The Philippines, Taiwan & Circle Japan Coll Westerdam 2026-03-01

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Your itinerary

Hong Kong
At Sea
At Sea
Puerto Princesa
Boracay, Philippines
Manila
At Sea
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Keelung, Taiwan
Ishigaki Island, Japan
Naha
At Sea
Osaka
At Sea
Yokohama (Tokyo)
At Sea
Kochi, Japan
Kagoshima
Nagasaki
At Sea
Incheon (Seoul)
Incheon (Seoul)
Jeju (Cheju) City
Busan
Fukuoka (Hakata), Japan
Scenic Cruising Kanmon Strait
Hiroshima, Japan
At Sea
Kobe
At Sea
Yokohama (Tokyo)

Day 1

1st Mar '26

Hong Kong

Can any city in the world top Hong Kongs phenomenal energy? Judge for yourself as you ride the tram to the top of Victoria Peak, join the surge into countless markets and watch the hardworking world of Aberdeens fishing junks. Sample shore excursions: Morning Tai Chi & Cooking Tour; Hong Kong Island City Sightseeing; Explore Lantau Island & Monastery. More

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0:00

Depart

16:00

Day 2

2nd Mar '26

At Sea

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0:00

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Day 3

3rd Mar '26

At Sea

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Day 4

4th Mar '26

Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan in the Philippines, is home to 250,000 people and offers a vastly different experience from Manila’s often overwhelming big-city dynamism. For many travelers, it’s simply a gateway to the resorts of El Nido, also on Palawan Island. Those who spend some time here, however, will discover a city that combines a laid-back vibe with beautiful sandy beaches and a wealth of marine life. Nearby, there are also lush mountains, rain forests, waterfalls and dramatic limestone cliffs. Among the most popular sights are the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, where visitors are welcome to celebrate Mass accompanied by choral singing; the Palawan Heritage Center, which displays local artworks and crafts; and the peaceful Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village. The citys biggest draws, however, are a boat trip through the limestone caves of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, and the beaches and islands scattered around scenic Honda Bay—perfect for snorkeling, sunbathing and picnics. Speaking of food, a visit to the most famous restaurant in the city, Kalui, is guaranteed to be a memorable experience for seafood fans; adventurous foodies can order crocodile sisig, a traditional—and delicious—stir-fry dish. More

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7:00

Depart

17:00

Day 5

5th Mar '26

Boracay, Philippines

Little more than a dot off the northwestern tip of Panay, Boracay is the Philippines trophy beach. It offers an intoxicating mix of sun, sand and fun with hotels, restaurants and shops dotted along the beach. If you wish, you can visit popular White Beach or drive to Bulabog Beach as it is wilder and windier and a favorite windsurfing spot. Yet another option: relax on the serene and quiet beach of Puka in the north. More

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Arrive

10:00

Depart

18:00

Day 6

6th Mar '26

Manila

Called the Island of Gold during the latter half of the Ming Dynasty, the area that is now Manila has known Burneian, Spanish, British, American and Japanese rule. This long and diverse history is reflected in Manilas architecture and neighborhoods. Explore Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown dating back to 1594, Intramuros, Asias only medieval, European-style walled city, and the posh neighborhood of Malate. Sample shore excursion: Modern Manila. More

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8:00

Depart

18:00

Day 7

7th Mar '26

At Sea

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Day 8

8th Mar '26

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Kaohsiung is a massive port city in southern Taiwan. Its home to many skyscrapers, such as the 248m-tall Tuntex Sky Tower, and is known for its diversity of parks. Its focal point is the Love River, with walking paths and cafes along its banks, and cruise boats navigating its waters. Shopping options range from high-end malls to the Liuhe and Ruifeng night More

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7:00

Depart

16:00

Day 9

9th Mar '26

Keelung, Taiwan

Keelung City’s sheltered harbor and its location on Taiwan’s north coast have meant that, over the centuries, it has been ruled by the Spanish, Dutch and Chinese. While there are plenty of good coffee shops, markets and museums in the compact downtown and you can enjoy delicious seafood dishes at the Night Market, the city is today principally a gateway to Taipei for many travelers. Taiwan’s capital is just a half hour away by car or around 45 minutes by train. Long a small outpost of the Chinese empire, the city began to grow in the 19th century, when settlement from the mainland was encouraged. Then, from 1895 to 1945, the city (and all of Taiwan) was occupied by the Japanese. At the end of World War II, Taipei was handed over to the Republic of China, led by Chiang Kai-shek. In the decades since, it has seen an explosion of growth, but traditional temples and world-class museums still sit amid the skyscrapers. The modern metropolis also has top restaurants, food markets and upscale shopping. The Taipei Metro makes it easy to explore the city, or you can take an excursion to the countryside: A national park and a protected forest make for excellent day trips from both Taipei and Keelung. More

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8:00

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17:00

Day 10

10th Mar '26

Ishigaki Island, Japan

Talk with the Japanese a while about the Japanese and you’re going to hear the word shimagunikonjo. The breakdown is simple: shima—island; guni—nation; konjo—consciousness. In one word, its the firm belief that people who live on islands are different from people who live on continents, and anyone who’s done both is likely to agree. American culture may be the strongest influence in Japan now, but the Japanese will understand the motivations of the Brits a whole lot better. Islands require a different mind-set than continents. Islands require manners. But what if your island was never meant to be part of another bunch of islands? That’s what’s happened with today’s Okinawa Prefecture. The people who’ve always been there are Okinawan, one of the healthiest, longest-living people on earth. But now they’re part of Japan and seriously outnumbered by the Japanese. (And they’re not at all happy that the Japanese interlopers gave so much of their land over to U.S. military bases.) Signs of Okinawan culture can be subtle but are easier to pick out in more remote islands of the chain, like Ishigaki. Traditional buildings are a mixture of Chinese and Japanese influences. In the markets, you’ll find fu chanpuru (an Okinawan stir fry dish) and whole-wheat soba, which the Japanese wont touch. The ryuso robe holds on despite crowded kimono stores. The few people left who speak Uchinaguchi are praying for a movement like the Hawaiian renaissance to bring the culture back. The tipping point is close. A trip to Ishigaki now is to witness either the beginning or the end. More

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7:00

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16:00

Day 11

11th Mar '26

Naha

Naha, the capital of Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture and its biggest city, also serves as the region’s key political, economic and transportation hub. With a fascinating past as the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom and a working port that dates back to the 15th century, this city of 300,000 residents manages to be both a compelling city and a laid-back one. Because it was largely destroyed during World War II, there aren’t many old buildings here; however, a few restored remains from the Ryukyu Kingdom era provide historic interest, including Shuri Castle, the royal residence, and its extraordinary gardens—both of which are included in a local group designated together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other legendary sites include the Royal Mausoleum (burial tombs set inside caves) and the Shurei Gate, so magnificent that its image appears on the 2,000-yen note. There are also a few contemporary hotspots, namely Kokusai Street, which offers almost two kilometers (1.25 miles) of shops, cafés and restaurants, and the nearby Makishi Public Market, which has dozens of food vendors hawking delicious treats. If you want to explore farther afield, Naha is the ideal jumping-off point for excursions to the rest of Okinawa. More

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7:00

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17:30

Day 12

12th Mar '26

At Sea

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Day 13

13th Mar '26

Osaka

Think of Osaka, Japan (accent on the O), as a combination of Los Angeles and Chicago. It very definitely has L.A.’s second-city complex, but its attitude is pure Chicago. The only business that matters is business, and so what if the Hanshin Tigers, the local baseball team, are frequently the worst professional athletes in the world? They’re the home team. People in Osaka laugh louder, play harder and drink more than Tokyo’s most decadent dreams. Osaka even has its own dialect, one the rest of the country calls “dirty Japanese,” one entirely different than even Kobe’s—and Kobe is an Osaka suburb. Nothing is old in Osaka. The place was flattened during the war (and then again in 1962 and 1989, by Godzilla). During the reconstruction, they forgot to include much in the way of parks or green space, and the sheer amount of concrete and steel sights can get overwhelming. But Osaka has its attractions and interesting things to do. Sumo wrestlers wait for trains, reeking of chanko-nabe (traditional sumo food; pure energy and calories), just daring the official railway pushers to push them. Yakuza (Japanese gangsters) get train cars to themselves, but if you get on with them, it’s like you’re invisible. Busy markets, the visual noise of neon and nonstop action on shopping streets offer insight into the energy and ambition of Osaka. And if all that isn’t enough, Osaka is less than an hour from some of the most beautiful temples, shrines and ancient Japanese tourist attractions in the world—a thousand years of Japanese history—waiting in the old capitals of Kyoto and Nara. More

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8:00

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23:00

Day 14

14th Mar '26

At Sea

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Day 15

15th Mar '26

Yokohama (Tokyo)

Until the mid-19th century, Japan lived in isolation, closed off from the rest of the world, and Yokohama was a mere fishing village. But in 1853, American naval officer Matthew Perry demanded the country open to foreign trade, and Yokohama was changed forever. The city quickly emerged as an international trading center, and while today it is often overshadowed by nearby Tokyo, it continues to be one of Japan’s liveliest, and most international, destinations. With its microbreweries and international restaurants, Yokohama has a decidedly different feel from many other Japanese cities. From Yokohama, it’s a quick trip to peaceful Kamakura, home to Daibutsu, Japan’s second-largest bronze Buddha, and to the important Shinto shrine Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Head to Hakone National Park on a clear day and you’ll be rewarded with picture-postcard views of majestic Mt. Fuji. Tokyo is the largest city on earth and packed with some of the world’s best shops, museums and restaurants, big and small. While the bright neon lights and the bustle of contemporary Tokyo may be what comes to mind when you think of the city, there is another side. Tokyos historic gardens and neighborhoods of traditional homes on narrow lanes speak to a timeless Japan that has survived into the 21st century. More

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6:30

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17:00

Day 16

16th Mar '26

At Sea

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Day 17

17th Mar '26

Kochi, Japan

High atop a hill in Kochi sits 17th-century Kochi Castle, once the seat of the Yamauchi lords. Explore this historic site and enjoy panoramic views of the city, then dine on sushi at Hirome Market. More

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7:00

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16:00

Day 18

18th Mar '26

Kagoshima

Situated at the southern tip of Japan, Kagoshima is the capital of the prefecture of the same name and famous for its dramatic views of Sakurajima, an active volcano that smolders across the bay. One of the most popular activities is taking a ferry to Sakurajima and hiking on the 100-year-old lava flow that is now a grassy peninsula. Kagoshima, however, offers much more than the volcano’s almost overwhelming beauty. The food scene provides opportunities to experience the area’s rich culinary culture and features dishes using locally caught fish and regional specialties, like satsuma a’ge (deep-fried fish cake) and shōchū, a traditional beverage made at more than 100 distilleries in Kagoshima alone. Although the city was officially founded in 1889, it has an even longer history that is reflected in the 17th-century gardens of Sengan-en. More recent events are covered at a museum dedicated to the kamikaze pilots who flew out of Kagoshima. Other popular attractions include the City Aquarium, the Museum of the Meiji Restoration with its exhibits exploring local history and the City Museum of Art with its collection that covers both local contemporary and older art. With so much to do, visitors may want to consider the Cute transit card. Available at tourist information offices, one-day Cute cards cover city buses, trams and Sakurajima ferries and also provide discounted admission to several attractions. More

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8:00

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18:00

Day 19

19th Mar '26

Nagasaki

City of melancholy memories. Visit Glover House, where Puccinis Madame Butterfly reputedly awaited her errant Lt. Pinkerton; pay tribute to lives lost in WWII at Peace Memorial Park. Sample shore excursions: Nagasaki Half-day Tour; Sakai Bridge & 99 Islands;Arita, Birthplace of Ceramics. More

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8:00

Depart

18:00

Day 20

20th Mar '26

At Sea

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Day 21

21st Mar '26

Incheon (Seoul)

Once upon a time, Incheon was a quiet seaside village, pretty typical for Korea. The men went fishing, the women made kimchi. There were maybe a couple thousand people altogether in the region. And then it got caught in the middle of a war. Incheon is where, late in 1950, the U.S. Marines landed, marking the beginning of the end of the Korean War, a war that ultimately claimed more than 40,000 American soldiers’ lives and an undetermined number of Koreans. After the fighting, when Incheon had a chance to dig itself out from the mud and shrapnel, it became part of the Korean economic miracle, the country’s first official free-enterprise zone. With its perfect natural port, flat landscape and 3 million residents, it’s become as much a part of the Seoul megalopolis now as it is a place of its own. Visit Incheon with a Korean War vet, and they likely won’t recognize a thing, except maybe a small area around Freedom Park. Where once there were rice ponds, there are now high-rise apartment buildings. Even the beach the Marines landed on has been filled and reshaped to make more room for the Korean economic miracle. But there’s an entire generation haunted by this place, and it’s well worth looking around. More

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Day 22

22nd Mar '26

Incheon (Seoul)

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16:00

Day 23

23rd Mar '26

Jeju (Cheju) City

Jeju, formerly Cheju, may not be familiar to most Americans, but for Korean travelers the country’s largest island and home to one of 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites is a popular destination. The island is roughly the size of Maui and has much in common with the Hawaiian islands. Like them, it is a volcanic island—it first emerged from the sea some two million years ago and the volcano Hallasan, which reaches a height of 1,950 meters, is the tallest peak in South Korea. It also shares the mild subtropical climate of Hawaii—even in winter, temperatures rarely drop below freezing—and offers a similar broad range of activities whether in the warm ocean water or exploring the island’s interior on well-marked and maintained trails. Jeju has long been known as the “Island of Gods” after a legendary lost race from whom the island’s inhabitants are said to have descended. Perhaps this history helps explain the super-human feats of the haenyeo, women divers who harvest abalone from the sea floor without the use of scuba gear. Remarkable giants can still be spotted here with humpback and orca whales common in this part of the East China Sea. More

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10:00

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17:00

Day 24

24th Mar '26

Busan

South Korea’s second-largest city (after the capital, Seoul), Busan is located in the southeastern corner of the country along the Sea of Japan. It combines a vibrant, big-city atmosphere with a famously laid-back attitude and subtropical landscapes. Often described as the “San Francisco of Korea,” thanks mainly to its hilly terrain and close-knit neighborhoods, it offers visitors a little of everything: fashionable boutiques, dynamic culture and buzzy nightlife, as well as sandy beaches, hot springs and nearby mountains crossed with hiking trails and dotted with temples. Cultural highlights include the Gamcheon Cultural Village; the spectacular Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, built into the side of a cliff; and Art Street in Sinchang-dong, which hosts art competitions, exhibitions and cultural events such as the annual Busan International Film Festival. Those who enjoy hiking can explore the famed cliffs of Taejongdae Park, while the white sand beaches at Gwangalli and Haeundae are ideal places to relax by the seashore. Foodies will love Busan, too, not just for its excellent restaurants but also for the many atmospheric markets: the low-key Millak Hoe Town Market, tourist spots like Jagalchi Fish Market and the market at Haeundae with its ramshackle stalls selling gukpab (a traditional rice soup). More

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8:00

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17:00

Day 25

25th Mar '26

Fukuoka (Hakata), Japan

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Day 25

25th Mar '26

Scenic Cruising Kanmon Strait

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Day 26

26th Mar '26

Hiroshima, Japan

Located in the southwest of Japan, Hiroshima, the main city of the Chugoku region, is set within a striking natural landscape of mountains, sea and rivers. Home to more than one million inhabitants, it’s famous as the site of the explosion of the world’s first atomic bomb, dropped by the U.S. in August 1945. This cataclysm is sensitively documented at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and associated Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The city offers visitors a great deal more than the tragedy of the recent past. In addition to the memorials to the events of World War II, there are an array of shrines and temples, as well as the city’s reconstructed castle, which was originally founded in the 16th century.Nature lovers will be charmed by the historic Shukkei-en Garden, commissioned in 1620, and Miyajima island, one of the most scenic spots in Japan. The city is home to a number of art institutions, including the Hiroshima Museum of Art, which houses a collection of Impressionist and Japanese oil paintings, the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art and the quirky Mazda Museum. There is also an array of excellent restaurants and bars—the city is known for its okonomiyaki, a type of savory pancake—as well as a popular oyster festival each year. More

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7:00

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17:00

Day 26

26th Mar '26

At Sea

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Day 27

27th Mar '26

Kobe

This cosmopolitan port city is known for more than just its world-famous Kobe beef. Discover the boutiques and markets of the Motomashi and Kokashita districts, explore the Fashion Museum or venture out to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge-the longest suspension bridge in the world. In the Kitano district, tour stately injikan, western-style Victorian and Gothic homes, or enjoy a glass of sake from one of Kobes famed wineries. More

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8:00

Depart

23:00

Day 28

28th Mar '26

At Sea

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Day 29

29th Mar '26

Yokohama (Tokyo)

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Your ship - The Westerdam

Recently updated with new bar, entertainment and dining venues, plus completely reimagined suites, Westerdam is a fascinating destination in her own right. On board, enjoy live entertainment with Music Walk, including Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard. Enjoy regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with EXC Port to Table. Enrich your travel experience at the new Exploration Central atop the ship.

Westerdam

Billboard

World

Rolling

Onboard

Fitness

Holland

Casino

Pickleball

Pinnacle

Canaletto

Lido

Dive

Morimoto

The

Description
Recreational
Other
Entertainment
Relaxation
Food and Drink
Fitness
Technology

Card Room
Club HAL
Golf Simulator
Library
The Loft

Art Gallery
Atrium
Concierge
Culinary Arts Center
Duty-free shop
Observation Deck
Photo Gallery
Shopping Gallery
Shops
Shore Excursion Office
Wrap Around Promenade Deck

Crow’s Nest
Dance Floor
Explorers Lounge
Neptune Lounge
Night Club
Photo Gallery
Queen’s Show Lounge

Beauty Salon
Greenhouse Spa & Salon
Hydro Massage Pool
Lido Pool
Spa
Thermal Suite

Bar
Canaletto Restaurant
Explorations Cafe
Grill
Lido Bar
Lido Casual Restaurant
Lounge
Piano Bar
Pinnacle Grill
Sports Bar
Terrace Grill
The Verandah
Vista Dining Room

Basketball
Fitness Center
Gym
Pickleball

Digital Workshop
Internet Access Lounge

Description

Recreational

Card Room
Club HAL
Golf Simulator
Library
The Loft

Other

Art Gallery
Atrium
Concierge
Culinary Arts Center
Duty-free shop
Observation Deck
Photo Gallery
Shopping Gallery
Shops
Shore Excursion Office
Wrap Around Promenade Deck

Entertainment

Crow’s Nest
Dance Floor
Explorers Lounge
Neptune Lounge
Night Club
Photo Gallery
Queen’s Show Lounge

Relaxation

Beauty Salon
Greenhouse Spa & Salon
Hydro Massage Pool
Lido Pool
Spa
Thermal Suite

Food and Drink

Bar
Canaletto Restaurant
Explorations Cafe
Grill
Lido Bar
Lido Casual Restaurant
Lounge
Piano Bar
Pinnacle Grill
Sports Bar
Terrace Grill
The Verandah
Vista Dining Room

Fitness

Basketball
Fitness Center
Gym
Pickleball

Technology

Digital Workshop
Internet Access Lounge

Staterooms

outside

Approximately 174-180 sq. ft. These large staterooms include two lower beds convertible to one que ... en-size bed—our Signature Mariner’s Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads and a host of amenities. The view is fully obstructed. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.

inside

Approximately 151-233 sq. ft. Two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Marin ... er’s Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads and a host of amenities are featured in these comfortable staterooms. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.

suite

Approximately 372-384 sq. ft. including verandah These large, comfortable suites feature a spaciou ... s sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner’s Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and one sofa bed for one person. The bathroom includes a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, and an additional shower stall. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.

balcony

Approximately 212-359 sq. ft including verandah Filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows ov ... erlooking a private verandah, these staterooms include a sitting area, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner’s Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and bath tub with premium massage showerheads. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.