South China Sea Explorer Cruise - Itinerary
Asia - wonderfully removed from your everyday world... The most intriguing and unexpected places await you. The lush, jade-colored lands of China, Thailand and Japan, historic cities washed by the Indian Ocean and inland wonders too remarkable to miss. Sail past sampans into Hong Kong Harbor; enjoy two days here to admire the city from atop Victoria Peak and absorb the bustling energy of Stanley Market. Explore the souks and bazaars of Singapore. Learn the art of Chinese kite-flying and see rice paddies where water buffalo graze. Visit the Imperial City Of Hue, Vietnam - a World Heritage Site that is Vietnam's most popular attraction.
Okinawa, Japan's only subtropical prefecture, offers diving in coral reefs plus sights like Shurijo Castle. Students of history will remember the battle for Okinawa as the largest amphibious invasion and last major campaign of the Pacific War. In Taipei, the National Palace Museum houses the world's most impressive collections of Chinese treasures. And in Shanghai, exquisite temples go hand-in-hand with modern architectural wonders such as the Oriental Pearl Tower. Places like these bring new meaning to the term "complete escape"!
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1 - embark Shanghai, China
Skyscrapers and temples go hand in hand in this fascinating city. Perhaps take time to experience Old China on a train journey to Wuxi where you can visit one of China's most celebrated sites - Jichang Gardens. Transfer to the pier to board our ship, the Ocean Princess. Once on board, take some time to unpack and settle in before exploring your home for the next 16 nights. Sail this evening at 8:00pm. (D)
Day 2 - At Sea
Participate in your choice of on-board activities: browse the world-class art collection, shop in duty-free boutiques, relax in a hot tub, sun yourself on the deck with a book from the ship's library, exercise in a state-of-the-art gym, or pamper yourself in the spa; and at mealtimes take advantage of the ship's variety of dining options. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Okinawa, Japan, 6am/5pm
Japan's only subtropical prefecture offers diving in coral reefs plus sights like Shurijo Castle. Students of history will remember the battle for Okinawa as the largest amphibious invasion and last major campaign of the Pacific War. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - At Sea. (B,L,D)
Day 5 -Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, 7am/6pm
The bustling capital of Taiwan boasts the National Palace Museum housing the world's most impressive collections of Chinese treasures. For something more exotic, tour Snake Alley or the scenic beauty of Taroko Gorge.(B,L,D)
Day 6 - At Sea. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Hong Kong, China, arrive 8am
From the tram atop Victoria Peak, Hong Kong looks serene. Up close, it bustles with the sights and sounds of life played out on its streets. Take it all in from Stanley Market to Aberdeen. Or learn the essence of Chinese cuisine during a cooking lesson. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Hong Kong, China, depart 5pm
Enjoy a second day to explore the wonders of Hong Kong.(B,L,D)
Day 9 - At Sea. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Da Nang/Hue (Chan May), Vietnam, 7am/6pm
Visit the Imperial City Of Hue, a World Heritage Site that is Vietnam's most popular attraction. Explore the Imperial Citadel, modeled on Beijing's Forbidden City. Visit tomb of the Emperor Tu Doc, which features a royal palace in miniature, a pavilion overlooking a lake, gardens and the former royal hunting grounds. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - At Sea. (B,L,D)
Day 12 - Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My),Vietnam, 9am/7pm
See the sights from the National History Museum to Chinatown's Sea Goddess Temple. Tour Reunification Hall, the former Presidential Palace that is now a museum and exhibition center. (B,L,D)
Day 13 - At Sea. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - 9am/6pm
Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of wonders in this scintillating city. Explore from Little India and Chinatown to the souks and bazaars of Arab Street. Sip a Singapore Sling at the famed Raffles Hotel. And get a glimpse of the local flora and fauna at the Orchid Pavilion or Jurong Bird Park. (B,L,D)
Day 15 - At Sea. (B,L,D)
Day 16 -Ko Samui, Thailand, 10am/6pm
Visit the Temple of the Big Buddha and admire the 39-foot high Sitting Buddha statue erected in 1792. Tour a coconut plantation and watch monkeys harvest the ripe fruit. (B,L,D)
Day 17 - disembark Bangkok
Arrive this morning in Bangkok, where the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Golden Buddha and the floating markets surround you with the sights and sounds of Thailand. (B)
