Philippines, Taiwan and Japan Luxury Small Ship Cruise

On first sight, the Philippines' capital shows its highly Americanised Asian megalopolis side, with ultramodern skyscrapers set all along the waterfront. But when you stroll through the cobbled streets of the Intramuros district, you'll discover a different side of Manila, one that's full of old-world charm. An enchanted pause in the middle of urban bustle, Rizal Park's 60 hectares of magnificent green parkland is perfect for recharging your batteries. To see the city from a different angle, take a walk along Roxas boulevard, a popular seaside promenade.

A protected area created in 1940, the Hundred Islands National Park is a designated natural site that brings together 124 beautiful tropical islands and islets, scattered across the crystal-clear waters of the Lingayen Gulf. It is an iconic attraction in the Philippines, offering visitors charming white sandy beaches, abundant vegetation and marine life. This preserved site also has limestone cliffs and coral reefs, making it a veritable corner of paradise for nature fans.

A small coastal town located in the province of Ilocos Norte, Currimao is a privileged gateway to Vigan, a former Chinese trading port and one of the best preserved Spanish colonial towns in Asia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, you will discover a unique architectural blend and remarkably well-preserved heritage treasures, such as the baroque Cathedral of Saint Paul and the traditional stone houses on Calle Crisologo. A real journey back into time!

Located in the charming municipality of Claveria in Cagayan, Claveria Beach is a hidden jewel offering visitors a real coastal experience. It is characterised by its natural beauty, and its inhabitants live onfishing and farming, mainly rice. You will be able to watch the fishermen return with their catch and discover the local traditions of this community, which is home to 32,000 inhabitants. A genuinely lush destination, the scenic route to Sentinella Hill affords stunning views over the mountains and the coast. In the heart of the Santa Maria Chapel, children playing guitar and dancers will set the rhythm of this tranquil escape. Featuring relaxation and a change of scenery, the port of call in Claveria promises to be idyllic.

In the north of the Philippines, the unspoilt Batanes archipelago reveals landscapes of striking beauty, with wind-beaten cliffs and verdant hills. From Basco, the province’s emblematic lighthouse, roads lined with flowers lead to the villages of the Ivatan people, whose stone houses are designed to withstand typhoons. This remote and peaceful archipelago offers an atmosphere where nature is ever-present, shaping a unique and still little-known part of the world.

Nicknamed “the beautiful island” by Portuguese sailors, 70% of the island of Taiwan is covered in lush, subtropical vegetation. When your ship stops in Hualien discover the stunning Taroko Gorge. This natural masterpiece, sculpted by the pure waters of the Liwu River, is known for its 1,200 metre-high marble cliffs, from which a unique panorama unfolds. During your stop here, discover the Eternal Spring Shrine, a complex clinging to the side of a mountain, made up of several small temples and overlooking a glistening waterfall. Then, along the Tunnel of Nine Turns, you will be able to admire the spectacular gorges which wind their way through deep canyons over some twenty kilometres.

On the north-east tip of Taiwan, the harbour city of Keelung stands on one of the most beautiful coasts on the island. Nearby is the spectacular natural park of Yehliu, famed for its striking rock formations. It's easy to tour the city's historical sites on trails that cross the lush green hills surrounding the harbour from Chung Cheng Park to Fort Ershawan, you can enjoy superb views of Keelung and the coastline. But the main attraction is the Miaokou night market, where you can taste some typically Taiwanese culinary delights.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Capital of Okinawa Prefecture, the town of Naha is located on the south-west of the island. You will love its lively atmosphere, particularly along Kokusai Dori, otherwise known as 'international street'. The picturesque Makishi Public Market, nicknamed 'Naha's kitchen' offers a profusion of colourful fish, Okinawan foodstuffs and local spices and you can sample delicacies cooked on the spot.

In the north of Okinawa Island, between azure waters and rolling green hills, Motobu invites you to pause and take in its beauty. Far from the beaten path, this destination reveals landscapes imbued with quiet poetry. Framed by the silhouette of Mount Yae, Motobu unfolds through its white-sand beaches and villages where time seems to flow at a different pace. At the heart of one of the world’s renowned Blue Zones, discover the Okinawan way of life and meet the “Memory Sherpas”, guardians of stories and traditions who keep the spirit of the archipelago alive. Journey into Okinawa’s fascinating past as you admire the ruins of Nakijin Castle, before exploring the historic district of Bise, renowned for its impressive green tunnels.

Miyanoura, on the unspoiled island of Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals a natural world of remarkable richness. Between mist-covered mountains, lush forests and wild coastlines, the island is home to majestic thousand-year-old cedar trees, some of which are said to have inspired the enchanting landscapes of the film Princess Mononoke. The spectacular Senpiro Falls, cascading down a vast granite monolith, is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks. Yakushima is also the guardian of ancestral craftsmanship, passed down through generations and deeply connected to its exceptional natural environment.

Located on the west coast of Shikoku island, Uwajima will delight lovers of history and traditional customs. The magnificent Uwajima Castle was built in the 17th-century by the powerful Date clan and has a beautiful ornamental garden and bridge. The much-visited Taga Shrine is dedicated to fertility and is full of phalluses. As for eating, you must taste jakoten, a local delicacy based on fried fish.

The fourth largest island in the Nippon archipelago, Shikoku, is also the best preserved. Here, forests and oceans stretch as far as the eye can see. On the southern coast of the island, Kochi, the tranquil metropolis will quietly welcome you. You can enjoy a lively town, with many commercial centres and restaurants. On the menu, katsuo tataki, a local speciality with delicately grilled fish. But Kochi, overlooked by the benevolent shadow of its castle, also invites you to explore its magnificent Katsurahama beach, its museums and Buddhist temples, the site of a famous annual pilgrimage.

Located in the Shizuoka Prefecture, the port town of Yaizu is one of Japan’s main fishing centres. As you explore, you will get a feel for the lively atmosphere of this iconic port, with its blend of local traditions and artisanal craftmanship. Yaizu is also known for the traditional production of dried bonito flakes, an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine. The region also reveals another, more peaceful, face, with the lush green landscapes of the famous Shizuoka tea plantations, which spread across the surrounding hills and illustrate the importance of tea growing in this region of Japan.

Whether you’ve been there or not, Tokyo is a dream place and always will be. Seated on the east coast of Honshu island, it is one of the largest cities in the world - with more than 13 million inhabitants intramural –, and one of the most active. With its 23 districts, the Japanese capital breathes life into a unique and motley universe: from the high-tech Akihabara district to the quiet, historical streets of Asakusa, through the night-time effervescence of Shinjuku and the trendy boutiques of Harajuku, Tokyo and its inhabitants will surprise you for sure. Everything seems somehow planned to make you want to stay. And it’s not Tokyo’s tradition of fine food that will make you change your mind.

Itineraries are subject to change.