14 Night Singapore To Tokyo Cruise

Officially named Ho Chi Minh City in 1976 to celebrate the reunification of Vietnam, many in the country's largest city still call it Saigon, especially when talking about the city center. Cruise to Vietnam to get to know the immense, bustling metropolis that is HCMC, as its commonly abbreviated, by visiting Cholon (Chinatown) in District 5 — wander its narrow streets and picturesque pagodas, and step foot in the incense-filled Thien Hau Temple. Then, fill up on spicy beef noodles at Ben Thanh market. See the massive dragon carpet inside Independence Palace, the former home of South Vietnam's president before reunification, or learn more about what the Vietnamese call the American War at the War Remnants Museum.

Although it's officially part of China, Hong Kong is a world unto itself. This bustling city is full of ancient and modern architecture, lots of people and — of course — the best dim sum around. Head to the Kowloon Peninsula for Golden Mile shopping along Nathan Road. Then, make your way to Hong Kong Island to admire the views from the top of Victoria Peak — you can see the skyscrapers of the financial district as well as the fishing village of Stanley Harbour. Cruise to Hong Kong and trek out to mountainous Lantau Island to see the famous Tian Tan Buddha, standing a full 112 feet tall. Or score some quiet time at Hong Kong Park, full of contemplative rock gardens and tree-lined paths.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the harbor city of Keelung is the gateway to Taipei. After your ship arrives, take the 25-minute drive into Taiwan's capital, where art, nature and architecture both traditional and modern meet. Cruise to Taipei and walk the narrow corridors of Jiu Fen Old Street, stopping to take tea while you soak in the mountain and ocean scenery. Then, see the city's modern side by climbing Taipei 101, a 449-meter-tall skyscraper with a sightseeing deck for panoramic views. Or spend your time absorbing the natural splendor: Hike Mount Keelung to its now-extinct volcanic summit, then see the Golden Waterfall below before you head to the Yin Yang Sea for some beach time.

Jeju is South Korea's most famous island getaway, and for good reason. Dubbed "The Hawaii of Korea," it's home to some of the Korean Peninsula's most beautiful natural sites. Mount Hallasan dominates the skyline with its dark green foliage — hike up this dormant volcano, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, and get a look at the gorgeous crater lake that lies near the summit. Or head to Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, nicknamed the Pond of God: See the falls from the Seonimgyo arch bridge that passes over them, and walk among the park's rock formations and lush greenery. Cruise to Jeju Island, South Korea to go surfing on secluded, cliff-surrounded Sungmung Beach. Or cool off from the humid climate by exploring Manjanggul Cave, an underground lava tunnel.

A beautiful and bustling city, Nagasaki's streets have been touched by foreign culture for generations. This is the port by which the Portuguese and Dutch brought Japan into contact with Western culture in the 1500s, and over the years, international influence has continued to transform Nagasaki into the hub of cosmopolitan activity it is today. Explore the Dutch Slope, where you'll find Dutch residences from the 1800s and Japan's first Protestant Church, Higashi Yamate. Cruise to Nagasaki to see the oldest bridge in Japan, Megane-bashi — or "Spectacles Bridge," so called for its arched appearance. Then, visit Nagasaki Peace Park, with its 18-meter-wide fountain built to memorialize the events that took place here when the atomic bomb struck in 1945.

Perched on a hill sloping down to the sea, Kobe is a maritime gateway to one of Japan's most metropolitan cities. Mt. Rokko dominates the skyline — from the summit, you can glimpse one of the best views in all Japan. Of course, Kobe's also famous for breeding Wagyu cows that produce some of the highest-quality beef in the world. The stuff is so delicious that almost every restaurant in the area stocks it. Cruise to Japan and make your visit a full foodie mission and stop off at Osaka to indulge in the local tradition of kuidaore — "eat until you drop."

The skyline at Shimizu port is dominated by one of Japan's most distinctive sites: snow-capped Mt. Fuji. Head to Miho-no-Matsubara, a pristine beach flanked by a picturesque pine grove, where you can take in some of the clearest views of Japan's tallest mountain. Cruise to Mt. Fuji and take the one-hour drive from the port to Fuji itself for some hiking — the mountain is relatively approachable climb appropriate even for beginners, and you don't have to hike all the way to the summit. Don't miss the ancient shrines that surround this volcanic landmark: Visit Fujisan Hongu Sengentaisha shrine, built to appease Fuji's volcanic deity. Or see Kunouzan Toshogu shrine, a masterpiece of Japanese lacquer and woodwork.