Imperial Japan to Southeast Asia & Exclusive Chinese New Year Event

Your holiday begins with an overnight flight from Australia to Tokyo. Settle in, get some rest, and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Arrive in Tokyo and transfer to the Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba on the city’s scenic waterfront. Depending on your arrival time, head out to explore. Wander through the neon-lit streets of Shibuya, visit the serene Meiji Shrine tucked among towering camphor trees, or ride the monorail to Odaiba’s futuristic waterfront for views across Tokyo Bay.

Transfer to the port of Yokohama and board Sapphire Princess for a 14-night voyage south through Japan and Southeast Asia to Singapore. Settle into your stateroom, explore the ship’s restaurants and lounges, and watch Tokyo Bay recede as you set sail in the afternoon. Lunch and dinner included.

Your first full day at sea. Get your bearings on board Sapphire Princess as the ship heads south towards Kyushu. Grab a coffee at the International Cafe, take a stroll around the Promenade Deck, or settle into a lounge chair with a book. In the evening, enjoy a multi-course dinner in the main dining room. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Arrive in Kagoshima on the southern tip of Kyushu, a city defined by the dramatic presence of Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, looming across the bay. Take a ferry to the volcano’s observation point, visit the beautiful Sengan-en samurai gardens, or sample the region’s famous kurobuta black pork at a local restaurant. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

A sea day as Sapphire Princess sails south towards Okinawa. Join a trivia session, try your luck in the casino, or relax by the pool. The Movies Under the Stars outdoor screen shows films against the night sky, perfect for a warm evening at sea. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Step ashore in Naha, capital of Japan’s subtropical Okinawa Prefecture. Stroll along Kokusai Street, the city’s vibrant main shopping and dining strip, explore the reconstructed Shuri Castle overlooking the city, or head to the coast for some of Japan’s clearest waters. Okinawa has a distinctly different feel from mainland Japan, with its own culinary traditions, Ryukyu heritage and laid-back island pace. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Another relaxed day on the water. This is a good time to book a treatment at the Lotus Spa, try one of the specialty restaurants, or attend one of the ship’s enrichment lectures. As the ship sails further south, the temperatures rise and the sea takes on deeper shades of blue. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Arrive in Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s sun-drenched harbour city. Visit the striking Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Pond, browse the street art and converted warehouses at the Pier-2 Art Centre, or take the ferry to Cijin Island for fresh seafood and panoramic views from the old lighthouse. In the evening, the Liuhe Night Market serves some of the best street food in Asia. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

A sea day en route to Hong Kong. Catch up on sleep, compete in a shuffleboard tournament on the sports deck, or simply enjoy the open water from a quiet corner of the ship. Tonight’s show at the Princess Theatre is a highlight of the voyage. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Sail into one of the world’s most recognisable harbours as Hong Kong’s skyline towers above the water. Ride the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak for panoramic views, explore the bustling markets of Kowloon, sample dim sum in a traditional tea house, or simply take in the energy of a city that moves at a breathtaking pace. With CNY just days away, the city is already alive with festive lanterns and decorations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

A day at sea as the ship heads towards the coast of Vietnam. Wind down with a book poolside, join the ship’s cooking demonstration, or enjoy an afternoon tea in the Horizon Court. The pace of the voyage is slowing now as you approach the final ports before Singapore. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Arrive at the port of Chan May, gateway to both the imperial city of Hue and the coastal city of Da Nang. Take a shore excursion to explore the vast walled citadel and ornate palaces of the Hue Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or head to Da Nang to ride the cable car up to the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills. Both destinations are within easy reach and offer a rich taste of central Vietnam’s history and scenery. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

A final sea day between Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City. By now you will have found your favourite spots on board. Make the most of them today with one last poolside morning, a leisurely lunch, or a visit to the spa. Tonight, raise a glass in the Wheelhouse Bar to the voyage so far. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Dock at Phu My, the port gateway to Ho Chi Minh City. A shore excursion takes you into the heart of Vietnam’s largest city, where French colonial landmarks stand alongside modern high-rises and the streets hum with motorbikes, markets and the aroma of pho. Visit the War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the lively Ben Thanh Market, or explore the colourful streets of Cho Lon (Chinatown). Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

The last sea day of the voyage as Sapphire Princess makes her way to Singapore. Soak up the final hours on board: a morning swim, a farewell lunch with fellow passengers, one last movie under the stars. Pack your bags tonight, as tomorrow morning you will disembark in the Lion City. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Disembark Sapphire Princess in Singapore and transfer to the Carlton Hotel Singapore for a two-night stay. Today is Chinese New Year’s Day, and the city is buzzing with celebrations. Head to Chinatown for festive markets, lion dances and lantern displays, or stroll along Marina Bay as the city lights up for the occasion. Breakfast included.

A day to continue exploring Singapore at your leisure. Visit Hawker Chan for Michelin-recognised street food, take in the views from the Marina Bay Sands observation deck, or browse the boutiques of Orchard Road. In the evening, attend the exclusive Chinese New Year event at Gardens by the Bay. Enjoy a drinks reception with canapés in the Flower Field Hall, followed by a spectacular programme of dance and music celebrating the spirit of Asia, specially curated for guests. The evening concludes with the gardens’ famous light and music show in one of Singapore’s most breathtaking settings. Breakfast included.

After breakfast, enjoy the day in Singapore before transferring to Singapore Changi Airport for your flight home to Australia. Breakfast included.

Arrive home in Australia.