Philippines, Taiwan and Japan

MANILA, the capital city of the Philippines, was founded in, 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi. It is one of the oldest cities in the country and was the seat of power for most of the colonial rules of the Philippines. It is situated on the eastern shore of Manila Bay and contains a multitude of landmarks, some of which date back to the 16th century. It is home to the baroque 16th-century San Agustin Church as well as Fort Santiago, a storied citadel and military prison. In the 19th century Manila became one of the most modern cities in Asia. Before the Spanish–American War, Manila saw the rise of the Philippine Revolution. Under the American rule following the Spanish-American War, the United States changed the official language from Spanish to English. Towards the end of World War II, during the Battle of Manila, most of the city was flattened by intensive aerial bombardment. Today, tourism is a vital industry in Manila. Major shopping malls and bazaars thrive around Manila.

Hundred Islands National Park features 124 ancient limestone islands formed by changing sea levels. Known for mushroom-shaped formations, vibrant marine life, and panoramic viewpoints, the area is also home to conservation efforts like giant clam replanting

A small coastal town located in the province of Ilocos Norte, Currimao is a privileged gateway to Vigan, a former Chinese trading port and one of the best preserved Spanish colonial towns in Asia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, you will discover a unique architectural blend and remarkably well-preserved heritage treasures, such as the baroque Cathedral of Saint Paul and the traditional stone houses on Calle Crisologo. A real journey back into time!

A small coastal town located in the province of Ilocos Norte, Currimao is a privileged gateway to Vigan, a former Chinese trading port and one of the best preserved Spanish colonial towns in Asia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, you will discover a unique architectural blend and remarkably well-preserved heritage treasures, such as the baroque Cathedral of Saint Paul and the traditional stone houses on Calle Crisologo. A real journey back into time!

Batanes, the northernmost Philippine province, is known for dramatic cliffs, stone Ivatan houses, and WWII history. Visit the Dipnaysuhuan Tunnel carved from volcanic rock and learn about a culture shaped by storms, fishing traditions, and isolation

One of the world’s biggest producers of marble, Hualin is the largest city on the east coast of Taiwan. Sitting on the mountain-fringed plains just south of the Taroko Gorge, it is a great location from which to explore Taroko National Park.

With the glittering lights of Taipei - a futuristic metropolis of culture and ideas - sparkling nearby, Keelung is the first calling point for many visitors arriving in Taiwan. While this port city essentially serves as Taipei's ocean gateway, you shouldn’t be too hasty in dashing off to Taipei's neon-lit magic – first it’s well worth spending some time exploring the famous glowing night market, which hums with life each evening and is famous for its local seafood.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Naha is the vibrant capital city of Okinawa, located on the southern coast of Japan’s Okinawa Island. Known for its unique blend of Japanese and Ryukyuan culture, Naha offers a distinct atmosphere shaped by its history as part of the former Ryukyu Kingdom.

One of the city’s most iconic landmarks is Shurijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site that once served as the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom and showcases traditional Okinawan architecture and heritage.

Naha is also famous for Kokusai Street, a lively area filled with shops, restaurants, and markets where visitors can experience local food, crafts, and culture.

The city features beautiful coastal views, nearby beaches, and a warm subtropical climate, making it a relaxing destination year-round. Visitors can explore traditional markets, enjoy Okinawan cuisine, and learn about the region’s unique history and traditions.

With its mix of cultural heritage, modern city life, and island charm, Naha serves as both the cultural heart and main gateway to the Okinawa islands.

To the north of the island of Okinawa, between the azure ocean and lush hills, Motobu inspires contemplation. This destination, far off the beaten track, unveils landscapes steeped in poetry. A natural setting, with Mount Yae as a backdrop, Motobu reveals itself through its white sandy beaches and its villages where time seems to move at a different pace. In the heart of one of the world’s famous Blue Zones, you will be inspired by the Okinawan way of life and set off to meet “keepers of memory”, these guardians of history and tradition who preserve the soul of the archipelago. Travel back into Okinawa’s fascinating past by admiring the ruins of Nakijin Castle, followed by a walk through the historic district of Bise, renowned for its impressive green tunnels.

Miyanoura, on the preserved island of Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals a remarkably rich natural universe. Between mist-covered mountains, lush forests and wild coastlines, it is home to majestic millennia-old cedar trees, some of which are said to have inspired the dreamlike landscapes in the film Princesse Mononoke. The spectacular Senpiro Waterfall, tumbling down an immense granite monolith, is one of the island’s iconic sites. Yakushima is also the guardian of ancestral craftmanship, perpetuated from generation to generation and profoundly linked to its exceptional environment.

Uwajima is home to one of Japan’s twelve remaining original Edo-era castles. Nearby, the Tensha-en Garden offers tranquil bamboo groves and seasonal blooms. The Uchiko Old Quarter preserves merchant houses from the 18th and 19th centuries

Kochi Castle, with its elegant black and white tiered roofs, is one of only twelve of the original castles remaining in Japan. Step inside to explore authentic feudal architecture and admire sweeping views over the city and mountains. The surrounding landscape is dotted with temples and forested hillsides, where the historic Shikoku Pilgrimage route winds. Beyond the castle, the Makino Botanical Garden guides visitors through pathways and greenhouses of diverse flora. The Shimanto River — Shikoku’s longest — draws outdoor enthusiasts with peaceful hiking trails and a serene backdrop for reflection. Facing the vast Pacific on Shikoku's southern coast, Kochi is celebrated for its katsuo no tataki — lightly seared skipjack tuna — and thriving sake-brewing tradition.

Located in the Shizuoka Prefecture, the port town of Yaizu is one of Japan’s main fishing centres. As you explore, you will get a feel for the lively atmosphere of this iconic port, with its blend of local traditions and artisanal craftmanship. Yaizu is also known for the traditional production of dried bonito flakes, an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine. The region also reveals another, more peaceful, face, with the lush green landscapes of the famous Shizuoka tea plantations, which spread across the surrounding hills and illustrate the importance of tea growing in this region of Japan.

Lights, sushi, manga! Sprawling, frenetic, and endlessly fascinating, Japan’s capital is a city of contrasts. Shrines and gardens are pockets of calm between famously crowded streets and soaring office buildings. Mom-and-pop noodle houses share street space with Western-style chain restaurants and exquisite fine dining. Shopping yields lovely folk arts as well as the newest electronics. And nightlife kicks off with karaoke or sake and continues with techno clubs and more. Whether you seek the traditional or the cutting edge, Tokyo will provide it.