Noordam: 14-Night Cruise from Tokyo - October 24, 2027

You'll have 9 hours hours to explore Shimizu, Japan, from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. Traditional shrines and local festivals reveal a rich cultural heritage.

The Noordam is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Osaka (Kyoto and Nara), Japan are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. Osaka Castle is a stunning historic landmark surrounded by gardens and stone walls.

Your ship arrives in Kochi, Japan at 8:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. Summer can be hot and humid, so light clothing and water are important.

With 17 hours hours in Hiroshima, Japan - from 7:00 AM to 11:59 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. Hiroshima is famous for its own layered version of okonomiyaki, a savory pancake filled with noodles, cabbage, pork, and sauce.

The Noordam is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Fukuoka, Japan are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. Fukuoka's yatai are small open air food stalls that serve local favorites in a social setting.

Your ship arrives in Nagasaki, Japan at 8:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. Wander through beautifully preserved Western-style homes and gardens from the 19th century while enjoying panoramic views of Nagasaki harbor and learning about early international residents.

You'll have 10 hours hours to explore Busan (Kyongju), South Korea, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. 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.

Your cruise ends in Shanghai, China, where the Noordam is scheduled to dock at 7:00 AM. On a smaller ship, the disembarkation process moves quickly - most passengers are off within one to two hours. If you're flying out, book your flight at least four hours after the ship's scheduled arrival. Visitors can stroll along the Bund to see colonial-era buildings, explore historic alleys known as lilongs, or enjoy art galleries and museums showcasing both contemporary and traditional Chinese works.

Your cruise departs from Shanghai, China on the Noordam. We strongly recommend flying in the day before - flight delays and cancellations happen, and the ship won't wait. Use the extra time to explore Shanghai, China and start your trip relaxed. Complete your online check-in before arrival. The city's cuisine is legendary, ranging from street food dumplings to fine dining with views of the skyline.

Your cruise ends in Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China, where the Noordam is scheduled to dock at 6:30 AM. On a smaller ship, the disembarkation process moves quickly - most passengers are off within one to two hours. If you're flying out, book your flight at least four hours after the ship's scheduled arrival. Central is the city's historic and financial core, filled with landmarks, shopping streets, and hidden pockets of tradition.