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Spectacular Islands in the Western Pacific - Guam to Hong Kong
MS Hanseatic - April 24 - May 12, 2012
Voyage HAN1207
Impressive volcanic cones watch over the lonely bays of the Northern Mariana Islands. The
Japanese islands are glittering in the ocean like a lost treasure. And in Taiwan, time seems to
move a little faster. Let the HANSEATIC take you around the Ring of Fire as you discover the
incomparable worlds of the Western Pacific.
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Date
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Destination |
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26-Apr-12
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Embarkation
in Guam, Apra Harbor/Guam/USA, departure 18.00 hrs |
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27 Apr - 29
Apr-12
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North Mariana Islands
(Tinian , Pagan , cruising off Anatahan and Maug) |
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30-Apr-12
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Relaxation at
sea |
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01 May - 02
May-12
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Japan (Chichishima ,
cruising off Hahashima) |
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3-May-12
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Relaxation at
sea |
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04 May - 05
May-12
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Japan (Daito Islands
, Naha) |
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6-May-12
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Relaxation at
sea |
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7-May-12
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Chelung
(Taipei)/Taiwan, arrival 8.00 hrs |
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8-May-12
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Chelung, departure
18.00 hrs |
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9-May-12
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Makung/Penghu/Pescadores/Taiwan, from 12.00 to 19.00
hrs |
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10-May-12
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Kaohsiung/Taiwan,
from 7.00 to 17.00 hrs |
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11-May-12
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Relaxation at
sea |
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12-May-12
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Hong Kong/China,
arrival 7.00 hrs - Disembarkation. |
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Micronesia: Jewels of the Pacific
A few
kilometres west of the Mariana Trench, the peaks of the North Mariana
Islands rise from the ocean. The seventeen islands are mainly of
volcanic origin, and lie like a 650 kilometre pearl necklace in the Pacific.
They are practically uninhabited. White sand beaches, dense jungle and
turquoise blue waters form a dreamy backdrop for journeys of discovery. With an
area of 100 m²,Tinian is one of the larger islands. After
Spanish, German, Japanese and American colonial masters left their mark on the
life of the island over several centuries, it has again been under the firm
control of the Chamorro since 1946. The tradition of these original inhabitants
can be traced back over three millennia. Dating from the time of their best
known ruler, King Tagas, the massively heavy Latte Stones are still impressive
today. After cruising off Anatahan and making the acquaintance
of one of the most active stratovolcanoes on Earth, you come to
Pagan. Like the other North Mariana Islands, Pagan was also
once a part of German New Guinea. Following a volcanic eruption, the double
island was abandoned and now awaits the visitor with virgin forests. Before you
leave this remote shore, the Zodiacs will take you as close as possible to the
island of Maug. Here, the last remnants of a broken volcanic
cone form a lagoon which is now a nature reserve. |
Japan's Mysterious Island World
They lie peacefully alongside one another - the 'father island'
Chichishima, at just 55 km² the biggest island of the
Ogasawaragunto archipelago, and Hahashima, the 'mother island'.
Now a remote and idyllic location, this was once a fortress - as you will learn
from our experts on a hike through the densely forested region. The Daito
Islands are largely covered with sugar cane, and they abound in bats as
well as many insect and butterfly species. Near Naha on Okinawa,
you travel back into the past on the Nakagusuku Castle and Nakamura
Court* excursion. In the ruins of the fortress, which is built of cut
Ryukyu chalk, you will be impressed by the construction skills of the 15th century,
while the authentic furnishings of the Nakamura Court will make you the feel like
you have traveled back in time to the Japan of the18th century. |
Taiwan: Island of Extremes
From the port city of Chelung it is not far to the metropolis of
Taipei, the home of millions. Taiwan's lively capital hugs the surrounding rice
terraces. On the excursion highlights of Taipei*, you will already
catch sight of the 508 metre high Taipei 101 skyscraper from a distance. The
world's second highest building, it was modelled on a stalk of bamboo and is the
city's undisputed landmark. The view from the 89th floor* reveals
the numerous riches of the city, with buildings dating from all cultural epochs.
Here, you will find the world's biggest collection of Chinese art in the National
Palace Museum, and you can admire the wood carvings of the Lungshan Buddhist temple
and the marble splendour of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Somewhat more
tranquil is the stroll among the marine sculptures of Yeh-Liu*,
where water, sun and the wind have created bizarre rock formations which fire the
imagination. In the east of Taiwan, a small archipelago accommodates the oldest
Mazu Temple. Here in Makung, the protective goddess of fishermen
and seafarers is revered to the present day. Reverence will also be felt on the
Path of the Enlightened, which you follow from Kaohsiung when you
set out to visit the Fo Guang Shan* monastery. As well as a 30
metre high statue of Buddha which is surrounded by 480 smaller figures, the grounds
also feature the Path of the Thousand Buddhas. Alternatively, you can visit
temples and pagodas* symbolising the passage from unhappiness to
happiness - the neck of the dragon is the entrance, the mouth of the tiger forms
the exit. Could there be a more atmospheric conclusion to your exciting
expedition? |
Micronesia - a Cornucopia of Pacific Magic
There are few people who
have ever heard Kapingamarangi being spoken. You will become familiar with the
sound of this language when you go ashore on Kapingamarangi, which is famous
for its handicrafts. The 40 islands of the Nukuoro atoll have been arranged
in an almost perfect circle by a whim of nature. On the largest island of the same
name, you will find out a great deal about life in this remote corner of the world.
Around 800 years ago a highly advanced civilisation arose on the island of
Pohnpei . In the ruined city of Nan Madol*, you will encounter
gigantic megalithic structures on artificially built islands which served as ritual
centres and dwelling places. Yet another South Seas paradise is revealed on the
small island of Oroluk. Its population is a single figure number, which is
why things are all the more lively below the surface of the sea - a dream come true
for snorkelers. Satawal belongs to the Yap Islands and is the birthplace of
outstanding seafarers who sailed across the Pacific in outrigger canoes navigating
only by the stars and waves. During your visit you may well find money beside the
road which no one picks up for a good reason: Yap's legendary Rai stones include
coins with a diameter of up to four metres. From Apra Harbor on Guam, your
flight will take you back to your home country, which now seems much further away
than "only" 20,000 km.
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* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price. The
shore activities listed here are in the planning stage and are subject
to changes. |
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Each month our cruise experts select great itineraries that will be sailing within the next
6-8 months.
Check back next month to see what itineraries have been added to our 'top picks' list.
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