Treasures of the Orient Cruise - Osaka to Hanoi - 19D/18N

Hong Kong ViewJoin us as we sail the Sea of Japan and the Yellow and South China Seas, winding our way around islands and down a coastline that has enticed explorers, adventurers, conquerors and kings for centuries. Wander through ancient temples and pagodas. Relish the cacophony of a bustling market. Embrace the silence of a tranquil monastery. And take in the natural beauty of the land and seascapes of Grand Asia. See and experience cityscapes to landscapes, towns and villages to beautiful rugged coastlines. Leave the ordinary behind as you board the Spirit of Oceanus on an extraordinary voyage along the great trade routes of the Orient. Enter worlds where history and myth collide, where culture and commerce go hand in hand. Explore palaces and temples built centuries ago to honor imperial dynasties and spiritual realms that continue to radiate beauty and power. Engage yourself in the mystical allure of pristine beaches, verdant mountains and rugged shorelines as we cruise the coasts of Japan, Korea, China and Vietnam. Absorb the faces of Asia,­ the women, men and children who bring each harbor city to life, breathing new energy into old traditions and creating gardens of harmony and grace in a turbulent world. This will be a voyage of connections ­ whether it’s the exotic Eastern beauty or the lush Western comfort of your handsome ship ­ each connection is a moment of your life lived more fully from the moment you step onboard.

The Ship: Cruise West’s first oceangoing vessel is also our most spacious and luxurious. Equipped with stabilizers, the Spirit of Oceanus opens up whole new horizons for our style of up-close, casual small-ship cruising. In Alaska, that means the Gulf of Alaska and the remote vastness of the Aleutian Islands and the Bering Sea. Our flagship hosts just 120 guests in comfortable outside suites, each with a picture window or porthole. The 15 suites on the Sun and Sports Decks feature private teak balconies, the first in our fleet. Other cabin amenities unique to the Spirit of Oceanus include a walk-in closet or wardrobe, a large marble bathroom, and a lounge area. Each suite also features an in-room safe and satellite telephone access. Ship’s Specifications:114 guests - 295 feet in length - Cruising speed of 14.5 knots - Registered in the Bahamas - English speaking multinational crew - All cabins feature private facilities - Furniture layout and bathroom configurations are approximate - The 12 Grand Titan and Explorer suites have private balconies - Bed sizes will vary from standard Elevator to all passenger decks - TV monitor/VCR in each cabin.

Treasures of the Orient MapINCLUDED: Accommodation in the cabin of your choice - all meals on board - all excursions - Shore activity in every port -Enrichment by several licensed naturalists - Snorkel & kayak gear, with instructions & guides - Inflatable excursion craft to give you access to remote shores - All taxes, port charges, fees, onboard services and service charges for land-based personnel - The cost of your cruise includes $475 per person which covers taxes/port charges/fees and on board services. On board gratuities are neither required nor expected.

NOT INCLUDED: Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; passport and visa expenses; Visas are required for travel to China and Vietnam and are not included in the cruise rates; Government arrival and departure taxes; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges).

DEPARTURES: Southbound Nov 10, 2008; Northbound Nov 24, 2008 (Northbound reversed from the sketch Itinerary below). From $7549.

MAP
SKETCH ITINERARY Southbound:

  • Day 1 - Arrive in Japan, transfer from Osaka to Kobe
  • Day 2 - Kobe, Himeji Castle
  • Day 3 - Miyajima and Hiroshima
  • Day 4 - Nagasaki
  • Day 5 - Jeju Island, South Korea
  • Day 6 - Shanghai, China
  • Day 7 - Shanghai and Suzhou Gardens
  • Day 8 - At Sea
  • Day 9 - At Sea
  • Day 10 - Xiamen
  • Day 11 - Hong Kong
  • Day 12 - At Sea
  • Day 13 - Danang and Hoi An (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Vietnam
  • Day 14 - Chan May and Hue, Vietnam
  • Day 15 - At Sea
  • Day 16 - Ha Long Bay, Vietnam (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Day 17 - Haiphong and Hanoi
  • Day 18 - Hanoi
  • Day 19 - Hanoi transfer to Airport

Also tagged with: Cruise Expeditions, Asia, Japan, Vietnam, Indochina, South-East Asia, Hong Kong, Nature / Ecology, Cruise West


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