Grand Asia Exploration Auckland -To- Tokyo Cruise

Day 1 - Auckland

Arrive: Mon 12 January 2026 / Depart: Mon 12 January 2026 at 18:00

Auckland, “The City Of Sails”, is spread over a narrow isthmus between the sparkling waters of the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours on New Zealand’s North Island. It earns its sobriquet from having more boats per capita than any other city in the world. The first settlers here were the Maori, and are still a vibrant component of its cosmopolitan population. Auckland offers the visitor all the amenities of a world-class city. Browse the shops of Queen Street or the Parnell area with its galleries and boutiques in quaintly restored Victorian buildings. For a magnificent panorama of the city travel to Mount Eden, the city’s highest point, or visit the Skytower for loftier views. Minutes from downtown you can relax on a black sand beach, or explore the America’s Cup Yachting Village. Further afield there are the spectacular pine-clad Waitakere Mountains, the amazing Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the verdant vineyards of Kumeu River Wines.

Day 2 - Bay of Islands

Arrive: Tue 13 January 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 13 January 2026 at 17:00

The "Bay of Islands" was how Captain Cook described this area two centuries ago and the simplicity of his name masks the diversity of its charms. The Bay of Islands is the finest Maritime Park in the country with 144 islands, secluded bays and abundance of marine life. It is one of the most popular fishing, sailing and tourist destinations in the country, and has been renowned internationally for its big-game fishing since author Zane Grey publicized it in the 1930s.

Day 3 - Tauranga (Rotorua) New Zealand

Arrive: Wed 14 January 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 14 January 2026 at 18:00

Tauranga is a harbourside city in the Bay of Plenty region on New Zealand's North Island. It hosts historic buildings like the Elms Mission Station, an 1847 Georgian-style home. A bridge over the harbour connects Tauranga to Mount Maunganui, a beach town with hot saltwater pools and an extinct namesake volcano with winding walking paths. Offshore is the active volcano White Island, accessible by helicopter or boat.

Day 4 - Napier, New Zealand

Arrive: Thu 15 January 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 15 January 2026 at 15:00

The twin cities of Napier and Hastings, located within the region of Hawke's Bay on the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island, are unique. The area is blessed with a Californian-Mediterranean climate, boasting one of the highest sunshine averages in the country. The area is also dotted with colorful vineyards and orchards, with some of the most fertile farmland you will see. Within the region are more than twenty of New Zealand's finest vineyards.

Day 5 - Wellington

Arrive: Fri 16 January 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 16 January 2026 at 20:00

Stroll past Victorian Gothic buildings, visit the exquisite Botanic Gardens, take the cable car up the mountain for a fantastic view, or head for the city beach. Journey around the spectacular harbor with its amazing views and visit a sheep or cattle station. See some of the sites where the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed. Shopping: Shop for arts and crafts, jewelry, fine woolens, and leather goods. Shop for arts and crafts, jewelry, fine woolens, and leather goods. Enjoy a variety of continental dishes in addition to succulent lamb and seafood.

Day 6 - Christchurch, New Zealand

Arrive: Sat 17 January 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 17 January 2026 at 18:00

Christchurch is the largest city of the South Island. Sprawling out across the Canterbury Plains, Christchurch was incorporated as a city in 1862. It was named after the Oxford College attended by John Robert Godley, leader of the settlers arriving in the first four ships to Christchurch. It is a charming city, a garden city with many parks within its boundaries. The city has a backdrop of the Southern Alps and long, ocean beaches are only a short drive away.

Day 7 - Dunedin, New Zealand

Arrive: Sun 18 January 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 18 January 2026 at 16:00

This charming city lies at the head of a fiord-like inlet and is surrounded by seven hills. In the early days, Dunedin was the largest and wealthiest city in the country, thanks mainly to the gold fields. It has been responsible for many firsts: the first to have gaslight, water mains, hydro power and steam trams. Discover the rugged, beautiful Otago Peninsula, filled with geological wonders, and gaze in awe at the great albatross with its ten-foot wingspan. Keep an eye out for fur seals on the rocks and perhaps some yellow-eyed penguins. Visit Larnach Castle, a historic 19th-century property surrounded by gardens and splendid views. It is often said that Dunedin is the most perfectly preserved Victorian City anywhere. Explore historic Dunedin with its splendid Victorian and Edwardian stone buildings. Look for delightful local crafts, artwork, wool and leather items among the souvenirs. Enjoy a wide variety of cuisines as well as lamb and seafood.

Day 8 - Dusky Sound

Day 8 - Doubtful Sound

Day 8 - Milford Sound, New Zealand

Arrive: Mon 19 January 2026 / Depart: Mon 19 January 2026

Milford Sound is the undisputed jewel of Fiordland National Park. Although called Milford Sound, it is more classified as a fjord. Thousands of years ago, glacial ice forged its rugged grandeur. Sheer faced granite walls soar skyward, white-plumed waterfalls tumble from valleys into glassy waters, and Mitre Peak rears more than 5,000 feet into the mist. Due to its natural beauty and cultural significance, Milford Sound has been nominated a world heritage area. Please be advised that due to the under-developed nature of this destination, organized tours are not available.

Day 9 - Cruising the Tasman Sea

Day 10 - Cruising the Tasman Sea

Day 10 - Cruising the Tasman Sea

Day 11 - Hobart

Arrive: Thu 22 January 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 22 January 2026 at 18:00

Hobart is regarded by guests as one of the region's most friendly, exciting and diverse destinations. In the State of Tasmania, Hobart is Australia's second oldest city. It is rich in character and history, nestling next to one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world and at the base of Mount Wellington, which rises 3,600 feet from the sea. The working harbor is unique with Antarctic supply vessels and fishing boats coming and going throughout the year.

Day 12 - Burnie, Tasmania

Arrive: Fri 23 January 2026 at 11:00 / Depart: Fri 23 January 2026 at 20:00

Located on the northwest coast of Tasmania, Burnie was originally settled in 1827 as “Emu Bay.” The town was later renamed after William Burnie, a director of the Van Diemen’s Land Company. The first settlers literally carved a village out from the rain forests and tea-tree swamps that occupied the area. After mineral deposits were discovered in Tasmania, the town prospered. In the late 30s, Burnie’s industry bloomed even more when Associated Pulp and Paper Mills Limited began large production.

Day 13 - Melbourne

Arrive: Sat 24 January 2026

Far from the clichéd Australia of popular perception, Melbourne is a graceful city of European style and substance, fine living and cultural riches. Its many green parks and public gardens reflect the foresight of this city's 19th century founders and their intention to create a "pleasing to the eye" metropolis for the enjoyment of all. The city's moderate climate and financial prominence have attracted huge numbers of visitors from all over the world.

Day 14 - Melbourne

Depart: Sun 25 January 2026 at 16:00

Far from the clichéd Australia of popular perception, Melbourne is a graceful city of European style and substance, fine living and cultural riches. Its many green parks and public gardens reflect the foresight of this city's 19th century founders and their intention to create a "pleasing to the eye" metropolis for the enjoyment of all. The city's moderate climate and financial prominence have attracted huge numbers of visitors from all over the world.

Day 15 - Cruising the Tasman Sea

Day 16 - Sydney

Arrive: Tue 27 January 2026 at 06:00 / Depart: Tue 27 January 2026 at 18:00

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia's largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

Day 17 - Cruising the Tasman Sea

Day 18 - Melbourne

Arrive: Thu 29 January 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 29 January 2026 at 16:00

Far from the clichéd Australia of popular perception, Melbourne is a graceful city of European style and substance, fine living and cultural riches. Its many green parks and public gardens reflect the foresight of this city's 19th century founders and their intention to create a "pleasing to the eye" metropolis for the enjoyment of all. The city's moderate climate and financial prominence have attracted huge numbers of visitors from all over the world.

Day 19 - Portland, Victoria, Australia

Arrive: Fri 30 January 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 30 January 2026 at 18:00

Portland is a city on the southwest coast of Victoria, Australia. The site of Victoria's first permanent European settlement, it has more than 200 19th-century buildings, many made of bluestone. The Portland Cable Tram travels along the foreshore, past the Portland Botanic Gardens, established in 1857. The Portland Maritime Discovery Centre has exhibits on the city's maritime history, plus a sperm whale skeleton.

Day 20 - Kangaroo Island

Arrive: Sat 31 January 2026 at 06:00 / Depart: Sat 31 January 2026 at 18:00

Penneshaw is a township in the Australian state of South Australia located on the northeast coast of the Dudley Peninsula on Kangaroo Island about 107 kilometres south of the state capital of Adelaide. It is the island's main ferry port with regular services from Cape Jervis

Day 21 - Great Australian Bight

Day 22 - Great Australian Bight

Day 23 - Esperance, en Australie occidentale

Arrive: Tue 03 February 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 03 February 2026 at 17:00

This nature lover’s dream boasts spectacular scenery including the bushland and beaches uninhabited islets, granite headlands, and the bubble gum-hued Pink Lake. Esperance is located in the center of some of Australia’s most beautiful sights and with some of the country’s most stunning coastline and best surf and great fishing options.

Day 24 - Albany, Australia

Arrive: Wed 04 February 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 04 February 2026 at 16:00

Albany is the largest regional city in Western Australia, and was once the home of the Menang Noongar people. They called the area “Kinjarling,” meaning “the place of rain.” Albany is also the oldest continuous European settlement in Western Australia, and was founded in 1826, three years before the state capital of Perth. The King George Sound settlement was a hastily-dispatched British military outpost, intended to forestall any plans by France for settlements in Western Australia.

Day 25 - Busselton

Arrive: Thu 05 February 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 05 February 2026 at 18:00

Day 26 - Fremantle

Arrive: Fri 06 February 2026 at 06:00 / Depart: Fri 06 February 2026 at 18:00

Fremantle is a port city in Western Australia, located at the mouth of the Swan River in the metropolitan area of Perth, the state capital. Fremantle Harbour serves as the port of Perth. In 2016, Fremantle had a population of approximately 29,000.

Day 27 - Cruising the Indian Ocean

Day 28 - Cruising the Indian Ocean

Day 29 - Cruising the Indian Ocean

Day 30 - Benoa, Bali

Arrive: Tue 10 February 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 10 February 2026

Bali is an Indonesian island known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs. The island is home to religious sites such as cliffside Uluwatu Temple. To the south, the beachside city of Kuta has lively bars, while Seminyak, Sanur and Nusa Dua are popular resort towns. The island is also known for its yoga and meditation retreats.

Day 31 - Celukan Bawang, Bali

Arrive: Wed 11 February 2026 / Depart: Wed 11 February 2026 at 17:00

Bali is an Indonesian island known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs. The island is home to religious sites such as cliffside Uluwatu Temple. To the south, the beachside city of Kuta has lively bars, while Seminyak, Sanur and Nusa Dua are popular resort towns. The island is also known for its yoga and meditation retreats

Day 32 - Java sea cruising

Day 33 - South China Sea Cruising

Day 34 - Singapore

Arrive: Sat 14 February 2026 at 06:00 / Depart: Sat 14 February 2026 at 18:00

Straegically located at the end of the Malaysian peninsula, the island nation of Singapore is a modern, thriving metropolis and a true melting pot of cultures. Singapore offers diverse colorful ethnic quarters; a fantastic array of superb cuisines; and a shopping mecca second to none. In many ways Singapore (the name means Lion City) was built by Sir Stamford Raffles. Coming ashore to a tiny fishing village in 1819, through trade treaties and business acumen, he laid the foundation for one of the most amazing urban success stories in history. Today, travelers can embrace exotic sights and sounds as they stroll or ride a trishaw through Chinatown, the Arab Quarter or Little India. Head down to the scenic Boat Quay for unrivaled views of the harbor and stop at one of the many international eateries for a refreshing repast. Shop along famous Orchard Road with its merchandise from every corner of the Pacific Rim; embark on a night safari at the Singapore Zoo or relax in the verdant shade of the Bukit Timah Nature Preserve. Be sure to leave time to try a refreshing Singapore Sling at the bar at Raffles Hotel.

Day 35 - South China Sea Cruising

Day 36 - Ko Samui

Arrive: Mon 16 February 2026 at 06:00 / Depart: Mon 16 February 2026 at 18:00

Koh Samui is Thailand's third largest island. Surrounded by eighty smaller islands, this stunning, natural beauty has been relatively undiscovered until recent years. Rumor claims that in 1971 the first tourists to set foot on Koh Samui were hippies who arrived by way of a coconut boat from Bangkok. While Koh Samui still exports up to 2 million coconuts to Bangkok every month, recent urban developments include a no-frills airport and an ostentatious Reggae bar.

Day 37 - Laem Chabang

Arrive: Tue 17 February 2026 at 08:00

Bangkok is the capital and largest city in Thailand. It began as a small trading center on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River serving the Ayutthaya Kingdom, the precursor of modern Thailand which existed from 1350 to 1767. Indulge your senses in the city’s fabulous golden temples and palaces, the royal barges and the Emerald Buddha. And explore the hidden city of teak mansions and lovely gardens or learn about Thai culture. Look for luxurious silk, wood carvings and fine jewelry among other crafts. Tempt your palate with chili-based dishes or sweet and sour recipes. Try some sate with peanut sauce, sticky rice and grilled fish and meats.

Day 38 - Laem Chabang

Depart: Wed 18 February 2026 at 18:00

Bangkok is the capital and largest city in Thailand. It began as a small trading center on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River serving the Ayutthaya Kingdom, the precursor of modern Thailand which existed from 1350 to 1767. Indulge your senses in the city’s fabulous golden temples and palaces, the royal barges and the Emerald Buddha. And explore the hidden city of teak mansions and lovely gardens or learn about Thai culture. Look for luxurious silk, wood carvings and fine jewelry among other crafts. Tempt your palate with chili-based dishes or sweet and sour recipes. Try some sate with peanut sauce, sticky rice and grilled fish and meats.

Day 39 - Sihanoukville

Arrive: Thu 19 February 2026 at 06:00 / Depart: Thu 19 February 2026 at 18:00

Think beaches and snorkeling, as Sihanoukville sits on the beautiful island-studded Bay of Thailand. Wats, or Buddhist temples, are abundant and often modest architecturally, as seen at Wat Otres behind Otres Beach. There are even two wats in Ream National Park, a birdwatcher's paradise.

Day 40 - South China Sea Cruising

Day 41 - Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive: Sat 21 February 2026 at 06:00

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly and still commonly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam, situated in the south. In the southeastern region, the city surrounds the Saigon River and covers about 2,061 square kilometres.

Day 42 - Ho Chi Minh City

Depart: Sun 22 February 2026 at 18:00

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly and still commonly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam, situated in the south. In the southeastern region, the city surrounds the Saigon River and covers about 2,061 square kilometres.

Day 43 - Nha Trang

Arrive: Mon 23 February 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 23 February 2026 at 16:00

Nha Trang, on the south-central coast of Vietnam, supports a population of 300,000 or so but retains a welcoming small-town ambience. A resort town, it is flanked by nearly 10 kilometres of glorious shore, lapped by seas that are pleasantly tepid year-round.

Day 44 - South China Sea Cruising

Day 45 - Coron, Philippines

Arrive: Wed 25 February 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 25 February 2026 at 16:00

Coron, officially the Municipality of Coron, is a 1st class municipality in the province of Palawan, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 65,855 people.

Day 46 - Manila

Arrive: Thu 26 February 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 26 February 2026 at 18:00

The Philippine capital of Manila was founded by King Philip II of Spain. In the years that followed, the Spanish successfully prevented the Dutch, Portuguese and Chinese from settling in the Philippines. During the Seven Years' War the British occupied Manila, but agreed to return it to Spain in 1763. During WWII, the Japanese took control during a 1942 invasion, and eventually the U.S. recaptured the islands and returned them to the Philippines. In 1946, the country was granted full independence.

Day 47 - South China Sea Cruising

Day 48 - Hong Kong

Arrive: Sat 28 February 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 28 February 2026

In 1841, Hong Kong became a British Crown colony when it was acquired from China. In 1984, Britain and China signed an agreement which stated Hong Kong would return to China, but that it would maintain in its capitalist system for 50 years. This transfer took place during on June 30, 1997 under great pomp and ceremony. Its enormous harbor, vast industrialization and free port status make it a major Asian crossroad, and perhaps the best place to shop in the world.

Day 49 - South China Sea Cruising

Day 50 - Taipei

Arrive: Mon 02 March 2026 at 06:00 / Depart: Mon 02 March 2026 at 18:00

On this fascinating island visit the world's tallest building, the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, the fabulous Palace Museum's vast collection of Chinese art and the lovely Lungshan Temple.Explore lovely Keelung's historic sites and Yeliu Park's astonishing rock formations.

Day 51 - Ishigaki Island

Arrive: Tue 03 March 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 03 March 2026 at 17:00

Founded at the beginning of the 20th century, Ishigaki is the political, cultural and economic center of the Yaeyama Islands. Renowned for its stunning beaches and natural beauty, Ishigaki is also popular for those wishing to visit the islands of the Yaeyama archipelago—including Kohama, Kuroshima and Taketomi—as well as its vibrant nightlife.

Day 52 - South China Sea Cruising

Day 53 - Baoshan (Shanghai)

Arrive: Thu 05 March 2026 at 06:00

Shanghai, situated on the banks of the Yangtze River Delta in East China, is the largest city of the People's Republic of China and the ninth largest in the world. Widely regarded as the citadel of China's modern economy, the city also serves as one of the most important cultural, commercial, financial, industrial and communications centers of China. Shanghai is also one of the world's busiest ports, and became the largest cargo port in the world in 2005.

Day 54 - Baoshan (Shanghai)

Depart: Fri 06 March 2026 at 18:00

Shanghai, situated on the banks of the Yangtze River Delta in East China, is the largest city of the People's Republic of China and the ninth largest in the world. Widely regarded as the citadel of China's modern economy, the city also serves as one of the most important cultural, commercial, financial, industrial and communications centers of China. Shanghai is also one of the world's busiest ports, and became the largest cargo port in the world in 2005.

Day 55 - East China Sea Cruising

Day 56 - Busan, South Korea

Arrive: Sun 08 March 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 08 March 2026 at 18:00

Located on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula just two-and-a-half hours from Seoul, Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city. With its deep harbor, it’s also one of the largest commercial ports in the world. Often referred to as “the summer capital of South Korea,” Busan is known for its exceptional beaches, scenic cliffs and ancient temples high in the mountains.

Day 57 - Nagasaki

Arrive: Mon 09 March 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 09 March 2026 at 18:00

Nagasaki is a Japanese city on the northwest coast of the island of Kyushu. It’s set on a large natural harbor, with buildings on the terraces of surrounding hills. It is synonymous with a key moment during World War II, after suffering an Allied nuclear attack in August 1945. The event is memorialized at the city’s Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park.

Day 58 - Cruising the Pacific Ocean

Day 59 - Osaka

Arrive: Wed 11 March 2026 at 06:00

Osaka is the third largest city in Japan and the central metropolis of the Kansai region. Osaka dates back to the Asuka and Nara period. Under the name Naniwa, it was the capital of Japan from 683 to 745, long before the upstarts at Kyoto took over. Even after the capital was moved elsewhere, Osaka continued to play an important role as a hub for land, sea and river-canal transportation. In a nation of obsessive gourmands Osaka is known as an excellent place to eat.

Day 60 - Osaka

Depart: Thu 12 March 2026 at 18:00

Osaka is the third largest city in Japan and the central metropolis of the Kansai region. Osaka dates back to the Asuka and Nara period. Under the name Naniwa, it was the capital of Japan from 683 to 745, long before the upstarts at Kyoto took over. Even after the capital was moved elsewhere, Osaka continued to play an important role as a hub for land, sea and river-canal transportation. In a nation of obsessive gourmands Osaka is known as an excellent place to eat.

Day 61 - Nagoya

Arrive: Fri 13 March 2026 at 06:00 / Depart: Fri 13 March 2026 at 18:00

This centrally located city at the crossroads of the country offers the international visitor an excellent look at both modern and traditional Japan. It features wide boulevards, a dynamic shopping district in the heart of downtown, and easy access to nearby mountains and beaches for day trips. The main visitor destination here is Nagoya Castle, featuring the samurai armor and treasures of the Tokugawa clan. Other visitor favorites include the Atsuta Shrine & Technology Museum, highlighting the city’s past and present; nearby Inuyama Castle, believed to be the oldest castle in Japan; Noritake Garden and its Craft Center; and Toyokuni Shrine where you can see the large torii (Shinto Shrine gate).

Day 62 - Tokyo

Arrive: Sat 14 March 2026 at 06:00 / Depart: Sat 14 March 2026

Yokohama is the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture and, with a population of 3.6 million, is Japan's largest city after Tokyo. It is centered on an inlet on the western side of Tokyo Bay, to which it is connected by a half-dozen railway lines as well as expressways and surface streets via Kawasaki. A major industrial zone known as the Keihin Industrial Area stretches along the reclaimed coastline to the north of the central area towards Kawasaki and Tokyo beyond.