Explora Journeys Ocean Cruises: 26 nights from Vancouver with Explora III
Aug 31, 2028

Abu Dhabi

Welcome to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the richest city in the world. The citizens, who sit on one-tenth of the planet's oil and have nearly $1 trillion invested abroad, are worth around $17 million each. (One million foreign workers do not share this wealth.)

Abu Dhabi is one of the most modern cities in the world. It is the centre of government and business in the United Arab Emirates, home of the oil companies that operate in the area and where the embassies are based. It has the most beautiful architecture in the Middle East with its modern buildings and skyscrapers. Abu Dhabi's wealth from oil has been cleverly used to promote healthy trade and a city with many services.

The promotion of tourism and various projects related to tourism will make Abu Dhabi a leader in the region. Large gardens and parks, streets lined with greenery, sophisticated skyscrapers, communication and transportation facilities, the presence of all the international luxury hotel chains, shopping centres, rich cultural centres and events provide tourists a unique experience all year round.

Tracy Arm

Il Pireo

Embark on a legendary cruise from Piraeus, the historic port of Athens, Greece. This bustling gateway to the Aegean Sea offers immediate access to the ancient wonders of the Acropolis, Parthenon, and countless archaeological sites. Immerse yourself in the cradle of Western civilization before setting sail on a journey to the sun-drenched Greek Islands and beyond, promising a voyage rich in history, culture, and breathtaking beauty.

Vancouver

Considered one of the most beautiful cities in Canada, Vancouver is a splendid, flourishing metropolis lucky enough to be flanked by the ocean and mountains at the same time.

Vancouver, situated in British Columbia, Canada, is a vibrant city known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and thriving arts scene. Founded in 1886, Vancouver has grown into a bustling metropolis that offers a perfect blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.

Vancouver enjoys a temperate coastal climate with mild winters and warm summers, thanks to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountains. The city experiences moderate rainfall throughout the year, creating lush green landscapes and vibrant gardens. Summer months are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the city's numerous parks.

Discover Vancouver's iconic attractions, including Stanley Park with its scenic seawall and lush forests, Granville Island Public Market offering local artisanal products and gourmet foods, and the historic Gastown district known for its cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture. Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery, explore the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, or take a stroll along the vibrant Robson Street for shopping and dining.

Indulge in Vancouver's culinary delights featuring fresh seafood like wild salmon, spot prawns, and Dungeness crab sourced from local waters. Try Pacific Northwest specialties such as smoked salmon, poutine with a West Coast twist, and craft beers from the city's thriving brewery scene. Don't miss out on exploring diverse international cuisines in neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy.

Enhance your Vancouver experience by booking a cruise departing from this coastal city. Choose from a variety of cruise options that explore the scenic Inside Passage, visit Alaska's majestic glaciers, or sail along the Pacific Coast to destinations like California or Hawaii. A cruise from Vancouver promises breathtaking views of rugged coastlines, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable adventures on the high seas.

Anchorage

During a stop in Anchorage, you will have the opportunity to explore the most authentic Alaska, between breathtaking landscapes and local culture. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to discover the traditions of the indigenous peoples through exhibitions and traditional dances. Nature lovers can venture along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, a scenic route that offers spectacular views of the sea, the surrounding mountains and local fauna, such as moose and eagles. For a unique experience, take a trip to the nearby Chugach National Park, where you can admire glaciers and unspoiled forests.

Embracing the Anchorage Climate

Despite its northern latitude, Anchorage enjoys a surprisingly moderate climate due to its coastal location, with mild summers and cold, snowy winters. This climate allows a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking in the summer to skiing and dog sledding in the winter. The phenomenon of the midnight sun offers extended daylight hours in summer, while winter provides opportunities to witness the spectacular Northern Lights, making Anchorage a unique destination in every season.

From the vast, untamed wilderness of Chugach State Park to the bustling streets of downtown, Anchorage is a city of contrasts. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail offers stunning views and wildlife spotting opportunities right from the city's edge. Cultural sites like the Anchorage Museum blend the art, history, and traditions of Alaska into a comprehensive narrative. For wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center or a flightseeing tour over Denali National Park reveals the state's natural majesty. Anchorage's strategic location makes it a gateway for adventures into the broader Alaskan wilderness.

Anchorage's culinary scene mirrors the city's diversity, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients taking center stage. Seafood, particularly salmon, halibut, and king crab, is a staple, reflecting Alaska's rich marine resources. Indigenous recipes, Russian influences, and the flavors brought by recent immigrants enrich the city's dining landscape. From food trucks serving reindeer sausages to fine dining establishments with mountain views, Anchorage offers a dining experience as varied and vibrant as the city itself.

While Anchorage itself is not a cruise port, it serves as a critical hub for travelers heading to cruise departures in nearby Seward or Whittier, just a scenic drive away. Starting your Alaskan cruise with a stay in Anchorage allows for an immersive exploration of Alaska's urban and natural landscapes before embarking on a sea journey. With its unique blend of culture, history, and adventure, Anchorage offers the perfect preamble to the breathtaking cruise experiences that await in the wilds of Alaska.

Dutch Harbor

Kushiro

Aomori

Hakodate

Embark on a captivating cruise from Hakodate, Japan, a picturesque port city on the southern tip of Hokkaido. Known for its stunning night views, historic sites, and fresh seafood, Hakodate offers a unique departure point for exploring the diverse landscapes of Japan and the surrounding seas. Discover its charming blend of Japanese and Western influences before setting sail on a journey filled with natural beauty and cultural insights.

Yokohama

Yokohama, Japan's second largest city by population, is a vibrant port city where history, typical cuisine, culture and entertainment come together in a perfect combination.

If you are looking for an alternative holiday away from the frenetic life of the big metropolises, Yokohama is what you are looking for! The port has played a crucial role for the city since its opening in 1859. Its importance is mainly linked to its proximity to the Japanese capital and its being the gateway to international trade in a historical period in which a policy of isolation prevailed in the country. This aspect is still visible today in the different districts scattered throughout the city where the descendants of the ancient communities that reached these places are located.

Emblematic in this sense is the presence of one of the largest Chinatowns in the world and an entire area that resembles, due to its architecture and buildings, the typical Western metropolises. If you want to admire the typically Japanese style up close, a visit to the Sankeien garden is what you are looking for! Inside there are various historical buildings, paths immersed in greenery and a unique vegetation that will allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions.

Always to enjoy some moments of relaxation surrounded by greenery, one of the most interesting destinations is also the Yamashita park. Located in an area once destroyed by one of the devastating earthquakes that have repeatedly hit the country over the years, it is the ideal place for a walk or to sit on one of the many benches having the city's bay as a panorama. Near the park is the Yokohama Marine Tower, a tower over 100 meters high from which you can enjoy a unique view of the entire city.

After spending a few hours in this place, given the proximity, you cannot miss a visit to the Yokohama waterfront. The area, in constant evolution, is known all over the world for its skyline in which huge skyscrapers and the Cosmo World amusement park with the huge Ferris wheel are the masters.

Relaxation, fun but also lots of culture! In the city, there are many museums such as: the Museum of Contemporary Art that holds works of art by internationally renowned artists such as Cézanne and Picasso, the Museum that traces the history of the port, and finally an entire museum dedicated to the history of instant noodles.

In addition to the museums, you will have the opportunity to try local cuisine at the various typical restaurants and stalls in the cities. Considering that this is just a taste of what the city has to offer, what are you waiting for? Choose a cruise that departs from Yokohama or that has the city as a stopover in order to enjoy its beautiful sights or discover Japan and South Korea!