Taiwan, Japan Cruise on Costa Serena from Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is frequently described as a place where "East meetsWest", reflecting the culture's mix of the territory's Chinese roots with influences from its time as a British colony. Hong Kong balances a modernised way of life with traditional Chinese practices. The fusion of east and west also characterises Hong Kong's cuisine, where dim sum, hot pot, and fast food restaurants coexist with haute cuisine. Hong Kong is a recognised global centre of trade, and calls itself an "entertainment hub".Hong Kong government supports cultural institutions such as the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. The government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department subsidises and sponsors international performers brought to Hong Kong. Many international cultural activities are organised by the government, consulates, and privately.

Keelung (Taiwan)

Located on the Northern point of Taiwan, Keelung is the gatway for visitors to the economic, political and cultural center of Taipei. Although a bustling modern metropolis, Taipei still treasures its rich history and tradition. The National Palace Museum holds one of the largest collections of ancient Chinese artifacts spanning Thousands of years. Other popular attractions for tourists include the Lungshan Temple, the Confucius Temple modeled after the original Confucius Temple in Qufu, China, the Pao An Temple and the Yang Ming Shan National Park/Yehliu/Hot Springs.

Naha (Japan)

Naha is the largest city in Japan's southernmost prefecture, Okinawa. The approximately 100 km long island of Okinawa is part of a group of islands that separates the East China Sea from the Pacific. Naha's climate is subtropical and monsoonal. The city's landmark is the red Suri Castle with the royal garden Shikinaen with the typical ponds, stone bridges and wooden palaces. Naha is also a lively city with a vibrant shopping street, parks and a lively nightlife. A visit to the Naminouegu Shrine and the Fukushūen Garden is particularly recommended.

Kagoshima (Japan)

With its warm climate, beautiful scenery and its very own active volcano, Kagoshima has earnt itself the nickname of "the naples of the eastern world". The city of Kagoshima offers visitors large commercial centers including the Tenmonkan Arcade, restaurants offering local Satsuma Province cuisine and nightlife. Just a short boat ride away, the volcano of Sakurajima is a popular attraction. Its summit is split into three peaks, Kita-dake (northern peak), Naka-dake (central peak) and Minami-dake (southern peak) which is currently active.

Yokohama (Japan)

Tokyo is the core of the most populated urban area in the world, Greater Tokyo (which has a population of 35 million people). This huge, wealthy and fascinating metropolis brings high-tech visions of the future side by side with glimpses of old Japan, and has something for everyone. There are many places of interest to visit such as the temples of Asakusa, the gardens of the Imperial Palace (in Chiyoda) and the Meiji Shrine.