Tokyo to Vancouver

Aomori City is the capital of the Aomori prefecture, and by far one of Japan’s most underrated cities. Chock full of picturesque historic temples, museums, and close to incredible nature like Mt. Hakkoda, Aomori offers an off-the-beaten path take on Japan. Even though Aomori City has a population of over a quarter of a million, it still has that small-town sleepiness you’d be hard pressed to find in Tokyo or Kyoto. In the spring and summer, Aomori bursts to life with cherry blossom festivals and the Nebuta Festival every August. While you’re stopped here on an Asia cruise, don’t miss thought-provoking modern art exhibits at the Aomori Museum of Art, or a bird’s-eye view of the city from the observation deck of the ASPAM pyramid. Apple orchard tours and harborside strolls, local fish markets and dramatic ropeway rides to the top of Mt. Hakkoda are just a few of the offerings in Aomori for the adventurous outdoorist.

A port city on the island of Hokkaido, Hakodate is best known for the spectacular views and the area's delicious, fresh seafood, sushi, squid, and ramen. From the top of the Mount Hakodate, you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the city surrounded by the ocean. You can reach the summit by hiking trail, cable car, or auto. The former Gory?kaku Fort, Ajapan's first Western style fortress, is now used in as a public park and is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. The park also features the tall, white Gory?kaku Tower that offers a panoramic view of the park, including mainland Japan across the Tsugaru Strait on clear days. Hakodate is literally a town of hot springs, and it even offers steamy outdoor footbaths to pedestrians.

Sapporo, Japan: Sapporo is the largest city on the island of Hokkaido and is located about 2 hours north of Muroran. In the heart of the city, Odori Avenue Park is filled with beautiful sculptures, a variety of fountains, 92 species of trees, and lots of flowerbeds. New art can be experienced in many ways throughout Sapporo with old houses, basements, and passageways continually being reinvented as beautiful galleries, shops, and bustling restaurants. Visit Sapporo Beer Museum and find out how the famous export is made, and, perhaps sample a few in the Biergarten. There are many other sights to discover on a Sapporo cruise, including the Sapporo City Clock, which has been marking time for over a century and the old Hokkaido government building, a neo-baroque building known as "Red Brick" that is lit up after dark. For authentic souvenirs and keepsakes, the Museum Store and Clark Gallery & Shift both offer wonderful locally made, handcrafted goods. Or stop in to Saturday Chocolate Factory Café for small-batch chocolates made with single-origin cacao beans.

24 ports and cities. Over 40 land excursions. Your combinations are nearly endless in this unspoiled land nestled between glacier and rain forest. Explore Alaska by land, sea and air, viewing North America's most noble creatures and natural wonders. It's all designed to get you refueled on inspiration. This is your opportunity to take the adventure you always dreamed of. Witness dramatic displays of ice-shelves breaking off into icebergs. Visit cultures that have lived and loved the land for thousands of years. Marvel at moose and bear on the land, bald eagles soaring above, and humpback whales peacefully rolling with the sea. And gaze upon the backdrop of a million stars showcasing the miracle of the Aurora Borealis.