Best Of Japan & South Korea Cruise 11 netter • Hong Kong, China • Spectrum of the Seas

A vibrant, buzzing metropolis filled with history, culture and futuristic feats, Hong Kong is unlike any other city in the world. Tradition and innovation exist side by side here. You’ll see it in the city’s dazzling skyline, stately dragon boats, abundance of museums and acclaimed food scene. Before your cruise from Hong Kong, pay a visit to the massive Tian Tan Buddha, which towers at over 112 feet tall. Savor delicious noodles and other tempting bites at the Temple Street Night Market or set sail on a harbor cruise for unbeatable views of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. If you have an extra day, pop over to the island of Macau for a unique mix of Chinese and Portuguese heritage. However you choose to spend your days in this eclectic city, you’ll find the hardest part about visiting Hong Kong is trying to see all of it in the time you have.

Get a sense of what South Korea looked like in 678 A.D. at the elaborate Beomeosa Temple — its three-story red pagoda is set at the edge of dramatic Mount Geumjeongsan. Then, head to Busan city center and stroll the white sands of Haeundae Beach. Alongside the shoreline, you'll find plenty of restaurants and shops — pop into a local bakery for eomuk, the crispy fish cake the region is famous for.

Immerse yourself in Jeju's brilliant green landscape and breathtaking peaks. Tackle the challenge of hiking up the dormant volcano Mount Hallasan volcano, or stroll through forested walking trails to the mystical Cheonjeyeon Falls. Then, have a bit of fun exploring the quirky Teddy Bear Museum. Or relax in an herb sauna or jjimjilbang, a Korean bathhouse, at Jeju WaterWorld.

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.

Fukuoka is a historic port city where cultural imports from the Asian mainland were introduced to Japan. Explore Japan's first Zen Buddhist temple at Shofukuji. Then, see the ruins of Fukuoka Castle amid the dazzling cherry blossoms of Maizuru Park. Or hit the sands at Momochi Seaside Park, a long artificial beach along the waterfront, with modern skyscrapers towering behind you and forest-covered mountains in the distance.

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.

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.

Although it's officially part of China, Hong Kong is a world unto itself. This bustling city is full of ancient and modern architecture, lots of people and — of course — the best dim sum around. Head to the Kowloon Peninsula for Golden Mile shopping along Nathan Road. Then, make your way to Hong Kong Island to admire the views from the top of Victoria Peak — you can see the skyscrapers of the financial district as well as the fishing village of Stanley Harbour. Cruise to Hong Kong and trek out to mountainous Lantau Island to see the famous Tian Tan Buddha, standing a full 112 feet tall. Or score some quiet time at Hong Kong Park, full of contemplative rock gardens and tree-lined paths.