of the power the city held for over 1,000 years. But you may wish to stay in Osaka itself for a few days to experience the delightful cuisine, including okinomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), tako yaki (fried octopus balls, and more.

This large, bustling port is the starting point for tours to the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, the cultural fountainheads of classical Japan. Kyoto's Imperial Palace and the shogunal Nijo Castle remain glorious symbols of the power the city held for over 1,000 years. But you may wish to stay in Osaka itself for a few days to experience the delightful cuisine, including okinomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), tako yaki (fried octopus balls, and more.

In 1853, Commodore Perry chose Naha as his first base for the penetration of Japan. The city was virtually destroyed during World War II. In 1945 it became the headquarters of the U.S. military governor of the Ryukyus. When the island was returned to Japan in 1972, it became the capital of Okinawa prefecture.

Across the Formosa Strait from mainland China is the bustling port of Keelung, on the island of Taiwan. Just 20 miles inland is Taipei, the national capital, one of the most prosperous cities in Asia. Marvel at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the Grand Hotel, and the National Palace Museum, with its art treasures from Beijing's Forbidden City.

Bustling Manila is the second largest city in Southeast Asia, with its towering skyscrapers and remarkable joie de vivre. Yet amid the big-city turmoil are oases of calm: lush tropical parks, magnificent cathedrals, dramatic Spanish forts. Choose from the cultural riches of the Metropolitan Museum and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Intramuros, Manila's famous walled city, was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century. A "must see" is the Malacanang Palace with its opulent displays of Ferdinand and Imelda's decadent indulgences.

One of the most popular destinations in Asia, Hong Kong offers a plethora of options: some of the world's best cuisine, first-class entertainment, and of course, shopping! For a more relaxing afternoon, watch the sun set over Victoria Harbour or take a stroll downthe beach, alongside the green mountains and the South China Sea.