Day 1 - Hong Kong

Hong Kong, Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Island skyline, with its ever-growing number of skyscrapers, speaks to ambition and money. Paris, London, even New York were centuries in the making, while Hong Kong's towers, bright lights, and glitzy shopping emporia weren't yet part of the urban scene when many of the young investment bankers who fuel one of the world's leading financial centres were born. Commerce is concentrated in the glittering high-rises of Central, tucked between Victoria Harbour and forested peaks on Hong Kong Island's north shore. While it's easy to think all the bright lights are the sum of today's Hong Kong, you need only walk or board a tram for the short jaunt west into Western to discover a side of Hong Kong that is more traditionally Chinese but no less high-energy. You'll discover the real Hong Kong to the east of Central, too, in Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and beyond. Amid the residential towers are restaurants, shopping malls, bars, convention centres, a nice smattering of museums, and—depending on fate and the horse you wager on—one of Hong Kong's luckiest or unluckiest spots, the Happy Valley Racecourse. Kowloon sprawls across a generous swath of the Chinese mainland across Victoria Harbour from Central. Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of Kowloon peninsula, is packed with glitzy shops, first-rate museums, and eye-popping views of the skyline across the water. Just to the north are the teeming market streets of Mong Kok and in the dense residential neighbourhoods beyond, two of Hong Kong's most enchanting spiritual sights, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Chi Lin Nunnery. As you navigate this huge metropolis (easy to do on the excellent transportation network), keep in mind that streets are usually numbered odd on one side, even on the other. There's no baseline for street numbers and no block-based numbering system, but street signs indicate building numbers for any given block.

Day 2 - At Sea

At Sea: A day to enjoy the amenities of the ship and relax as you sail towards your next destination.

Day 3 - At Sea

At Sea: Continue your journey relaxing aboard the ship, perhaps indulging in some leisure activities or spa treatments.

Day 4 - Ishigaki

Ishigaki, Japan: This Japanese island is renowned for its pristine beaches, limestone caves, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a paradise for nature lovers and snorkelling enthusiasts.

Day 5 - Taketomi Island

Taketomi Island, Japan: Discover the traditional Ryukyu village with charming wooden houses, white sandy streets, and iconic buffalo-drawn carts in this serene and picturesque setting.

Day 6 - Iriomote Island

Iriomote Island, Japan: Known for its dense jungles and exotic wildlife, including the elusive Iriomote wildcat, this island offers adventurous experiences such as river kayaking and hiking.

Day 7 - Yonaguni

Yonaguni, Japan: This island is famous for its mysterious underwater ruins and dramatic coastal landscapes, providing intriguing pursuits for divers and historians alike.

Day 8 - Miyako Islands

Miyako Islands, Japan: Boasting some of Japan's most beautiful beaches, the Miyako Islands invite you to explore their inviting turquoise waters and sip on refreshing local desserts like snow ice.

Day 9 - Kumejima

Kumejima, Japan: Known for its scenic beauty and historical sites, including the majestic Kumejima Kyozuka (Shell Mounds) and stunning sea vistas from the Hatenohama sandbank.

Day 10 - Maedomari/Iheya

Maedomari/Iheya, Japan: Immerse yourself in the rustic charm of these islands, offering pristine beaches and a peaceful, isolated ambience ideal for relaxation and reflection.

Day 11 - Motobu, Okinawa

Motobu, Okinawa, Japan: Home to Okinawa's renowned Churaumi Aquarium, explore diverse marine life exhibitions along with subtropical gardens and historical sites around the region.

Day 12 - Zamami

Zamami, Japan: Experience the tranquillity of this island's crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkelling, along with the lush forest trails and quaint village vibe of this laid-back community.