Emerald Cruises Far East: 14 nights from with Emerald Xara
Jun 8, 2028

Shimonoseki

Beppu

Beppu is a Japanese city in the prefecture of Ôita, located in a wide and deep bay on the northeastern coast of the island of Kyüshû.

Famous for its breathtaking hot springs, Beppu is one of the three main hot springs in Japan. There are approximately 3,000 different chemical properties that produce over 100,000 liters of water per day, bathing the city in a cloud of smoke. It also offers an unparalleled range of spa activities, including ordinary hot water baths, mud baths, sand baths, and steam baths. The entire central part of Beppu, therefore, between the station and the coast, is necessarily very humid.
In the backcountry, don't miss over 60 stone Buddhas carved into the rock classified as a national heritage.
The port of Usuki populated by old houses in the style of "samurai district" dating back to 1600-1868. At the foot of Mount Takasaki, more than 1,700 Japanese monkeys live in the forest where they can be observed in some protected structures.
On the Ajimu plateau there is the largest zoo in Asia: about 1,300 animals, including bears, lions, giraffes, elephants, and zebras. The park can be visited on a "Jungle Bus" for people who don't own a car.

Uwajima

Miyazaki

Kagoshima

Yakushima

Yakushima is an island located south of Kyūshū, in the prefecture of Kagoshima, Japan. It covers an area of about 500 square kilometers and is home to a population of about 15,000 inhabitants. The island of Yakushima is separated from the island of Tanegashima by the strait called Yakushima Kaikyō. The highest point on Yakushima is Miyanoura-dake, which rises 1,935 meters above sea level. The island is covered by a dense forest, famous for cryptomeria plants (called sugi in Japan) and rhododendrons. What remains of this ancient forest was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993. As early as 1993, it had been declared a biosphere reserve. A popular saying claims that it rains here for 35 days a month: in fact, statistics say that this is one of the places with the most frequent and intense rainfall in the world, with phenomena that amount to between 4 and 10 meters per year. The rainy season is concentrated in spring and summer, often accompanied by landslides and landslides, while in the rest of the year there may also be some relatively dry periods. Yakushima is the southernmost place in Japan where snowfall occurs, which especially in the mountainous area can accumulate for months before melting, while the ocean temperature never drops below 19 degrees. The forest on the island is visited by a large number of tourists, about 300,000 per year. It is said to have inspired the setting of the animated film Princess Mononoke, by Hayao Miyazaki. The forest also appears in the 1996 film Mothra. Yakushima has been a center for research on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for Honda. 50% of the electricity produced on the island comes from hydroelectric sources and a small part of it has been used to produce hydrogen during an experiment conducted by the University of Kagoshima.

Amami Oshima

Naha

Naha is a city in Japan, known worldwide as the “blue zone” of longevity for its natural environment and peaceful lifestyle. There are many must-see attractions, Shurijo Castle is undoubtedly one of them.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, the ancient residence of the rulers as well as theancient religious seat of the kingdom stands in the hills east of the city center. A visit to the castle offersthe opportunity to take a walk surrounded by nature and enjoy breathtaking views of the city. Also not tobe missed are the various food markets and typical restaurants where you can taste various local dishes.
Very beautiful destinations are the various gardens that include all the characteristic elements of Japanese gardens. There it is possible to immerse oneself in a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.

Naha: Okinawa's Gateway to the Ryukyu Islands and Asia

Set sail from Naha, the vibrant capital of Okinawa, Japan, and embark on an exciting cruise across the East China Sea. This subtropical island city offers a unique blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian influences, providing a captivating starting point for your voyage. Before stepping aboard, explore Shuri Castle, stroll along Kokusai Dori, and savor the distinct Okinawan cuisine. Naha promises a fascinating cultural prelude to your Asian adventure.

Explore Asian Wonders from Naha's Shores

Cruises departing from Naha open up a world of diverse cultural experiences and stunning island landscapes. Whether you dream of discovering the historical richness of Taiwan, the bustling cities of mainland China, or the serene beauty of other Japanese islands, Naha serves as an excellent launchpad. Enjoy the seamless transition from the lively streets of Okinawa to the luxurious comfort of your cruise ship, ready for days of exploration, relaxation, and unforgettable moments. Each journey from Naha promises breathtaking scenery and a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Asian cultures, leaving you with lasting memories.

Miyakojima

Cruises to Miyakojima

Keelung

Keelung is an important port city in Taiwan, the second after Kaohsiung. The name means “rooster's cage” and it is said to come from the local mountain whose shape resembles that of a rooster's cage or from the early inhabitants of the region.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the city in all its glory and taste the local cuisine inside the famous Miaokou night market. If you are a nature lover and you want to enjoy breathtaking views, Heping Island GeoPark is the place for you! Located on the Keelung seashore and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts of a wide range of unique flora and fauna. Choose a cruise that stops in Keelung and enjoy the visit of this beautiful city thanks to one of the many excursions available.

Keelung: Taiwan's Dynamic Gateway to Asian Cruises

Set sail from Keelung, Taiwan's bustling northern port city, and embark on an exciting cruise adventure across Asia. Surrounded by lush mountains and the vibrant Pacific, Keelung offers a dynamic blend of natural beauty and urban energy. Before you depart, explore its famous night market for local delicacies, visit the majestic Miaokou Temple, or take in the panoramic views from Chung Cheng Park. Keelung provides a fascinating glimpse into Taiwanese culture, making it a unique and convenient starting point for your oriental voyage.

Discover Asia's Wonders from Keelung

Cruises departing from Keelung open up a world of rich cultural experiences and stunning landscapes across East and Southeast Asia. Whether you dream of the futuristic cities of Japan, the historical treasures of South Korea, or the pristine beaches of the Philippines, Keelung serves as an ideal launchpad. Enjoy the seamless transition from the lively streets of Taiwan to the luxurious comfort of your cruise ship, ready for days of exploration, relaxation, and unforgettable moments. Each journey from Keelung promises a deep dive into diverse cultures and breathtaking scenery, leaving you with lasting memories.

Keelung

Keelung is an important port city in Taiwan, the second after Kaohsiung. The name means “rooster's cage” and it is said to come from the local mountain whose shape resembles that of a rooster's cage or from the early inhabitants of the region.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the city in all its glory and taste the local cuisine inside the famous Miaokou night market. If you are a nature lover and you want to enjoy breathtaking views, Heping Island GeoPark is the place for you! Located on the Keelung seashore and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts of a wide range of unique flora and fauna. Choose a cruise that stops in Keelung and enjoy the visit of this beautiful city thanks to one of the many excursions available.

Keelung: Taiwan's Dynamic Gateway to Asian Cruises

Set sail from Keelung, Taiwan's bustling northern port city, and embark on an exciting cruise adventure across Asia. Surrounded by lush mountains and the vibrant Pacific, Keelung offers a dynamic blend of natural beauty and urban energy. Before you depart, explore its famous night market for local delicacies, visit the majestic Miaokou Temple, or take in the panoramic views from Chung Cheng Park. Keelung provides a fascinating glimpse into Taiwanese culture, making it a unique and convenient starting point for your oriental voyage.

Discover Asia's Wonders from Keelung

Cruises departing from Keelung open up a world of rich cultural experiences and stunning landscapes across East and Southeast Asia. Whether you dream of the futuristic cities of Japan, the historical treasures of South Korea, or the pristine beaches of the Philippines, Keelung serves as an ideal launchpad. Enjoy the seamless transition from the lively streets of Taiwan to the luxurious comfort of your cruise ship, ready for days of exploration, relaxation, and unforgettable moments. Each journey from Keelung promises a deep dive into diverse cultures and breathtaking scenery, leaving you with lasting memories.

Magong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the main cities in China for its economy, tourism and the density of population. Hong Kong is a combination of Eastern and Western cultures, new and old, offering its visitors an endless variety of places to explore, bars, clubs, street markets, haute-couture boutiques and much more. Visit the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade with its breath-taking landscape on the port. At night the buildings are all lighted-up and offer a real spectacle. If you want to take a break from the skyscrapers and are looking for a calmer place, you can reach Repulse Bay, more crowded in summer, for a relaxing walk and detox from the traffic and the frenzy typical of the huge metropolis. Many of the Cruises to Far East leave from Hong Kong’s port and take you to Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Singapore, to discover the most exotic places in the world. You can visit the Far East with the best cruise companies such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Silversea and many more.

Hong Kong (Chinese: 香港, Xiānggǎngpinyin; literally "Fragrant Harbor") is one of two special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China along with Macau. It is located on the southern coast of China between the Pearl River Delta and the South China Sea. The city is famous for its predominant skyline and deep natural harbor. With an area of ​​1,104 km2 and a population of seven million people, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. 95% of Hong Kong's population is of Chinese ethnicity, while the remaining 5% belong to other groups. The city's majority Chinese ethnic group, the Han, mainly originates from the cities of Canton and Taishan in the nearby province of Guangdong.

Hong Kong became a colony of the British Empire after the First Opium War (1839-1842). Originally limited to Hong Kong Island alone, the colony's borders were extended, in 1860, to include the Kowloon Peninsula and then with new territories in 1898. The region was then briefly occupied by Japan during the Pacific War, then returned to British control, which ended in 1997 when China resumed its sovereignty. The history of Hong Kong has profoundly influenced its culture, which is often described as "the East meets the West", and the education system which pursued the English system until the reforms implemented in 2009.

Under the principle "one country, two systems", Hong Kong has a political system different from mainland China. The functioning of the country's independent judiciary works according to the Common law legal system model. The Hong Kong Basic Law, its constitution, establishes that the region enjoys a high degree of autonomy in all aspects, except foreign relations and military defense. Despite Hong Kong having a thriving multi-party system, a small electorate controls half of its legislature. The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, the head of government, is chosen by an electoral committee which varies from 400 to 1,200 members, a system which will be in force for all the first 20 years of Chinese rule.

Hong Kong is one of the most important international financial centers in the world and like the others, Hong Kong boasts a large capitalist economy based on the tertiary sector and characterized by low taxation and free trade. The currency, the Hong Kong dollar, is the eighth most traded currency in the world. The lack of space and the growing number of inhabitants and infrastructure have led the city to have an intense density of buildings, making it the most vertical city in the world. Hong Kong citizens boast one of the highest per capita incomes in the world. The density has also led to the development of an advanced public transport network. The citizens who use it are over 90%, the highest percentage in the world. Hong Kong enjoys high positions in numerous international rankings. For example, in economic freedom, economic and financial competitiveness, quality of life, corruption, the human development index, etc., the region is always ranked among the top places.
According to estimates from both the United Nations and the WHO, Hong Kong, in 2012, had the longest life expectancy of any other region in the world.