Okinawa & Ishigaki Cruise ÄVENTYRET BÖRJAR HÄR
Hong Kong , China | Okinawa (Naha) , Japan | Ishigaki , Japan | Hong Kong , China
VOYAGER OF THE SEAS
Get to know your ship
VOYAGER OF THE SEAS
DISCOVER ADVENTURE
ON EVERY DECK
LEARN MORE
GOURMET
GLOBETROTTING
LEARN MORE
SHOWS THAT HIT
EVERY HIGH NOTE
LEARN MORE
Hong Kong, China
SHOULDA, WOULDA, BUDDHA
After you arrive at Hong Kong's airport on Lantau Island, see the enormous Tian Tan Buddha, measuring 112 feet tall and weighing over 200 tons. Then, take a harbor cruise to get your bearings and see Hong Kong's modern architecture. Later, slurp noodles at the Temple Street Night Market. If you have an extra day, head out to Dragon's Back portion of the Hong Kong Trail for some scenic hiking among mist-covered peaks.
After you arrive at Hong Kong's airport on Lantau Island, see the enormous Tian Tan Buddha, measuring 112 feet tall and weighing over 200 tons. Then, take a harbor cruise to get your bearings and see Hong Kong's modern architecture. Later, slurp noodles at the Temple Street Night Market. If you have an extra day, head out to Dragon's Back portion of the Hong Kong Trail for some scenic hiking among mist-covered peaks.
in Hong Kong
Peek From the Peak
The Peak Tram takes you up to Victoria Peak, Hong Kong's 1,800-foot-high mountain. Less expensive buses will get you there, too. Once you're up top, admire the views over the city from the hiking trails. The Peak also offers an escape from the subtropical climate below — the air here is cooler and less humid.
Scenic Ride to Stanley
Stanley Harbour, on the other side of Hong Kong Island, will give you a taste of a different Hong Kong. It's a fishing village on Repulse Bay with a lovely seaside walk (snap some photos of the fishing boats) as well as a famous street market. There's lots of British history, a boardwalk and even a few beaches. You can take the bus from Central for a scenic trip, though the express bus is faster.
Out on the Harbor
Use an Octopus card for a ride on Hong Kong's iconic Star Ferry for inexpensive views of Hong Kong's harbor. The tour makes a scenic circular route between Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island, stopping at three piers. Skyscrapers are everywhere, but look closely for the smaller Golden Bauhinia near the Wan Chai Pier, a golden flower statue where the handover of Hong Kong took place in 1997.
Local Cuisine
Hong Kong is famous for dim sum, a meal of bite-sized foods with various selections brought to your table. Traditionally eaten for brunch, you'll find it at other hours, too. Choose from steamed buns, dumplings or fried rolls filled with spinach, crab or chicken. You'll likely need to share a table — but then you'll have help deciding what to order. Restaurants with lots of locals are a sign of quality and good prices.
Shopping
Head to Causeway Bay for modern retail therapy: This stretch of Hong Kong is virtually covered in malls and shops. Central is the district to go to for upscale designer clothes, shoes and other items. But don't overlook the markets for local handicrafts during your Hong Kong cruise. Pick up an inexpensive but distinctive jade necklace or ornament, or look for poetry-inscribed paintings and bamboo handicrafts from the antique dealers on Cat Street.
KRYSSNING
CAN'T MISS FAVORITES
Things to Do
Okinawa (Naha), Japan
JAPAN-STYLE
Soak in the splendor of the former Ryukyu Kingdom at the vermillion-red Shujiro Castle. Then, walk around the private garden of a king at the tropical Shikinaen Gardens. Finish your time here by taking in Okinawa's pristine coastline at Okuma Beach, where you can swim, snorkel or kayak in the brilliant waters of the East China Sea.
Soak in the splendor of the former Ryukyu Kingdom at the vermillion-red Shujiro Castle. Then, walk around the private garden of a king at the tropical Shikinaen Gardens. Finish your time here by taking in Okinawa's pristine coastline at Okuma Beach, where you can swim, snorkel or kayak in the brilliant waters of the East China Sea.
in Okinawa (Naha)
Live Like a King
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shurijo Castle's bright red exterior is instantly striking. Destroyed and rebuilt many times over, this building offers you a sense of life during the Ryukyu Kingdom's golden years. Then, see the former residence of the Japanese king at the Shikinaen Gardens populated by tropical flora.
Where Sea Meets Sky
Explore the depths of the bay at Nami-no-ue Sea and Sky Park. With guided snorkeling tours and diving equipment, you can see 95 types of coral and 53 species of colorful fish. Finish up with a beach party and a barbeque under the golden sun.
Okinawan Education
At Ryukyu Mura village, you'll find a recreated village and practical demonstrations of old crafts. The vibrant village welcomes visitors with dances and celebrations of traditional festivals and arts. Complete your day of learning at the Okinawa Prefecture Museum, home to a massive 85,000 artifacts dating to the 12th century.
Local Cuisine
The food here is both distinctly Japanese and uniquely Okinawan, with Chinese and South Asian influences creating a cuisine all its own. Okinawa cruises allow you to try Okinawan soba (actually more reminiscent to udon noodles because they're so thick) served in a ramen-like pork broth and topped with slow-cooked pork spare ribs. Don't miss out on Agu, the Wagyu beef of pork, with its tender texture and sweet flavor.
Shopping
Many craft techniques are unique to Okinawa. Head to Kokusai-Dori (International Street) to browse for Ryukyan glass and lacquerware or colorful Shuri-ori textiles. On Tsuboya Yachimun-Dori Street, you can pick up intricate Tsuboya-yaki pottery — choose between decorative traditional statues or plates, bowls and other home-use items.
Ishigaki, Japan
PERFECT ZEN
The iconic Kaibara Bay is the highlight of Ishigaki. Take a glass-bottom boat tour through emerald-green water, and glide over multicolored coral reefs full of tropical fish. Pay your respects at the Tojin Baka Ishigaki Memorial, where intricate carving and calligraphy are dedicated to Chinese workers. Or head to historical Yaima Village, where you can learn Ryukyu crafts or catch a traditional music and dance show at House Ashibi.
The iconic Kaibara Bay is the highlight of Ishigaki. Take a glass-bottom boat tour through emerald-green water, and glide over multicolored coral reefs full of tropical fish. Pay your respects at the Tojin Baka Ishigaki Memorial, where intricate carving and calligraphy are dedicated to Chinese workers. Or head to historical Yaima Village, where you can learn Ryukyu crafts or catch a traditional music and dance show at House Ashibi.
in Ishigaki
Sail on Glass
Visit Kaibara Bay, where glass-bottom boats fly through striking blue water giving you a rare underwater look. The bay is passionately protected by locals, and swimming is not allowed, but if you'd like to take a dip, head to Sukuji Beach — here, you'll find warm water, jet skis and diving tours.
Find Your Own Path
On a clear day, climb up Mt. Otomo — the highest peak in Okinawa — for expansive views of the island and beyond. The mountainous path leads you through dense forest and takes one hour each way. Cruise to Ishigaki, Japan and finish your adventure at Nagura Anparu Wetland with a mystical kayak tour through the impressive Mangroves.
Party in the Past
Head to Yaima Village, where you can experience a real-life recreation of the Ryukyu Era. Old structures have been rebuilt and musical shows are put on daily. Have fun trying on Ryuku traditional dress, paint your own Shiisa statuette, or learn to make mouthwatering Sata Andagi donuts.
Local Cuisine
Head to Sukuji Beach for the island's best restaurants and bars. Try yaeyama soba, a delicious fusion of pork and seafood flavors balanced by Okinawan-style thick wheat noodles. Pair your soba with a glass of awamori, Okinawa's signature liqueur, with earthy, sweet flavors similar to sake or shochu.
Shopping
A visit to Ishigaki's Public Market will fill your bags with great Ishigaki souvenirs during your visit to Japan. Pick up a jar of locally harvested Okinawan sea salt, a bottle of awamori and a small handmade Shiisa statue. Shissa are guardian spirits that look like a mix between a dog and a lion.
KRYSSNING
FOR FOODIES
Things to Do
Hong Kong, China
ASIA'S URBAN HEARTBEAT
Before leaving Hong Kong, pop over to the island of Macau — you'll need to bring your passport but not a Chinese visa. Check out the island's Vegas-style casinos like the Grand Lisboa, one of the oldest. Inside the Venetian Hotel and Casino, see singing gondoliers and do some shopping. Stroll through Senado Square and the narrow surrounding streets and grab a Portuguese egg tart, the iconic Macau brunch food.
Before leaving Hong Kong, pop over to the island of Macau — you'll need to bring your passport but not a Chinese visa. Check out the island's Vegas-style casinos like the Grand Lisboa, one of the oldest. Inside the Venetian Hotel and Casino, see singing gondoliers and do some shopping. Stroll through Senado Square and the narrow surrounding streets and grab a Portuguese egg tart, the iconic Macau brunch food.
in Hong Kong
Peek From the Peak
The Peak Tram takes you up to Victoria Peak, Hong Kong's 1,800-foot-high mountain. Less expensive buses will get you there, too. Once you're up top, admire the views over the city from the hiking trails. The Peak also offers an escape from the subtropical climate below — the air here is cooler and less humid.
Scenic Ride to Stanley
Stanley Harbour, on the other side of Hong Kong Island, will give you a taste of a different Hong Kong. It's a fishing village on Repulse Bay with a lovely seaside walk (snap some photos of the fishing boats) as well as a famous street market. There's lots of British history, a boardwalk and even a few beaches. You can take the bus from Central for a scenic trip, though the express bus is faster.
Out on the Harbor
Use an Octopus card for a ride on Hong Kong's iconic Star Ferry for inexpensive views of Hong Kong's harbor. The tour makes a scenic circular route between Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island, stopping at three piers. Skyscrapers are everywhere, but look closely for the smaller Golden Bauhinia near the Wan Chai Pier, a golden flower statue where the handover of Hong Kong took place in 1997.
Local Cuisine
Hong Kong is famous for dim sum, a meal of bite-sized foods with various selections brought to your table. Traditionally eaten for brunch, you'll find it at other hours, too. Choose from steamed buns, dumplings or fried rolls filled with spinach, crab or chicken. You'll likely need to share a table — but then you'll have help deciding what to order. Restaurants with lots of locals are a sign of quality and good prices.
Shopping
Head to Causeway Bay for modern retail therapy: This stretch of Hong Kong is virtually covered in malls and shops. Central is the district to go to for upscale designer clothes, shoes and other items. But don't overlook the markets for local handicrafts during your Hong Kong cruise. Pick up an inexpensive but distinctive jade necklace or ornament, or look for poetry-inscribed paintings and bamboo handicrafts from the antique dealers on Cat Street.
© 2019 Royal Caribbean International
{{GTKYSModal.data.subtitle}}
{{GTKYSModal.data.description}}
{{GTKYSModal.data.experiencessubtitle}}
INSIDER TIP