Singapore To Tokyo Cruise 12 Nights • Singapore, Singapore to Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan • Navigator of the Seas

Heading out on a cruise from Singapore? You’re in for an unforgettable adventure. Just make sure you set aside a few days before your sailing to really get to know the best of Singapore while you’re there. This vibrant island-state is a true cultural hub. It boasts four official languages and is home to a community that represents countries around the world. If you want to stretch your legs, climb to the summit of Mount Faber. At just over 300 feet, it’s more of a hill than a mountain, but it offers pretty panoramic views of the skyline and bay. Or spend some time exploring the impressive Orchid Garden and Botanic Garden, where you’ll find 250 different types of ginger growing. It’s the perfect lead-up to a meal of Singapore’s world-famous street food, like sweet and buttery kaya toast, flaky roti prata (sometimes called the “Asian croissant”), and tender Hainanese chicken rice, considered by many to be Singapore’s national dish.

Begin your day in Hong Kong with a vigorous hike — or a cable car ride, if you're strapped for time — up to Victoria Peak for an iconic view of the city, the harbor and (if it's clear enough) the mountains of Kowloon.

Take the short trip from Keelung into Taipei, learn more about the city's history and traditions at Long Shan Temple, dating back to the 1600s in the early days of the Qing Dynasty. Then, head to Jiufen Old Street to take in some of stunning views of the bay and mountains as you wander through picturesque streets lined with quaint, traditional buildings — pop into one of the small, family-run spots here serving up fish ball soup with vermicelli noodles.

Explore the mix of east and west in Nagasaki: Start off your day at Oura Church, a Gothic-style church built in 1864 to harken back to Europe's Middle Ages. Then, visit Kofukuji Temple — dating back to 1620, it's the oldest of the Buddhist temples built by the community of Chinese merchants that lived here. Finish the day with a bird's-eye view of the city from the top of Mt. Inasa, and catch a glimpse of the sparkling sea.

Kumamoto City proudly traces its roots to Japan's samurai age — see these roots on clear display at 15th-century Kumamoto Castle and its cherry-tree-covered grounds. Then, stroll through traditional Suizenji Garden, with its manicured trees and artificial mountain replicating Mount Fuji. Or head outside the city for a dose of nature and climb volcanic Mount Aso, the site of one of the world's largest volcanic calderas.

Soak in the mix of history and scenery that is Kagoshima. Stroll through a samurai garden overlooking the sea at Sengan-en. Fill up on local korubuta pork, then finish your day with a memorable view of the city and the volcano in the distance at Shiroyama Lookout.

Yokohama is the central gateway to exploring Tokyo, a once-humble fishing village that is now one of the world's biggest, most densely populated cities. You'll find an eclectic mix of traditional shrines and soaring skyscrapers lining these neon-lit streets. Walk the Rainbow Bridge over Tokyo Bay alongside the Yurikamome Rail Line, a futuristic, operatorless train system. Then, see old Tokyo at the Imperial Palace, an Edo Castle surrounded by moats and gardens perfect for strolling. Cruise to Tokyo and head to iconic Sensoji Buddhist Temple and pass below the massive red paper lantern of the Thunder Gate. Then, unwind in Yoyogi Park, a literal forest in the heart of the city, complete with Zen gardens and a gingko tree forest.