Cruise Description

11 Night Cruise sailing from Yokohama to Manila aboard Crystal Symphony.

This voyage through Japan, China, and South Korea promises so much for those who want to discover Asia at its most lovely. Sailing from Tokyo, sail first to Nagasaki, a vibrant and peaceful city that is far more than its history. Two days in South Korea follow, where you’ll drink in the delights of Busan and Jeju. Get ready for an overnight in Shanghai for an authentic East-meets-West experience. Relax onboard with a sea day next, then enjoy a day in Ishigakijima and its intoxicating blend of beach and reef relaxation and Shinto shrine enlightenment. Two final sea days deliver you to Manila.

Highlights of this cruise:

Yokohama
Japan`s capital, Tokyo, and its bustling port of Yokohama form a vast urban complex that boasts a unique combination of energy and orderliness. Fusing the vitality of a modern metropolis with the stately elegance of yesteryear, Tokyo is truly unique. From the timeless beauty of the Meiji Shrine to the glittering Ginza district and impressive Tokyo Tower, this international giant is a complex blend of East and West. Houses of wood and paper stand beside towering steel skyscrapers, while kimono-clad women stroll beside teenagers who have created a fashion all their own. The timeless Imperial Palace bears testament to Japan`s enduring traditions. Despite encroaching urban development, it continues to exist in a verdant parkland of isolation. Images of the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo, which is home to more than 11 million people, will create memories of a lifetime.

Busan
Busan, South Korea`s second-largest city, is a dynamic blend of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and bustling urban life. Situated on the southeastern coast, Busan is so much more than a sum of its parts; it’s a captivating mix of historic charm, modernity, and stunning, natural beauty. The city is famous for its beautiful beaches, such as local favorite Haeundae Beach, perfect for long strolls along the promenade or the more nostalgic Dadaepo Beach, where golden sands meet the turquoise sea. South Korea is still emerging as a traveler destination and as such, much of this beautiful country remains unspoiled. The city`s history comes alive at places like the Beomeosa Temple, a Buddhist sanctuary founded in 678 AD, and the historic Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its colorful houses and artsy alleys. Or, if you are looking for a glimpse into Busan`s maritime heritage, head to Jagalchi, one of Korea`s largest fish markets. Experience bustling fish auctions and savor the freshest seafood dishes at the surrounding eateries.

Shanghai
Shanghai, located just inside the mouth of the great Yangtze River, marks the point where Asia`s longest and most important river completes its 3,400-mile journey to the Pacific. The city`s unique location is the source of its existence and has determined what it is today. Until 1842, Shanghai was merely a tiny fishing village. Following the first Opium War, Shanghai became a treaty port, which opened the city to foreign influence and resulted in the development of numerous British, French and American colonial settlements within the city and along the Yangtze River. Today, Shanghai is the center of China`s economic resurgence and its skyline attests to this development in the form of towering skyscrapers, brightly lit commercial high-rises and the unsettling Oriental Pearl Tower. A testimony to Shanghai`s colonial era, stately European buildings in art deco style line the Bund, the city`s spacious waterfront promenade. An endless flotilla of sampans edge the Huangpu River, dividing old and new Shanghai. Beyond the rush of the city, serene ponds and gardens offer a gentle respite. Must-see sights include the Jade Buddha Temple and tranquil Yu Garden, impressive monuments to China`s history and style. Inland lies Suzhou, with its majestic Grand Canal and classical gardens, as well as equally significant Hangzhou, terminus of the Grand Canal and the center of China`s legendary tea industry.

Manila
Set amid the forest-green splendor of Luzon Island is bustling Manila, the second largest city in Southeast Asia, with its towering skyscrapers and remarkable joie de vivre. Yet amid the big-city excitement are oases of calm: lush tropical parks, magnificent cathedrals and dramatic Spanish forts. North of the city, mountains beckon with their spectacular rice terraces, while across Manila Bay stands Mount Mariveles, a dormant volcano studded with scenic hiking trails.