Cruise Description

Seven Seas Explorer® took luxury cruising to the next level, from the palatial Regent Suite to the hand-picked art accentuating her halls.

Nagoya, Japan
It may lack the name recognition of Tokyo and Osaka, but cosmopolitan Nagoya impresses with an array of museums, temples and green spaces. In this birthplace of Toyota absorb the ancient spirituality of Atsuta Shrine, one of Japan’s three most important Shinto shrines and a perfect spot to enjoy a lunch of kishimen (flat noodles), a local specialty. Immerse yourself in over 10,000 pieces of Japanese art, theater, fashion, samurai culture and more at Tokugawa Art Museum. Gain an instant appreciation for Japanese postwar history at SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, a fully hands-on museum featuring actual trains and simulators. Your inner train-loving-child will approve.

Osaka, Japan
This charming city serves up amazing cuisine, superb shopping and a friendly spirit, with the restored Osaka Castle offering a spectacular lesson in Japanese history and culture. Osaka's nickname – Tenka no Daidokoro (The Nation's Kitchen) – originally referred to its Edo Period status as Japan's rice-trade hub; today it refers to the city’s reputation as a gourmand's paradise. Take in a 360-degree view from Abeno Harukas – Japan’s tallest skyscraper – before visiting the city’s spectacular aquarium and through Dotonbori, Osaka’s glittering heart. The immensely historical city of Kyoto is within reach, beckoning with spectacular architecture that includes thousands of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.

Okinawa (Naha), Japan
From the ancient and cosmopolitan port city of Naha, discover the rich cultural history and unique traditions of Okinawa. Begin at the colorful Shuri Castle before taking in the tranquil beauty of Shikinaen Gardens, constructed in 1799 as a villa for the royal family. Shop for distinctive Tsuboya-yaki pottery, Ryukyuan glass and lacquer ware in the Tsuboya District. Stroll the shops, galleries, markets, restaurants and arcades of the vibrant Kokusai Dori in central Naha. Stop for a bowl of soba noodles or tempura before enjoying a cup of sanpincha (jasmine tea) with a sata andagi (fried donut seasoned with black cane sugar).

Ishigaki (Sakishima Islands), Japan
Packed with picture-perfect beaches that offer world-class diving, snorkeling and surfside bliss, Ishigaki is the gateway to the Yaeyama archipelago, the southernmost and westernmost inhabited islands of Japan. Admire the colorful fish and flourishing coral reefs of Kabira Bay aboard a glass-bottom boat before enjoying panoramic island views from the Tamatorizaki observatory or Hirakubozaki Lighthouse. The islands of Taketomi, Kuroshima and Kohama make for fantastic day-trip destinations, all of which can be explored by bicycle within a few hours. Listen to folk songs accompanied by the sanshin, a banjo-like instrument made of snakeskin, and see artisans crafting styles of pottery that are unique to each island.

Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan
From the booming seaport town of Keelung, head west to one of East Asia’s most intriguing cities. Mixing Chinese, Japanese and Western influences, Taipai features architectural landmarks like the nearly 1,700-foot-tall Taipei 101 – built to resemble a gigantic bamboo stalk – and cultural wonders like the 18th-century Longshan Temple and prestigious National Palace Museum. Among Taipei’s culinary delights are Taiwanese 'small eats' called xiaochi and the city’s famed beef noodle soup, best enjoyed with a cold Taiwan beer. Travel north from Keelung to Yeliu Geopark, a popular promontory full of eroded rock formations with names like Queen’s Head and Elephant Rock.

Kaohsiung, Taiwan
This thriving port city along Taiwan’s southwest coast is nicknamed the ‘Harbor Capital’ due to its commercial prowess, but Kaohsiung exudes a pleasing, laid-back vibe. Along the perimeter of Lotus Pond, walk past colorful temples and a pair of flamboyant pagodas that are fronted by giant dragon and tiger statues. (For luck’s sake, enter through the dragon's mouth and exit through the tiger's jaws.) Enjoy local Chinese specialties and the best Japanese food outside Japan, plus desserts made from locally grown Cishan bananas. Take a short ferry ride to Cijin (Qijin) Island to walk its black-sand beaches and dine on Kaohsiung’s freshest seafood.

Hong Kong, China
From an iconic skyline overlooking a glorious harbor to lush green mountains and sprawling parks, Hong Kong has all you could want (and more) in a world-class city. Gain a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s culture and history at Man Mo Temple, ride the world’s steepest funicular to Victoria Peak and cruise through a fishing village by sampan. Escape the urban bustle with a walk along the soft, golden sands of Repulse Bay. Dive into classic favorites like dai pai dong (street-food stalls) and yum cha (tea and dim sum) after conquering a dizzying assortment of shopping venues in this commercial hub of Asia.