Seven Seas Explorer
March 31, 2025

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.

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.

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 3 above for port info.

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.

Beppu, Japan, docks at Beppu Port, 3 kilometers from downtown, with shuttles for 10-minute rides. The city, population 120,000, features the Hells of Beppu, geothermal hot springs for viewing. Travelers relax at Kannawa Onsen, 15 minutes east. Excursions to Mount Tsurumi, 20 minutes north, offer cable car rides. Local markets sell yuzu products. Peak season April to October; taxis 800-1200 JPY. Dining includes toriten (chicken tempura) at onsen cafes. Souvenirs feature bamboo crafts.

Incheon, South Korea, has docking at Incheon Port with excursions to Seoul. Travelers explore Gyeongbokgung Palace and Myeongdong markets. Excursions visit DMZ’s historic sites. Local markets sell kimchi. The peak season, April to June, brings mild weather. Photography captures palaces and urban skylines. Dining onboard includes bulgogi, a Korean favorite. Souvenirs, like hanbok dolls, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Korean history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Comfortable shoes enhance city tours. Incheon’s access to Seoul offers a vibrant South Korean stop, blending culture with modern energy.

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 10 above for port info.

Kagoshima, Japan, has docking at Kagoshima Port. Travelers explore Sakurajima volcano’s active trails. Excursions visit Sengan-en Garden’s historic grounds. Local markets sell shochu. The peak season, March to May, brings cherry blossoms. Photography captures volcanic landscapes and coastal vistas. Dining onboard includes kurobuta pork, a Kagoshima specialty. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Kyushu’s history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Sturdy shoes enhance volcano hikes. Kagoshima’s volcanic beauty offers a dynamic Japanese stop, blending nature with cultural heritage.

Returning to Tokyo — see Day 1 above for port info.