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Peregrine Travel Centre

Epic Northwest Passage: Iceland to Japan 70 Day Expedition Cruise

Epic Northwest Passage: Iceland to Japan 70 Day Expedition Cruise

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Description

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime, 69-day odyssey that traces the far reaches of the North Atlantic and Pacific, blending Viking history, Arctic exploration and the cultural wonders of Japan. Begin in Iceland and Greenland, navigating Erik the Red’s legendary route through majestic fjords and along ice-sculpted shores, and continue into the fabled Northwest Passage, crossing from Greenland to Alaska. As you explore Alaska’s remote and rugged Aleutian Islands and the Pacific’s “Ring of Fire,” encounter rare wildlife and untamed landscapes before reaching Japan. In this storied island nation, where ancient samurai traditions meet modern culture, uncover imperial dynasties, sacred shrines and volcanic vistas. 

Trip Name
Epic Northwest Passage: Iceland to Japan 70 Day Expedition Cruise
Days
70
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Passenger Capacity: 126 Built: 2020 A next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation. National Geographic Resolution is a next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation. A twin to National Geographic Endurance, she is a fully stabilized, highly strengthened, ice-class Polar Class 5 (PC5) vessel, it is designed to navigate polar passages year-round, and safely explore uncharted waters, while providing exceptional comfort. Its patented X-BOW® is key to its design; its powerful wave-slicing action provides an extremely smooth ride in even adverse conditions, and even reduces spray on deck, for superior observation. She carries a full suite of expedition tools and offers a variety of experience-enhancing amenities. The luxury of comfort on expedition. National Geographic Resolution comfortably accommodates 126 guests in 69 outside-facing cabins. Cabins are efficiently designed, with sizes range from the 140-square-foot solo cabin to the 430-square-foot category 7 suite. Fifty-three of the 69 cabins, including all 12 of the solo cabins, will feature small balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that bring in the spectacular views and ample natural light.  Comfort & convenience in every room. Every cabin has two portholes, a large window or balcony, and temperature controls. Bathrooms are modern and stocked with botanically inspired hair products, soap, and shower gel, plus a hairdryer. Cabins are equipped with expedition command centers with tablets and USB/mobile device docking, TVs, Wi-Fi connections, and hair dryers. Dining. Food served aboard is fresh, local, and delicious, and sourced from suppliers who share our values of sustainable use whenever possible. Meals aboard are almost always served in the dining room, located aft of the lounge deck. When weather conditions allow, lighter fare may be served on the observation deck. There is no assigned seating and our dining room accommodates the entire expedition community in a single seating. During meals your expedition leader, naturalists, and any guest speakers aboard will join you. Public Areas: Two restaurants, a Chef’s Table for small group dining, Observation Lounge with bar, gym, Wellness area, infinity-style outdoor hot tubs, library, main lounge with full service bar, 24-hour beverage, state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations, and a photo workshop area; plus, an expedition base with lockers for expedition gear, and an “open bridge” for access to our captain, officers and the art of navigation. Meals: Two restaurants, featuring local, sustainable choices and unassigned seating for flexible, inclusive dining; plus a Chef’s table for intimate, small group dining. Main restaurant has 270º views, and the Observation deck restaurant features lighter, made-to-order fare.  Special Features: A full-time doctor, undersea specialist, National Geographic photographer, Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor and video chronicler, an internet cafe and laundry. Wellness: The vessel is staffed by our wellness specialists and features a glass-enclosed yoga studio, gym, treatment rooms and spa relax area, and high- and low-heat saunas with ocean views. Expedition Landing Craft. Key to our operation is our fleet of expedition landing craft, which we use to land in places that would otherwise be inaccessible. With 14 of these boats and two loading stations used every time we disembark, we’re able to transfer guests off the ship quickly, so you can be out on adventures, not idly waiting. The expedition landing craft we use are 19 feet long, powered by four-stroke outboard engines, and are capable of comfortably carrying 10-12 people. They are widely recognized as the safest and most versatile small boats afloat. Remotely Operated Vehicle. Capable of reaching 1,000 feet, far beyond the range of any Scuba diver, the ROV allows you to literally view parts of the undersea that are as unexplored as the moon. Chances are you, like many of our guests, will be struck by how surprisingly colorful undersea life is in these unlikely places. And this glimpse may fundamentally change how you view the ocean. Kayaks. National Geographic Resolution will be equipped with a fleet of kayaks large enough to ensure everyone who wants to can paddle at every opportunity. Consequently, prior kayaking experience isn’t necessary—many of our guests have their first kayaking experience in extraordinary locations. Our custom-designed floating platform lets us deploy kayaks from the ship, or any location we want—including far from shore. Kayakers are usually free to explore where they want within boundaries set by the undersea specialist and officer of the watch. Underwater camera. Our undersea specialist will dive often during your expedition, even in polar regions, with cold-water gear, to shoot high-definition, Cousteau-like footage of the deep. Colorful nudibranchs, swimming, plant-like crinoids, and mysterious fish with antifreeze blood that thrive in the frigid sea will give you an entirely new appreciation of the marine environment. Video microscope. Naturalists will use the video microscope to help explain all elements of the environment, including tiny organisms that are the building block of the marine ecosystem. Spellbinding live views of krill at 80x magnification fills the high-definition screens in the lounge with vivid detail, and fills every onlooker with a sense of wonder at the importance of otherwise unobservable creatures. Hydrophone. This underwater microphone is deployed to listen to the vocalizations of marine mammals. Real time transmissions of their eerie, haunting sounds can be broadcast through the ship or recorded for later playback. Few experiences in nature are as captivating as watching humpback whales feed close to the ship as their vocalizations play through the ship’s PA system. Electronic charts. An electronic chart showing the ship’s location, course, and speed is almost always on display in the lounge. Open bridge. You’ll find our captains are engaged, knowledgeable members of your expedition who are eager to share their passion with you. National Geographic Resolution's open bridge features comfortable spaces to sit, enjoy the view, drink your morning coffee, or simply chat with the officers. Snorkeling gear & wetsuits. On warm weather itineraries where there will be snorkeling, you’ll select a mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit that remain yours for the duration of the expedition. There’s no need to pack and tote your own gear, although guests who prefer to are welcome to bring their own.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Reykjavík, Iceland
Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport and have a panoramic overview of the Old Town, including Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral with its 210-foot tower before embarking the ship in the afternoon.Arrival Time: Arrive by 10:00 a.m.Arrival City: Reykjavík, IcelandMeals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 - Day 2 Flatey Island
Explore Iceland’s western frontier, visiting Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries turned sleepy summer islet. Walk around the charming little hamlet and hike across hiking trails that trace the path past seasonal puffin population on the cliffs. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Days 3-4 Westfjords
Explore the beautiful and peaceful Westfjords region of Iceland. Enjoy a hike to a remote waterfall, a Zodiac cruise alongside stunning scenery, or bike along the coast of the Westfjords. Enter Ísafjarðardjúp and land at Vigur Island to visit the eider farm and learn about the down cleaning process.  Get to know the capital of the Westfjords, Isafjordur, through a walking tour complete with local sights, sounds, and tastes. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Day 5 Crossing the Denmark Strait
Sail away from the Westfjords of Iceland and across the Denmark Strait, which connects the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean. The Strait is home to the world's largest waterfall, caused by powerful currents and glaciers. Listen to talks by our experts, relax with a book in the lounge or the observation deck, and keep an eye out for wildlife as we sail across the continental shelf. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Day 6 Exploring East Greenland
The coast of the world's largest island is etched with thousands of fjords, some of which reach back to the Greenlandic ice sheet. Spend the day exploring these stunning inlets of the eastern coast, using our underwater cameras and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to discover marine life and fascinating underwater geology. Ice permitting, sail deep into Skjoldungen fjord and soak in our arrival to Greenland on a Zodiac cruise or in a kayak among the icebergs. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Day 7 Prins Christian Sund / Tasermiut Fjord
Sail into Prins Christian Sund, which cuts into the southern tip of Greenland, passing between soaring pinnacles and glaciers, allowing our ship to sail through the sheltered waters of this dramatic landscape. As we round the southern coast of Greenland, enter Tasermuit Fjord, known as Arctic Patagonia, for its shear granite rock faces and dramatic valley filled with glaciers or their moraines. Spend time exploring by foot, kayak, or zodiac along its shores.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Days 8-9 Qaqortoq and Tunulliarflik Fjord
Qaqortoq and Tunulliarflik Fjord provide us two days of insight, culture, and local interactions. Walk through the ruins of Bratthlid, Erik the Red's farm, visiting replicas of the church and the family's longhouse. Explore the same shores from which their son, Leif Eriksson, launched the first voyages to North America—500 years before Columbus. Visit the unofficial captial of southern Greenland at Qaqortoq, with just over 3,200 residents. The colonial influence is visible throughout the town, with houses painted in primary colors and architecture dating back to the 1700s. Stroll through the town square and visit the museum, where Greenlandic kayaks, hunting equipment, and local art and handicrafts are on display. Finally, walk through the walls of Hvalsey church, located in the fjords behind Qaqortoq, the best-preserved Norse ruins in all of Greenland and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Day 10 Nuuk
Perched on the seaside in the shadow of ice-capped Sermitsiaq Mountain, Nuuk is the world’s smallest capital city by population, with some 19,000 inhabitants, experiencing tremendous cultural and economic growth. Watch for harp seals as we enter the harbor and take a walking tour with local residents to learn how the community has changed over the generations. At the National Museum, examine the extraordinary 15th-century Qilakitsoq mummies found near Uummannaq—a discovery that was featured in a National Geographic magazine cover story in 1985. The Arctic ice preserved these mummies so well that researchers have been able to study their tattoos, their medical conditions, and even what they ate.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Day 11 Evighed Fjord
In the early morning, the ship enters Evighed Fjord (Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord), which winds picturesquely past steep mountains and stunning tidewater glaciers. In the far reaches of the fjord, take a Zodiac cruise along the face of one of the many glaciers or hike over glacial moraines to a waterfall. In the afternoon, conditions permitting, visit the small fishing community of Kangaamiut. Climb the small mountain behind the village to take in the views or walk through the village and photograph the colorful houses clustered on the seaside slope. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - Day 12 Sisimiut
Upon arrival to Sisimiut, a former whaling port, enjoy your choice of guided walks through the sights and sounds of the village, including a meeting with the caretakers of the Greenlandic Dog Project, or hiking part of the Arctic Circle trail. In your free time, enjoy a local food tasting, visit the open-air museum, or explore the local artisan workshops.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 - Days 13-14 Ilulissat and Disko Bay
Sail into Qeqertarsuup Tunua, also known as Disko Bay, and be welcomed by floating icebergs calved off the world's most active glacier, Sermeq Kujalleq. Enjoy an extraordinary cruise aboard local boats among towering icebergs of the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Ilulissat Icefjord. Visit the town of Ilulissat and hike into the Sermermiut Valley, once an Inuit settlement and now home to a peaceful boardwalk overlooking the Icefjord. As we make our way north through Disko Bay, if ice conditions permit, we follow the inside passage of Disko Island and trace the shores of the Nuussuaq Peninsula as we keep watch for a glimpse of the Greenlandic Ice Sheet. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 - Day 15 Uummannaq / Qilakitsoq
The village of Uummannaq sits on a tiny, yet dramatic island in the Uummannaq Fjord, dominated by a massive peak rising at its center. Visit the town’s excellent community museum to see traditional clothing and tools along with scenes of everyday life on these islands and enjoy a stroll through the streets of this northern outpost. In the afternoon, with special village permissions, cross the fjord to the site of Qilakitsoq, an important archaeological site for Greenlanders, where eight mummies, dating back to 1475, were discovered in 1972. These eight individuals, all extraordinarily well-preserved women and children, were Thule people, the ancestors of the modern Inuit and was featured on the cover of the February 1985 issue of National Geographic magazine. For the adventurous hikers, make your own respectful journey up to the final resting place of these ancestors.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 - Day 16 Exploring Greenland's Fjords
Sail along Greenland’s fjords and look for Arctic foxes, whales, and—with luck—caribou. Paddle a kayak along the steep sides of the fjord or ride a Zodiac to see the glacially carved landscape up close.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 - Day 17 Nuuk, Greenland
Enjoy a scenic sailing out of the Nuuk fjord and into the open water of the Davis Strait as we navigate north along the coastline. Guests not continuing on to the next voyage will disembark. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 - Day 18 Greenland’s West Coast and Sisimiut
The massive ice sheet that blankets much of Greenland feeds dozens of fjords and glaciers on the dramatic western coast. Be on the lookout for humpback and minke whales as we trace these rugged shores. During a stop at the former whaling port of Sisimiut, visit the local museum and stroll among the town's 18th-century wooden buildings.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16 - Day 19 Disko Bay / Ilulissat
Sail into Disko Bay to explore the World Heritage-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, a tongue of the Greenland ice sheet that extends to the bay. Here, the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier calves enormous amounts of ice at an astonishing rate, releasing icebergs that can soar up to 300 feet. A cruise among these gigantic sculptures of ice is a highlight of our voyage. Explore the remains of the historic fishing village of Sermermiut and take in spectacular views of the ice-laden mouth of the fjord.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17 - Days 20-22 Exploring East Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada
We begin our exploration of the Canadian High Arctic with a visit to the small Inuit community of Pond Inlet, Nunavut. Explore some of the beautiful bays and inlets along Baffin Island's Lancaster Sound, a favorite Inuit hunting and fishing location for hundreds of years. Carved by Ice Age glaciers, Lancaster Sound is also the eastern gateway to the Arctic Archipelago, where European explorers like William Baffin first ventured in the 17th century to search for the Northwest Passage. Our days here are spent searching for ringed seals, arctic foxes, walruses, and polar bears, as well as beluga and bowhead whales. Visit Devon Island and take a walk with our ship's archaeologist to learn about the Thule people—ancestors of the modern Inuit—that once inhabited this region.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18 - Days 23-32 Exploring the Northwest Passage
Our ice-strengthened ship, National Geographic Resolution, navigates the Northwest Passage following nature's path—dependent on ice and weather conditions. Taking our cues from nature, we follow wildlife, stop for hikes on the tundra, or drop anchor in a beautiful fjord or an icy bay to explore and kayak beneath massive ice sculptures and soaring cliffs. Along the way, explore ice-studded channels and glacier-carved islands that stretch for hundreds of miles—a stunning display of raw geology; survey the rocky, “Mars-like” terrain of uninhabited Devon Island; sail past the northernmost part of mainland North America in the Bellot Strait, one of the narrowest and most infamous of the passage; and cross the top of the Northwest Territory of Canada to search for ringed seals, arctic foxes, musk oxen, walruses, and polar bears, as well as beluga and bowhead whales. History and culture are also on the itinerary. Learn about the Inuit peoples who have hunted and fished here for thousands of years. And hear heroic stories of the early explorers: Roald Amundsen, John Ross, William Edward Parry, and James Clark Ross, among others.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 19 - Day 33 At Sea
Indulge in National Geographic Resolution's amenities as we continue along the shores of the Canadian High Arctic. Soak in the ship's infinity-style outdoor hot tubs, take in panoramic views from the rooftop observation deck, and enjoy talks from our onboard experts. Take time to reflect on the amazing wildlife and geology that have highlighted our journey so far.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 20 - Day 34 Herschel Island, Yukon Territory
Once a thriving whaling village off the coast of the Yukon Territory, Herschel Island is now classified as a Natural Environmental Park. The island protects the wildlife alongside the heritage of the Inuvialuit people and the whaling industry. As we wander through Herschel's historic dwellings, keep an eye out for the wildlife residents, which include bears, musk oxen and arctic foxes. The area is also home to the largest colony of black guillemots in the Western Arctic.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 21 - Days 35-37 At Sea
As we continue to sail westward along the northern coast of Alaska, reflect on our adventures while scanning the water for marine life and enjoying life on board. Take a yoga class, unwind with a massage in the wellness center, and curl up next to the fireplace in the library. Share images with your National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions certified photography instructor, and marvel at footage captured by the ship's underwater camera.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 22 - Day 38 Nome, Alaska, U.S.
Arrive in the remote city of Nome, Alaska, on the coast of the Bering Sea. Disembark to explore the town prior to heading back on ship. Guests not continuing on to the next voyage will disembark. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 23 - Days 39-40 Pribilof Islands / St. Paul and St. George Islands
A naturalist’s paradise, the Pribilof Islands welcome three million seabirds and a million marine mammals each summer during the breeding season. Cruise beneath the cliffs of St. George, rocky outcrops that harbor one of the largest seabird colonies in the Northern Hemisphere. Watch for horned and tufted puffins, red-legged kittiwakes, crested auklets and rare Asian vagrant species seldom seen in North America. Go ashore on St. Paul, home to the majority of the Pribilofs’ more than half a million northern fur seals. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 24 - Day 41 Baby Islands / Dutch Harbor
The westernmost tip of the Alaskan mainland gives way to a 1,100-mile-long string of islands that separate the Bering Sea from the northern Pacific: the Aleutian Islands. Begin your exploration of this wildlife-rich archipelago at the Baby Islands, east of Unalaska. Here, dynamic tides offer the chance to look for sea otters and fur seals, as well as rare seabirds. Stand on deck as the ship navigates Baby Pass and be on the lookout for the islands’ wildlife. Arrive at Dutch Harbor, site of a fierce World War II battle and now one of the world’s most important fishing ports. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 25 - Days 42-45 Exploring the Aleutian Islands
With 69 islands, countless islets and tens of millions of seabirds, the Aleutians offer much to discover. Spend four days exploring these rugged and remote volcanic islands—some of which still harbor active volcanoes. Learn about the culture of the Aleuts, a fishing and hunting people who have inhabited these islands for millennia. Observe marine mammals such as northern fur seals, Steller sea lions and a variety of whales, as well as prolific birdlife. Witness how the weather–wind, rain, fog and glorious sunshine–impacts all aspects of life in this spectacularly scenic region. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 26 - Days 46-49 At Sea
As the ship sets a course for Japan, enjoy discussions with your naturalists as they set the stage for your time exploring the northern shores of Hokkaido. Join them on deck to identify the seabirds that follow us and the volcanic cones in the distance that make up the “Ring of Fire.” Be on the lookout for unexpected visits from whales and other mammals. There is also an array of shipboard activities to enjoy: attend a photo workshop with your National Geographic Photography Expert, treat yourself to a massage or a wellness class or snuggle up in the library and enjoy a good book. As you make your way to Asia, you will lose a day crossing the International Date Line. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 27 - Day 50 Kushiro, Japan
Arrive on the northeastern shore of Hokkaido, your first stop in Japan. With a deep connection to the sea, Kushiro is known for a variety of seafood, fresh from the sea. Experience the bustle of the local market, where the daily catch is on display. Explore the Kushiro City Museum and delve into the rich history of the city and the traditions of the Ainu people. Following your morning of exploration, enjoy a meal loved by locals: Robata-yaki, or “fireside grilling.” You will select your favorite seafood and grill it over the hot coals at your seat—a very special treat. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 28 - Day 51 Muroran
Dock at Muroran and choose to drive to Shikotsu-Tōya National Park, filled with mirror-like lakes and forest-covered hills set against the silhouette of the snowcapped Mount Yotei stratovolcano. Alternatively, drive to the lush town of Shiraoi to visit the newly opened National Ainu Museum and Park, an open-air museum where visitors can experience various elements of Ainu culture. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 29 - Day 52 Aomori
Your first call on the northern coast of Japan’s main island of Honshu is Aomori City. With the Hakkoda mountains in the distance, this bountiful countryside is famous for apple orchards, world-famous seafood, local treasures of Tsugaru lacquerware and painted kites. Explore the tranquil Seiryuji Temple with its impressive bronze statue of Dainichi Nyorai. Learn about Nebuta Matsuri, the summer festival with colorful papier-mâché floats, and see the amazing artistry up close. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 30 - Day 53 Sendai
Nestled between mountains and sea, Sendai’s lush greenery earned it the nickname of “Forest City.” As you tour this beautiful city, wind your way to the hills above town to the site of Sendai Castle. Built in 1600 by the powerful feudal lord, Date Masamune, the castle has survived anti-feudal warfare, bombings of World War II and the powerful earthquake of 2011. Continue on to Zuihoden, the mausoleum of the Date clan, whose spectacular grounds and intricate design pay tribute to the powerful Masamune and his descendants. Just outside of the city, explore the secluded bay on the shores of Matsushima. Known as one of Japan’s three most scenic views, this gorgeous bay is dotted with pine-clad islets. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 31 - Day 54 Oarai / Mito City
Today long stretches of white-sand beaches welcome you to the seaside city of Oarai. Heading inland, visit Mito, a power base during the Edo period and best known today for Kairakuen Garden, considered one of Japan’s three finest landscape gardens. Originally created in 1841 for the ruling lord, the park was also intended for the enjoyment of all. Paths wind through 3,000 plum trees, cedar woods and a bamboo grove. Learn about the treasures of the samurai that went beyond swords and armor. The Tokugawa Museum houses exhibits which chronicle the life of the powerful Tokugawa family, as well as those who lived under their rule. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 32 - Day 55 Shimizu
Be on deck as the ship sails into Shimizu to get your closest view of Mt Fuji yet (weather permitting). Get your morning steps in as you climb the zigzag pathway of 1,200 steps to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, enjoying beautiful views of the coastline as you go. For those feeling a little less inclined to embark on the stairs, you can take the ropeway to the top. This complex houses many bright-red buildings, accented in gold and adorned with colorful carvings—a dazzling vision. You may also choose to visit the Ukiyoe Museum, which houses a lovely collection of Edo-period works. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 33 - Day 56 Osaka
Arrive in Osaka, the largest commercial center on the island of Honshu. Guests not continuing on to the next voyage will disembark. Travel to Himeji Castle, one of Japan’s most spectacular. Also known as “White Heron Castle,” this UNESCO World Heritage site is at once imposing and elegant. Following lunch, transfer back to the National Geographic Resolution.  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 34 - Day 57 Naoshima / Okayama / Kurashiki
This morning, take a short ferry ride to Naoshima Island, which was converted into a hub for art and artists by the Benesse Corporation in 1992. Naoshima is an eclectic mixture of nature, art and architecture–you’ll discover famous works, like Yayoi Kusama’s Yellow Pumpkin, displayed in unexpected places.This afternoon, choose to visit Okayama, home to Korakuen Garden, one of the three best landscape gardens in Japan. Stroll the elegant garden paths, enjoying the beauty and the views of Okayama Castle and its impressive black silhouette. You may also choose to walk along Kurashiki’s lovely canal, lined with beautifully preserved storehouses now selling locally made handicrafts, or visit the Ohara Museum of Art and the Ohashi House, an example of a wealthy merchant’s home from the 18th century.  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 35 - Day 58 Takamatsu
Early this morning, sail to Takamatsu on Shikoku Island. Explore Shikoku Mur, an open-air museum that showcases traditional building styles. Learn how people lived during the Edo and Taisho eras. Visit Ritsurin Garden–earning three stars in the Michelin Green Guide, it is one of the most beautiful gardens in all of Japan. End the day at Kinashi Bonsai Town, dedicated to the art of pine tree bonsai. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 36 - Day 59 Miyajima / Hiroshima
Start the day on the island of Miyajima, home of Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its red torii gate that seems to float atop the water at high tide. In Hiroshima, visit the Peace Memorial Park, see the Atomic Bomb Dome, one of only a few buildings left standing after the attack and learn about the city’s dedication to peace following World War II.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 37 - Day 60 Uwajima / Uchiko
Rise early for a morning hike to Uwajima Castle, one of just 12 original Edo-period castles that remain intact. Continue to Uchiko, once a center of wax production. Take a walk in the town’s well-preserved Yokaichi district, where beautifully crafted wooden merchant homes recall the prosperity of the Meiji period.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 38 - Day 61 Yakushima Island
The diverse ecology of Yakushima Island, including a subtropical coast and temperate rainforest in the interior, has earned this island World Heritage status. On a hike, discover the island’s ancient Yakusugi cedar trees, many of which date back more than a thousand years. Back on board the ship in the evening, head north toward the island of Kyushu.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 39 - Day 62 Kagoshima
At the southern end of Kyushu, the city of Kagoshima sits just across the bay from the active volcano Sakurajima. Take a walk in Sengan-en Garden, designed by the city’s ruling Shimadzu clan in 1658 to incorporate the bay and its simmering volcano. After lunch, travel along the Satsuma Peninsula to the village of Chiran, where the samurai designed gardens inspired by their travels.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 40 - Day 63 Nagasaki
Long before World War II, Nagasaki was a cosmopolitan trading center, drawing merchants from Europe and China to its picturesque harbor as early as the 1500s. Visit Oura Cathedral, the oldest Christian church in Japan, and venture into Sofukuji, a 400-year-old Ming-style Zen Buddhist temple. Visit Nagasaki Peace Park, where a poignant exhibition illustrates the aftermath of the atomic bomb attack on the city, and see the somber monument erected at ground zero. This afternoon, chart a course for the Korean Peninsula.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 41 - Day 64 Ulsan, South Korea / Gyeongju
Dock in Busan and travel to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla kingdom and the crown jewel of Korea’s cultural heritage. Packed with the ruins of temples, pagodas and palaces dating back more than a thousand years, the historic areas of the city have been collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Bulguksa Temple, a masterpiece of Silla architecture originally built in A.D. 528. At the Gyeongju National Museum, examine jewelry, weapons and other Silla artifacts. See Cheomseongdae, a seventh-century observatory, and wander among towering royal burial mounds.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 42 - Day 65 Matsue, Japan
Sail up the coast to Matsue, situated between a lake, a lagoon and the sea. Tour the 17th-century Matsue Castle built as a defensive fortress and discover its clever design elements intended to foil the enemy. Continue to the Adachi Museum of Art, which blends an impressive collection of 20th-century Japanese art with a gem-like traditional garden.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 43 - Day 66 Moji
With its location in line with the route from Honshu to Shanghai, Moji has a long history as a prominent trading post. The bustling modern day ship traffic has moved to another port, leaving Moji with a slower pace. You’ll have the opportunity to step back in time and stroll the promenade, exploring the well-preserved buildings of the Meiji and Taisho periods. Moji is also known for its limestone caves. You will pass through a cedar grove to enter one of Japan’s largest limestone caves: Akiyoshidai. Exploring this cave, you’ll only touch a very small corner of the national park that spans 100 meters underground.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 44 - Day 67 Mitarai
Located in the Seto Inland Sea, Mitarai is a seaside village that did not get swept up with all the changes and development that the 20th century brought. The traditional wooden buildings and narrow streets date back to a traditional past. The mature gardens add even more beauty and serenity to the sheltered bay. Explore this hidden gem that has been designated a Historic Preservation District of Traditional Architecture. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 45 - Days 68-69 Osaka / Disembark Ship / Kyoto
Upon disembarkation, transfer to Kyoto. Once the capital of Japan, this beautiful city still holds many of the Japanese traditions very dear. It’s a unique blend of modern day and ancient culture that has been refined over the last 1200 years. Spend two days exploring an array of sites, including the impressive Torii Gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine; Nishiki Market with its assortment of beautiful fresh foods; Higashiyama District one of Kyoto’s best preserved historic districts; and the soaring stalks of bamboo in Arashiyama. No visit to Kyoto is complete without a glimpse into the secret life of the Geisha as you learn about the customs and experience a traditional ceremony. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 46 - Day 70 Kyoto / Osaka
Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for flights home. Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 47 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-07-202621-09-2026Array Array154,693Category 1. From
14-07-202621-09-2026Array Array0More Cabin Categories & Prices Available

Inclusions

    • Set sail on an extraordinary 69-day journey across the top of the globe and down to East Asia—checking off a host of bucket-list experiences along the way
    • Venture into the fabled Northwest Passage and learn the dramatic stories of explorers and adventurers who sought this magnificent, icy frontier
    • Glide between soaring icebergs at the mouth of Greenland's Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site
    • Delve into the history of the samurai and their feudal lords while visiting Japan’s castles, gardens and samurai districts in Matsue and Uwajima
    • Watch for a profusion of rare wildlife in Alaska’s Pribilof and Aleutian Islands: from whiskered auklets and northern fur seals to orca whales and brown bears

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