Lanterns Over East Asia
Sail aboard Seabourn Encore on a refined East Asia journey, featuring Shanghai, Japan's Okinawan islands and Taiwan, timed for the enchanting Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, with an intimate all-suite experience and personalised service throughout.
- Package Details
- Itinerary
- Terms and Conditions
WITNESS TAIWAN'S SKY LANTERN FESTIVAL
Sail in ultra-luxury aboard Seabourn Encore on a captivating journey through East Asia, where refined elegance meets rich cultural discovery. This thoughtfully crafted voyage pairs an overnight in Shanghai with visits to Japan's Okinawan islands and an in-depth exploration of Taiwan, perfectly timed to coincide with the enchanting Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival. As thousands of glowing lanterns rise into the night sky carrying wishes for the year ahead, guests have the rare opportunity to witness one of the region's most magical traditions. Back on board, Seabourn Encore offers an intimate, all-suite experience with personalised service, world-class dining and a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere, creating a seamless blend of cultural immersion and indulgent comfort.
Package Inclusions:
- Return economy class flights from Australia* to Hong Kong
- Looking for more comfort? Ask us about upgrades to Premium Economy or Business Class.
- Want to explore more of Asia? We can help you extend your stay and customise your journey. - Date: 29-31 January 2028
Hong Kong is a dynamic city where soaring skyscrapers meet vibrant street markets and rich cultural heritage, offering a wide range of sightseeing options including Victoria Peak, the bustling harbourfront, traditional temples, and world-class shopping and dining. - Date: 31 January - 12 February 2028, 12 nights Hong Kong return
A roundtrip from Hong Kong featuring an overnight in Shanghai, with visits to Japan's Okinawan islands and multiple ports across Taiwan, including Taipei, perfectly timed to experience the region's vibrant culture and seasonal celebrations. - - All onboard meals including specialty restaurants
- Complimentary beverages, including fine wines & premium spirits
- Welcome champagne & in-suite bar stocked with your preferences
- Complimentary caviar
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Tipping is neither required, nor expected
- Port charges & taxes
- Held on Wednesday, 9 February 2028, the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is one of Taiwan's most enchanting cultural events, where thousands of glowing lanterns are released into the night sky, each carrying handwritten wishes for luck, health and prosperity. Taking place in the scenic Pingxi District, this centuries-old tradition marks the end of Lunar New Year celebrations and creates a truly magical spectacle, as coordinated waves of lanterns illuminate the mountains and valleys in a breath-taking display of light and hope.
- All private transfers are pre-arranged for a smooth and stress-free journey.
Itinerary
Day 1 Hong Kong
Hong Kong is divided into four sections: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and the numerous outlying islands. One hundred sixty-four square miles of dense real estate dominate Hong Kong Island, including enormous skyscrapers with futuristic architecture, opulent hotels, residential compounds on Victoria Peak, and some of the oldest Chinese communities in the region. All these elements create one of the most exotic and exciting ports of call in the world; one that is universally loved by tourists and its own enterprising citizens.
Day 2 At Sea
Day 3 At Sea
Day 4 Shanghai, China
"Paris of China" and "Pearl of the Orient," the vibrant city of Shanghai is a shining symbol of the economic emergence of the world's largest nation. A comfortable jumble of old and new, it is a city in seemingly unstoppable transition. Like the rest of China, Shanghai is undergoing one of the fastest economic expansions the world has ever seen, yet has striven to retain its historical roots. Today's Shanghai is a montage of stunning architecture, mixed with noble reminders of long-gone eras. Shanghai, as you soon discover, has many faces.Day 5 Shanghai, China
"Paris of China" and "Pearl of the Orient," the vibrant city of Shanghai is a shining symbol of the economic emergence of the world's largest nation. A comfortable jumble of old and new, it is a city in seemingly unstoppable transition. Like the rest of China, Shanghai is undergoing one of the fastest economic expansions the world has ever seen, yet has striven to retain its historical roots. Today's Shanghai is a montage of stunning architecture, mixed with noble reminders of long-gone eras. Shanghai, as you soon discover, has many faces.Day 6 At Sea
Day 7 Naha, Japan
Okinawa's capital was heavily damaged during World War II. Its most famous landmark, the Chinese-style Shuri Castle, is a reconstruction, but well worth visiting, especially its impressive Shureimon gate, a UNESCO Heritage Site. Just nearby, a couple of relic sites remain: the stone houses and cobbled walkways of the Shrikinjocho Stone-Path Road, and the tranquil Shikina-en Garden. The Okinawa Prefecture Museum and Art Museum reveals a great deal of the local history. Okinawa has long been famous for a distinctive style of ceramic wares, which are still made in Naha's Tsuboya neighborhood. Visit the Tsuboya Pottery Museum to earn about the craft, then stroll the shops along Yachimun Street to pick up some examples as souvenirs.
Day 8 Miyakojima (Hirara), Miyako, Japan
Miyako Island is 300 km south of Okinawa island, and is famous for its beaches, said to be Japan–s most beautiful. Maehama beach is for swimmers, while Yoshino has great coral reefs for snorkelers and the white-sand Sunayama has dramatic rock formations. Cape Higashi-Hennazaki is a long, narrow cape with the picturesque lighthouse at the end. The city–s Botanical Garden boasts over 1600 tropical varieties. Nakasone Tuyumya was an important leader of Miyako and the Okinawan people in the 16th century. Near the port in Hirara is memorial to him and his descendants, a designated national cultural asset. At the island–s north end, the graceful Ikema Ohashi bridge leads to the small Ikema Island.
Day 9 Hualien, Taiwan, Province Of China
Located on the Pacific coast of Taiwan island, where the Hualien River enters the sea, Hualien is a gateway to the island’s most spectacular natural splendors. It was here that Portuguese sailors in the 16th century caught a first glimpse of the grandeur and named the island Formosa. For a first visit nothing could beat a tour to the Taroko National Park, a swathe of mountain peaks, deep-cut canyons, rivers and waterfalls that is simply breathtaking. The rivers here have carved deep gorges into the marble cliffs, and attractions such as the Tunnel of Nine Turns make it even more dramatic. This path leads through marble-walled tunnels, interrupted by natural windows that let the light stream down from above, culminating in a rushing waterfall.Day 10 Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan
Keelung is the second largest port in Taiwan, and a booming trade industry has turned it into a very prosperous city and international seaport. However, the main reason for calling here is to travel inland to visit the contemporary metropolis of Taipei. Not long ago, the scenic valley of the Tanshui River was home to rice and vegetable farmers, but today it is the site of Taiwan's bustling center of culture, commerce and government.
Day 11 Taichung, Taiwan
Set along the island's western coast, Taichung blends modern energy with deep-rooted traditions, offering travellers a gateway to Taiwan's artistic and culinary soul. This vibrant city invites exploration at a gentle pace—where leafy boulevards lead to ornate temples, and contemporary museums stand beside bustling night markets. Discover the serenity of Taichung Park, wander through the colourful lanes of the Painted Animation Village, or step inside the National Taichung Theatre, an architectural marvel that mirrors the city's creative spirit. Beyond the urban landscape, lush hills cradle tea plantations and scenic trails, while nearby Sun Moon Lake beckons with tranquil waters and timeless beauty. With its harmonious blend of heritage and innovation, Taichung reveals a side of Taiwan that feels both authentic and inspiring—a destination where every corner offers a story waiting to be uncovered.
Day 12 At Sea
Day 13 Hong Kong
Hong Kong is divided into four sections: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and the numerous outlying islands. One hundred sixty-four square miles of dense real estate dominate Hong Kong Island, including enormous skyscrapers with futuristic architecture, opulent hotels, residential compounds on Victoria Peak, and some of the oldest Chinese communities in the region. All these elements create one of the most exotic and exciting ports of call in the world; one that is universally loved by tourists and its own enterprising citizens.
Terms and Conditions Terms and Conditions apply: All prices are quoted in Australian dollars, based on per person double occupancy unless stated otherwise, and inclusive of all taxes and discounts. All prices & itineraries are current as of 29 April 2026 & subject to change without notice. Prices are subject to change due to availability, currency fluctuations, fuel price, and tax increases. Price includes any stated bonus nights, upgrades & package savings, if applicable. All passports, visas, travel permits, and vaccinations are the responsibility of the travelling passenger to secure prior to travel. Airfares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice, based in economy class from Sydney and are subject to the carriers' flight schedules and conditions. Seasonal and flight routing surcharges may apply. Airfares are based on the lowest available fare, which comes with strict conditions i.e., non-refundable, or non-changeable. Please ask your consultant for pricing on flexible fare options that allow cancellations and/or amendments at a fee. Please call us for prices from other airports. Travel packages advertised may include multiple products provided by several suppliers to provide a travel itinerary. Each component of the package will be treated independent of each other, and the specific terms & conditions of each product supplier will apply. Hotels may charge resort fees, or a security bond not included or mentioned in this package, payable direct upon check-in. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty.
Lanterns Over East Asia
Includes:- Cruise
- Flights
- Hotel
- Transfers














