19-nt Pacific Crossing & Treasures Of Japan

The Garden Isle is a relaxed reminder of old-time Hawai’i. Villages like Hanapepe invite you to get your toes in the sand at one of the island’s many beaches, or step up to a roadside truck or stand for a refreshing, neon-tinted “shave ice.”

There’s no experience quite like crossing the International Date Line on an ocean voyage. This imaginary line stretches around the world, and the date changes along the line. Crossing the International Date Line is a time-honoured travel milestone. Heading east across this imaginary line sets the clock back 24 hours, effectively gaining a day. Raise a glass to the event!

The second largest city in Japan is Yokohama, a rapidly developing and exciting city filled with Japanese charm and culture. In 1854 Yokohama became the first port opened to foreign trade in the country so there is an interesting maritime and international flavour to the city. It is one of the most accessible cities in Japan and is less than half an hour from Tokyo by train. You will find much to do and see during your Yokohama cruise, from discovering landmarks and exploring museums to sampling tasty Japanese cuisine and shopping till you drop in one of the city’s expansive malls.

Japan's third largest city, Osaka offers your cruise holiday a combination of historical and cultural attractions with modern developments. Before World War II, Osaka was an exotic maze of crisscrossing waterways and traditional wooden buildings, but unfortunately most of these were destroyed in the bombings.Today however, the city has leapt into the architectural future with such buildings as the Imperial Hotel, the inverted U-shape of the Umeda Sky Building and the enormous Ferris wheel on top of the HEP Five complex.In addition, cruises to Osaka will also offer you the chance to see the gentle side of Japan. Kyoto, the former capital, is a serene city of geometric gardens, geisha houses, cherry trees, temples and palaces.

Experience a slice of the real Japan in cosmopolitan Kochi, a vibrant modern city with friendly people and a laidback vibe.With easy access to sea and mountains, there are sweeping beaches, hidden temples and a hilltop castle to explore besides the trendy malls and bustling palm-lined arcades of Kochi downtown. For spectacular views across the city, it's worth the climb to the castle; a gleaming example of 17th century history with its perfectly intact interior documenting a dramatic feudal past. The nearby Hirome food market sells everything from fresh fish to tasty katsuo and ramen noodles, but for a calmer pilgrimage, visit Chikurin-ji Temple.

Keelung resides only a short trip away from the Capital of Taiwan, Taipei, but the port-city itself is full of interesting sights. In the 17th century the city was established as the centre of commercial and military trade and continued to act as such throughout the Spanish, Dutch and Qing Dynasty rule. It now contains historical gems, such as the Ershawan Fort, due to its fascinating history. Taiwanese food culture is thriving in Keelung; the Miaokou Night Market is the ideal place to try a large range of delicacies, but the city has an abundance of authentic cuisine available.

Hong Kong may boast some 236 islands but most of the five million inhabitants of this former British Crown Colony are concentrated on just one, Hong Kong Island, and one city, Kowloon, on the facing peninsula. It is known as one of the most crowded and vibrant places in the world, making Hong King cruises a must see. Be energised just walking down its teeming streets where you can buy anything from a handmade suit, fancy jewellery and the latest duty-free electronic gizmos to Asian antiques. Go on a trip between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island with the Star Ferry, giving you the experience of the world's busiest crossings. For one of the steepest journeys, try the tram which travels to the top of Victoria Peak,