Voyage Overview
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: HALONG BAY, HANOI
Halong Bay is our gateway to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam about 3.5 hours away but well worth the visit. Hanoi boasts a fascinating blend of East and West with lots of Chinese influences and French design. Highlights include the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, Thirty-Six Streets District in Old Town Hanoi, and Hoa Lo Prison, known widely as the "Hanoi Hilton." Explore the mystical landscape of Halong Bay by charming traditional fishing junk.
Day 2: CRUISING HALONG BAY
Cruising through Halong Bay offers a mesmerizing experience, as you glide past its emerald waters, towering limestone karsts, and lush islands, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. For a closer view of the limestone formations and to visit some of the islands, take a shore excursion on a junk boat during your stay in Halong Bay.
Day 3: SEAD
SEAD
Day 4: HONG KONG
Our ship docks right in the heart of Hong Kong's harbor, putting you at the center of all manner of attractions. Watch sampans and junks glide through the waters of Aberdeen. Soak in the towering skyscrapers, peaceful green hillsides and world-famous Harbour from the top of Victoria Peak. Pursue bargains at Stanley Market. Have your fortune told at the Temple Street Night Market. Visit Lantau Island where a giant bronze Buddha holds court.
Day 5: HONG KONG
Our ship docks right in the heart of Hong Kong's harbor, putting you at the center of all manner of attractions. Watch sampans and junks glide through the waters of Aberdeen. Soak in the towering skyscrapers, peaceful green hillsides and world-famous Harbour from the top of Victoria Peak. Pursue bargains at Stanley Market. Have your fortune told at the Temple Street Night Market. Visit Lantau Island where a giant bronze Buddha holds court.
Day 6: SEAD
SEAD
Day 7: KEELUNG, TAIPEI
The modern metropolis and capital city of Taiwan is an interesting mix of Japanese, Chinese and Southeast Asian cultures. The skyline is dominated by the 1,671-foot, 101-storied, bamboo-shaped skyscraper, Taipei 101. Other highlights of Taipei include the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park, Martyrs' Shrine which is an excellent example of classical Ming Dynasty architecture, and the Confucius Temple.
Day 8: ISHIGAKI
Ishigaki City is the southernmost Japanese city located closer to Taiwan than the main islands of Japan. Well known by Japanese tourists for the clear waters and coral reefs, the island is ringed by beaches offering excellent snorkeling, swimming and diving. The emerald-green water of Kabira Bay, a top sightseeing spot famous for the cultivation of black pearls is here, which you can view on a glass bottom boat trip as swimming is not allowed.
Day 9: NAHA, OKINAWA
Renowned for its scenic beauty, rich history and unique Chinese, Japanese and Korean culture, Okinawa is famous for its ceramic wares. Tsuboya Potter Museum is the place to visit to learn about this beautiful artform. You'll also want to see Shuri Castle & Shureimon Gate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Kokusai Street, the main shopping area.
Day 10: NAZE, AMAMI ISLAND
The tropical small port of Amami Island is well-known in Japan for the top-quality silk and dyes produce the highest-end kimonos. The white-sand beaches and warm, crystal-clear waters of Amami are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Amami is also known for Keihan, its unique chicken rice dish.
Day 11: YAKUSHIMA
Another delightful small port, Yakushima has been a UNESCO site since 1993. This sub-tropical island is covered with an extensive cedar forest with trees that are 7,000 years old. Wildlife here includes the Yakushima deer and snow monkeys. A special Japanese liquor of rice, barley, sweet potatoes and buckwheat is made here.
Day 12: SEAD
SEAD
Day 13: TOKYO
There are as many Tokyos to discover as there are interests. Cuisine? It has more Michelin stars than any other city. Culture? Kabuki theater and sumo wrestling are just the beginning. Shopping? The posh boutiques of Ginza lie on one end of the spectrum, workshops that hand-craft samurai swords at the other
Day 14: SHIMIZU
Most notably known as the city you can see the UNESCO site of Mount Fuji from. This small port city considered one of the three most beautiful ports in Japan has many historical building like Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, Sumpugo Park, and Shizuoka Sengen Shrine. The 65-foot Shiraito Waterfall, located near Mount Fuji looks like it could be silk. Enjoy tuna from Japan's largest fishery here or a cup of maccha, a Japanese green tea.
Day 15: SEAD
SEAD
Day 16: KAGOSHIMA
The seaside city of Kagoshima is best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano facing Kinko Bay. Take a tour to the Shiroyama Observatory or to the peaceful Edo-period Sengamen Japanese Garden. Visit the Ishibashi Park and the three Edo-period stone bridges or travel to the nearby village of Chiran to see the well-preserved Samurai Houses and the Chiran Peace Museum, exploring the background of kamikaze pilots.
Day 17: SCENIC CRUISING HASHIMA ISLAND
Cruise around the island of Hashima, abandoned over 50 years ago when the coal mining that flourished there suddenly ran out. The mining company shut the mine down and the island has been a ghost town ever since.
Day 18: NAGASAKI
Notable for the nuclear attack it suffered during WWII, Nagasaki has memorialized the event at the city's Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Memorial Park. The museum tells the story of the events leading up to the bombing and the park, located at the center of the bomb blast, houses a beautiful 30-foot tall fountain symbolizing peace. Other highlights to see are the Glover Gardens and Dejima Museum, which was originally an artificial island.
Day 19: BUSAN
The second largest city in South Korea is a popular leisure destination due to the nearby hot springs. It is home to many famous beaches that lure visitors from around the world and the UNESCO site of Gyeongju an outdoor museum that was once the capital of the Silla Kingdom and holds many architectural points of interest including ornate temples. Also of interest is South Korea's largest temple, Tongdosa Temple, renowned for having no outdoor statues.
Day 20: KARATSU
Located on the island of Kyushu, Karatsu is one of the closest Japanese cities to the Korean Peninsula. Karatsu Castle is the main attraction here. Built in 1608, it houses a museum of the castle's history and Karatsu ceramics. Karatsu is also known for its pottery which can be viewed at the Karatsu-yaki Pottery Gallery. Also worth visiting is the Karatsu Hikiyama Exhibition Hall which displays the 14 floats used in the annual Karatsu Kunchi Festival in November.
Day 21: HIROSHIMA
Fold a paper crane to leave at the Atomic Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit Hiroshima Castle to see three trees that survived the bombing that destroyed the castle itself. Or head to Miyajima, one of the most scenic spots in Japan, for a look at the vermillion Itsukushima Shrine floating in the sea - yet another World Heritage Site.
Day 22: TAKAMATSU
The main gateway to Shikoku Island and an important focal point for the island's rail and road transit systems, Takamatsu, on Japan's scenic Inland Sea, has been a political and economic center since the Edo period. Among the attractions here is Ritsurin Garden, created during the Edo period, and especially popular during spring for the cherry blossoms and autumn for the fall foliage. Takamatsu Symbol tower has several observation decks providing panoramic views of the sea and landscapes.
Day 23: TAKAMATSU
The main gateway to Shikoku Island and an important focal point for the island's rail and road transit systems, Takamatsu, on Japan's scenic Inland Sea, has been a political and economic center since the Edo period. Among the attractions here is Ritsurin Garden, created during the Edo period, and especially popular during spring for the cherry blossoms and autumn for the fall foliage. Takamatsu Symbol tower has several observation decks providing panoramic views of the sea and landscapes.
Day 24: SCENIC CRUISING SETO INLAND SEA
The Inland Sea of Japan, known as the Setonaikai or Seto Inland Sea, is a beautiful National Park dotted with hundreds of islands, small coastal towns, and the occasional large modern bridge. We’ll take advantage of our small size to traverse the more narrow routes of the inland sea during the daytime, allowing guests to experience the scenic beauty of this area.
Day 25: TOMONOURA
This picturesque port city is one of Windstar's iconic hidden harbors. Tomonoura is part of the Setonanikai National Park and features an endearing old-fashioned townscape. One of its thriving industries is the production of "homeishu," a medicinal liquor with 16 different herbs in it, said to promote longevity.
Day 26: OSAKA, KYOTO
Osaka is the gateway to Kyoto with great street food, bright lights and delightful night life. Its main historic landmark is the 16th century Osaka Castle surrounded by a moat and many flowering trees. Kyoto is famous for its numerous Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. It is also known for formal traditions like kaiseki dining (multiple courses of precise dishes) and geisha entertainers.
About Star Seeker
- Cruise Line: Windstar
- Guest Capacity: 3 guests
- Vessel Type: Ocean Liner / Mega-Cruise Ship
- IMO Registration:
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