Cruise Description

Seven Seas Explorer® took luxury cruising to the next level, from the palatial Regent Suite to the hand-picked art accentuating her halls.

Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan, on the southwest side of Revillagigedo Island, grew up around salmon canneries and sawmills. Ketchikan's name supposedly comes from the native term "Katch Kanna", which roughly translates: "spread wings of a thundering eagle." At one time Ketchikan was proclaimed the “Salmon Capital of the World.” An outstanding collection of totem poles make a visit to Ketchikan essential for anyone interested in Native art. Travelers flock to Ketchikan for their first look at the North Country, and are rarely disappointed.

Sitka, Alaska
Founded by Russian fur traders as New Archangel in 1799, Sitka was the historic center of Russia’s Alaskan empire. The Russian flag was replaced by the Stars and Stripes when the United States purchased the Alaska territory in 1867. Today, picturesque Sitka, is known for its fishing industry, an annual summer classical music festival and, of course, its many historic visitor attractions. On a clear day Sitka, the only city in southeast Alaska that actually fronts the Pacific Ocean, rivals Juneau for the sheer beauty of its surroundings.

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska
Viewing the magnificent grandeur of immense glaciers is surely one of the highlights of a journey to Alaska. Sail along a cliff face over six miles wide, 300 to 400 feet from peak to sea level and 300 feet from sea level to the bottom. As Hubbard Glacier advances, listen to the symphony of creaks and groans as it moves and calves. This makes for some exciting moments when the huge chunks of ice crash into the bay creating a wonderful sound called 'white thunder' by the Tlingit people. Please be advised that due to the under-developed nature of this destination, organized tours are not available.

Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska
Keep your binoculars handy to spot seals, otters and whales. Whittier is the gateway to Prince William Sound, where you can experience incredible glacier cruises and kayak in serene waters. Its unique "one-way-in" tunnel adds to the adventure. The town also provides access to nearby hiking trails and a fascinating WWII history, making it a perfect stop for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Kodiak, Alaska
About 30 miles off the southeast coast of the Alaskan peninsula is Kodiak, encompassing around 5,000 square miles of dense forests, jagged peaks and bays teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. Nicknamed "Alaska's Emerald Isle" by its residents, is described as a place to leave civilization behind as you brave the sometimes unrelenting elements to truly rediscover nature in its purest state. Endless outdoor activities range from hiking through the forests to watching the Kodiak bears foraging for food. Fishing enthusiasts find Kodiak Island offers great salmon, halibut and trout fishing.

Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Located along the 1,100-mile Aleutian Chain, the island/town of Unalaska is home to Dutch Harbor, a major commercial fishing port. Hike along trails walked for centuries by the Unangan people while watching for eagles soaring overhead. Visit the Museum of the Aleutians before doing some leisurely beachcombing. See remnants of Unalaska’s World War II history at a 134-acre site that includes gun mounts, bunkers and tunnels. (NOTE: Due to a lack of organized land touring infrastructure in this destination, shore excursions will not be available. We invite you to explore this port on your own.)

Hakodate, Japan
Hakodate abounds with natural beauty, historical buildings and delicious food. It is also famed for its abundance of hot springs, particularly the Yunokawa Onsen for a full body experience and the Ashiyu footbaths that are miniaturized hot spring baths designed for soaking one's feet. Also of interest is the Goryokaku fort. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the huge star-shaped fortress and surrounding moat from the adjoining Goryokaku Tower Observatory. Shop along the Bay Area facing Hakodate Port, its row of old red-brick buildings have been converted into a unique mall. After browsing, have a tea break while taking in the harbor views.

Sendai, Japan
Nature, cuisine, samurai history, this city has a little bit of everything. Stroll down Jozenji-dori Avenue, a tree-lined street which perfectly symbolizes Sendai's nickname: The City of Trees. Visit the giant Daikannon Statue, this Goddess of Mercy is one of the world’s tallest. Find groups of temples behind Sendai Station along ShinderaStreet, as well as in Kitayama. Find relaxation and peace at the shrines of Osaki Hachimangu and Rinno-ji Temple. Sendai is also famous for its cold Chinese noodles, miso and traditional sweets, visit the Asaichi Street Market to savor the flavors.

Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan
From Yokohama, travel to the world’s most dazzling city. Once the modest fishing village of Edo, modern Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis of unique neighborhoods. Choose from museums covering every aspect of Japanese history and culture. Visit the glorious Imperial Palace and Senso-ji temple in the ancient district of Asakusa. Dive into an urban food scene that rewards the intrepid. And, of course, snap a selfie in Shibuya Crossing. In Yokohama, bask in the city's hospitality before visiting Japan’s largest Chinatown or the vast Sankeien Garden, where seventeen historical structures relocated from Kyoto, Kamakura and elsewhere enhance the magnificent landscapes.

Shimizu, Japan
On a clear day, you can see magnificent Mount Fuji from the lively Port of Shimizu. Visit The S-Pulse Dream Plaza to tour the Shimizu Sushi Museum with informative displays and models that show the history and variations of Japan’s most famous fare. Stroll through the Kashi-no-Ichi Market, where some of the port's fresh seafood is sold and be sure to enjoy a delicious cup of tea.

Kyoto (Kobe), Japan
Visit breathtaking temples and shrines of Kyoto, Japan’s old imperial capital, or visit ancient Nara, the cradle of Japanese arts, literature and crafts, with its magnificent shrines and temples. Stroll through Nara Park, famed for its deer and impressive Kasuga Grand Shrine and tour Osaka where you will witness its imposing castle. From Kobe, bring home exotic mementos such as silks, ceramic teapots, paper parasols, superb artworks and pottery among other beautiful objects. Enjoy traditional Japanese fare or indulge in a wonderful dinner of Kobe beef. Everything will be exquisitely prepared and served.

Kochi, Japan
Kochi boasts beautiful and abundant natural landscapes, from an expansive coastline running with the Kuroshio Current to the clear Shimanto River and the deep green forests that surround it. Located in the south of Shikoku, Kochi is ringed by rugged mountains to the north, and its arc-like southern coastline traces the outline of Tosa Bay. To the east is Cape Muroto, and to the west, Cape Ashizuri, with gently undulating sandy beaches stretching between these two extreme points. The prefecture also boasts the mystical limestone caves of Ryu-ga-do, and the beautiful sands and green pines of Katsura-hama Beach.

Hiroshima, Japan
Surrounded by dense forests and enticing hot springs, cosmopolitan Hiroshima is a symbol of rebirth and resilience. Moving memorials to the world’s first atomic bomb attack of August 6, 1945 include the Peace Memorial Park and its Atomic Bomb Dome, a haunting symbol of the bomb’s devastation and a World Heritage site since 1996, and Children's Peace Monument. Take a ferry to the Island of Itsukushima, a holy place of Shintoism that’s Cultural Heritage-listed and site of the iconic ‘floating’ torii gate. After walking the wide boulevards of this vibrant city, sample the delicious, savory, street-food classic, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.

Busan, South Korea
Located on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula just two-and-a-half hours from Seoul, Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city. With its deep harbor, it’s also one of the largest commercial ports in the world. Often referred to as “the summer capital of South Korea,” Busan is known for its exceptional beaches, scenic cliffs and ancient temples high in the mountains.

Nagasaki, Japan
Japan's early gateway to trade with the West, Nagasaki boasts stately European-style homes, a bustling harbor and fusion cuisine (be sure to try Nagasaki’s version of Castella sponge cake, introduced by Portuguese missionaries). The vibrant city is also synonymous with the dropping of the second atomic bomb, making a visit to Nagasaki's Peace Park a necessary, and deeply moving, experience. Admire the city’s natural beauty atop Mount Inasayama. Drive through splendid countryside to browse the galleries of Arita, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain. Back in Nagasaki, wander Japan's oldest Chinatown, trying Chinese food reinterpreted for Japanese tastes.

Beppu, Japan
Lovers of hot spring resorts, rejoice. Perched hillside on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, Beppu bubbles with life thanks to a preponderance of onsen (hot springs). Enjoy a variety of rejuvenating bath types, from heated sand to traditional steam to hot mud. As one of the country’s most popular spots for enjoying a long, hot soak, most visitors find Beppu to be a delightful opportunity to absorb the more relaxed side of Japan’s vibrant culture.

Tokyo, Japan
Once the modest fishing village of Edo, modern Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis of extraordinary neighborhoods that is the sum of its seemingly endless parts: The tiny bars of Shinjuku's Golden Gai. The culinary delights of Nihombashi. Akihabara’s electronic gadgets and manga culture. The pottery shops of Asakusa. Nihombashi’s shopping meccas. Choose from museums covering every aspect of Japanese history and culture – don’t miss the treasures of the Tokyo National Museum. Visit the glorious Imperial Palace and Senso-ji temple in the ancient district of Asakusa. Dive into an unrivaled urban food scene that rewards the intrepid. And, of course, snap a selfie in Shibuya Crossing.