Ship: Odyssey (ZE)
Itinerary: Empires of the East: Hong Kong, Taiwan, Okinawa, Japan
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Sail turquoise seas to remote islands in the South Pacific on your expedition cruise
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | Hong Kong |
|---|---|
| Day 2 : | Hong Kong / Embark Clipper Odyssey |
| Day 3 : | At Sea |
| Day 4 : | Keelung, Taipei, Taiwan |
| Day 5 : | Ishigaki, Yaeyama Islands, Japan |
| Day 6 : | Kerama Islands |
| Day 7 : | Naha, Okinawa Island / Motobu Port |
| Day 8 : | Naze, Amami Islands / Koniya |
| Day 9 : | Yakushima (Yaku Island) |
| Day 10 : | At Sea |
| Day 11 : | Hiroshima / Miyajima |
| Day 12 : | Omishima / Hiroshima |
| Day 13 : | Okayama |
| Day 14 : | Kobe / Disembark Clipper Odyssey / Kyoto |
| Day 15 : | Kyoto |
| Itinerary continues - click for full itinerary | |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||||
| Category 1/ A-Deck | Category 2/ Main | Category 3/ Main | Category 4/ Lido | Category 5/ Bridge | Category 6/ Balcony Suite | Owners Suite | ||
| 16 | Apr 11, 2010 | $11,980 | $12,580 | $13,180 | $13,780 | $14,380 | $14,980 | $17,380 |
| Destinations : Asia, China, Japan, Taiwan |
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- All rates are quoted in USD and are based on double occupancy. Single rates may be available at 1.7 times the share rate.
Experience a unique cultural adventure on our expedition cruise to the ancient empires of the east. Tour the glittering mega-metropolises of Hong Kong and Taipei as we cruise toward Japan. Visit remote Okinawa Island, the venerable Shinto Shrine of Miyajima, the Peace Memorial Park at Hiroshima, and view amazing museum collections of textile arts, and exquisite pottery and painting. In the company of expert leaders and lectures, we visit sub-tropical islands and sub-alpine forests to watch for wildlife and rare endemic birds. In Kyoto, sightseeing includes lovely Japanese gardens and temples.
Day 1 : Hong Kong
In the morning we set out to explore this magnetic cosmopolitan city and its environs. We visit Hong Kong’s most popular temple complex, the colorful Wong Tai Sin Temple, on the lower slopes of the Kowloon Hills; the dazzling Jade Market; and Tung Choi Street, known locally as “Ladies Market.” Or visit the Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, cleared of trees in the early 20th century and then replanted with native plants in 1946, this park is wonderful example of reforestation. During our visit we search for birds like the fork-tailed sunbird and the scarlet minivet among flora species such as the lovely Hong Kong rose.
Day 2 : Hong Kong / Embark Clipper Odyssey
After the morning at leisure, we enjoy lunch before riding the famous Peak Tram, one of the world’s oldest funicular railways, then take in the spectacular views of Hong Kong and its harbor from the rooftop Sky Gallery of the Peak Tower. We continue to Repulse Bay, whose white sandy beaches stretch along the South China Sea. We end our tour at Stanley Market, a dizzying, international shopping mecca.
Or, choose an all day visit to Mai Po, whose salt marshes are teeming with migratory birds. World Wildlife Fund manages the site, where more than 60,000 birds converge; among them: the rare Asian dowitcher, spoonbilled sandpipers, and Nordmann’s greenshank. Late this afternoon embark the Clipper Odyssey.
Day 3 : At Sea
Take in the first of our lecture series, an introduction to the history and culture of Taiwan and Japan. Passing offshore islands, we watch for Asian seabirds such as black-naped and roseate terns and streaked shearwaters.
Day 4 : Keelung, Taipei, Taiwan
A solitary island off the southeast coast of mainland China, Taiwan also borders the western edge of the Pacific Ring of Fire, endowing the landscape with volcanic peaks and a beautiful coastline. We dock at the northern tip of the island at Keelung and, after breakfast, board motorcoaches for a tour of Taipei. Highlights include the Presidential Office Building; the Taipei Flower Market; Chiang Kai-Check Martyr’s Shrine; the Handicraft Center and Taipei 101—the world’s tallest skyscraper. Birders set out for the fringes of the city to look for such species as crested goshawk, Taiwan hwamei, and the formosan magpie.
After lunch at a local restaurant we drive to the National Palace Museum and Zhishan Garden. Ranked as one of the world’s top four museums, it houses the largest single collection of Chinese artifacts in existence, over 700,000 pieces in all.
Day 5 : Ishigaki, Yaeyama Islands, Japan
Okinawa’s Yaeyama Islands comprise Japan’s southernmost archipelago. Exotic flora and fauna, lush forests, sandy beaches, and emerald waters fringed in coral reefs offer an alluring setting. We begin with a walk to the traditional house of an Okinawa samurai, built in 1819, followed by a visit to the Yaeyama Museum, dedicated to the cultural history of the island. Birders keep an eye out for the endemic Ryukyu serpent eagle and local purple heron.
After lunch at a local restaurant we drive to the Hirakubozaki Lighthouse to take in sweeping views. Back in town we visit the Mineya Minsa Weaving Center. We return to the ship and sail north to the Kerama Islands.
Day 6 : Kerama Islands
The lush chain of 22 subtropical islands lie just 20 miles southwest of Okinawa and were used as a staging area for the assault on that island during World War II. In these idyllic islands life continues much the way it did centuries ago. Today we explore the area by foot, and possibly on bike, navigating the small villages with the ease of a local. Migrating humpback whales have been known to congregate in the surrounding waters, offering superb photographic opportunities from the ship.
Day 7 : Naha, Okinawa Island / Motobu Port
The capital and largest city on Okinawa Island, Naha is also the Ryukyu cultural center. We begin our day at the bustling Makishi Public Market, affectionately called “Okinawa’s kitchen,” exuding a wonderful old world charm and energy. Next we visit Shuri Castle, the seat of the Ryukyu kingdom for several centuries, and the impressive Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum. This museum honors the Battle of Okinawa, the largest-scale campaign of the Asia-Pacific War and site of the only ground fighting on Japanese soil. Birders have the option to explore the region’s estuaries whose rich mangrove forests attract migrant shorebirds.
During lunch on board we cruise to the island’s northern Motobu Port and set out for the ruins of Nakijin Castle, built during the 13th century. Walk along ancient stone paths and take in the dramatic setting of this World Heritage Site.
Day 8 : Naze, Amami Islands / Koniya
The subtropical Amami Islands are known for a unique form of textiles, made from pongee fabric, a special product of the islands. Several tour options include: birding in the sub-tropical forests of Amami Urban Sanctuary to search for such endemics as Lidth’s jay, the local Owston’s woodpecker, and the Ryukyu robin or a visit to Amami Park, the island’s cultural center; demonstrations at the famous island textile centers; and the Amami Museum. We reunite at the ship for lunch and set sail for the port of Koniya, set in a gorgeous fjord-like waterway. Here we have a choice of activities, including a drive to the Mt. Kochiyama Lookout; a glass-bottom boat ride through the area’s translucent waters to view the brilliantly colored coral reefs; or a kayaking adventure through the world’s northernmost-occurring mangroves.
Day 9 : Yakushima (Yaku Island)
Fewer than 200 square miles in area, Yakushima boasts 40 peaks higher than 3,200 feet. The vast difference in altitude between the coast and the highlands produces a wildly varying climate—from subtropical to subalpine. Forests of ancient Yaku cedars cover much of the island and more than 1,300 plants grow here. This remarkable botanical biodiversity within such a small area led UNESCO to name Yakushima a World Heritage Site.
The Clipper Odyssey anchors off Yakushima early in the morning, and we spend the day in this splendid natural wonderland. We begin with a visit to the Yakushima Island Environmental and Cultural Village for an IMAX presentation on the island’s natural attributes. Choices for the day’s activities include a birding and photographic excursion around Yakushima or hikes in the ancient cedar forest.
Day 10 : At Sea
As we cruise through Japan’s Inland Sea National Park, our lecturers introduce us to the art, history, and culture of mainland Japan.
Day 11 : Hiroshima / Miyajima
This morning we visit the compelling Peace Memorial Park, located in the heart of the city. A World Heritage Site, the park and its monuments are dedicated to the hope for world peace; an arch-shaped cenotaph includes the names of all the known victims of the first atomic bombing. We return to the ship for lunch and make our way to Miyajima.
Considered one of Japan’s premier scenic wonders, Miyajima, “shrine island,” offers a superb vista of the scarlet Torii, the giant camphor wood gate at the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, a sacred site of pilgrimage. At high tide it appears to float in the surrounding waters. We go ashore to explore the World Heritage Site shrine, sacred both to Shintoism and Buddhism.
Day 12 : Omishima / Hiroshima
Early this morning we arrive at Omishima Township. A short walk brings us to the Oyamazumi Shrine, surrounded by giant camphor trees, and dedicated to a god of the seas and child of the legendary creators of Japan. Over the centuries, emperors and warriors worshipped at the shrine, leaving armor and weapons in thanks for prayers answered. Today, housed in an on-site museum, this collection is the finest of its kind in Japan.
During lunch on board we sail for Hiroshima, arriving late this afternoon. Those who wish may go ashore for independent dining and exploration.
Day 13 : Okayama
We disembark this morning in the port of Uno-ko and go ashore to visit one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, Koraku-en. Completed in 1700, the formal garden covers 28 acres and includes running streams, plum and cherry trees, walking trails, bamboo groves, and a classic tea house. We also visit the superb Ohara Museum of Art and the Kurashiki Folklore Museum.
Day 14 : Kobe / Disembark Clipper Odyssey / Kyoto
After breakfast we disembark the Clipper Odyssey in Kobe, back-dropped by the Rokko Mountains. The city has been entirely rebuilt since the 1995 earthquake and international trade and commerce continue, as it has for centuries, with an eye toward the future. We board motorcoaches for a drive to the spectacular city overlook on the verdant slopes of Mount Rokko. In town we learn about brewing sake at the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum and enjoy a tasting, then visit the Kobe City Museum where exhibits focus on international cultural exchange between East and West. After lunch in town we take the train to Kyoto, arriving in the late afternoon. After time at leisure we enjoy dinner and two nights at our hotel.
Day 15 : Kyoto
Founded in the 8th century, Kyoto was the Emperor’s residence for more than one thousand years. Today, its historic shrines, art, and architectural landmarks represent nearly 20 percent of Japan’s national treasures. Among today’s tour highlights is a walk through the serene Sagano Bamboo Grove. We also visit the Heian-jingu Shrine and its gardens, built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto; the 12th-century Sanjusangen-do Temple, housing the Thousand-Armed Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy; and the exquisite Kiyomizu-dera Temple with its sacred waterfall. After lunch in the city we return to our hotel with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. This evening celebrate our journey with farewell cocktails and dinner.
Day 16 : Kyoto / Osaka / USA
After breakfast at our hotel transfer to the Osaka airport for your independent flight homeward.
Ship Description: Odyssey (ZE)
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Odyssey
The Odyssey was built in 1989 in Tsu, Japan, by Japanese craftsmen to the design of a master Dutch yacht designer, Studio Acht, and is eminently suited for the year-round itineraries in the Pacific. These range from as far south as New Zealand and Australia's Great Barrier Reef, to as far north as Japan, the Kuril Islands, and the Russian Far East, including the Kamchatka Peninsula.
The Odyssey measures 340 feet long, 51 feet wide, and has a draft of 14 feet. Staterooms are all outside and average a generous 186 square feet in size, and are furnished with either twin or queen-size beds and a sitting area with a sofa. Each cabin features a spacious bathroom with tub baths and shower, individually controlled air-conditioning, in-room music system, ample wardrobe space, three-sided mirrors, personal safe, refrigerator, and television.
A fleet of Zodiac landing craft can be launched in minutes to take passengers ashore in places where no infrastructure exists. The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art satellite navigation and communication equipment including telephone, fax, and email.
An outdoor swimming pool, dedicated jogging track, and two sun decks offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Inside, the spacious public areas of the ship include two lounges, a small library, and a single seating dining room.
An experienced cruise staff, physician, and onboard lecturers accompany all voyages to enhance the passengers’ enjoyment of the places visited.
All meals are prepared to order on board. The ship's chefs, graduates of the finest American culinary schools, combine the highest quality American ingredients with the influences and spices of the places the Odyssey visits. The resulting "fusion cuisine" provides a taste of the destinations visited.
Category 1/ A-DeckA Deck, Outside Double Cabin with sitting area, portholes. Approx. 185 sqft |
Category 2/ MainForward Main Deck, Outside Double Cabin with sitting area and a window. Approx. 175 sqft |
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Category 3/ Main Main Deck, Outside Double Cabin with sitting area and a window. Approx. 175 sqft |
Category 4/ Lido Lido Deck, Outside Double Cabin with sitting area and a window. Approx. 175 sqft |
Category 5/ BridgeBridge Deck, Outside Double Cabin with sitting area and a window. Approx. 230 sqft |
Category 6/ Balcony SuiteBridge Deck, Outside Suite with private veranda. Approx. 230 sqft |
Owners SuiteBridge Deck, Outside Suite with separate bedroom and private veranda. Approx. 310 sqft |
