42-Night Southeast Asia Cruise on Sapphire Princess

Tokyo, Japan

Depart 4:00 pm

Huge department stores brim with shoppers, neon flashes from dusk to dawn, and the entire world pays heed to the slightest fluctuation on the Nikkei Index. From the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine to the fabled Ginza district, 20th-century Tokyo is an intriguing composite of East and West. Yuppies sporting Walkmen bow formally in greeting. Women in kimonos and Dior suits stroll side-by-side. Geishas play samisens while disc jockeys play the Top Forty. Japanese houses of wood and paper stand in the shadow of towering steel and mortar. Not far away, one of the world's most impressive sights soars 12,388 feet to its snow-clad peak: Mount Fuji, the majestic symbol of Japan.

AT SEA

Kagoshima, Kyushu, Japan

Arrive 9:00 am · Depart 6:00 pm

This large city is an excursion base from which to explore the dramatic coastlines, national parks and volcanic mountains of Kyushu, Japan's third largest island. Mount Sakurajima, an active volcano, can be reached by ferry. To the north, Kirishima-Yaku National Park is a scenic area of smoking volcanoes, craters and lakes. South of the city, Ibusuki, the island's most popular seaside resort, welcomes kimono-clad bathers to its sandy beaches and warm, underwater springs.

AT SEA

Okinawa (Naha), Japan

Arrive 7:00 am · Depart 7:00 pm

AT SEA

Kao-Hsiung, Taiwan

Arrive 7:00 am · Depart 7:00 pm

AT SEA

Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China

Arrive 7:00 am · Depart 10:00 pm

Hong Kong is the cosmopolitan hub of the Far East. This former British colony reverted to Chinese control in 1997, yet the culture-rich atmosphere remains. See the Wong Tai Sin Temple, tour local markets and the floating village of Aberdeen. Take the Tram to the top of Victoria Peak for one of the world''s most exciting views, or cross the harbor aboard one of the famous Star Ferries. After shopping and exploring, enjoy high tea at the favored retreat of many world travelers-the Peninsula Hotel.

AT SEA

Chan May, Vietnam

Arrive 7:00 am · Depart 6:00 pm

AT SEA

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

Arrive 7:00 am · Depart 5:30 pm

After 20 years of isolation, this history-laden Vietnamese capital will charm and fascinate you with her vibrant sights. Formerly Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a blend of magnificent French colonial architecture set against spacious boulevards thronged with trishaws, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. Leave time to shop in the Ben Thanh Market or wander in the landmark Reunification Hall. The more adventurous may opt for an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong in hiding from Allied troops.

AT SEA

Singapore, Singapore

Arrive 7:00 am · Depart 4:00 pm

One of Asia's great success stories, this island republic has merged diverse cultures into a dynamic and thriving nation. Clean, modern and full of green gardens, its neighborhoods reflect the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and European backgrounds of its past. After sampling the legendary shopping, retire to Raffles Hotel's famous bar and toast Maugham, Kipling and Noel Coward with a Singapore Sling.

AT SEA

Ko Samui, Thailand

Arrive 7:00 am · Depart 4:00 pm

The quiet beaches of Lamai, on the island's southeastern coast, are sure to afford you the perfect opportunity to relax. If you would prefer to be a little more active while on Ko Samui, there are plenty of beautiful underwater sights at Coral Cove or Angthong Marine National Park. Dive shops are a dime a dozen on Ko Samui, so you will have plenty of opportunities to explore some of the world's prettiest coral reefs.

Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand

Arrive 7:00 am · Depart 11:59 pm

AT SEA

Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Arrive 7:00 am · Depart 9:00 pm

AT SEA

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

Arrive 7:00 am · Depart 6:00 pm

After 20 years of isolation, this history-laden Vietnamese capital will charm and fascinate you with her vibrant sights. Formerly Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a blend of magnificent French colonial architecture set against spacious boulevards thronged with trishaws, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. Leave time to shop in the Ben Thanh Market or wander in the landmark Reunification Hall. The more adventurous may opt for an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong in hiding from Allied troops.

AT SEA

AT SEA

Langkawi, Malaysia

Arrive 10:00 am · Depart 8:00 pm

Phuket, Thailand

Arrive 7:00 am · Depart 6:00 pm

Set like a jewel in the Andaman Sea, Thailand's largest island has great expanses of sandy beaches that lure sun-seekers to their shores, and a unique culture combining influences from China and Portugal. Visit the fabled monastery of Wat Chalong, the Orchard Garden and the Thai Village, where examples of the country's culture are presented in a tranquil lakeside setting.

Penang, Malaysia

Arrive 8:00 am · Depart 5:00 pm

The swirl of Batik in eastern bazaars, the cascade of waterfalls in the Botanical Gardens, jungle-clad hills ringed by golden beaches, these are the images you will take from Penang. This lovely resort island and its bustling capital of Georgetown are the picture of Malaysian diversity. Visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and Kek Lok Si, one of the most beautiful temples in Southeast Asia. See the ornate Khoo Kongsi, and old Chinese clan house; and an 18th century British fortress. Enjoy the Chinese embroidery and Malay daggers in the Penang Museum, or marvel at the Penang Bridge (third longest in the world).

Port Kelang (Kuala Lumpur), Malaysia

Arrive 7:00 am · Depart 5:00 pm

Malaysia's capital rises like a vision from the deep jungles. Its fascinating array of architectural styles includes Malay stilt villages, Islamic minarets, Hindu temples, Chinese shop houses and the indescribable opulence of the Royal Palace. In the background rise the world's tallest buildings, the Petronas Twin Towers completed in 1996.

Singapore, Singapore

Arrive 7:00 am · Depart 4:00 pm

One of Asia's great success stories, this island republic has merged diverse cultures into a dynamic and thriving nation. Clean, modern and full of green gardens, its neighborhoods reflect the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and European backgrounds of its past. After sampling the legendary shopping, retire to Raffles Hotel's famous bar and toast Maugham, Kipling and Noel Coward with a Singapore Sling.

AT SEA

Cam Ranh, Vietnam

Arrive 9:00 am · Depart 6:00 pm

Cam Ranh, located in southern Vietnam, is known for its stunning beaches and natural beauty. This coastal city features beautiful sandy shores, clear waters, and a tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and water activities. The area is also home to a deep-water port and offers various opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and exploring nearby islands. Cam Ranh is a growing tourist destination, combining scenic views with a laid-back vibe.

AT SEA

Cai Lan Halong Bay, Vietnam

Arrive 7:00 am

Cai Lan Halong Bay, Vietnam

Depart 7:00 am

SCENIC CRUISING HALONG BAY (SCENIC CRUISING)

Arrive 7:30 am · Depart 9:30 am

Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China

Hong Kong is the cosmopolitan hub of the Far East. This former British colony reverted to Chinese control in 1997, yet the culture-rich atmosphere remains. See the Wong Tai Sin Temple, tour local markets and the floating village of Aberdeen. Take the Tram to the top of Victoria Peak for one of the world''s most exciting views, or cross the harbor aboard one of the famous Star Ferries. After shopping and exploring, enjoy high tea at the favored retreat of many world travelers-the Peninsula Hotel.

HONG KONG

Arrive 7:00 am · Depart 11:00 pm

Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan

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.

Ishigaki, Ryukyu Island

Arrive 7:00 am · Depart 4:00 pm

ISHIGAKI, JAPAN

Arrive 7:00 am · Depart 7:00 pm

Nagasaki, Japan

One of Japan's most historic cities, Nagasaki was a major port, trading with the Portuguese and Dutch in the 16th century. You can still see this colonial legacy in the brick buildings, old forts, canals and curving cobblestone streets. On a hill overlooking the bay, beautiful Glover Mansion, the setting of Madame Butterfly, is typical of the fine homes built by wealthy foreign residents. But Nagasaki's ties with Korea and China are equally apparent in the famous Chinese temple, a large Chinese colony and the numerous fine Korean and Chinese restaurants.

NAGASAKI, JAPAN

Arrive 7:00 am · Depart 3:00 pm

Tokyo, Japan

Huge department stores brim with shoppers, neon flashes from dusk to dawn, and the entire world pays heed to the slightest fluctuation on the Nikkei Index. From the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine to the fabled Ginza district, 20th-century Tokyo is an intriguing composite of East and West. Yuppies sporting Walkmen bow formally in greeting. Women in kimonos and Dior suits stroll side-by-side. Geishas play samisens while disc jockeys play the Top Forty. Japanese houses of wood and paper stand in the shadow of towering steel and mortar. Not far away, one of the world's most impressive sights soars 12,388 feet to its snow-clad peak: Mount Fuji, the majestic symbol of Japan.

TOKYO, JAPAN

Arrive 6:00 am