Riviera
January 12, 2025

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.

Gulf of Thailand, no docking; ships sail to Bangkok. Travelers spot Irrawaddy dolphins. Excursions to Koh Samui beaches. Local markets sell durian. Peak season November to February; taxis 100-200 THB. Dining includes tom yum at harbor stalls. Souvenirs feature silk scarves. The gulf’s islands and beaches provide Southeast Asian coastal cruising.

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.

Bangkok, Thailand, docks at Laem Chabang Port, 130 kilometers southeast, with buses for 2-hour transfers. The city, population 8 million, features the Grand Palace with the Emerald Buddha. Travelers visit Wat Arun’s riverside spires. Local markets sell mango sticky rice. Excursions to Ayutthaya, 90 minutes north, explore 14th-century ruins. Peak season November to February; taxis 100-200 THB. Dining includes tom yum at Chao Phraya stalls. Souvenirs feature silk scarves.

Returning to Bangkok — see Day 4 above for port info.

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.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, offers docking at Phu My Port with excursions to the city. Travelers explore Notre-Dame Basilica and Cu Chi Tunnels. Excursions visit Mekong Delta markets. Local markets sell phở. The peak season, November to March, brings dry weather for city tours. Photography captures colonial architecture and Saigon River vistas. Dining onboard includes bánh mì, a Vietnamese favorite. Souvenirs, like lacquerware, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Vietnam’s history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Ho Chi Minh’s urban energy offers a vibrant Vietnamese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of history and culture, making it an engaging destination.

Returning to Ho Chi Minh City (saigon) — see Day 8 above for port info.

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.

Hue, Vietnam, has docking at Chan May Port with excursions to Hue and Da Nang. Travelers explore Hue’s Imperial City, a UNESCO site. Excursions visit Da Nang’s Marble Mountains. Local markets sell conical hats. The peak season, November to April, brings dry weather. Photography captures ancient citadels and coastal vistas. Dining onboard includes bun bo Hue, a spicy noodle soup. Souvenirs, like silk lanterns, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Nguyen dynasty history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Comfortable shoes enhance citadel tours. Hue’s imperial heritage offers a rich Vietnamese stop, blending history with scenic beauty.

Hong Gai, Vietnam, has docking at Hong Gai Port with excursions to Hanoi. Travelers explore Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts via junk boat. Excursions visit Hanoi’s Temple of Literature. Local markets sell dried squid. The peak season, October to April, brings dry weather. Photography captures karst vistas and urban temples. Dining onboard includes cha ca, a Hanoi dish. Souvenirs, like silk scarves, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover UNESCO heritage. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Waterproof shoes enhance boat tours. Hong Gai’s scenic beauty offers a vibrant Vietnamese stop, blending nature with cultural richness.

Returning to Hong Gai (hanoi) — see Day 12 above for port info.

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.

Returning to Hong Kong — see Day 15 above for port info.

Returning to Hong Kong — see Day 15 above for port info.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Returning to Shanghai — see Day 23 above for port info.

Nagasaki, Japan, offers docking at Nagasaki Port. Travelers explore the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum. Excursions visit Glover Garden’s colonial mansions. Local markets sell champon noodles. The peak season, March to May, brings cherry blossoms and mild weather. Photography captures historic sites and Dejima Island views. Dining onboard includes sara udon, a Nagasaki dish. Souvenirs, like castella cakes, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Nagasaki’s WWII history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance park walks. Nagasaki’s blend of history and resilience offers a poignant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of somber memorials, colonial heritage, and scenic harbors, making Nagasaki an engaging destination for exploring Japan’s cultural and historical depth on Kyushu Island.

Busan, South Korea, in the southeast, sits on the Korea Strait, facing the Sea of Japan. The port is near Jagalchi Fish Market, where fresh seafood is sold daily. Haeundae Beach offers urban waterfront access, while Beomeosa Temple, in the forested hills, provides cultural history. The Gamcheon Culture Village, with colorful houses, draws visitors for its art and narrow alleys. Busan’s port history as a trading hub is evident in its maritime museum. The nearby Nakdong River Estuary is a birdwatching site, and the city’s coastal cliffs offer walking trails with ocean views.

Hiroshima, Japan, has docking at Hiroshima Port. Travelers explore Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome. Excursions visit Miyajima’s floating Itsukushima Shrine. Local markets sell okonomiyaki. The peak season, March to May, brings cherry blossoms. Photography captures historic sites and island shrines. Dining onboard includes Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Souvenirs, like peace cranes, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover WWII history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Comfortable shoes enhance park walks. Hiroshima’s poignant history offers a profound Japanese stop, blending peace advocacy with cultural heritage.

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.

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.

Kyoto, Japan, offers a cruise excursion from Kobe Port. Travelers explore Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Excursions visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Local markets sell kaiseki. The peak season, March to May, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures golden pavilions and torii gates. Dining onboard includes sushi, a Japanese favorite. Souvenirs, like kimono crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Heian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance shrine walks. Kyoto’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic temples and scenic groves, making Kyoto an engaging destination.

Returning to Kyoto Kobe Japan — see Day 30 above for port info.

Nagoya, Japan, provides docking at Nagoya Port. Travelers explore Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine. Excursions visit Toyota’s factory museum for automotive history. Local markets sell kishimen noodles. The peak season, March to May, brings cherry blossoms and mild weather. Photography captures samurai castles and urban skylines. Dining onboard includes hitsumabushi, a Nagoya eel dish. Souvenirs, like noren curtains, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Aichi’s industrial history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance castle walks. Nagoya’s blend of history and modernity offers a vibrant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of samurai heritage, spiritual sites, and industrial innovation, making Nagoya an engaging destination for exploring Japan’s cultural and technological richness in the Chubu 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 Tokyo — see Day 33 above for port info.