14 Night Cruise sailing from Tokyo to Manila aboard Voyager. 2 night hotel stay pre-cruise in Tokyo.

Aparadoxical mix of ancient tradition and post-modern culture, Japan - leading player in the Pacific Theatre of World War Two, is at the forefront of this cruise where lightning-fast bullet trains, cutting-edge technology, kimono-clad geishas, strutting samurai, mist-shrouded hills, steamy volcanoes, and serene shrines and temples, all take their turn centre stage. Cast in the 20th century spotlight are atomic bombings, Ground Zero and Operation Iceberg. A stunning backdrop to hi-tech Taiwan, Taroko Gorge steals the limelight before Manila, a teeming metropolis that rose from the ashes of war.

Highlights of this cruise:

Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and one of its 47 prefectures. It is located on the eastern side of the main island Honsh¨± and includes the Izu Islands and Ogasawara Islands. Tokyo is a huge metropolis spanning the city, mountains to the west and subtropical islands to the south. It is made up of central Tokyo, Old Tokyo, 23 central special wards, 26 more cities, five towns and eight villages.

The metropolis blends high-tech industries, many exciting tourist attractions and cultural heritage sights that have been preserved in a variety of forms including beautiful temples, nature reserves, and parks. On the agenda of most visitors are the temples of Asakusa, the gardens of the Imperial Palace (in Chiyoda) and the Meiji Shrine (Ã÷ÖÎEñ¼m, in Harajuku).

There are many unique areas to visit such as as dazzling Shinjuku, youthful Shibuya and upmarket Ginza. Akihabara, Tokyo's Electric Town, is now also the unquestioned center of its otaku community, and the stores along Chuo-dori are packed to the rafters with anime (animation) and manga (comics). Another popular district for all things manga/anime is the Nakano ward and its Broadway Shopping arkade.

Kagoshima
Kagoshima is the capital city of Kagoshima Prefecture at the southwestern tip of the Kyūshū island of Japan, and the largest city in the prefecture. With a history of around 670 years, it has been called the 'Naples of the Orient', because of its magnificent scenery that features the active volcano of Sakurajima.

Sakurajima can be reached by ferry in a matter of minutes. It regularly emits ash, leaving visitors looking grey. Yunohira Lookout is a two hours hike or 15 minutes drive from Sakurajima harbor and gives you a good view both to Kagoshima harbor and Sakurajima volcano.

The city of Kagoshima features large shopping districts and malls, is served by trams, and has many restaurants featuring Satsuma Province regional cuisine. A large, modern aquarium has been installed on the old docks overlooking the volcano. The Sengan-en (Isoteien) Japanese garden is just outside the city.

Okinawa
Okinawa island is the largest of the Japanese Ryukyu islands, located south of Japan on the East China Sea coast. Its capital city is Naha.

There are tourist resources around Naha Port such as Shuri Castle, the royal residence during the Ryukyu Kingdom period, and the Fukushuen Chinese garden honoring cultural exchanges with China. Other attractions are Kokusai Street, for great shopping, and Naha-Shintoshin where a big shopping mall is being constructed.

Okinawa island has plenty of beautiful beaches including Zanba, Renaissance, Manzamo and Ikei Beach. The Okinawa archipelago is known as one of the world's best diving destinations and is also popular for surfing and offshore fishing.

Manila
The city of Manila is the cosmopolitan capital of the Philippines located in the west coast of the island of Luzon. It is gateway to the many islands and tourist destinations north and south of the Philippines.

Metro Manila has its own share of attractions to suit every interest. Popular attractions include Malacanang Palace , official residence of the Philippine heads of state; Rizal Park , Paco Park or Intramuros the old walled city, Quiapo and Chinatown for a dash of local color. For more outdoor fun and entertainment, there are sunset cruises around Manila Bay and open-air cultural events held Friday evenings at Paco Park, Saturday evenings at Puerta Real in Intramuros and Sunday afternoons at Rizal Park. Visitors can also explore the museums of the Cultural Center of the Philippines located along Roxas Boulevard.