Shanghai to Tokyo Hapag-Lloyd Cruise

Itinerary Highlights

Sail aboard the MS EUROPA II, a casually refined ship with a maximum of 500 guests
Discover three Asian countries in one journey with stops in China, South Korea and Japan
Explore Shanghai, Beijing, Nagasaki and the hot springs of Beppu, just to name a few stops
Finish your journey on a high in Tokyo and explore Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Facilities

Bar
Kids Club
Restaurant
Spa
Swimming Pool

16 nights from £8,999 per person
10 February - 10 March 2025

Denise

Travel Specialist

01244 435 293

These voyages are a small taste of what we offer. Contact our Cruise Specialists for bespoke suggestions and post-cruise options

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If you’re looking for an introduction to some of Asia’s most vibrant cities and historic sites, this Hapag-Lloyd cruise will be perfect.

Travelling from Shanghai to Tokyo, you’ll get to explore key ports-of-call across China, South Korea and Asia, spanning thousands of years of culture, heritage and history in just 16 days. From the futuristic skyline of Shanghai, to the tranquil temples of Busan, steaming hot springs of Beppu and the nuclear memorials of Nagasaki, every stop offers something different and enriching.

With Hapag-Lloyd, you’ll be able to choose from a range of shore excursions that help you get to know each region more personally. Enjoy scenic journeys and expert guided city tours, or opt for one of the more active pursuits, which may include bike rides, Segways or boat tours. Alternatively, the private concierge service can provide tailor-made arrangements for you, including your own transfers and securing tickets to shows or attractions in advance.

On board MS EUROPA II, you’ll have everything you need to relax in between anchoring. All spacious suites include a veranda and plenty of natural light, while families can also have their own space with the Family Apartment option. During days at sea, you can unwind at the spa, enjoy a programme of evening shows and dine at sophisticated yet laid-back restaurants.

Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1-2 | 20-21 Feb 2025 | Fly from the UK to Shanghai

Shanghai

Fly from the UK to Shanghai for a night’s stay at Marriott Shanghai before your cruise begins.

Day 3 | 22 Feb 2025 | Embark MS EUROPA II

Your private transfer will drive you from your hotel to the port to embark MS EUROPA II for your 16-day journey to Tokyo. The ship will overnight in the port and depart the next day, so enjoy the extra time to explore Shanghai or get to know the facilities on board.

Day 4-7 | 23-26 Feb 2025 | Shanghai to Beijing

Beijing

The ship will depart Shanghai first thing in the morning. After two days at sea, during which you could relax in the ship’s OCEAN SPA, you’ll reach your first port of Beijing on the morning of 25 February. Enjoy two full days to explore the 3,000-year-old city, with options to visit the Great Wall of China or the palace complex of The Forbidden City.

Day 8 | 27 Feb 2025 | Day at sea

After an impressive start to your cruise in Beijing, make the most of a welcome day at sea to rest. Take your time over your meals at the choice of excellent restaurants; you can sample the flavours of Asia at Sakura with its modern Japanese menu, or opt for Elements, which serves diverse cuisine from across the continent.

Day 9 | 28 Feb 2025 | Qingdao (Tsingtao)

Qingdao

Feeling fully restored, you’ll arrive today at Qingdao. This coastal city has a fascinating history following its German influences, which you’ll see in the old European style architecture and cobbled alleys. The city’s German occupiers brought with them their love for beer, and the city is now home to Tsingtao, China’s most popular beer.

Day 10 | 1 Mar 2025 | Day at sea

With a busy few days ahead, now is the perfect time to enjoy a relaxing day at sea. Be sure to look at the ship’s entertainment programme, with performers including Masters of Choreo, with their electrifying dance fusion, and the Salome Chamber Ensemble, a renowned orchestra that has previously performed with the likes of Rufus Wainwright and John Legend.

Day 11 | 2 Mar 2025 | Nagasaki

Nagasaki

Today, you’ll enter Japan with a stop at Nagasaki. The city is known by many for being the site of an nuclear bomb drop in 1945, an event memorialised at the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park. Take the time to learn the significance of the event for the people who lived in the city, and get to know modern Nagasaki with its vibrant culture and sights.

Day 12 | 3 Mar 2025 | Busan

Busan

Today, the ship will cross over to South Korea and anchor at Busan. Here, you can explore the richly decorated temples of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gyeongju; dating back thousands of years, the site was once the largest city in the world and is packed with history. Or, if you want to learn a new skill, you can try out the traditional martial art of taekwondo.

Day 13 | 4 Mar 2025 | Fukuoka

Fukuoka

Crossing back into Japan, the ship’s next port of call is the vibrant city of Fukuoka. With a slower pace than many other Japanese cities, you can enjoy the flavourful street food stalls, parks, museums and shopping malls. For more peace, visit Shofukuji Temple or the Fukuoka castle ruins.

Day 14 | 5 Mar 2025 | Beppu

Beppu

A treat awaits wellness lovers today in Beppu, one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts. Enjoy the bathing tradition of ‘onsen’ with the region’s abundance of thermal waters – adventurous bathers even opt for mud baths! Or, if you’d rather not get wet, visit the Hells of Beppu, which are not for bathing but offer some beautiful scenery.

Day 15-16 | 6-7 Mar 2025 | Kobe

Kobe

Your penultimate stop in Japan is Kobe, another thriving Asian city. You’ll have two full days to see some of the best highlights, including the option to head to the ancient imperial city of Kyoto, known for its peaceful Buddhist temples, gardens and formal traditions. You can also head to Nara, the former capital of Japan and home to the Todai-ji temple and its 15m-high bronze Buddha.

Day 17 | 8 Mar 2025 | Day at sea

After an experience-packed few days, now is the perfect time to unwind on the ship. Put your feet up at the pool deck, or visit the spa to unwind in the Finnish sauna. Golf lovers can book some time in the golf simulator to practice their skills for the afternoon before making the most of the ship’s bars and restaurants – tonight, why not dine at Tarragon for sophisticated French fare?

Day 18 | 9 Mar 2025 | Tokyo

Today your trip comes to a spectacular finale in Tokyo. While in port, you’ll have an overnight stay on the ship, giving you a little extra time to see the iconic city. Why not explore Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park? From here, you’ll be able to admire Mount Fuji in all its splendour, along with its surrounding rugged coastline, volcanic islands and serene lakes.