East Asia Holland America Cruise: Manila, Taipei & Okinawa Islands with Hong Kong & Yokohama Stays + US$200 Onboard Credit
Embark on the ultimate East Asia adventure on this captivating 13-night cruise aboard Holland America Line’s magnificent Noordam. Travel in style from bustling Hong Kong to cosmopolitan Yokohama with a bonus night’s stay in each. Make memories to last a lifetime with stops in the spectacular Filipino ports of Puerto Princesa and Boracay before exploring Manila’s historic charms and Taiwan’s sun-kissed coast. Then sail east to the Okinawan Islands, where you’ll have the unique chance to savour time spent in Japan’s less-travelled slice of paradise before exploring Osaka’s neon-drenched streets. With a bonus US$200 onboard credit per stateroom included, you’ll be all set to sail in style.
Your unforgettable cruise embarks on 16 February 2025, following your one-night pre-cruise stay in Hong Kong’s happening new Kowloon East precinct. Once onboard Noordam, discover some of the best gourmet restaurants at sea (plus complimentary 24-hour in-room dining) and onboard entertainment at venues like the Rolling Stone Lounge, Billboard Onboard and more. Combined with Holland America’s extraordinary commitment to first-class hospitality, you’ll soon discover there’s no better way to travel.
Your journey takes you to: Hong Kong – Puerto Princesa, Philippines – Boracay – Manila – Kaohsiung, Taiwan – Keelung – Ishigaki Island, Japan – Naha – Osaka – Tokyo (Yokohama).
Your cruise includes:
- 13-night Holland America Line cruise aboard the Noordam
- One night pre-cruise accommodation at Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Kowloon East, an IHG Hotel (or similar), with breakfast
- One night post-cruise accommodation at the Hyatt Regency Yokohama (or similar), with breakfast
- US$200 onboard credit per stateroom
- All-inclusive dining at select restaurants onboard
- Access to entertainment and fitness venues onboard
- All taxes and applicable port fees
Dining
- The Dining Room
- Lido Market
- Dive In
- Explorations Cafe
- Canaletto
- Pinnacle Grill
- 24-hour in-room dining
Specialty Dining
- Crow’s Next
- Explorer’s Lounge
- Ocean Bar
Activities
- Rolling Stone Lounge
- Billboard Onboard
- World Stage
- Casino Action
Facilities
- Greenhouse Spa and Salon
- Onboard shopping
- Pickleball at sea
- Fitness Centre
- Kids club
Surcharges may apply to select facilities and services
Your cruise begins in Hong Kong and ends in Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan.
Your cruise departs Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Cruise Terminal at 4pm on Day 2 and ends in Tokyo (Yokohama) at 8am on Day 16. Please ensure you arrive in time for boarding.
Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. Please do NOT book your flights until your cruise is confirmed.
Transfers to and from cruise ports are NOT included in your package, please plan accordingly.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visas Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Day 1: Hong Kong, China
Welcome to Hong Kong! Your pre-cruise stay at the spectacular Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Kowloon East, an IHG Hotel is located directly above Tseung Kwan O MTR station and the delightfully named PopCorn Shopping Mall, making it a breeze to get to by taxi or train.
Check-in, drop your bags and get ready to discover the city’s best. Hong Kong dazzles first-time visitors with countless things to do, see and eat. For a perfect intro into the city, cross Victoria Harbour by the iconic Star Ferry and head up to Victoria Peak by historic tram, or hit the streets in search of milk tea, dumplings and bouncy noodles; be sure to be back as dusk falls for a walk along the Avenue of Stars, located right on Tsim Sha Tsui’s waterfront. It’s the perfect place to see the city come alive every evening at 8pm as the laser-filled A Symphony of Lights floods the skyline.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Kowloon East, an IHG Hotel (King Standard City View)
Day 2: Hong Kong
Holland Cruise Line’s Noordam departs Kai Tak Cruise Terminal at 4pm, giving you the perfect half-day to continue exploring Hong Kong. Spend the morning at the brand-new West Kowloon Cultural Precinct, where you’ll find some of the city’s best new museums – including the boundary-pushing M+ visual arts centre and historic Hong Kong Palace Museum – or head out to do some shopping in Mongkok and Causeway Bay.
Please arrive at the cruise terminal well in advance of your departure time. Check-in closes an hour prior to embarkation.
Accommodation: Noordam
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3 & 4: At Sea
With two full days spent at sea, take the time to better acquaint yourself with the Noordam’s offerings. Perhaps treat yourself to a relaxing massage at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon (charges apply), try your luck at the casino or enjoy a workout at the fitness centre. Head up to the Crow’s Nest, Noordam’s fabulous top-level panoramic bar, for classic cocktails and unbeatable sunset views, or for a taste of old-world history, continue to Explorer’s Lounge, a refined space accented by hanging nautical art and pouring classic cocktails and fine wines long into the evening.
Accommodation: Noordam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Puerto Princesa, Philippines
Puerto Princesa, the laidback capital of the Filipino archipelago province of Palawan, offers the ideal place to discover the region’s spectacular natural beauty. Think dramatic limestone karsts emerging from brilliant turquoise waters, beaches seemingly spun from gold and technicolour underwater kingdoms brimming with marine life. For a glimpse of the region’s greatness, organise a boat trip through Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park’s legendary limestone caves – mighty, mysterious and magnificent, they must be seen to be believed.
Accommodation: Noordam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Boracay
A small island approximately 300 kilometres from the Philippines’ capital, Boracay is legendary for its beaches. Arrive at approximately 10am and splash your way through balmy waters and golden sands. Highly recommended is a visit to the extraordinary sands of White Beach. If you’re after somewhere quiet, don’t fear – the island is stacked with quieter beaches, each just as incredible as the last.
Accommodation: Noordam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Manila
Welcome to Manila, the Philippines’ sprawling capital city and a fascinating melting pot of cultural influences and heritage. Its long history includes occupation by Chinese, Indian, Bruneian, Spanish and, finally, American conquerors – the city now has countless unique historic sights. Wander through Intramuros, Manila’s once-walled Spanish settlement, and discover Fort Santiago and the extravagant Manila Cathedral, or visit any of the city’s bustling marketplaces for a glimpse of local life.
Accommodation: Noordam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: At Sea
As you head north towards Taiwan, enjoy another day at leisure. If you haven’t yet, be sure to head to the Rolling Stone Lounge to rock out at sea, or simply hit the deck for a chance to catch some sun.
Accommodation: Noordam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Ni hao and welcome to Taiwan!
Disembark at approximately 7am in sun-kissed Kaohsiung, the country’s largest port city and, more recently, a thriving tourism destination. Blending tradition, natural beauty and modernity into a dazzling tapestry, the city also offers a rich art scene, with the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts and Pier-2 Art Centre both being well worth your time. Spend the day grazing your way through the city’s fantastic street food – sea snails and lobster are both must-try dishes – but don’t miss your chance to try bubble tea in the country where it was invented.
Accommodation: Noordam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Keelung
Taiwan’s northern port of Keelung stands just 20 minutes by metro train from Taipei, the country’s electrifying capital. Arriving at approximately 8am, enjoy a full day to explore the city. A visit to the city’s highest skyscraper, the pagoda-inspired Taipei 101, is a must – the views don’t get much better than from the building’s 89th-floor observatory. Alternatively, spend the day appreciating the city’s incredible temples, including the incense-infused Bao-An Temple and storied Longshan Temple.
Accommodation: Noordam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Ishigaki Island, Japan
Irasshaimase, and welcome to Japan!
The Ryukyu Islands – officially known as Okinawa Prefecture – offer the perfect point of contrast for ‘mainland’ Japan: relaxed, tropical and steeped in little-known cultural heritage, it’s a brilliant place to stop a while and take it easy. Ishigaki is the most populated of the southern Yaeyama Islands, and most of the island is covered in lush rainforest and unbelievably fine beaches. You’ll find hints of Ryukyu culture in the most unexpected places: whole-wheat soba dishes thrive here (versus Japan’s preferred buckwheat noodle) and traditional houses can still be found at places such as the Ishigaki Yaima Village.
Accommodation: Noordam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Naha
Okinawa’s wonderful prefectural capital once served as the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom before its official annexation by Japan in 1872. Few relics of the city’s past remain, but Shiru Castle – including the royal residence and gardens – endures, offering visitors a glimpse of Ryukyuan history. The ceremonial gate to the Shuri district, Shureimon, is so magnificent it appears on select editions of the 2,000 yen note.
Alternatively, spend the day grazing through the Makishi Public Market, one of the finest places to sample tempura, tropical fruits and, if you dare, smoked irabu sea snake, highly poisonous and considered an exceptional delicacy on the island.
Accommodation: Noordam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: At Sea
Take another day to enjoy the incredible offerings onboard Noordam, whether you choose to sample the gourmet dining options (charges apply at select restaurants) or hit the blackjack tables at Casino Action. The day is yours to spend as you wish, relaxing and rejuvenating with the many options at your feet.
Accommodation: Noordam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14: Osaka
Disembark this morning in Osaka and take a full day to explore, perhaps boarding a train to Kyoto – unofficially dubbed Japan’s cultural capital, and less than an hour away. Catch the light as it reflects off the Golden Pavilion, one of the most famous sights in the country. Ascend the steps of the Fushimi Inari Shrine, which passes beneath a sacred collection of thousands of red torii gates. Closer to Osaka, roam through the towering blades of bamboo in Arashiyama or indulge in a lunch of Okonomiyaki, Osaka’s famous savoury pancake.
Accommodation: Noordam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15: At Sea
With another full day at sea, this is your final chance to enjoy the incredible facilities onboard Noordam, from the spa (charges apply) to the plethora of exciting entertainment and shopping options. Perhaps take a dip in the sparkling pool on the top deck, or try your hand at a game of pickleball with newfound friends or family.
Accommodation: Noordam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16: Tokyo (Yokohama)
With a long history as one of Japan’s most prominent – and, at times, only – foreign ports, Yokohoma offers plenty of interesting sights, including the country’s largest Chinatown. Disembark at 8am and check-in at the Hyatt Regency Yokohama for your post-cruise stay and a day at leisure.
While Yokohama offers plenty of things to do, Tokyo is only an hour away by train. Depending on your schedule and interest, you might opt to find serenity in the heart of the big city at Meiji-jingu and Yoyogi Park, scramble through Shibuya Crossing or drink with the locals at Shinjuku.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Yokohama (Standard Corner King Room)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 17: Tokyo (Yokohama)
After checkout, make your own way to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast