Seabourn Quest - March 2, 2025

Bau Bau a port that used to be a haven for pirates, in addition to being the largest village of the former sultanate of Buton, an ancient Islamic civilization whose influence is seen in the city's fortress and palace. The warm waters off Nirvana Beach are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Located in northern Sulawesi, Bitung posesses a natural wealth that will become immediately apparent as you walk along the fertile fields of cloves and cocoa. The coral reef's clear, warm waters and many species of colorful tropical fish make this a prime scuba, snorkeling, and swimming location. At Gunung Dua Saudara National Park, witness macaques, cockatoos, and hornbills among numerous hot springs and volcanic craters.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Korea's largest island, Cheju is of volcanic origin and rises to c.6,400 ft in Halla-san, an extinct volcano. The island was often used as a place of exile. After the Korean War it became a haven for refugees. It is currently an important resort and honeymoon destination, maintaining several air connections and ferry links with Japan.

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.

Famous for its succulent Kobe beef and cosmopolitan flair, this booming port town sits between the Rokko Mountains and Osaka Bay. Home to many foreigners, this commercial center is the most international in western Japan, containing a remarkable architectural mix of Swiss chalets, Muslim mosques, and Russian Orthodox churches, tucked between traditional Japanese buildings.

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.