Explora Journeys Ocean Cruises: 25 nights from Vancouver with Explora III
Sep 11, 2027

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.

Kushiro

Aomori

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!

Shimizu

Kobe

Located between the bay and Mount Rokko, Kobe is a Japanese city known worldwide for the beauty of its characteristic places that must be seen when visiting the city. Opened in 1998, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, which connects the city to Awaji Island, is the longest suspension bridge in the world and is one of the city's most iconic attractions. If you want to enjoy a breathtaking view, Mount Rokko is the place for you!

Here, you can not only visit a botanical garden or play on the golf course, but also visit the Rokko Garden Terrace, a center with restaurants, stores, and an observatory. If you want to enjoy a day of total relaxation, Arima Osen is the place for you! This is one of the oldest spa resorts in Japan, it has become a popular destination for tourists over the years. Considering that these are just some of the city's many attractions, choose a cruise that stops in Ishigaki and do not miss the opportunity to take part in one of the many excursions available.

Set sail from Kobe, a sophisticated port city nestled between the Rokko Mountains and Osaka Bay, offering an elegant departure point for cruises across Asia. Known for its picturesque harbor, vibrant culinary scene, and stunning night views, Kobe provides a charming introduction to your Japanese adventure. Before embarking, explore the fashionable Kitano Ijinkan district, savor world-famous Kobe beef, and enjoy the city's cosmopolitan atmosphere. Kobe promises a refined beginning to your cruise through the enchanting waters of East Asia.

Cruises departing from Kobe offer diverse itineraries that span the historical and modern wonders of Asia. Whether you dream of exploring the ancient temples of South Korea, the bustling metropolises of China, or the serene landscapes of other Japanese islands, Kobe serves as an excellent launchpad. Enjoy the seamless transition from the refined elegance of Kobe to the luxurious comfort of your cruise ship, ready for days of relaxation, cultural immersion, and unforgettable moments. Each journey from Kobe promises breathtaking scenery and a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Asian cultures, creating cherished memories.

Kochi

Busan

During a stop in Busan, you can visit the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, perched on the coast and overlooking the sea, which offers a unique atmosphere of peace and spirituality. Those looking for moments of relaxation can enjoy the famous Haeundae beach, famous for its crystal clear waters and lively local life. For an authentic experience, the Jagalchi Fish Market is a must: here you can taste fresh seafood dishes and observe Korean gastronomic culture in a picturesque and lively setting.

Nagasaki

Kagoshima

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!