Tour Day 140, Cruise Day 38 – Manila, Philippines – Author’s Note: José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda ((1861–1896) is considered a Philippine national hero for advocating political reforms for the colony under Spanish rule. His writings inspired the Philippine Revolution, and he was executed by the Spanish colonial government for the crime of rebellion. “Best of Manila: Past & Present” Shore Excursion – Discover Manila, the Philippines' capital city and premier gateway to the country. Your tour begins with a trip through the Makati area, the financial and commercial center of Manila. The first stop is at the American Memorial Cemetery, the largest and perhaps the most beautiful outside continental United States. Pass through the plush residential village of Forbes Park dubbed Millionaire's Row, and continue your drive down Roxas Boulevard by the fabled ... read more

Tour Day 137, Cruise Day 35 – "The Best of Taipei" Shore Excursion – Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan – Take in Taiwan's incredible history with this visit to some of Taipei's most extraordinary sights. Your journey commences with a relaxing drive from Keelung City, Taiwan's second-largest port, to the slopes of Qing Mountain. Here you will visit the Martyrs' Shrine -- a stately monument constructed in 1969 to honor the 330,000 brave men who sacrificed their lives in key battles. With a style reminiscent of Beijing's Taihe Dian Imperial Palace, this stunning shrine is surrounded by more than eight acres of grass and features a bright red main gate guarded by white-uniformed officers. Back on the road, head through the bustling city of Taipei. Explore the Lungshan Temple, built during the Ching dynasty and devoted to worshipping ... read more

Tour Day 132, Cruise Day 30 – Osaka, Japan – I fully intended to visit Kaiyukan, the Osaka Aquarium, and to ride the Tempozan Wheel (a.k.a an observation wheel or a giant wheel), but I saw too many deployed umbrellas from the Deck 9 Lido Market while having breakfast. By lunchtime, I saw fewer umbrellas and took a chance. Of course, the gangway is mid-ship, the immigration facility is at the bow and all of the attractions (including Legoland, which I had no intention of visiting) are well past the stern of the ship. A bump in the road. I walked past the wheel and saw there are three flights of stairs to reach the boarding area. On a clear, beautiful day, just another bump in the road but on an overcast day with compromised vistas, ... read more

Tour Day 131 Cruise Day 29 – “The Best of Tokyo” Shore Excursion – Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan – This option is available to guests who are returning to the ship. The wonders of Tokyo are yours to discover on this full day of sightseeing. Travel by motorcoach to the city center, passing famous landmarks en route. You'll head to the Imperial Palace Plaza in central Tokyo -- home of Japan's Emperor. There will be time to wander in the Plaza, which provides a view of the Fushimi-Yagura watchtower. This famous building is a remnant of the mighty Edo period. You'll also see the famous Nijubashi Bridge. On a panoramic drive through central Tokyo, you will see the National Diet Building, the Guest House, Tokyo Tower, and several important facilities from the coach. Your next stop is ... read more

Tour Day 126, Cruise Day 24 – Fukuoka (Hakata), Japan – One of the first non-travel events to land on my planning spreadsheet was the Superbowl. A time-zone calculation meant the GAME should start shortly after breakfast. When I began to incorporate and examine the shore excursions, it was nice to see that there was nothing appealing in Fukuoka. Unfortunately, a couple of days before game day, I began to develop a cold and/or allergies had struck. Although the Superbowl was on the TV in my cabin and on the big screen in the Rock and Roll Lounge, I lazed away the morning dozing off periodically until my stomach won the battle. The score indicates that I missed a good game. Congrats to KC! Tour Day 127, Cruise Day 25 – Scenic Cruising Kanmon Strait –Japan ... read more