26-day southeast Asia, Shanghai, Taiwan lanterns & Japan

Your voyage begins in Singapore. Singapore - the very name summons visions of the mysterious East. The commercial center of Southeast Asia, this island city-state of five million people is a metropolis of modern high-rise buildings, Chinese shop-houses with red-tiled roofs, sturdy Victorian buildings, Buddhist temples and Arab bazaars. Founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles of the fabled East India Company, the city is a melting pot of people and cultures. Malay, Chinese, English and Tamil are official languages. Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity are the major faiths. Singapore is an ever-fascinating island boasting colorful traditions, luxurious hotels and some of the finest duty-free shopping in the world. Lying just 85 miles north of the Equator at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, the island was a haven for Malay pirates and Chinese and Arab traders.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Seabourn Encore's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Continue your voyage aboard Seabourn Encore with a leisurely day at sea.

Your ship calls at Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand.

Your ship calls at Ko Kood, Thailand.

A mesmerizing landscape, a revered cultural history, and Japan's most sacred volcano are just a few of the many delights beckoning you to come and explore this ancient city. While Shimizu may have the reputation as being bustling and modern, its cultural and spiritual side is on display in the form of ancient and enthralling shrines. Of course, it may be the sacred and snow-capped Mount Fuji that garners the most attention. Towering over the region at approximately 12,388 feet above sea level, the active volcano, designated a "place and source of artistic inspiration" by UNESCO is just one of the many unforgettable adventures Shimizu inspires.

Another day at sea to explore the ship at your own pace.

Your ship calls at Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam.

A second day in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam - time to explore at your own pace.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Seabourn Encore's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Your ship calls at Chan May (Hue), Vietnam.

Continue your voyage aboard Seabourn Encore with a leisurely day at sea.

Your ship calls at Halong Bay, Vietnam.

Another day at sea to explore the ship at your own pace.

Skyscrapers form a glistening forest of steel and glass, junks and sampans ply the busy harbor waters, and the green, dragon-crested hills of Kowloon beckon. Welcome to Hong Kong, one of the world's great travel destinations. Now a semi-autonomous region of China, Hong Kong - literally "Fragrant Harbor" - has lost none of its charm, excitement or exoticism. Modern skyscrapers and luxury hotels climb the slopes of Hong Kong Island. Narrow streets are crammed with noodle vendors, fortunetellers and bonesetters. The endless array of shops offer the visitor everything from hand-tailored suits and ancient porcelain to the latest consumer electronics. And everywhere more than seven million people are moving at a breathtaking pace in one of the world's great monuments to capitalism, commerce and enterprise.The former Crown Colony has enough attractions to last a lifetime. To take in the entire spectacle, head to Victoria Peak for panoramic views. Enjoy lunch on one of the city's floating restaurants. Walk down one of the crowded streets to take the city's rapid pulse. And whether you think you are in the mood or not - shop. After all, you are in the duty-free capital of the world.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Seabourn Encore's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Continue your voyage aboard Seabourn Encore with a leisurely day at sea.

Your ship calls at Shanghai, China.

A second day in Shanghai, China - time to explore at your own pace.

Another day at sea to explore the ship at your own pace.

Your ship calls at Naha, Japan.

Your ship calls at Miyakojima, Japan.

Your ship calls at Hualien, Taiwan.

The oldest Chinese reference to Taiwan dates back to the Han Dynasty in the 3rd century B.C. However, it wasn't until the 17th century A.D. that Chinese Hakka traders first settled on the island. These bold merchants were soon followed by European and Asian adventurers seeking to control and colonize the strategic island. The most famous migration of all occurred in 1948, when the government of the Republic of China fled the mainland. Taipei is one of the world's most important commercial centers. Despite its turbulent history, Taiwan today boasts an economy that is the envy of the world. Modern Taiwan is a world leader in the production of bicycles, computer chips, plastics, chemicals and computer notebooks. Taipei is a sophisticated modern metropolis that has not forgotten its rich traditional past. The port of Keelung is your gateway to Taiwan. Visit the bustling city of Taipei and other interesting areas surrounding on this fascinating island in the East China Sea.

Your ship calls at Taichung, Taiwan.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Seabourn Encore's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Your voyage concludes in Hong Kong.