MS Zuiderdam - 2/28/2024

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.

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.

Omaezaki, Japan, offers docking at Omaezaki Port. Travelers explore Omaezaki Lighthouse and local tea plantations. Excursions visit Shizuoka’s Mount Fuji viewpoints. Local markets sell wasabi. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Pacific shores and tea fields. Dining onboard includes unagi, a Japanese eel dish. Souvenirs, like tea sets, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Shizuoka’s tea history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance plantation walks. Omaezaki’s coastal and agricultural charm offers a serene Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic lighthouses, tea culture, and Mount Fuji views, making Omaezaki an engaging destination for exploring Japan’s Shizuoka region and natural beauty.

Kobe, Japan, has docking at Kobe Port with excursions to Kyoto. Travelers explore Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Excursions visit Arashiyama’s bamboo forest. Local markets sell matcha sweets. The peak season, March to May, brings cherry blossoms. Photography captures temples and gardens. Dining onboard includes kaiseki, a Japanese multi-course meal. Souvenirs, like sensu fans, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Kyoto’s history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Comfortable shoes enhance temple tours. Kobe’s access to Kyoto offers a profound Japanese stop, blending heritage with cultural richness.

Kobe, Japan, has docking at Kobe Port with excursions to Kyoto. Travelers explore Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Excursions visit Arashiyama’s bamboo forest. Local markets sell matcha sweets. The peak season, March to May, brings cherry blossoms. Photography captures temples and gardens. Dining onboard includes kaiseki, a Japanese multi-course meal. Souvenirs, like sensu fans, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Kyoto’s history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Comfortable shoes enhance temple tours. Kobe’s access to Kyoto offers a profound Japanese stop, blending heritage with cultural richness.

Kanmon Straits, Japan, no docking; ships transit the narrow strait. Travelers spot fishing boats. Lectures cover WWII history. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season April to October; tides affect. Photography captures Shimonoseki bridges. Dining onboard includes fugu. Souvenirs, like strait postcards, in ship shops. Briefings on navigation. The straits connect Honshu and Kyushu efficiently.

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.

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Shanghai, China, offers docking at Shanghai Port. Travelers explore The Bund and Yu Garden’s historic pavilions. Excursions visit Suzhou’s classical gardens. Local markets sell xiaolongbao. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures skyscrapers and Huangpu River vistas. Dining onboard includes Peking duck, a Chinese favorite. Souvenirs, like silk crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Shanghai’s history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Shanghai’s urban allure offers a vibrant Chinese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern skyline and historic heritage, making Shanghai an engaging destination for exploring China’s cosmopolitan heart.

Shanghai, China, offers docking at Shanghai Port. Travelers explore The Bund and Yu Garden’s historic pavilions. Excursions visit Suzhou’s classical gardens. Local markets sell xiaolongbao. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures skyscrapers and Huangpu River vistas. Dining onboard includes Peking duck, a Chinese favorite. Souvenirs, like silk crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Shanghai’s history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Shanghai’s urban allure offers a vibrant Chinese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern skyline and historic heritage, making Shanghai an engaging destination for exploring China’s cosmopolitan heart.

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Dalian in China has docking at the Port of Dalian. Travelers stroll Xinghai Square’s coastal paths. Excursions explore Golden Pebble Beach’s rock formations. Local markets sell dried seafood. The peak season, May to October, brings mild weather; taxis cost 10-20 CNY. Photography captures modern skylines. Dining onboard includes jiaozi dumplings. Souvenirs, like jade trinkets, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover port history. Light layers suit temperate conditions. Dalian’s blend of modernity and nature offers a dynamic Chinese coastal stop.

Tianjin (Beijing), China, offers docking at Tianjin Port with excursions to Beijing. Travelers explore Forbidden City and Great Wall. Excursions visit Summer Palace. Local markets sell jianbing. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures imperial palaces and Beijing vistas. Dining onboard includes Peking duck, a Chinese favorite. Souvenirs, like cloisonné crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Ming history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Tianjin’s urban gateway offers a vibrant Chinese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of ancient landmarks and cultural heritage, making Tianjin an engaging destination for exploration.

Tianjin (Beijing), China, offers docking at Tianjin Port with excursions to Beijing. Travelers explore Forbidden City and Great Wall. Excursions visit Summer Palace. Local markets sell jianbing. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures imperial palaces and Beijing vistas. Dining onboard includes Peking duck, a Chinese favorite. Souvenirs, like cloisonné crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Ming history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Tianjin’s urban gateway offers a vibrant Chinese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of ancient landmarks and cultural heritage, making Tianjin an engaging destination for exploration.

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

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. (126 words)

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. (126 words)

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

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.

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

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. (126 words)

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

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. (126 words)

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. (126 words)

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Colombo, Sri Lanka, docks at Colombo Port, 2 kilometers from downtown, with taxis for 10-minute rides. The city, population 750,000, features the Gangaramaya Temple with Buddhist relics. Local markets sell cinnamon tea. Excursions to Galle, 2 hours south, visit Dutch forts. Peak season November to April; taxis 500-1000 LKR. Dining includes kottu roti at street stalls. Souvenirs feature batik fabrics.

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Male, Maldives, offers docking at Male Port. Travelers explore the Old Friday Mosque and bustling fish market. Excursions include snorkeling in vibrant coral atolls and island-hopping to resorts. Local markets sell dried tuna. The peak season, November to April, brings dry weather for water activities. Photography captures turquoise lagoons and Islamic architecture. Dining onboard features mas huni, a Maldivian breakfast. Souvenirs, like shell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maldivian culture. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while snorkeling gear enhances reef exploration. Male’s tropical paradise and cultural richness offer a vibrant Maldivian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a blend of urban exploration, pristine marine life, and island relaxation, making Male a perfect gateway to the Maldives’ stunning atolls and vibrant local traditions.

Male, Maldives, offers docking at Male Port. Travelers explore the Old Friday Mosque and bustling fish market. Excursions include snorkeling in vibrant coral atolls and island-hopping to resorts. Local markets sell dried tuna. The peak season, November to April, brings dry weather for water activities. Photography captures turquoise lagoons and Islamic architecture. Dining onboard features mas huni, a Maldivian breakfast. Souvenirs, like shell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maldivian culture. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while snorkeling gear enhances reef exploration. Male’s tropical paradise and cultural richness offer a vibrant Maldivian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a blend of urban exploration, pristine marine life, and island relaxation, making Male a perfect gateway to the Maldives’ stunning atolls and vibrant local traditions.

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles, offers docking at Victoria Port. Travelers explore Botanical Gardens and Sir Selwyn-Clarke Market. Excursions visit Anse Lazio Beach. Local markets sell ladob. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for island tours. Photography captures tropical flora and Indian Ocean vistas. Dining onboard includes fish curry, a Seychellois favorite. Souvenirs, like coco de mer crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Creole history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Victoria’s island allure offers a vibrant Seychellois stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of lush gardens and pristine beaches, making Victoria an engaging destination for exploration.

Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles, offers docking at Victoria Port. Travelers explore Botanical Gardens and Sir Selwyn-Clarke Market. Excursions visit Anse Lazio Beach. Local markets sell ladob. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for island tours. Photography captures tropical flora and Indian Ocean vistas. Dining onboard includes fish curry, a Seychellois favorite. Souvenirs, like coco de mer crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Creole history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Victoria’s island allure offers a vibrant Seychellois stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of lush gardens and pristine beaches, making Victoria an engaging destination for exploration.