$3299—Save $1272 on Japan, Korea & China fly-cruise-stay

Japan, Korea, and China share cultural and historical ties, yet each developed uniquely over time. This Japan-centric cruise, with stops in Korea and China, offers a glimpse into these fascinating contrasts. Sail for two weeks on HAL’s Westerdam from Tokyo to Hong Kong. Visit seven diverse Japanese ports as well as South Korea’s lively Busan and dynamic, vibrant Shanghai. This 17-night holiday also international flights and 4-star stays in both Yokohama and Hong Kong. 

Travelzoo loves: the flexibility to add on tours before and after the cruise with this offer. Catch Japan's famous snow monkeys before the cruise with a 4-day tour. Or explore China over 8 days after the cruise. You'll scale the Great Wall, visit the Terracotta Warriors and see their playful pandas. (See below for more information)

Starting at just $3299, this 2026 holiday cannot be put together for less. We found savings of up to $1272 when self-packaging based on 2025 flight and stay prices.

What's included

• International flights from Sydney to Tokyo, return from Hong Kong
• 1 night at a 4-star hotel in Yokohama 
• 14-night Yokohama to Hong Kong cruise onboard HAL’s Westerdam 
  • Port of calls: Shimizu, Osaka, Kochi, Hiroshima, Scenic cruising Kanmon Strait, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Busan and Shanghai (overnight)
  • All onboard meals (speciality dining excluded)
  • Onboard entertainment, including stage shows and live music
  • 24-hour room service
  • Daily housekeeping
  • All port fees and government taxes
• 1 night at a 4-star hotel in Hong Kong

When

This itinerary departs Sydney on 14 February 2026. 

Book by 13 December 2024.

Cabin upgrades

Featured prices are based on an Inside cabin while cruising. We've also found savings on cabin upgrades. Upgrades start at $600 per person:

• +$600 for an Outside cabin
• +$1200 for a Balcony cabin
• +$2400 for a Suite

To find out more, see our partner's website.

Add on tours

• +$4570 per person ... 4-day Japan tour (departs 12 February 2026)
  • 3 nights in 4-star accommodations
  • Daily breakfast and dinner on tour
  • Daily tours and entrance fees as per the itinerary (excl. camera fees)
  • English-speaking guide on tours only and English-speaking assistant (transfers)
  • Luggage transfer from Tokyo—Yudanaka Onsen
  • All transportation including bullet train in ordinary class from Tokyo—Nagano and Nagano to Tokyo Station

• +$3499 per person ... 8-day China tour (departs 1 March 2026) 
  • 7 nights in 4-star accommodations 
  • Flight from Hong Kong to Chengdu, return from Beijing
  • All meals on tour including a Peking Duck dinner
  • Daily tours and entrance fees as per the itinerary (excl. camera fees)
  • Local English-speaking guide and National Escort in each city 
  • All transportation including bullet train tickets in second class soft seat
  • Red Cap services at Beijing and Xian Railway stations
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Headphones for the group 
  • Tips

Holiday snapshot

Sydney - Tokyo - Yokohama - Shimizu - Osaka - Kochi - Hiroshima - Kanmon Strait - Fukuoka - Nagasaki - Busan - Shanghai - Hong Kong - Sydney

Itinerary highlights

The vibrant and dynamic city of Yokohama boasts a mix of modern attractions and rich history. Visit Japan's largest Chinatown, head to the futuristic waterfront district of Minato Mirai, or make your own cup of noodles at the fun and interactive Cup Noodles Museum. For a relaxing stroll, your options are the scenic Yamashita Park or Sankeien Garden, a traditional Japanese garden set among historic buildings.

Famed for Mount Fuji views and Miho-no-Matsubara, Shimizu offers a rich history and local delicacies. While here, visit Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, explore Sumpu Castle, or enjoy fresh tuna and sakura shrimp. For a more leisurely activity, visit S-Pulse Dream Plaza, a shopping and entertainment complex near the port with beautiful ocean views, a large Ferris wheel, and plenty of dining options​.

Osaka blends business energy with lively, Chicago-style charm, boasting vibrant markets, neon shopping streets, and its unique dialect. While the city's concrete sprawl lacks greenery, it offers sumo sightings, Yakuza lore, and easy access to Kyoto and Nara's historic temples and shrines.

Perched on a hill, 17th-century Kochi Castle offers panoramic city views and rich history. While in Kochi, explore the castle, savour sushi at Hirome Market, or stroll along the scenic Kagami River.

Hiroshima offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, explore Shukkei-en Garden, or take a trip to scenic Miyajima Island. While here, try the city's famous okonomiyaki and fresh oysters.

The Kanmon Strait, separating Honshu and Kyushu, is a vital maritime route linking the Sea of Japan and the Inland Sea. Highlights include Shimonoseki's historic cannons, renowned fugu cuisine, and Moji Port's neo-Renaissance station and promenade.

Fukuoka, Kyushu's largest city, blends modernity with a rich history. Explore the futuristic Canal City, the historic Kushida Shrine, or the serene Ōhori Park. While here, admire Fukuoka Tower's mirrored architecture and enjoy the city's lively atmosphere.

Nagasaki, a cosmopolitan port city in northwest Kyushu, offers a blend of history, culture, and vibrant dining. Visit the poignant Nagasaki Peace Park, explore Chinatown's diverse cuisine, or enjoy family fun at the Dutch-themed Huis Ten Bosch Park.

South Korea's second-largest city, Busan blends vibrant city life with laid-back coastal charm. Explore the colourful Gamcheon Cultural Village, relax on Haeundae Beach, or visit the cliffside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Food lovers should take advantage of Jagalchi Fish Market for fresh seafood delights.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Shanghai, a city of contrasts, offering a mix of historic charm and modern vibrancy. Visit the Bund for heritage architecture, explore the Shanghai Museum's vast antiquities collection, or marvel at Pudong's towering skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower. Enjoy diverse dining, from soup dumplings to Michelin-starred cuisine.

Hong Kong, a global hub for finance, fashion, and food, offers a blend of modernity and tradition. Visit its iconic skyline from Victoria Harbour, explore Michelin-starred dining, or tour districts like Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, rich in culture and luxury. This is your final cruise destination. Make your way to your hotel for a one-night stay.