36-night Far East & Alaska Cruise

Kagoshima, a seaport on Kyushu Island, Japan, is sheltered within Kagoshima Bay and is the commercial and cultural center of southern Kyushu. Products manufactured here include a famous type of earthenware known as Satsumaware. Sights of interest include the Iso Garden and the local Theatre.

Beppu is one of Japan's most famous and most touristy hot spring resorts. It is a good place to try out different types of hot springs including sand baths. In addition, there are a few spectacular hot springs, called the "Hells of Beppu", which are for viewing rather than bathing.

Shimizu is located on the northwest coast of Suruga Bay on the island of Honshu. Protected by a sandspit, it is a major commercial port and fishing centre. Places of scenic and historic interest include the Pine Groves of Miho, the Ryuge Temple, containing a fern palm believed to be more than 1,000 years old, and the nearby Nippon-Daira plateau.

Shimizu is located on the northwest coast of Suruga Bay on the island of Honshu. Protected by a sandspit, it is a major commercial port and fishing centre. Places of scenic and historic interest include the Pine Groves of Miho, the Ryuge Temple, containing a fern palm believed to be more than 1,000 years old, and the nearby Nippon-Daira plateau.

Otaru is located on Ishikari Bay of the Sea of Japan on Hokkaido Island. With a name meaning "sandy beach", Otaru developed as a modern town in the late 19th century. Provided with a good natural harbour, it is the port for the city of Sapporo, the largest city and capital of Hokkaido Island and site of the 1972 Winter Olympics. Visit the Asarigawa Spa, Otamoi Park, and the Otaru Aquarium, one of the largest in Japan. Sapporo, laid out in 1871, features wide, tree-lined boulevards and some beautiful Botanical Gardens incorporating the Ainu Museum and Sapporo Art Park. The Sapporo Beer Garden and Museum and the Historical Village of Hokkaido are also well worth visiting.

Otaru is located on Ishikari Bay of the Sea of Japan on Hokkaido Island. With a name meaning "sandy beach", Otaru developed as a modern town in the late 19th century. Provided with a good natural harbour, it is the port for the city of Sapporo, the largest city and capital of Hokkaido Island and site of the 1972 Winter Olympics. Visit the Asarigawa Spa, Otamoi Park, and the Otaru Aquarium, one of the largest in Japan. Sapporo, laid out in 1871, features wide, tree-lined boulevards and some beautiful Botanical Gardens incorporating the Ainu Museum and Sapporo Art Park. The Sapporo Beer Garden and Museum and the Historical Village of Hokkaido are also well worth visiting.

Travel across the International Dateline and step forward or backward in time one day.

Travel across the International Dateline and step forward or backward in time one day.

The Bering Sea is a body of water in the Pacific Ocean that comprises a deep water basin, which then rises through a narrow slope into the shallower water above the continental shelves. The Bering Sea is separated from the Gulf of Alaska by the Alaska Peninsula. Fishing is a must in this region plentiful with fish, king and snow crab, octopus, and prawns. Off the coast of Alaska wildlife can be seen such as, eagles, whales, seals, and sea lions.

Dutch Harbour is a port in the Aleutian Islands. Geologically, the archipelago is a continuation of the Aleutian Range, which is on the Alaskan mainland, and contains a number of volcanic peaks. Few trees, all of stunted growth, are found, but grasses grow in abundance. Although a few good harbours are found in the archipelago, navigation is dangerous because of almost perpetual fog and numerous reefs.

Yakutat is a small village located on beautiful Monti Bay, the only sheltered deep water port in the gulf of Alaska. Miles of untouched sandy beaches abound with driftwood and occasional glass balls for the beachcomber. Beyond these beaches lie a surfers dream. The Yakutat Forelands is teaming with wildlife for viewing pleasure. Jump on a charter boat and head up to Disenchantment Bay to marvel at the exciting sites and sounds of the largest tidewater glacier in North America, the ever moving Hubbard glacier. Or rent a car and drive to Harlequin Lake to view and photograph the wildflowers, the awesome freshwater glacier and the iceberg strewn lake. Beautiful hiking trails in the area include the short hike into Russell Fjord or the more taxing walk to Situk Lake. Saltwater kayaks are available for rent. There are numerous Hunting Guides which can put the avid hunter on rare wildlife. A drive to lower Situk River to observe the gillnetter's in action is worth the trip. Grab a license and tackle. Then try your hand at a world class fishery.