Treasures of Japan and South Korea by Sea

Highlights of Seoul — 4 days, 3 nights

The itinerary below applies to the current year and serves as a sample for future voyages. Extension details for future departures will be posted as soon as they are available, and all booked travelers will be notified via email.

Get to know South Korea's capital during three days exploring the culture, history, and traditions of this dynamic and fascinating city. From your base at the upscale Lotte Hotel Seoul, set out to discover ancient palaces, walk through neighborhoods of traditional hanok houses, and visit the poignant Demilitarized Zone—all

Day 1 — Arrive in Seoul

Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be met after customs and immigration formalities and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to relax or begin exploring independently.

This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome reception at the hotel, featuring a selection of canapés and an open bar.

Day 2 — Seoul

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide for a morning of discovery in central Seoul. Begin at the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main palace of the Joseon dynasty, where, if weather permits, you will witness the ceremony of the changing of the royal guard. Inside the palace, marvel at the grandeur of the Throne Hall and learn about Korea’s royal heritage. Continue to the National Folk Museum of Korea, located within the palace grounds, where exhibits of artifacts ranging from farm implements to wedding gowns provide insight into Korean life through the centuries.

A short walk brings you to Bukchon Hanok Village, a residential area filled with traditional Korean houses. Stroll through its narrow alleyways lined with beautifully preserved hanok houses, some of which now serve as cultural centers, galleries, and tea houses. Return to the hotel in the early afternoon. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 3 — Seoul | Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

Today is devoted to visiting the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a military-controlled zone that has separated North and South Korea since the signing of an armistice in July 1953. It remains one of the most heavily guarded borders in the world and offers a powerful insight into the Korean Peninsula’s modern history.

After breakfast, travel to Imjingak Park, located near the entrance to the DMZ. See the Freedom Bridge, once used by prisoners of war returning from the north; the Mangbaedan Altar, where South Koreans pray for relatives in the north; and the Peace Bell, symbolizing hopes for reunification.

Following a passport check at the military checkpoint, enter the Civilian Control Zone to explore the Third Infiltration Tunnel, one of several tunnels secretly dug by North Korea. Continue to the Dora Observatory, which, on clear days, offers views into North Korea, including a North Korean village and the Kaesong Industrial Complex.

Enjoy a traditional Korean lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Seoul. The evening is at leisure, and dinner is independent.

Day 4 — Seoul | Busan | Embarkation

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Busan. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to the port for embarkation.

Your hotel:

The Lotte Hotel Seoul is located in the vibrant Myeongdong district and is a premier five-star property offering a blend of modern comfort and Korean elegance. Enjoy spacious, well-appointed rooms, a variety of international dining options, a fitness center, indoor pool, and convenient access to Seoul’s top shopping and cultural attractions.

Your program includes:

• 3 nights at the Lotte Hotel Seoul
• Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the day of arrival
• Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport for domestic flight to Busan, followed by transfer to the port for embarkation
• The flight from Seoul to Busan
• Breakfast on Days 2, 3, and 4
• Lunch on Days 3 and 4
• Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
• Local English-speaking guide
• Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

• Transfers from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled arrival day
• Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

• The official currency is the South Korean won (KRW). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
• This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
• Program is offered on a space available basis.
• Program is subject to change without notice.

Modernity and Tradition: Tokyo and Kyoto — 5 days, 4 nights

The itinerary below applies to the current year and serves as a sample for future voyages. Extension details for future departures will be posted as soon as they are available, and all booked travelers will be notified via email.

Japan is a country pulled in two radically different directions, deeply honoring its past while rushing headlong into the future. Hyper-modernity exists side by side with the quiet serenity of ancient shrines and gardens. Experience this paradox during a 5-day program in Kyoto and Tokyo, encountering the wood and bamboo structures of Zen temples as well as the steel and glass of modern skyscrapers. From the serene gardens of Kyoto to the dynamic skyline of Tokyo, you will have the opportunity to see how Japan has managed to blend tradition and modernity.

Day 1 — Kyoto

Disembark your ship this morning and join an excursion into Kyoto, Japan’s ancient imperial capital. Begin with a traditional tea ceremony, learning the history of this iconic custom while experiencing the spirit of Japanese hospitality. Continue to Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603–1867).

Following lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to your hotel. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel’s amenities. Dinner is independent.

Day 2 — Kyoto

After breakfast at the hotel, sample some of Kyoto’s most celebrated landmarks. Visit the Kinkakuji Temple complex to see the Golden Pavilion, so named because of the gold leaf covering its two upper stories. Built by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu as a villa, it was converted to a Zen temple following his death in 1408. Also visit nearby Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous rock garden.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, travel to the Arashiyama district on the western edge of Kyoto, once popular with nobles who enjoyed its natural setting. Walk through the famous bamboo groves and visit Tenryuji Temple, built in the 13th century and one of Kyoto’s greatest Zen temples. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner is independent.

Day 3 — Kyoto | Tokyo

This morning visit Sanjusangendo Temple, famed for its remarkable hall lined with 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Continue to Kyoto Station and board the bullet train to Tokyo, enjoying a bento box lunch en route.

Upon arrival, visit the grounds of the imperial palace, located at the historic heart of Tokyo. Explore the beautiful gardens and historic stone walls while learning about the city's evolution from Edo to modern Tokyo. Continue to The Prince Park Tower Tokyo for two nights. Dinner is independent.

Day 4 — Tokyo

Explore some of Tokyo’s most iconic sights. Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to the great-grandparents of the present emperor. Its vast forested grounds of more than 100,000 trees create a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of the city. Continue to the Tokyo National Museum, one of the largest art museums in the world, with a rich and extensive collection of Asian art and cultural artifacts. Following lunch at a local restaurant, visit Sensoji Temple, first built in 645 to house a tiny statue of the goddess of mercy. Explore the lively Asakusa district and Nakamise shopping arcade, one of the city’s oldest shopping streets. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner is independent.

Day 5 — Tokyo | Departure

Following breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Haneda or Narita Airport for flights homeward.

Your hotels:

The Westin Miyako Kyoto is located in the Higashiyama district and offers a peaceful setting near many of the city’s most important temples and gardens, while still providing convenient access to central Kyoto. Guest rooms are spacious and elegantly appointed, and amenities include multiple restaurants, a fitness center, spa facilities, and beautiful garden surroundings. The hotel is also known for its serene hillside setting and refined blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary comfort.

The Prince Park Tower Tokyo is located in the Minato district near Tokyo Tower and Shiba Park, offering panoramic city views and convenient access to Akabanebashi and Hamamatsucho stations. The hotel features nine restaurants, including French, Japanese, Chinese, and steakhouse options, as well as three lounge bars. All 603 rooms offer marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, plush robes, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Amenities include a natural hot spring spa, indoor pool, fitness center, bowling alley, karaoke rooms, and a 33rd-floor Sky Lounge with sweeping views.

Your program includes:

• 2 nights at the Westin Miyako Kyoto (or similar)
• 2 nights at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo (or similar)
• Transfer and luggage handling from the ship to the hotel on disembarkation day
• Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on the scheduled program departure day
• Bullet train from Kyoto to Tokyo on Day 3
• Breakfast on Days 2 - 5
• Lunch on Days 1 - 4
• Tea Ceremony on Day 1
• Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
• Local English-speaking guide
• Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

• Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
• Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

• It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the end of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the ship to the airport.
• Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. Please contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
• The official currency is the yen and credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
• This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
• King-bedded rooms are uncommon in Japanese hotels; rooms will likely have two twin beds.
• The program is offered on a space available basis.
• The program is subject to change without notice.