Philippines, China, Taiwan, Japan Cruise on Diamond Princess from Sydney (Australia)

Sydney (Australia)

Sydney is known as the Harbour City. It is the largest, oldest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia and one of the world´s most beautiful and liveable cities. Brimming with history, nature, culture, art, fashion, cuisine, design, it is set next to miles of ocean coastline and sandy surf beaches. Recent immigration trends have led to the cities reputation as one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse cities in Australia and the world. The city is also home to the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, two of the most iconic structures on the planet. The city is surrounded by nature and national parks, which extend through the suburbs and right to the shores of the harbour.

Alotau (Papua New Guinea)

Alotau is the capital of the Milne Bay Province, in the south east of Papua New Guinea. It is a very scenic town on the north shore of Milne Bay. It is a quiet, friendly provincial town, and operates successfully as a scuba diving base. Ecotourism is being developed here focusing on the rainforest, trekking, bird watching, bat caving, fishing, diving, snorkelling, war sites, surfing and cultural sites of interest. The province has the richest marine biodiversity in the world, which is why so many divers come to the area. There are orchids, marsupials, birds of paradise, mountains, islands, rainforest, waterfalls, hot springs and skull caves as well as a fascinating local history.

Conflict Islands

Manila (Philippines)

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.

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.

Kobe (Japan)

A cosmopolitan city with an international flavor, Kobe is situated on the main island of Honshu in the Kansai region of Japan. One of the most impotant port cities in the region it was established in 1868 as a gateway to the western world. Famous globally for its Kobe Beef, the city in true Japanese style boasts a mix of impressive skyscrapers and modern architecture, which includes the worlds longest suspension bridge, with traditional Japanese culture.

Shimizu (Japón)

Yokohama (Japan)

Yokohama is located only half an hour away from Tokyo and effectively forms a part of the giant conurbation. Yokohama's Chinatown is the largest in Japan and dates back to the Opening of Japan in 1859. Tokyo is a huge, wealthy and fascinating metropolis that brings high-tech visions of the future side by side with glimpses of old Japan and has something for everyone.