

Magnificent, impressive and awe-inspiring are excellent synonyms for grand, and you will need all of them to describe your Grand Voyage. Circumnavigate continents, cross the world's great oceans, explore a vast diversity of cultures and discover centuries of history, one leisurely day at a time.
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Describing Tokyo to someone who has never been here is a formidable task. After all, how do you describe a city that--as one of my friends visiting Tokyo for the first time put it--seems like it's part of another planet? To be sure, Tokyo is very different from Western capitals, but what really sets it apart is its people. Approximately 12 million people reside within Tokyo's 1,200,000,000 sq. km (800 sq. miles), and almost one-fourth of Japan's total population lives within commuting distance of the city. This translates into a crush of humanity that packs the subways, crowds the sidewalks, and fills the department stores beyond belief. In some parts of the city, the streets are as crowded at 3am as they are at 3pm. With its high-energy, visual overload, Tokyo makes even New York seem like a sleepy, laid-back town. And yet, despite its limited space for harmonious living, Tokyo remains one of the safest cities in the world, with remarkably little crime or violence. No matter how lost I may become, I know that people will go out of their way to help me. Hardworking, honest, and helpful to strangers, the Japanese are their country's greatest asset. With Tokyo so densely packed, it comes as no shock to learn that land here is more valuable than gold and that buildings are built practically on top of each other, shaped like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle to fit the existing plots of real estate. More than perhaps any other city in the world, Japan's capital is a concrete jungle, with a few parks but not many trees to break the monotony, and it stretches on and on as far as the eye can see. Fires, earthquakes, wars, the zeal for modernization, and the price of land have taken their toll on the city, eradicating almost all evidence of previous centuries. It's as though Tokyo was born only this morning, with all the messy aftermath of a city conceived without plan and interested only in the future. Thus, first-time visitors to Tokyo are almost invariably disappointed. They come expecting an exotic Asian city, but instead find a megalopolis Westernized to the point of drabness. Used to the grand edifices and monuments of Western cities, they look in vain for Tokyo's own monuments to its past--ancient temples, exquisite gardens, imperial palaces, or whatever else they've imagined. Instead they find what may be, quite arguably, one of the ugliest cities in the world. So, while Tokyo is one of my favorite cities, it's an appreciation that came only with time. When I first moved here, I was tormented by the unsettling feeling that I was somehow missing out on the "real" Tokyo. Even though I was living and working here, Tokyo seemed beyond my grasp, elusive, vague, and undefined. I felt that the meaning of the city was out there somewhere, if only I knew where to look. With time, I finally learned that I needn't look farther than my own front window. Tokyo has no center, but rather is made up of a series of small towns and neighborhoods clustered together, each with its own history, flavor, and atmosphere. There are narrow residential streets, ma-and-pa shops, fruit stands, and stores. There's the neighborhood tofu factory, the lunch-box stand, grocery shop, and the tiny police station, where the cops know the residents by name and patrol the area by bicycle. There are carefully pruned bonsai trees gracing sidewalks, women in kimono bowing and shuffling down streets, and wooden homes on impossibly narrow streets. Walk in the old downtown neighborhoods of Asakusa or Yanaka and you're worlds apart from the trendy quarters of Harajuku or the high-rises of Shinjuku. Neighborhoods like these make Tokyo lovable and livable. What's more, once visitors get to know Tokyo better, they learn that you can't judge Tokyo by what it looks like on the outside, for this is a city of interiors. Even those concrete monsters may house interiors that are fascinating in design and innovation. In the basement of that drab building could well be a restaurant with wooden beams, mud walls, and thatched ceiling, imported intact from a farmhouse in the Japan Alps; on its roof could be a small Shinto shrine, while the top floor could house a high-tech bar or a sophisticated French restaurant. And beneath Tokyo's concrete shell is a thriving cultural life left very much intact. In fact, if you're interested in Japan's performing arts as well as such diverse activities as the tea ceremony or sumo, Tokyo is your best bet for offering the most at any one time. Tokyo is also rich in museums and claims the largest repository of Japanese art in the world. It also gets my vote as the pop-art capital of the world; if you're into kitsch, you'll be in high heaven. I can't imagine being bored here, even for just a minute.
Blessed with a mild climate throughout the year, Shimizu is known for producing mandarin oranges, tea, and strawberries. On the coast, there is a pine-tree grove on a sand spit called Miho no Matsubara and which is often mentioned in legends. From the small mountain called Nihondaira tourists can enjoy a superb view of Mt. Fuji and the light-filled city at night. Picking strawberries during the winter and spring months is a popular pastime.
Kobe lies on the south coast of southwestern Honshu Island, on Osaka Bay, near the city of Osaka. Behind the narrow coastal site of the city are mountains on which suburban residences and hotels have been built. Hyogo, which is now part of Kobe, had for centuries been a major Japanese port trading with China and Korea and benefited in the 1860s, when Japan was re-opened to foreign trade. Since the 1890s several adjoining cities, including Hyogo, have been absorbed by Kobe. Following the 1995 earthquake tragedy, Kobe Phoenix Plaza became a help centre and now features a collection of photographs that reveal the devastating force of the earthquake . Kitano-cho is Kobe’s former foreigner’s quarter and features restored buildings now used as museums. boutiques and restaurants. The district has a synagogue, a mosque, and a Russian Orthodox cathedral. Meriken Park houses the Maritime Museum and nearby Kobe Tower. The city has Christian churches, Shinto and Buddhist temples and shrines, two famous statues of Buddha, a fine arts museum, and a municipal museum with a collection on Western cultural contact. Nearby is the city of Himeji and the stunning Himeji Castle (Shirasagi-jo), begun in the 14th century and now designated a National Treasure of Japan and UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here tourists can also visit Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Sorakuen Garden.
Kobe lies on the south coast of southwestern Honshu Island, on Osaka Bay, near the city of Osaka. Behind the narrow coastal site of the city are mountains on which suburban residences and hotels have been built. Hyogo, which is now part of Kobe, had for centuries been a major Japanese port trading with China and Korea and benefited in the 1860s, when Japan was re-opened to foreign trade. Since the 1890s several adjoining cities, including Hyogo, have been absorbed by Kobe. Following the 1995 earthquake tragedy, Kobe Phoenix Plaza became a help centre and now features a collection of photographs that reveal the devastating force of the earthquake . Kitano-cho is Kobe’s former foreigner’s quarter and features restored buildings now used as museums. boutiques and restaurants. The district has a synagogue, a mosque, and a Russian Orthodox cathedral. Meriken Park houses the Maritime Museum and nearby Kobe Tower. The city has Christian churches, Shinto and Buddhist temples and shrines, two famous statues of Buddha, a fine arts museum, and a municipal museum with a collection on Western cultural contact. Nearby is the city of Himeji and the stunning Himeji Castle (Shirasagi-jo), begun in the 14th century and now designated a National Treasure of Japan and UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here tourists can also visit Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Sorakuen Garden.
Kochi Prefecture, on Japan’s Shikoku Island, is a largely rural area known for its mountains, rivers and Pacific beaches. Capital Kochi City has one of Japan’s best preserved feudal castles, Kochi-jo, established in the 1600s. The city's centuries-old Sunday market has hundreds of vendors selling food and other wares. Summer's Yosakoi Matsuri is a festival in which colorfully attired dance teams fill the streets.
Hiroshima City facing the Hiroshima Bay in the Seto Inland Sea is one of the most prominent cities in the Chugoku region, and a center of the administration and economy of Hiroshima. Six rivers flow through the city, so it is also called the "city of water." It was devastated by an atomic bomb in World War II. All structures vanished, but one miraculously remained standing. It is called the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome, and Hiroshima is internationally known as the city of peace. Hiroshima developed as a castle town after a feudal lord, Mori Terumoto, built Hiroshima Castle in the 16th century. Hiroshima Castle is also called Ri-jo, or Carp Castle, because the exterior painted in black resembles a black carp. There are a number of must-see places, such as the Shukukei-en Garden, or a miniature scenery garden, so named because there is a miniature version of Lake Xiyu (West Lake) in Hangzhou in China and many other miniatures of scenic sights, and the old Mitaki-dera Temple built in 809. The red Taho-to Tower in the Mitaki-dera Temple was transferred from a shrine in Wakayama as a memorial tower for the victims of the atomic bomb attack. Hiroshima also offers gastronomical pleasure, including oysters the culture of which has been going on since 1673 and okonomi-yaki Hiroshima style, unique flour crepes fried with vegetables and noodles that are different at each restaurant.
Busan/Pusan is Korea's second largest city. Tourists often come to this region to hike and to visit the Buddhist Temples located deep within the region's mountains. The Beomeosa Temple, founded in 678 AD, is perhaps one of the most frequented temples in the area and is always packed with worshipers and tourists. For art buffs, Busan offers several museums and historical buildings. If scenery is your thing, try visiting the Dongbaek Island, or bird watch at the Nakdong river estuary.
Nagasaki is the capital and the largest city of Nagasaki Prefecture located at the south-western coast of Kyushu. Nagasaki lies at the head of a long bay which forms the best natural harbor on the southern Japanese home island of Kyushu. The main commercial and residential area of the city lies on a small plain near the end of the bay. Two rivers divided by a mountain spur form the two main valleys in which the city lies. The heavily built-up area of the city is confined by the terrain to less than 4 square miles out of a total of about 35 square miles in the city as a whole. The city was rebuilt after the war, albeit dramatically changed, as any city would be after such colossal damage. New temples were built and new churches as well, since the Christian presence never died out and even increased dramatically after the war. Some of the rubble was left as a memorial, such as a one-legged torii gate and a stone arch near ground zero. New structures were also raised as memorials, such as the Atomic Bomb Museum. Nagasaki remains first and foremost a port city, supporting a rich shipping industry and setting a strong example of perseverance and peace.
Kagoshima is a bright sunny tropical city. Tourists can see smoke coming from the magnificent Mt. Sakurajima across Kinko Bay. The city has been known as the Naples of the Orient for many years. It prospered as a castle town of the powerful Lord Shimazu, who had 770 thousand "koku" of rice during the Edo Period. The city still maintains the strong spirit of Takamori Saigo and Toshimichi Okubo, heroes of the Meiji Restoration. The most famous historical spot related to them is the extensive Iso Garden, former villa of Lord Shimazu. The garden´s pond is representative of Kinko Bay, which is north of downtown, and the hill is representative of Mt. Sakurajima. Sightseeing spots in the city are mostly related to Lord Shimazu and Takamori Saigo. Tsurumaru Castle (Reimei Hall), where Lord Shimazu lived, the great view from Shiroyama, where the last fort of the Saigo army was located during the Satsuma Rebellion, Nanshu Cavern, where Saigo barricaded himself, Nanshu Cemetery, where the dead from the Satsuma Rebellion are buried, and the high-tech Museum of the Meiji Restoration (Ishin Furusato-kan) are located along the Kotsuki River. The museum has information about places where Saigo, Okubo, Iwao Oyama, and Heihachiro Togo were born. Tenmonkan in the downtown area offers all types of souvenirs, including Kagoshima dishes such as sakezushi, pork bone, and kibinago, as well as shochu, Kagoshima Ramen, Satsumayaki, satsumaage, and karukan.
The city was founded on April 1, 1924. On January 1, 2006 the towns of Tano, Sadowara, and Takaoka merged into the city. As of this merger but with 2003 population estimates, the city had an estimated population of 365,311 and a density of 612 persons per km². The total area is 596.68 km².
Describing Tokyo to someone who has never been here is a formidable task. After all, how do you describe a city that--as one of my friends visiting Tokyo for the first time put it--seems like it's part of another planet? To be sure, Tokyo is very different from Western capitals, but what really sets it apart is its people. Approximately 12 million people reside within Tokyo's 1,200,000,000 sq. km (800 sq. miles), and almost one-fourth of Japan's total population lives within commuting distance of the city. This translates into a crush of humanity that packs the subways, crowds the sidewalks, and fills the department stores beyond belief. In some parts of the city, the streets are as crowded at 3am as they are at 3pm. With its high-energy, visual overload, Tokyo makes even New York seem like a sleepy, laid-back town. And yet, despite its limited space for harmonious living, Tokyo remains one of the safest cities in the world, with remarkably little crime or violence. No matter how lost I may become, I know that people will go out of their way to help me. Hardworking, honest, and helpful to strangers, the Japanese are their country's greatest asset. With Tokyo so densely packed, it comes as no shock to learn that land here is more valuable than gold and that buildings are built practically on top of each other, shaped like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle to fit the existing plots of real estate. More than perhaps any other city in the world, Japan's capital is a concrete jungle, with a few parks but not many trees to break the monotony, and it stretches on and on as far as the eye can see. Fires, earthquakes, wars, the zeal for modernization, and the price of land have taken their toll on the city, eradicating almost all evidence of previous centuries. It's as though Tokyo was born only this morning, with all the messy aftermath of a city conceived without plan and interested only in the future. Thus, first-time visitors to Tokyo are almost invariably disappointed. They come expecting an exotic Asian city, but instead find a megalopolis Westernized to the point of drabness. Used to the grand edifices and monuments of Western cities, they look in vain for Tokyo's own monuments to its past--ancient temples, exquisite gardens, imperial palaces, or whatever else they've imagined. Instead they find what may be, quite arguably, one of the ugliest cities in the world. So, while Tokyo is one of my favorite cities, it's an appreciation that came only with time. When I first moved here, I was tormented by the unsettling feeling that I was somehow missing out on the "real" Tokyo. Even though I was living and working here, Tokyo seemed beyond my grasp, elusive, vague, and undefined. I felt that the meaning of the city was out there somewhere, if only I knew where to look. With time, I finally learned that I needn't look farther than my own front window. Tokyo has no center, but rather is made up of a series of small towns and neighborhoods clustered together, each with its own history, flavor, and atmosphere. There are narrow residential streets, ma-and-pa shops, fruit stands, and stores. There's the neighborhood tofu factory, the lunch-box stand, grocery shop, and the tiny police station, where the cops know the residents by name and patrol the area by bicycle. There are carefully pruned bonsai trees gracing sidewalks, women in kimono bowing and shuffling down streets, and wooden homes on impossibly narrow streets. Walk in the old downtown neighborhoods of Asakusa or Yanaka and you're worlds apart from the trendy quarters of Harajuku or the high-rises of Shinjuku. Neighborhoods like these make Tokyo lovable and livable. What's more, once visitors get to know Tokyo better, they learn that you can't judge Tokyo by what it looks like on the outside, for this is a city of interiors. Even those concrete monsters may house interiors that are fascinating in design and innovation. In the basement of that drab building could well be a restaurant with wooden beams, mud walls, and thatched ceiling, imported intact from a farmhouse in the Japan Alps; on its roof could be a small Shinto shrine, while the top floor could house a high-tech bar or a sophisticated French restaurant. And beneath Tokyo's concrete shell is a thriving cultural life left very much intact. In fact, if you're interested in Japan's performing arts as well as such diverse activities as the tea ceremony or sumo, Tokyo is your best bet for offering the most at any one time. Tokyo is also rich in museums and claims the largest repository of Japanese art in the world. It also gets my vote as the pop-art capital of the world; if you're into kitsch, you'll be in high heaven. I can't imagine being bored here, even for just a minute.
Blessed with a mild climate throughout the year, Shimizu is known for producing mandarin oranges, tea, and strawberries. On the coast, there is a pine-tree grove on a sand spit called Miho no Matsubara and which is often mentioned in legends. From the small mountain called Nihondaira tourists can enjoy a superb view of Mt. Fuji and the light-filled city at night. Picking strawberries during the winter and spring months is a popular pastime.
Kobe lies on the south coast of southwestern Honshu Island, on Osaka Bay, near the city of Osaka. Behind the narrow coastal site of the city are mountains on which suburban residences and hotels have been built. Hyogo, which is now part of Kobe, had for centuries been a major Japanese port trading with China and Korea and benefited in the 1860s, when Japan was re-opened to foreign trade. Since the 1890s several adjoining cities, including Hyogo, have been absorbed by Kobe. Following the 1995 earthquake tragedy, Kobe Phoenix Plaza became a help centre and now features a collection of photographs that reveal the devastating force of the earthquake . Kitano-cho is Kobe’s former foreigner’s quarter and features restored buildings now used as museums. boutiques and restaurants. The district has a synagogue, a mosque, and a Russian Orthodox cathedral. Meriken Park houses the Maritime Museum and nearby Kobe Tower. The city has Christian churches, Shinto and Buddhist temples and shrines, two famous statues of Buddha, a fine arts museum, and a municipal museum with a collection on Western cultural contact. Nearby is the city of Himeji and the stunning Himeji Castle (Shirasagi-jo), begun in the 14th century and now designated a National Treasure of Japan and UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here tourists can also visit Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Sorakuen Garden.
Kobe lies on the south coast of southwestern Honshu Island, on Osaka Bay, near the city of Osaka. Behind the narrow coastal site of the city are mountains on which suburban residences and hotels have been built. Hyogo, which is now part of Kobe, had for centuries been a major Japanese port trading with China and Korea and benefited in the 1860s, when Japan was re-opened to foreign trade. Since the 1890s several adjoining cities, including Hyogo, have been absorbed by Kobe. Following the 1995 earthquake tragedy, Kobe Phoenix Plaza became a help centre and now features a collection of photographs that reveal the devastating force of the earthquake . Kitano-cho is Kobe’s former foreigner’s quarter and features restored buildings now used as museums. boutiques and restaurants. The district has a synagogue, a mosque, and a Russian Orthodox cathedral. Meriken Park houses the Maritime Museum and nearby Kobe Tower. The city has Christian churches, Shinto and Buddhist temples and shrines, two famous statues of Buddha, a fine arts museum, and a municipal museum with a collection on Western cultural contact. Nearby is the city of Himeji and the stunning Himeji Castle (Shirasagi-jo), begun in the 14th century and now designated a National Treasure of Japan and UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here tourists can also visit Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Sorakuen Garden.
Naha is city and capital of Okinawa ken (prefecture), Japan. It lies on southwestern Okinawa Island, which is one of the Ryukyu Islands. Long the chief city of the archipelago, it contains the Sogen Temple, burial place of the rulers of the early Okinawa kingdom. The Shurei Gate is a fine example of Ryukyuan architecture. Naha was the seat of the post-World War II U.S. military and Okinawan governments and became the prefecture capital in 1972. Because of its deepwater port, Naha is the commercial centre of the Ryukyu Islands chain. Traditional handicraft industries produce porcelain, lacquer ware, dyed cloth, and the potent awamori liquor. The city is also the seat of the University of the Ryukyus (1950).
Ishigaki is a city on Japan’s Ishigaki Island and a jumping-off point for beaches and coral reefs. Near the port, the Misakicho¯ district is home to the covered Euglena Mall. The Yaeyama Museum chronicles the history of Ishigaki and the other Yaeyama Islands. Connecting to a small island park, the Southern Gate Bridge offers views over the coastline. East of the city is Maezato Beach, a popular water sports hub.
Keelung, officially known as Keelung City, is a major port city situated in the northeastern part of Taiwan. It borders New Taipei with which it forms the Taipei–Keelung metropolitan area, along with Taipei itself. Nicknamed the Rainy Port for its frequent rain and maritime role, the city is Taiwan's second largest seaport. Keelung City is located in the northern part of Taiwan Island. It occupies an area of 132.76 km2 and is separated from its neighboring county by mountains in the east, west and south. The northern part of the city faces the ocean and is a great deep water harbor since early times. Keelung has a humid subtropical climate with a yearly rainfall average upwards of 3,700 millimetres. It has long been noted as one of the wettest and gloomiest cities in the world; the effect is related to the Kuroshio Current.Although it is one of the coolest cities of Taiwan, winters are still short and warm, whilst summers are long, relatively dry and hot, temperatures can peek above 26°C during a warm winter day, while it can dip below 27 °C during a rainy summer day, much like the rest of northern Taiwan. However its location on northern mountain slopes means that due to orographic lift, rainfall is heavier during fall and winter, the latter during which a northeasterly flow prevails. During summer, southwesterly winds dominate and thus there is a slight rain shadow effect. Fog is most serious during winter and spring, when relative humidity levels are also highest.
Kaohsiung is a city located in southwestern Taiwan, facing the Taiwan Strait on the west. Kaohsiung, officially named Kaohsiung City, is divided into thirty-eight districts. The city is one of five special municipalities of the Republic of China (Taiwan). On December 25, 2010, it merged with Kaohsiung County of Taiwan Province to form a larger municipality. Kaohsiung is the second largest city in Taiwan, with a population around 2.9 million. It is a center for manufacturing, refining, shipbuilding, and other light and heavy industries. A major port, through which pass most of Taiwan's marine imports and exports, is located at the city but is not managed by the city government. Kaohsiung International Airport serving the city is the second largest airport in Taiwan. The Port of Kaohsiung is the largest harbor in Taiwan. Kaohsiung is the terminal of the Sun Yat-sen Freeway. The city is served by the railway stations of Western Line and Pingtung Line. Taiwan High Speed Rail connects it with Taipei City. The Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit, the city's subway system, was launched in early 2008. Kaohsiung was the host city of the 2009 World Games, a multi-sport event primarily composed of sports not featured in the Olympic Games. The city is also home to the Republic of China Navy.
Hong Kong is a place of contrasts. Sleek, glassy skyscrapers shine above Old World markets where chicken feet and dried squid are displayed for sale. Archaic wooden boats bob past sleek cruise liners. Subway stations and expressway interchanges dot a landscape cluttered with Rolls Royces and rickshaws. Hong Kong Island was ceded to Britain in 1842 when those serving the British crown attacked the island. Though it was deeded back to China in 1997, Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy, especially in its economy and municipal government. Hong Kong is one of the most unique Chinese cities in the world. The 417-square mile island off the coast of China offers visitors a slice of authentic Chinese culture with all the amenities of home. A modern metropolis teeming with eastern and western influences, Hong Kong is the world's third-largest financial center, the so-called “Wall Street of Asia,” and a shopping gold mine. Shopping? Yes indeed. Hong Kong is a duty-free port and the world's leading exporter of toys, garments, watches, and electronics. As a result, the vast majority of the 10 million annual visitors come with an empty suitcase that they fill up after visiting the malls, street bazaars (Stanley Market is world famous), textile and tailor shops, and jade and electronic stores. Those willing to look beyond the bargain-basement prices will find that Hong Kong is more than the world’s largest department store – it’s a cultural Mecca with wining and dining, museums, and historic attractions. Be sure to ride the world famous Star Ferry across the harbor to Hong Kong Island, admire the mansions on Repulse Bay, drop in to see the temples on Cat Street, visit the fishing boats and villages in Aberdeen, and take a tram ride up to Victoria Peak (the island’s highest peak sitting 1,308-feet above the city) for a stunning panoramic view. If you have time to go further, travel to Macau, a former Portuguese colony with a casino, and the New Territories of China, a Hong Kong bedroom community that “sleeps” near China’s border.
Hong Kong is a place of contrasts. Sleek, glassy skyscrapers shine above Old World markets where chicken feet and dried squid are displayed for sale. Archaic wooden boats bob past sleek cruise liners. Subway stations and expressway interchanges dot a landscape cluttered with Rolls Royces and rickshaws. Hong Kong Island was ceded to Britain in 1842 when those serving the British crown attacked the island. Though it was deeded back to China in 1997, Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy, especially in its economy and municipal government. Hong Kong is one of the most unique Chinese cities in the world. The 417-square mile island off the coast of China offers visitors a slice of authentic Chinese culture with all the amenities of home. A modern metropolis teeming with eastern and western influences, Hong Kong is the world's third-largest financial center, the so-called “Wall Street of Asia,” and a shopping gold mine. Shopping? Yes indeed. Hong Kong is a duty-free port and the world's leading exporter of toys, garments, watches, and electronics. As a result, the vast majority of the 10 million annual visitors come with an empty suitcase that they fill up after visiting the malls, street bazaars (Stanley Market is world famous), textile and tailor shops, and jade and electronic stores. Those willing to look beyond the bargain-basement prices will find that Hong Kong is more than the world’s largest department store – it’s a cultural Mecca with wining and dining, museums, and historic attractions. Be sure to ride the world famous Star Ferry across the harbor to Hong Kong Island, admire the mansions on Repulse Bay, drop in to see the temples on Cat Street, visit the fishing boats and villages in Aberdeen, and take a tram ride up to Victoria Peak (the island’s highest peak sitting 1,308-feet above the city) for a stunning panoramic view. If you have time to go further, travel to Macau, a former Portuguese colony with a casino, and the New Territories of China, a Hong Kong bedroom community that “sleeps” near China’s border.
Halong Bay, in northeast Vietnam, is known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests. Junk boat tours and sea kayak expeditions take visitors past islands named for their shapes, including Stone Dog and Teapot islets. The region is popular for scuba diving, rock climbing and hiking, particularly in mountainous Cat Ba National Park.
Nha Trang is a coastal resort city in southern Vietnam known for its beaches, diving sites and offshore islands. Its main beach is a long, curving stretch along Tran Phu Street backed by a promenade, hotels and seafood restaurants. Aerial cable cars cross over to Hòn Tre Island, and the nature reserves of Hòn Mun and Hòn T?m islands, reachable by boat, have coral reefs.
In the core of the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is second the most important in Vietnam after Hanoi. It is not only a commercial center but also a scientific, technological, industrial and tourist center. The city is bathed by many rivers, arroyos and canals, the biggest river being the Saigon River. Many centuries ago, Saigon was already a busy commercial center. Merchants from China, Japan and many European countries would sail upstream the Saigon River to reach the islet of Pho, a trading center. In the year of 1874, Cho Lon merged with Saigon, forming the largest city in the Indochina. It had been many times celebrated as the Pearl of the Far East. After the reunification of the country, the 6 th National Assembly in its meeting of the 2 nd of July, 1976, has officially rebaptized Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City. Today, Ho Chi Minh City is the big tourism center in Vietnam, attracting a large of visitors to Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City has various attractions as Ho Chi Minh Museum, formerly known as Dragon House Wharf, Cu Chi Tunnels, system of museums, theatres, cultural houses... Recently, many tourist areas are invested such as Thanh Da, Binh Quoi Village, Dam Sen Park, Saigon Water Park, Suoi Tien, Ky Hoa..., which draw numerous tourists.
In the core of the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is second the most important in Vietnam after Hanoi. It is not only a commercial center but also a scientific, technological, industrial and tourist center. The city is bathed by many rivers, arroyos and canals, the biggest river being the Saigon River. Many centuries ago, Saigon was already a busy commercial center. Merchants from China, Japan and many European countries would sail upstream the Saigon River to reach the islet of Pho, a trading center. In the year of 1874, Cho Lon merged with Saigon, forming the largest city in the Indochina. It had been many times celebrated as the Pearl of the Far East. After the reunification of the country, the 6 th National Assembly in its meeting of the 2 nd of July, 1976, has officially rebaptized Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City. Today, Ho Chi Minh City is the big tourism center in Vietnam, attracting a large of visitors to Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City has various attractions as Ho Chi Minh Museum, formerly known as Dragon House Wharf, Cu Chi Tunnels, system of museums, theatres, cultural houses... Recently, many tourist areas are invested such as Thanh Da, Binh Quoi Village, Dam Sen Park, Saigon Water Park, Suoi Tien, Ky Hoa..., which draw numerous tourists.
Though physically small, Singapore is an economic giant. It has been Southeast Asia's most modern city for over a century. The city blends Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and English cultures and religions. Its unique ethnic tapestry affords visitors a wide array of sightseeing and culinary opportunities from which to choose. A full calendar of traditional festivals and holidays celebrated throughout the year adds to its cultural appeal. In addition, Singapore offers luxury hotels, delectable cuisine and great shopping! Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore's tropical climate welcomes both leisure and business travelers year round. The island republic's excellent infrastructure enables visitors to enjoy its many sites and attractions in a safe, clean and green environment. Award winning Changi Airport provides airlinks to major cities around the world. The train and subway systems are clean, fast and efficient. In addition, its state-of-the-art cruise terminal has established Singapore as one of the premier cruising centers of South East Asia and an exciting port of call on any Asian cruise itinerary. In the city, there is no need for a car. Public transportation is excellent and walking is a good way to explore the city . All major attractions are also accessible by tour bus. Since the city is only 60 miles (100k) from the equator, the tropical temperatures do not vary much. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed through the year. No matter when you choose to visit, warm weather will be abundantly available. The visitor is struck immediately by Singapore's abundance of parks, nature reserves, and lush, tropical greenery. Singapore's progress over the past three decades has been remarkable, yet the island has not been overwhelmed by development. Visitors will discover a wealth of historical treasures from the past, in the beauty of older buildings, values and traditions that have survived in the face of profound social and geographical change. Lacking any noteworthy natural resources, Singapore's early prosperity was based on a vigorous free trade policy, put in place in 1819 when Sir Stamford Raffles first established it as a British trading post. Later, mass industrialization bolstered the economy, and today the state boasts the world's second busiest port after Rotterdam, minimal unemployment, and a super efficient infrastructure. Almost the entire population lives in upscale new apartments, and the average per capita income is over US$12,000. Singapore is a clean, safe place to visit, its amenities are second to none and its public places are smoke-free and hygienic. Forming the core of downtown Singapore is the Colonial District. Each surrounding enclave has its own distinct flavor, from the aromatic spice stores of Little India, to the tumbledown backstreets of Chinatown, where it is still possible to find calligraphers and fortune tellers, or the Arab Quarter, whose cluttered stores sell fine cloths and silks. North of the city, are two nature preserves, Bukit Timah and the Central Catchment Area, along with the splendid Singapore Zoological Gardens. The east coast features good seafood restaurants set on long stretches of sandy beach. In addition there are over fifty islands and islets within Singaporean waters, all of which can be reached with varying degrees of ease. Day trips are popular to Sentosa, the island amusement arcade which is linked to the south coast by a short causeway and cable car. Music, theater, nightlife: all are abundant in this remarkable city. Singapore used to be considered a "stop over" on the way to larger Asian cities. This is no longer true! Visitors seek out Singapore for business and finance and also for a fascinating and satisfying vacation for the whole family. Strategically located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula sixty miles from the equator, Singapore has for centuries been a crossroads between East and West. Chinese traders en route to India had navigated its waters from at least the 5th century. In the 14th century it was part of the powerful Vijayan Empire and was known as Tenmasek or Sea Town. Legend has it that it was renamed Singa Pura or Lion City after a visiting Sumatran prince saw an animal he mistook for a lion, an animal considered a good omen. Modern Singapore came into being in 1819 when Sir Stamford Raffles claimed what was then a small fishing village as a regional base for the East India Company. The island's natural harbor and location made it an ideal site for a trading post serving British trade interests between China, the Malay world and India. Singapore flourished as its free trade policy attracted merchants and residents from all over the world. Raffles initiated a town plan which included leveling one hill to form a new commercial district (now Raffles Place) and constructing government buildings around another hill (now called Fort Canning Hill). The British plan also involved separating the population according to ethnic categories with Europeans, Indians, Chinese and Malays each living and working in their own distinct quarters of the city. Revenues soared in ensuing years from the production of opium and rubber. Millionaires were made overnight. Immigration rose steadily. The island became Britain's strategic defense base in the Far East but fell to the Japanese in 1942. After the world war ended in 1945, Singapore became a crown colony. It gained self governing status in 1959 and independence in 1965 when it became part of the new state of Malaysia which united Malaya with Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak. The alliance did not last. Singapore was used to being on its own, and within two years the island set up its own stable government and became known as the Republic of Singapore. Under Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew's leadership, Singapore continued to strengthen its infrastructure and its industrial base. Housing and urban renovation kept pace with population growth. The areas of health and education are strong. Singapore's leaders have also brought order and progress through strict regulation of social behavior. Smoking in public was banned, as was gum chewing. High economic growth rates have supported political stability. Singapore is the world's second busiest seaport, has an airport served by over 50 major airlines. It has state of the art communication and mass transit systems. It is Asia's premier center for finance and business and the world's third largest oil refining center. Over 7 million visit the tiny island every year.
The island was probably first inhabited about 15 centuries ago, settled by fishermen from the Malay Peninsula[2] and southern China. It appears on Chinese maps dating back to 1687, under the name Pulo Cornam. The name samui is mysterious in itself. Perhaps it is an extension of the name of one of the native trees, mui. Some people believe that the word "samui" derives from the Malay word "saboey", or "safe haven", although there appears to be no credible corroboration of this. Ko is the Thai word for "island".
Laem Chabang is a port city in Chonburi Province, Thailand. It includes tambon Bang Lamung of Bang Lamung District, the tambons Bueng, Surasak, Thung Sukhla, and parts of Nong Kham of Si Racha District. As of 2006 it had a population of 61,801.
Laem Chabang is a port city in Chonburi Province, Thailand. It includes tambon Bang Lamung of Bang Lamung District, the tambons Bueng, Surasak, Thung Sukhla, and parts of Nong Kham of Si Racha District. As of 2006 it had a population of 61,801.
Laem Chabang is a port city in Chonburi Province, Thailand. It includes tambon Bang Lamung of Bang Lamung District, the tambons Bueng, Surasak, Thung Sukhla, and parts of Nong Kham of Si Racha District. As of 2006 it had a population of 61,801.
The island was probably first inhabited about 15 centuries ago, settled by fishermen from the Malay Peninsula[2] and southern China. It appears on Chinese maps dating back to 1687, under the name Pulo Cornam. The name samui is mysterious in itself. Perhaps it is an extension of the name of one of the native trees, mui. Some people believe that the word "samui" derives from the Malay word "saboey", or "safe haven", although there appears to be no credible corroboration of this. Ko is the Thai word for "island".
In the core of the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is second the most important in Vietnam after Hanoi. It is not only a commercial center but also a scientific, technological, industrial and tourist center. The city is bathed by many rivers, arroyos and canals, the biggest river being the Saigon River. Many centuries ago, Saigon was already a busy commercial center. Merchants from China, Japan and many European countries would sail upstream the Saigon River to reach the islet of Pho, a trading center. In the year of 1874, Cho Lon merged with Saigon, forming the largest city in the Indochina. It had been many times celebrated as the Pearl of the Far East. After the reunification of the country, the 6 th National Assembly in its meeting of the 2 nd of July, 1976, has officially rebaptized Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City. Today, Ho Chi Minh City is the big tourism center in Vietnam, attracting a large of visitors to Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City has various attractions as Ho Chi Minh Museum, formerly known as Dragon House Wharf, Cu Chi Tunnels, system of museums, theatres, cultural houses... Recently, many tourist areas are invested such as Thanh Da, Binh Quoi Village, Dam Sen Park, Saigon Water Park, Suoi Tien, Ky Hoa..., which draw numerous tourists.
In the core of the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is second the most important in Vietnam after Hanoi. It is not only a commercial center but also a scientific, technological, industrial and tourist center. The city is bathed by many rivers, arroyos and canals, the biggest river being the Saigon River. Many centuries ago, Saigon was already a busy commercial center. Merchants from China, Japan and many European countries would sail upstream the Saigon River to reach the islet of Pho, a trading center. In the year of 1874, Cho Lon merged with Saigon, forming the largest city in the Indochina. It had been many times celebrated as the Pearl of the Far East. After the reunification of the country, the 6 th National Assembly in its meeting of the 2 nd of July, 1976, has officially rebaptized Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City. Today, Ho Chi Minh City is the big tourism center in Vietnam, attracting a large of visitors to Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City has various attractions as Ho Chi Minh Museum, formerly known as Dragon House Wharf, Cu Chi Tunnels, system of museums, theatres, cultural houses... Recently, many tourist areas are invested such as Thanh Da, Binh Quoi Village, Dam Sen Park, Saigon Water Park, Suoi Tien, Ky Hoa..., which draw numerous tourists.
Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state in the northern part of the island of Borneo. Often referred to as KK, it’s a coastal city partly surrounded by rainforest. It's known for its bustling markets, modern boardwalk, beaches and waterfront Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. It is also a gateway to Kinabalu National Park, the home of 4,095m-high Mount Kinabalu.
Muara port area gives cruising yachts the most convenient access to city facilities with the most protected anchorage on the west coast of Borneo. Muara Port is 16 nm downstream of the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. It is possible to take yachts into the centre of the capital although the anchorage is not comfortable because of the incessant water taxi traffic, and a dinghy landing is not practical.
Semarang is a port city on the north coast of Java, Indonesia. Its old quarter features Dutch colonial architecture including the landmark Lawang Sewu, a massive building that was the railway company's headquarters. Sam Poo Kong, a 15th-century temple, is a prominent site in Chinatown. The modern city centers around Simpang Lima, a tree-lined green space in the commercial district.
Surabaya is a port city on the Indonesian island of Java. A vibrant, sprawling metropolis, it mixes modern skyscrapers with canals and buildings from its Dutch colonial past. It has a thriving Chinatown and an Arab Quarter whose Ampel Mosque dates to the 15th century. The Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument) honors the independence battles waged in Surabaya’s streets in 1945.
Benoa is the most important port and commercial port of Bali for some 10 km away, the Denpasar. After the conquest of the island by the Dutch was the port (Labuhan Benoa) artificially created. Swimming is a wonderful fishing village of the neighboring Tanjung Benoa, on which you can translate.
Benoa is the most important port and commercial port of Bali for some 10 km away, the Denpasar. After the conquest of the island by the Dutch was the port (Labuhan Benoa) artificially created. Swimming is a wonderful fishing village of the neighboring Tanjung Benoa, on which you can translate.
Benoa is the most important port and commercial port of Bali for some 10 km away, the Denpasar. After the conquest of the island by the Dutch was the port (Labuhan Benoa) artificially created. Swimming is a wonderful fishing village of the neighboring Tanjung Benoa, on which you can translate.
Gili Mas Seaport.
Komodo island, part of the Lesser Sunda chain of Indonesian islands, is the rugged habitat of the 3m-long Komodo dragon monitor lizard. Komodo National Park covers the entire region and is home to more than 4,000 dragons, and is made up of rusty-red volcanic hills, savannah and forests. Its surrounding waters of seagrass beds, mangrove shrublands and coral reefs are famous for diving.
Darwin - Capital City of the Northern Territory Where Asia meets the Dreamtime An exciting, eclectic mixture of cultures A place that is truly uniquely Australian while being home for more than 60 different nationalities, people who come from all continents of the globe. A focus for festivals, food and fashion. A sporting centre, home to the Darwin Cup, the Arafura Games and more and more exciting national and international sporting events Darwin City - Set on a rocky peninsula reaching into one of the most beautiful natural harbours on the north Australian coast. Elevated above the cliffs, surrounded by water on three sides, a city fanned by soft cool breezes that contribute to its tropical charm. The tropical climate encourages outdoor living and locals and visitors alike take advantage of this lifestyle to stroll through Darwin's leafy streets, browsing through the art galleries and enjoying cafe life, discovering little hidden corners of the city. The contrasts are exquisite. A Chinese temple with its statues of the Immortals, the smoke from incense drifting slowly upward, lies only twenty metres behind busy Cavenagh St, but exists in a different world, timeless and peaceful. Darwin - a city of contrasts and tempting tastes. where shady parks suitable for quiet contemplation lie only metres from streets full of shoppers, the smells of food drift on the air from sizzling grills, flaming woks and bubbling saucepans. Darwin - take time to enjoy its wonderful trees that surprise our visitors, exotic flowering trees, frangipani, Pride of India and poincianas, the shady raintrees, banyan and tamarind trees delight the senses and leave images of a truly tropical city. Darwin - A city destroyed three times - first by the cyclone of 1893, then by the bombs of World War II, next by Cyclone Tracy. The spirit of survival undiminished, Darwin has grown and developed to become the modern city of today, a monument to the tenacity and courage of its people.
Cooktown is a small town at the base of Cape York, Queensland, Australia. It was first colonised by Captain Cook in 1770 after his ship, HMS Endeavour ran aground on a nearby coral reef. The crew were able to get the ship into our Endeavour River for repairs. The colonisation took the form of their six weeks stay. Nothing much happened after this for about 100 years until gold was discovered in the Palmer River near Cooktown. The population of Australian, Chinese and many other nationalities surged to near 5000. There were 100 hotels and many other businesses necessary to support the new population of mostly adventurers and gold seekers. By the late 1880s, 60 tons of gold had been won and the gold rush was over. During this period, Cooktown was the third largest port in Queensland. The population started to diminish, helped by disastrous cyclones in 1907 and 1949 and a large fire in 1919. The first world war and the 1930-8 depression also played their part. Stability came in the 1950s and the small population has continued to grow and prosper with better roads and airservices. Cooktown still has a largely "historic town" nature and this adds to its interests for tourists. As well, the majority of the population prefer it to be a quiet country-style township. However, with the road to Cooktown getting close to being fully sealed, and with close to 100,000 tourists passing through each year, it is only a matter of time before we are dragged, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century.
The far north of Queensland is nestled amongst the tropical background of Australia’s rare rain forests and internationally acclaimed Great Barrier Reef. Recognised for the charm and friendly hospitality of the local people, North Queensland has an array of holiday experiences and attractions to offer year round. Cairns Far North Queensland is the perfect escape for nature lovers with spectacular National Parks abundant with amazing bird and animal life. While the more adventurous can dive the Great Barrier Reef, raft the rapids of the Baron River or rappel down a ravine. Cairns situated on the coast is often described as the jewel of North Queensland. It is also the gateway to the magnificent natural attractions of the whole region extending from the northern most point of Queensland out to Gulf Savannah in the west and down to Townsville another major city of North Queensland not to be missed. These two cities offer the pinnacle of dining and nightlife with a unique North Queensland flavour. Cairns has been called paradise by many because of its location, beauty of the reef and spectacular scenery of the hinterland that surrounds this coastal city. In Cairns you will discover an amazing array of cultures. Charming seafront walking paths and the new fantastic Esplanade redevelopment project adds such character to this charming city. Restaurants, cafes, cosmopolitan shopping and activities are an everyday event in this bustling town. Only a short drive away you come to Cairns northern beaches which will delight anyone. This is the place to ride horses, sail, windsurf or relax under a palm tree and watch the colours of the sky change as the sun sets. The beaches are made up of Machans, Holloways, Yorkeys Knob, Trinity, Palm Cove and Ellis Beaches. Each is a small separate township with its own distinctive character. Together, the beachside towns provide much of Cairns accommodation. From the beaches to the mountains, a day trip up to Atherton Tablelands will be spectacular where you can canoe on freshwater lakes, shop in craft stores and view some of the majestic views across the mountains to the sea. The rainforests of the Wet Tropics have been described as a ‘living museum’ of flora and fauna and were placed on the World Heritage List in 1988. The Wet Tropics cover an area of almost 9000,000 hectares of rainforest and tropical vegetation. Previously unidentified species of birds, insects and mammals have been discovered from within these rainforests delighting biologists and nature lovers alike. The local history, culture and tropical lifestyle are to be truly envied and enjoyed when visiting North Queensland. There is a diverse mix of cultures and people that are proud to call this area home. The first inhabitants were the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders who fished and hunted the abundant wildlife of the region, then came the Dutch navigators and Captain James Cook, who claimed the land for Britain and instrumented the settlement of European communities. The tropical climate encourages an outdoor lifestyle with the famous Queensland barbeque influencing cuisine in the tropics. Exotic fruits and spectacular seafood are also a normal way of eating when visiting or living in the North.
Townsville, in North Queensland is Australia's largest tropical city. It has an urban population of 130,000 and is renowned for its magnificent climate, consistantly recording more than 300 dry sunny days each year. The city is a charming blend of old and new, with a rich history and surprising cultural depth. It has many well preserved civic commercial and domestic buidings dating back to the region's European settlement in the late 19th century. Townsville offers easy access to many attractions, to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage rainforests, together with islands that range from the uninhabited to those with world class resorts. The wonderfully authentic goldfish city of Charters Towers is just 90 minutes easy drive from Townsville and is a virtual ''time capsule''of Victorian, Edwardian and Australian colonial architecture. It also marks the start of the Aussie Outback, with it's unique native animals and herds of free ranging cattle. Townsville is the ''real'' Australia - with a relaxed, friendly lifestyle that offers a warm greeting to visitors. It also offers a diversity of experience that range from the excitement of the Breakwater Casino and the worlds largest living reef aquarium, through to the natural beauty of Magnetic Island and some of the worlds best marlin fishing and scuba diving.
Airlie Beach is a coastal locality in the Whitsunday Region of Queensland, Australia. In the 2016 census, Airlie Beach had a population of 1,208 people.
Newcastle, New South Wales, is Australia's 6th largest city and an important port. The city is located about 160 kilometres north of Sydney. Despite the city's coal-mining and industrial heritage it has plenty of interesting sights to offer, not the least being the convict ruins and fine Victorian architecture. The city's fine white sandy beaches are regarded as some of the finest in Australia, not to mention Hawaii to where Newcastle sends most of the sand exported each year. By-the-way the surfing is pretty good too, as Mark Richards, one of Australia's finest surfers can testify. As most coal-mining in Newcastle was underground, a legacy of the coal mining companies are the large areas of eucalyptus forested hills which provide a wonderful green backdrop to the many vistas. One of the finest is the view west as the sun sets behind Mount Sugarloaf. Newcastle's very hilly terrain also provides many people in the suburbs with fine views of the coastline and out to sea where many coal carriers await their turn for loading. The coal export capacity of the port makes it one of the larger coal ports in the world now, but with its continuing and rapid expansion will one day be the world's largest. Prior to the city's founding, the area was occupied by the local Koori tribes. The Hunter River and surrounding estuarine waters of Lake Macquarie and Fullerton Cove were rich with marine-life. These tribes apparently had a very intricate trading network with inland tribes. The mouth of the Hunter River by which the present day city of Newcastle is sited, was discovered in 1797 by Lieutenant John Shortland RN. After the discovery of coal in 1799, a settlement was founded in 1801 as a penal colony, however this was abandoned in 1802. In March 1804, Lieutenant Charles Menzies arrived at the mouth of the Hunter River to re-establish the settlement. This was named Newcastle by Governor King, but for many years until around 1830, the settlement was known as "King's Town". The convicts principally mined coal, but also cut timber and burnt lime to supply the growing Sydney Town to the south. Newcastle gained a reputation for being one of the most brutal outposts of the convict system. As more free settlers moved into the Hunter Valley from 1820 onwards, most of the convicts were removed allowing Newcastle to be declared a free town in 1824. Despite the status of Newcastle as a free town, the growth in the population remained very slow. In the years leading up to the 1850s the Australian Agricultural Company held a monopoly of the town's coal production. Convicts were the initial workforce, but due to their lack of mining skills and laziness, even under the harsh conditions, the company sought free settlers from overseas to mine the coal. Thus the new immigrants to Newcastle mainly consisted of Welsh and Cornish people. After 1847 other coal companies were allowed to mine Newcastle's coal. This was also the year that according to the Hunter Valley Research Foundation, Newcastle was proclaimed a City. It was also during 1847, that the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle was founded by Royal Letters Patent. The initial boundaries of the new See were defined: From the Hawkesbury River in the South, to the 21st Parallel of Latitude on the North, and from the Pacific on the East, to the boundary of South Australia - the 141st degree of Longitude - on the West. This area has subsequently been diminished through the creation of new Dioceses. On the 29th June, St. Peter's Day, of 1847, the Reverend William Tyrrell was consecrated in Westminster Abbey as the first Bishop of Newcastle and on the 30th January of the following year (Dr. Tyrrell's 41st birthday) he was installed in the Cathedral at Newcastle. For more information about the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle and its history, visit here. There were apparently still many Koori people living in the area until the 1850s. Disease, famine and marginalisation by the new settlers brought about their ultimate demise and therefore disappearance from the area. Before the monopoly of the Australian Agricultural Company was curtailed, the town's growth was very slow. By 1856 there were still only 1,534 people. With the influx of the new coal companies and the migrants to work for them, Newcastle's population began to rapidly grow so that by 1880 it was larger than Hobart, the Capital of Tasmania. Like many other areas in Australia the city suffered greatly in the depression of the 1890s. It was not until the advent of World War I, and the establishment of the BHP Steelworks in 1915, did Newcastle recover. Newcastle was a major industrial city of Australia during the 1930s through to the 1980s. Many smaller allied industries to the Steelworks were swallowed by the growing giant of BHP, which has since become a transnational company, as the steelmaking process was streamlined throughout the 1930s to the 1950s. The 1960s saw the zenith of the plant, with its capacity being the highest in the world. Rationalisation of industry in Australia in the 1980s saw the loss of many manufacturing jobs, particularly those allied with steelmaking. The city has increasingly become a service centre with the majority of jobs now in the tertiary sector. Newcastle now has a population of over 300,000 people and overall services a population of 500,000 people who reside in the Hunter Valley Region of New South Wales. The major employment areas for the population now lie in the health and education areas. Still with a heavy emphasis on its manufacturing institutions however, Newcastle was dealt a massive blow on 29th April, 1997. It was announced on that day that BHP would close the Steelworks. This resulted in the loss of 2,500 workers over the next three years, and the potential loss of 8,000 more jobs in allied industries. Was this the death blow though? Well as the tertiary sector now employs most working people, this did not have as great an impact as first thought. Newcastle is now reinventing itself, finding new ways to employ people. One up side of the closure of the BHP Steelworks has been the increased cleanliness of the city, drawing in many people to visit and also to move permanently to Newcastle. The city has many fine institutions, the largest being the University of Newcastle. Newcastle has many other sights and events worth a visit. There are Jazz festivals, Show week and the Mattara festival which form just a few of the important events in the cultural life of Newcastle. The city has a vibrant nightlife: fine restaurants, theatres for movies and plays, concert halls, and nightclubs. The city's citizens (called Novocastrians) are also very proud of their sporting deeds. Every weekend you can see Mums and Dads urging their children to play faster and harder. With their strong working-class ethic and fierce loyalty, Novocastrians always provide good support for their sporting teams, no matter what the game. And no matter what the game, all visiting teams fear playing Newcastle on its home turf. This though is only the surface of a typical Novocastrian. If you are lost or waylaid there are plenty of kind hearted citizens to help you out. In many ways Newcastle is really just a big country town. In 1997, Novocastrians celebrated the bicentenary of the European discovery of Newcastle and its harbour.
Sydney is Australia's largest and most cosmopolitan city and is the capital of New South Wales, the most heavily populated state of Australia. Sydney is situated on one of the world's most beautiful and famous harbours. Sydney also boasts beautiful beaches, fantastic shops, restaurants, history and culture. Sydney's many highlights include the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Centrepoint Tower, The Rocks, the stunning harbour and the white sands of Bondi, Manly and beyond. Sydney is also home to beautiful National Parks, the Royal Botanic Gardens, many harbour front picnic locations and heritage areas.
Sydney is Australia's largest and most cosmopolitan city and is the capital of New South Wales, the most heavily populated state of Australia. Sydney is situated on one of the world's most beautiful and famous harbours. Sydney also boasts beautiful beaches, fantastic shops, restaurants, history and culture. Sydney's many highlights include the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Centrepoint Tower, The Rocks, the stunning harbour and the white sands of Bondi, Manly and beyond. Sydney is also home to beautiful National Parks, the Royal Botanic Gardens, many harbour front picnic locations and heritage areas.
Seven Seas Explorer® is spaciously intimate, breathlessly elegant and perfectly staffed to offer Regent Seven Seas Cruises' special brand of all-inclusive luxury. She brings elegance and glamor to the world's greatest destinations, offering exquisite dining options that rival those of the finest restaurants ashore and all-suite, all-balcony accommodations.
Theater
Full-Service Spa
Pacific Rim
Chartreuse: Featuring a classic French menu with a modern twist, Chartreuse evokes memories of a chic Parisian fine dining restaurant discovered during an evening stroll. Wherever you are seated in this regal restaurant, you will be treated to a succulent dinner while enjoying incredible ocean views. The restaurant ambiance is complemented by a menu that features dishes expertly prepared using both classic and modern techniques for a multiple-course celebration of French gastronomy.
Compass Rose: Much thought was given to the design of Compass Rose, the flagship restaurant of Regent Seven Seas fleet. The dining room is outfitted with rich woods contrasted by light marble stones and mother of pearl shimmering brightly with an elegant color theme of light shades of blue, white, gold and silver. Compass Rose delights with a beautifully defined atmosphere and transitions from refreshing natural light during the day to a romantic ice blue lighting theme at night. This is the perfect setting for you to enjoy your breakfast, lunch and dinner, where the menu features an exceptional variety of Continental cuisine.
Pacific Rim: Celebrating the culinary traditions of Asia, Pacific Rim delights guests with the perfect balance of delicious flavors and Zen-like ambiance. The restaurant is located on Deck 5, and the interior glows with muted lighting that illuminates intricate architectural details. During dinner, guests are treated to incredible ocean views through windows designed in an abstract lotus shape, a universal Asian motif. To complement the stunning décor, Pacific Rim's chefs created a delectable menu of Pan-Asian creations with dishes such as grilled Korean barbecue lamb chops, wok-fried beans, eryngii mushroom and gochujang dressing. Pacific Rim is open for dinner each evening, reservations are required.
Prime 7: A true classic in every sense, Prime 7 sets a new standard in steakhouse fare with its contemporary interpretation of an American favorite. Handsomely decorated with supple leather wing-back chairs, burnished woods and rich earth-toned fabrics, Prime 7 exudes a distinct, intimate elegance. All the traditional starters are here, including Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Classic Steak Tartare, and Clam Chowder. Of course, beef is the undisputed star, and it is all USDA Prime and Dry-Aged at least 28 days to ensure the ultimate tenderness, juiciness and flavor. Prime New York Strip, Porterhouse Steak and succulent Filet Mignon only touch upon the selections. Mouthwatering alternatives include Alaskan King Crab Legs and Dover Sole. Prime 7 is open for dinner only and reservations are required.
Sette Mari at La Veranda: Each evening, La Veranda transforms into Sette Mari at La Veranda, a casual, intimate dining experience. Enjoy an extensive menu of authentic antipasti and Italian specialties served á la carte and paired with fine Italian wines — complimentary of course. Delectable dishes are prepared á la minute by talented chefs using only the freshest gourmet ingredients and served by attentive waiters. Sette Mari at La Veranda is open for dinner only.
Coffee Connection: Your informal destination to relax, meet fellow guests and enjoy coffee and snacks throughout the day. While snacking, international newspapers and news magazines are available for your perusal.
La Veranda Restaurant: Take in stunning ocean views while enjoying elegant breakfast and lunch buffets in the chic indoor dining room or al fresco on the shaded, open-air deck. Breakfasts include traditional favorites, as well as a made-to-order omelet station, a variety of fresh fruits and pastries, along with daily specials, like fluffy Belgian waffles with fresh blueberry compote. For lunch indulge in an array of choices from a bountiful salad bar, gourmet sandwiches, hot carving stations and delicious desserts.
Pool Grill: The Pool Grill is open-air, yet abundantly shaded for comfortable dining. Enjoy grilled-to-order burgers, grilled seafood, sandwiches, and fresh salads. Treat yourself to milkshakes and malts or an old-fashioned hand-dipped ice cream dessert sprinkled with all your favorite toppings.
Room Service: Complimentary 24-hour dining in the comfort of your stateroom.
Features a European king-size bed, a sitting area, a marble bathroom, a walk-in closet and a balcony. Concierge Level is available.
Category: H
This suite is a wonderfully cozy retreat that includes a private balcony. In addition to a signature Elite Slumber™ bed, you'll enjoy amenities such as lavish bath products, an interactive flat-screen TV, and plush bathrobe and slippers. The intimate sitting area includes a table that is the perfect size for a welcome bottle of Champagne and an in-suite breakfast. For your convenience, 24-hour room service is a phone call away.
Category: G2
Thoughtfully designed to maximize interior space and embrace the magnificent scenery outdoors, this suite is a joyful retreat. From the sitting area, admire the ocean views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, or better yet, take a seat outside on your private balcony to watch the world go by. Elegant finishes such as luxurious bedding and beautiful marble detailing in the bath further enhance your comfort.
Category: G1
Thoughtfully designed to maximize interior space and embrace the magnificent scenery outdoors, this suite is a joyful retreat. From the sitting area, admire the ocean views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, or better yet, take a seat outside on your private balcony to watch the world go by. Elegant finishes such as luxurious bedding and beautiful marble detailing in the bath further enhance your comfort.
Spacious suites feature an in-suite iPad, daily canapés and upgraded bathroom amenities.
Category: F2
With more than 400 square feet (121.9 meters) of space including a private balcony, this suite is an excellent choice if you want a little extra room. Even your sleeping accommodations are spacious, as the Elite Slumber™ bed is a European king-size and faces floor-to-ceiling windows that provide ocean views from your bed. A walk-in closet, dual sinks in the bathroom, and wonderful bath amenities make it a pleasure to prepare for your day's adventures.
Category: F1
With more than 400 square feet of space including a private balcony, this suite is an excellent choice if you want a little extra room. Even your sleeping accommodations are spacious, as the Elite Slumber™ bed is a European king-size and faces floor-to-ceiling windows that provide ocean views from your bed. A walk-in closet, dual sinks in the bathroom, and wonderful bath amenities make it a pleasure to prepare for your day's adventures.
Category: E
In this superbly designed suite, enjoy once-in-a-lifetime views of the horizon from the comfort of your King-Sized Elite Slumber™ Bed as well as exclusive luxuries available only in suites at the Concierge level and higher. Your suite includes amenities such as an illy® espresso maker and cashmere blankets, perfect for use in the morning when you wish to sip coffee and enjoy an in-suite breakfast on your private balcony.
Category: D
In this superbly designed suite, enjoy once-in-a-lifetime views of the horizon from the comfort of your King-Sized Elite Slumber™ Bed as well as exclusive luxuries available only in suites at the Concierge level and higher. Your suite includes amenities such as an illy® espresso maker and cashmere blankets, perfect for use in the morning when you wish to sip coffee and enjoy an in-suite breakfast on your private balcony.
Category: C
The luxurious suite has been carefully designed to maximize space and comfort. Relax on your private balcony and indulge in your lavish bath amenities as you recharge and ready yourself for new adventures in the next port of call. This suite also includes priority online reservations for shore excursions and dining, and you're encouraged to call on the services of a personal butler for special requests.
Category: B
The luxurious suite has been carefully designed to maximize space and comfort. Relax on your private balcony and indulge in your lavish bath amenities as you recharge and ready yourself for new adventures in the next port of call. This suite also includes priority online reservations for shore excursions and dining, and you're encouraged to call on the services of a personal butler for special requests.
Category: A
The luxurious suite has been carefully designed to maximize space and comfort. Relax on your private balcony and indulge in your lavish bath amenities as you recharge and ready yourself for new adventures in the next port of call. This suite also includes priority online reservations for shore excursions and dining, and you're encouraged to call on the services of a personal butler for special requests.
Category: ES
One look at this suite and you'll be uncorking a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne and toasting your good fortune. A soothing color palette, attention to detail and soothing lighting invite you to unwind in style. The subdued elegance continues with a resplendent private bedroom and one-and-a-half bathrooms, where marble and stone details complement the scents of a variety of lavish soaps, shampoos, and lotions.
Category: GS
Step into the richness of an emerald green dining area perfectly ensconced within a spacious, sumptuous living room. Just outside is a private balcony with a table and chairs, perfect for in-suite breakfast. The master bedroom is large and inviting, its soothing color palette perfect for a peaceful night's rest on your King-Size Elite Slumber™ Bed. Two full baths make it a perfect space for entertaining new friends on the high seas.
Category: MS
You'll find Park Avenue chic onboard Seven Seas Explorer® in this extravagant, stylish suite. A rich color palette, the finest fabrics and a grand piano create sophisticated comfort, while a personal butler will happily assist with both ordinary and special requests. With two spacious bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a large living room, and a wrap-around private balcony, this suite is perfectly suited to host gatherings of new friends.
Category: RS
Incomparable craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail are evident everywhere – from the suite's unique design choices, such as rare works of art, to grand features like an in-suite spa retreat and Steinway piano. The only thing to rival the luxurious interior that includes two magnificent bedrooms is the spectacular ocean view from private balconies that include a Tresse Minipool high atop the ship.
Symbol | Description |
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![]() | 2-bedroom suite accommodates up to 6 guests |
![]() | Convertible sofa bed |
![]() | Wheelchair accessible suites have shower stall instead of bathtub |
![]() | Connecting suites |
![]() | Bathroom features a glass-enclosed shower instead of bathtub in category A, B, C, G1, G2, and H |
*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy, is valid for select stateroom categories only, and does include government taxes/fees and gratuities. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.
**Select complimentary shore excursions are for full-fare guests only, capacity controlled and subject to availability. Shore excursion reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note, available excursions vary by sailing date and day of the week. Government fees and taxes are included. Requested excursions may not be available at time of booking. Supplement will apply on Regent Choice excursions and excludes Private Arrangements and all Adventures Ashore programs. Restrictions apply and penalties apply 36 hours prior to shore excursion start date.
††All shipboard credit is in U.S. dollars, is per stateroom based on double occupancy, has no cash value, is nontransferable and not redeemable for cash.
†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will be emailed 1 to 4 weeks after your trip. Digital Costco Shop Cards are not redeemable for cash, except as required by law. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.
Ship's registry: Marshall Islands
This booking includes a Digital Costco Shop Card which will arrive by email one to two weeks after you return from your vacation. The Digital Costco Shop Card is a convenient payment option in our warehouses and on Costco.com.
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