Holland America Line Far East: 29 nights from Tokyo with Westerdam
Oct 24, 2026

Shimizu

Kagoshima

Nagasaki

Seoul

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is the economic, technological and cultural center as well as the most populous city on the Korean peninsula. Don't miss the culinary delights and unmissable attractions of Seoul
during your cruise.

If you want to know the history and culture of Seoul, you cannot miss visiting the Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun. These are the two oldest and most beautiful palaces in the city and are therefore unmissable. Afterwards, you can reach Cheong Wa Dae, the South Korean presidential palace, which was once closed to the public. You can then take a walk in Samcheong-dong, near Cheong Wa Dae, with its famous restaurants, art galleries or refresh yourself with a cup of Korean coffee at Bukchon Hanok Village and in the cafes of Culture Street! You can also go to Dongdaemun to stock up on products!

Seoul is also home to the famous Legoland Korea, half an hour by train from Seoul, perfect for young families with children!

While not a direct port city, Seoul, South Korea's vibrant and futuristic capital, serves as an exciting and culturally rich gateway to cruises departing from nearby Incheon. Before embarking on your journey, immerse yourself in Seoul's incredible blend of ancient palaces, bustling markets, and cutting-edge technology. Discover its rich history, vibrant K-pop culture, and delicious street food. Seoul offers an unparalleled urban adventure that perfectly complements the serene beauty of an East Asian cruise.

Cruises departing from Incheon (with easy transfers from Seoul) open up a world of diverse cultural experiences and stunning coastal landscapes across East Asia. Whether you dream of the modern marvels of Japan, the historical treasures of China, or the serene beauty of other Korean islands, Seoul serves as a dynamic launchpad. Enjoy the seamless transition from the energetic streets of Korea to the luxurious comfort of your cruise ship, ready for days of exploration, relaxation, and unforgettable moments. Each journey offers breathtaking scenery and a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Asian cultures, leaving you with lasting memories.

Seoul

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is the economic, technological and cultural center as well as the most populous city on the Korean peninsula. Don't miss the culinary delights and unmissable attractions of Seoul
during your cruise.

If you want to know the history and culture of Seoul, you cannot miss visiting the Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun. These are the two oldest and most beautiful palaces in the city and are therefore unmissable. Afterwards, you can reach Cheong Wa Dae, the South Korean presidential palace, which was once closed to the public. You can then take a walk in Samcheong-dong, near Cheong Wa Dae, with its famous restaurants, art galleries or refresh yourself with a cup of Korean coffee at Bukchon Hanok Village and in the cafes of Culture Street! You can also go to Dongdaemun to stock up on products!

Seoul is also home to the famous Legoland Korea, half an hour by train from Seoul, perfect for young families with children!

While not a direct port city, Seoul, South Korea's vibrant and futuristic capital, serves as an exciting and culturally rich gateway to cruises departing from nearby Incheon. Before embarking on your journey, immerse yourself in Seoul's incredible blend of ancient palaces, bustling markets, and cutting-edge technology. Discover its rich history, vibrant K-pop culture, and delicious street food. Seoul offers an unparalleled urban adventure that perfectly complements the serene beauty of an East Asian cruise.

Cruises departing from Incheon (with easy transfers from Seoul) open up a world of diverse cultural experiences and stunning coastal landscapes across East Asia. Whether you dream of the modern marvels of Japan, the historical treasures of China, or the serene beauty of other Korean islands, Seoul serves as a dynamic launchpad. Enjoy the seamless transition from the energetic streets of Korea to the luxurious comfort of your cruise ship, ready for days of exploration, relaxation, and unforgettable moments. Each journey offers breathtaking scenery and a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Asian cultures, leaving you with lasting memories.

Jeju Island

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.

Fukuoka

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.

Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a city that, thanks to the fusion of antiquity and modernity, history and contemporary culture has attracted many tourists in recent years, becoming one of the most fashionable destinations of the moment. Divided into many districts, the city offers attractions of all kinds. For fashion lovers, the Harajuku district is a must-see. Home to the country's streetwear clothing, this area of the city has become one of the reference points for the lively youth fashion culture. Also to stay in the fashion field, if you are looking for the right gift or simply want to do some shopping, Shibuya is the right place for you.

Here you will find a huge quantity of shops where it is impossible not to find something! If shopping has made you feel a certain languor, the city offers a vast quantity of restaurants, bars where you can savor all the typical local dishes. If electronics and technology are your passion, Japan is the place for you! Here you will find everything you are looking for from low-cost electronics to the most cutting-edge technology. Japan is not just technology, modernity and skyscrapers, so, lovers of history and culture, rest assured there is also something for you. Japan has a history of a millennium behind it and the various monuments present in its capital testify to this.

Not only the old imperial residences offer the possibility to go back in time, but in the city there are various unmissable temples and shrines. For example, the temples of Senso-Ji and Bentendo, thanks to the surrounding nature, combine spirituality and biodiversity in a perfect combination. Sit comfortably because I am about to give you news that will leave you speechless: did you know that there is Disneyland in Tokyo? Now you know, so take advantage of it and have a unique experience of its kind! If you want to experience one of these unmissable experiences, choose a cruise that departs or has Tokyo as a stop to experience them firsthand!

Shimizu

Osaka

In Osaka, an ideal stop is the city's Castle, a historical symbol that offers a panoramic view and a taste of Japanese history. Afterwards, a walk in the Dotonbori district allows you to immerse yourself in the lively local atmosphere, between bright signs, typical restaurants and street food shops where you can taste specialties such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Not to be missed is a visit to the Shitenno-ji temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, for a moment of peace and spirituality in the heart of Osaka.

Set sail from Osaka, Japan's bustling and vibrant metropolis, known as the nation's kitchen and a hub of dynamic culture. This exciting port city offers a captivating blend of modern marvels, historical landmarks, and exquisite culinary experiences. Before embarking, explore Osaka Castle, wander through Dotonbori's neon-lit streets, and indulge in its famous street food. Osaka provides a stimulating and culturally rich starting point for your East Asian cruise adventure.

Cruises departing from Osaka open up a world of possibilities across the sparkling waters of East Asia. Whether you dream of discovering the ancient temples of South Korea, the futuristic cities of mainland China, or the serene beauty of other Japanese islands, Osaka serves as an excellent launchpad. Enjoy the seamless transition from the energetic streets of Japan to the luxurious comfort of your cruise ship, ready for days of exploration, relaxation, and unforgettable moments. Each voyage from Osaka promises breathtaking scenery and a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Asian cultures, leaving you with lasting memories.

Kochi

Hiroshima

Fukuoka

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.

Jeju Island

Shanghai

Shanghai, known all over the world as "the Magical City", is the economic and financial center of China. In this city, antiquity and modernity meet and blend in perfect harmony. The typically Western architecture present in the Bund area with the imposing Pudong skyscrapers meet ancient streets where you can visit picturesque tea houses and immerse yourself in a typically Chinese atmosphere.

In the areas of the ancient foreign concessions, areas once ceded by the Empire to some European countries, today tourist destinations of great importance, the city preserves a rich heritage of typically European-style architecture. The surrounding areas also host a series of unique tourist attractions of their kind such as: the Shanghai Oriental Pearl Radio and Television Tower, the Shanghai Safari Park and the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum.

In the city there are attractions and activities of all kinds. For those who love nightlife, a visit to the Bund in the evening to enjoy the beautiful spectacle offered by the lights of the skyscrapers is an unmissable experience! For history lovers, the choice of a visit to the Xuhui, Tianping Road and Hunan Road district to find the most beautiful ancient houses, or in the old Shanghai Lilong to feel the precipice of history is one of the first things to do! For art lovers, 1933 Old Millfun is an art warehouse complex where you can see a mix of Chinese and Western art and enjoy the charm of this fusion between Chinese and Western art. Finally, don't forget to climb the Oriental Pearl Tower to take a look at this international metropolis.

Shanghai

Shanghai, known all over the world as "the Magical City", is the economic and financial center of China. In this city, antiquity and modernity meet and blend in perfect harmony. The typically Western architecture present in the Bund area with the imposing Pudong skyscrapers meet ancient streets where you can visit picturesque tea houses and immerse yourself in a typically Chinese atmosphere.

In the areas of the ancient foreign concessions, areas once ceded by the Empire to some European countries, today tourist destinations of great importance, the city preserves a rich heritage of typically European-style architecture. The surrounding areas also host a series of unique tourist attractions of their kind such as: the Shanghai Oriental Pearl Radio and Television Tower, the Shanghai Safari Park and the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum.

In the city there are attractions and activities of all kinds. For those who love nightlife, a visit to the Bund in the evening to enjoy the beautiful spectacle offered by the lights of the skyscrapers is an unmissable experience! For history lovers, the choice of a visit to the Xuhui, Tianping Road and Hunan Road district to find the most beautiful ancient houses, or in the old Shanghai Lilong to feel the precipice of history is one of the first things to do! For art lovers, 1933 Old Millfun is an art warehouse complex where you can see a mix of Chinese and Western art and enjoy the charm of this fusion between Chinese and Western art. Finally, don't forget to climb the Oriental Pearl Tower to take a look at this international metropolis.

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.