Costa Serena: 5-Night from Busan (Kyongju) - September 2, 2026

With 12 hours hours in SASEBO, JAPAN - from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM - you have a full day ashore with room to breathe. Go beyond the typical tourist stops: neighborhoods, local dining, and cultural sites that most cruise visitors never reach. Leave time for unstructured wandering. The city offers a unique mix of Japanese tradition and modern amenities, from bustling fish markets to peaceful gardens.

The Costa Serena carries 3,500+ passengers, which can create congestion at the terminal in Shanghai, China. Ship-arranged shore excursions are your best bet - these groups most often receive priority disembarkation. Walk along the Bund waterfront to admire the city's iconic skyline, historic colonial architecture, and the sweeping views of the Huangpu River that capture Shanghai's charm.

With a late arrival in Seogwipo City, Jeju Island, South Korea at 3:00 PM, your time ashore is more limited - but many morning passengers will already be heading back, so popular spots may be less crowded. Focus on attractions closest to the port.

Your cruise ends in Busan (Kyongju), South Korea, where the Costa Serena is scheduled to dock at 12:00 PM. With 3,500+ passengers, disembarkation groups are called over a two to three hour window - but once your group is called, you'll be off in about 15 minutes. Self-assist - carrying your own bags off - lets you skip the wait and walk off first. Book your flight at least five hours after the ship's scheduled arrival. Nearby restaurants prepare simple, fresh dishes on the spot, making it an ideal place to taste the city's coastal flavors while soaking in local life.