58 nights · Japan · Departs Tokyo (Japan) · Visiting Shimizu, Kobe-Osaka, Kochi City, Hiroshima City, Kitakyushu, Hakata-Fukuoka City, Kagoshima City, Nagasaki City, Yeosu, Incheon, Tianjin, Dalian, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Halong Bay, Da Nang, Saigon, Laem Chabang, Koh Samui Island Thailand, Singapore, Semarang, Surabaya, Celukan Bawang, Benoa, Darwin, Cooktown QLD, Cairns, Townsville QLD, Airlie Beach, Mooloolaba, Brisbane, Sydney · Aboard Azamara Cruises on the Azamara Pursuit
Image courtesy of Azamara Cruises ©
| Cruise line | Azamara Cruises |
|---|---|
| Ship | Azamara Pursuit |
| Duration | 58 nights |
| Port calls | 33 |
| Departures | 1 sailings |
| From fare | $20,219 per person |
| Year built | 2001 |
| Guests | 774 |
| Cabins | 352 |
| Crew | 400 |
| Length | 181 m |
| Beam | 25 m |
| Cruising speed | 18.0 kn |
Tokyo is a city of contrasts best explored one neighborhood at a time. In Asakusa, Senso-ji’s lantern gates lead to a centuries-old Buddhist temple; nearby, the Sumida River frames the skyline. Ride the efficient rail network to sleek Ginza, quiet Meiji Shrine, or the high-rise streets of Shinjuku. Come hungry: sushi counters, ramen shops, and department-store food halls make eating well remarkably easy. Tokyo’s scale is immense, but its details reward curiosity.
Shimizu offers a memorable arrival: on clear days, Mount Fuji rises beyond the blue waters of Suruga Bay. Shimizu is a working harbor famed for tuna. Across the bay, Miho-no-Matsubara’s pines frame a celebrated view of Fuji. At Nihondaira, take in the panorama, then ride the ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu, a richly decorated shrine honoring Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Osaka rewards travellers who look beyond its famous appetite. Japan’s third-largest city blends merchant heritage, bold architecture and everyday energy. At Osaka Castle, stone walls and broad moats frame a defining chapter of the city’s past. Follow locals to Dotonbori, where neon reflects on the canal and takoyaki comes hot from the grill. Excellent rail links make Osaka a practical gateway to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe.
Kochi rewards curious visitors with Shikoku’s history and easygoing, open-air pleasures. At its heart, Kochi Castle is one of Japan’s twelve castles to retain its original keep. Nearby, the Sunday market and Hirome Market reveal local life through seasonal produce and katsuo no tataki, seared bonito. Follow the coast to Katsurahama, where a statue of samurai reformer Sakamoto Ryoma faces the sea.
Hiroshima is a modern city with a history that reaches far beyond the events of 1945. At Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome and museum offer a moving, carefully documented account of the bombing. Across the city, local trams make it easy to reach Shukkeien Garden, lively Hondori and the riverside. A short train and ferry journey reaches Miyajima, famed for Itsukushima Shrine and its great torii gate.
Kitakyushu sits at Kyushu’s northern tip, facing Honshu across the Kanmon Strait. Its waterfront tells two stories: Mojiko’s restored Meiji-era port buildings and the steelworks that helped shape modern Japan. Explore Kokura Castle, then browse Tanga Market, where local cooks and shoppers keep the city’s food culture in view. Come for a port city with substance: industrial history, waterside architecture and a lively gateway to western Japan.
Fukuoka is Kyushu’s largest city, a compact gateway where old Hakata meets modern Japan. Hakata’s shrines, covered shopping arcades and lively yatai food stalls reveal its character. Try famed tonkotsu ramen, then visit Ohori Park, where a broad lake lies beside Fukuoka Castle’s ruins. Efficient buses and subway connections make it easy to balance heritage, waterfront walks and contemporary city life.
Kagoshima sits at the southern end of Kyushu, with Sakurajima rising across its sheltered bay. Ferries cross to the active volcano, where lava fields and walking trails reveal a landscape still shaped by fire. Sengan-en, a former Shimazu estate, combines traditional gardens with striking views of Sakurajima. Kagoshima’s food is equally distinctive: tender kurobuta pork and local sweet-potato shochu give the region its own character.
Few Japanese cities combine harbor scenery and layered history as compellingly as Nagasaki. Its steep streets rise above a sheltered harbor that once linked Japan with Dutch and Chinese traders. At Dejima, the former Dutch trading post, exhibits trace the city’s unusual role during centuries of restricted foreign contact. The Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum offer a moving, carefully documented account of 1945. Come for the history; stay to see how a resilient port city lives beside its past.
Yeosu rewards travelers who look beyond South Korea’s better-known cities. Set along the country’s southern coast, it faces a sheltered sea dotted with islands and fishing villages. Ride the cable car across the water to Dolsan Island, then explore Odongdo’s camellia-lined paths. The Expo 2012 waterfront offers museums and open sea views. Nearby, Hyangiram Hermitage clings to a rocky headland.
Incheon has long connected Korea with the wider world, and remains a gateway to Seoul. The port opened to trade in 1883; the Open Port district still reflects that history in its streets and buildings. Nearby, Incheon Chinatown offers lively color and Korean-Chinese cuisine. For a striking contrast, head to Songdo, where contemporary towers frame canals and expansive Central Park.
Your ship docks at Tianjin, China’s great northern port and the maritime gateway to Beijing. From here, the capital’s palaces and imperial avenues make a compelling day ashore, though the journey takes time. Stay in Tianjin and follow the Haihe River past grand bridges, former concession-era buildings and the lively waterfront. Browse Ancient Culture Street for traditional crafts and local snacks. The Tianjin Eye offers a striking view of a city balancing old China and modern ambition.
At the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, Dalian faces the Yellow Sea with a distinctly maritime character. Wide boulevards, leafy parks and elegant squares recall the city’s Russian and Japanese past. Begin at Zhongshan Square, where historic buildings frame one of northeast China’s liveliest business districts. Then follow the waterfront for seafood restaurants, sea views and the old trams still running through the city.
Shanghai is a city of striking contrasts, where historic lanes meet a skyline that ranks among the world’s most recognizable. Walk the Bund for views across the Huangpu to Pudong’s soaring towers, then explore the former French Concession’s tree-lined streets. At Yu Garden, classical pavilions and rockeries offer a quieter counterpoint to the city’s pace. Allow time for a meal: Shanghai’s restaurants range from traditional xiaolongbao shops to contemporary kitchens.
Hong Kong is best approached from the water, where the Star Ferry crosses Victoria Harbour beneath a skyline of towers. Ride the Peak Tram for sweeping views of the harbour and surrounding islands. In Central, colonial landmarks stand beside glass towers; across the harbour, Kowloon’s markets and temples offer a different pace. Cantonese kitchens range from dim sum teahouses to polished dining rooms. Leave time for the harbour after dark, when the city’s lights come into focus.
Hạ Long opens onto a singular seascape: thousands of limestone islands rise from the Gulf of Tonkin. From the modern cruise port, boat trips lead into sheltered coves and dramatic grottoes. Some itineraries visit a floating fishing village, where families once made their living from the bay. Back ashore, Bai Chay has cafés and seafood restaurants. Choose a longer cruise for the best perspective: the karsts are most striking from the water.
Da Nang is Vietnam’s most appealing blend of city energy, broad beaches and easy access to remarkable heritage. The Museum of Cham Sculpture offers an exceptional introduction to the ancient kingdom of Champa. The Marble Mountains rise above the coast; Hoi An’s lantern-lit old town is about 30 kilometres south. Choose a beach day, a museum visit or an outing into central Vietnam’s layered past.
Ho Chi Minh City rewards curious travellers with a vivid collision of old Saigon and modern Vietnam. French-colonial landmarks, busy markets and motorbike-filled streets make the centre a study in contrasts. The War Remnants Museum offers a sobering account of the conflict, while local cafés invite a slower pause. For a deeper look at Vietnam’s wartime history, the Cu Chi tunnels make a memorable excursion beyond the city.
Bangkok makes its first impression in motion: river boats, temple roofs and traffic threading between modern towers. At the Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha and ceremonial halls reveal the city’s royal heritage. Nearby, Wat Pho holds the famous Reclining Buddha; a Chao Phraya boat ride offers a quieter view of old neighborhoods. Come hungry: markets and street kitchens serve fragrant curries, grilled seafood and mango with sticky rice. Allow time for heat and distance; Bangkok rewards an unhurried visit.
Ko Samui rewards those who look beyond its beach resorts. Thailand’s Gulf island pairs coconut groves and fishing villages with polished dining and quiet coves. From Nathon, explore the island’s temples, including the gold-toned Big Buddha, or follow the coast to Chaweng and Lamai. Boat trips reach Ang Thong Marine Park, where limestone islands rise above clear water. Choose a driver for the day; distances and heat make leisurely exploration easier.
Singapore rewards the curious with a rare mix of order, energy and invention. Within a short ride of the waterfront, explore Chinatown’s shophouses, Little India’s temples and Kampong Glam’s Malay heritage. Follow pepper crab and satay aromas into a hawker centre, where local cooks make a persuasive case for lunch. For a quieter hour, Gardens by the Bay pairs dramatic Supertrees with cool conservatories and views across Marina Bay.
Semarang rewards travelers who look beyond the harbor. Kota Lama’s Dutch-era warehouses and civic buildings recall the city’s trading past. The domed Gereja Blenduk anchors its historic square. Sam Poo Kong, a Chinese temple complex associated with 15th-century admiral Zheng He, reflects Java’s layered heritage. For a longer excursion, Borobudur, the celebrated Buddhist temple complex, lies about 100 kilometers inland. Make time for lumpia, Semarang’s famed spring roll.
Surabaya, East Java’s provincial capital and Indonesia’s second-largest city, is a working port with a layered past. From Tanjung Perak, explore the old quarter, lively markets and broad boulevards that reveal its trading-city character. The House of Sampoerna, set in a restored Dutch-era complex, tells the story of the city’s clove-cigarette industry. For a dramatic change of scene, Mount Bromo’s volcanic landscapes make a lengthy day trip from the city.
Celukan Bawang opens onto Bali’s quieter north coast, far from the island’s crowded southern resorts. From this working harbour, journeys lead east to Singaraja, Bali’s former colonial capital, and the Lovina coast. The route reveals rice fields, volcanic foothills and villages where daily life still sets the pace. Visit the island’s largest Buddhist monastery at Banjar, or pause at nearby hot springs beneath tropical greenery.
Benoa is Bali’s principal cruise gateway, set on the island’s sheltered southeast coast. From the pier, Bali’s contrasts are close at hand: Nusa Dua’s resorts and Sanur’s seafront. Denpasar offers markets, museums, and a glimpse of daily life beyond the resort belt. Allow time for traffic; journeys inland can take longer than the map suggests. For a deeper excursion, Ubud pairs galleries and rice terraces with a lively arts scene.
Darwin is Australia’s northern gateway, where the Timor Sea meets a city shaped by tropical heat and Asian influence. Its compact waterfront puts the harbour within easy reach. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory offers insight into Indigenous cultures and the region’s wartime past. Beyond town, Kakadu’s wetlands and Litchfield’s waterfalls reward a longer stay. Visit in the dry season for easier travel and clear, warm days.
Cooktown sits where the Endeavour River meets the Coral Sea, beneath the hills of Cape York Peninsula. In 1770, James Cook repaired the Endeavour here after it struck the Great Barrier Reef. Climb Grassy Hill for broad river and coastline views, then visit the James Cook Museum in a former convent. Cooktown’s gold-rush past and living Guugu Yimithirr culture give this remote Queensland town its distinct character.
Cairns puts two World Heritage landscapes within reach: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest. Boats leave the marina for coral reefs and islands. Inland, the scenic railway and Skyrail connect Cairns with Kuranda, a mountain village above the rainforest. The Esplanade’s waterfront lagoon offers a refreshing pause in the tropical city. Allow time for Cairns itself: its markets, cafés and relaxed waterfront reward a slower pace between excursions.
Townsville puts tropical North Queensland within reach, with the Great Barrier Reef offshore and Magnetic Island just across the water. Take the ferry to Magnetic Island, where walking trails, quiet bays and koalas make a compelling day ashore. Back in town, The Strand follows the waterfront, while Castle Hill rewards a climb with broad views over the harbour. Allow time for the Museum of Tropical Queensland, whose exhibits explore the region’s maritime and natural history.
Airlie Beach is the mainland gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, on Queensland’s Coral Sea coast. Boats leave its marina for island beaches, reef snorkelling and sailing, on day trips or overnight cruises. The foreshore lagoon offers a saltwater swim and bay views; cafés and shops line the town centre. Conway National Park’s rainforest trails provide a quieter inland counterpoint.
Set on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba pairs a broad, patrolled beach with a working marina and an easygoing seaside centre. Walk the Esplanade for cafés, boutiques and views across the water, or follow the coastal path towards Alexandra Headland. Mooloolaba prawns are a local speciality, best enjoyed overlooking the marina. SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast offers a look at the region’s marine life. Beyond the shore, the hinterland rewards a longer excursion with villages and the Glass House Mountains.
Brisbane is a river city with a relaxed subtropical pace and a confident cultural scene. Ride a CityCat ferry for an easy view of its bridges, riverside parks and skyline. At South Bank, galleries, restaurants and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre sit close to a man-made beach. Two leading art museums anchor the Queensland Cultural Centre. Afterward, explore the city’s dining precincts, where Queensland produce and global influences share the menu.
From the water, Sydney’s harbour frames the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and ferries crossing between historic quays. Beyond the waterfront, central Sydney pairs nineteenth-century buildings with contemporary architecture and leafy streets. Walk the Royal Botanic Garden for harbour views, or take a ferry to Manly for a coastal perspective. Allow time to explore The Rocks, where the city’s colonial beginnings meet galleries, cafés and a lively weekend market.
Published September 18, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.
We work hard to make sure everything on this website is accurate and up to date. However, some information may be incomplete or inaccurate, including details supplied by third parties or otherwise outside our control, and we cannot be held responsible for such errors. We work with 41 cruise line operators, that are providing cruises on 585 ships visiting 1,731 ports across 7,194 unique cruises, creating 13,822 itineraries. This is a great deal of data to continually update daily from our suppliers. If a pricing error, misrepresentation, or omission occurs, we reserve the right to adjust the pricing, correct the information, or cancel or decline any booking made in error, with notice to you. Thank you for your understanding!
