Journey Through Icons of East Asia: Shanghai, Jeju & Japan

Pricing is based on departure date: 24 July 2026

Alternative departures available from July to September 2026.

Begin in dazzling Shanghai, where soaring skylines meet timeless temples, then cross to Jeju, an island shaped by waterfalls, volcanoes, and quiet coastal villages. Continue to Nagasaki and Kagoshima, where Japan’s history and spirit unfold in gardens, steaming hot springs, and seaside castles. End in Osaka, alive with neon light, rich flavors, and centuries-old cultural treasures before returning to Shanghai. This voyage blends modern wonders with ancient stories, offering a dreamy journey through the soul of East Asia.

Itinerary Map

Itinerary highlights

Shanghai

When your MSC cruise brings you to Shanghai it is easy to understand that after years of stagnation, this great metropolis is undergoing one of the fastest economic expansions the world has ever seen.

As Shanghai begins to recapture its position as East Asia’s leading business city, a status it last held before World War II, the skyline is filling with high-rises – there are well over a thousand now. 
Gleaming shopping malls, luxurious hotels and prestigious arts centres are rising alongside, while underneath everything snakes the world’s longest subway system. Shanghai’s 23 million residents enjoy the highest incomes on the mainland, and there’s plenty for them to splash out on; witness the rash of celebrity restaurants and designer flagship stores.

Jeju Island

Jeju Island is a world of natural wonders shaped by sea, stone, and legend. Wander volcanic landscapes crowned by Hallasan, stroll beaches where emerald waters meet soft black-sand shores, and discover waterfalls cascading through lush, subtropical forests. Explore lava tubes carved by ancient eruptions, taste Jeju’s famed citrus and seafood, and feel the island’s tranquil rhythm in quiet fishing villages and vibrant markets. From sunrise vistas at Seongsan Ilchulbong to hidden coastal trails, Jeju offers a serene escape where Korea’s raw beauty meets myth, adventure, and a gentle island spirit.

Okinawa

The sophistication, elegance and ages-old culture of Japan. On an MSC Cruise, you can discover the ancient beauty of the Okinawa islands. Belonging to the archipelago of Ryūkyū, their capital is Naha.

There are many attractions and monuments that can be visited. These include the Ryukyumura village and the UNESCO World Heritage site: Shikinaen Garden, where you can admire the characteristic wooden buildings with red tile roofs that overlook an artificial lake and vegetation that inspire meditation and peace.
Peace Memorial Park has a great emotional impact: near the end of World War II, Okinawa was the scene of a bloody battle between Japan and the US, which killed about 200,000 people, more than half of which were civilians.

The shopping and restaurant street in Naha isKokusai : two kilometers of bars, cafes, hotels and boutiques where you can linger and enjoy yourself sipping awamori , a typical liqueur from the island served with ice. The capital is also home to the museum of the former underground headquarters of the Japanese Navy and the Okinawa Prefectural Museum , where you can discover the history and culture of Okinawa. To understand how the inhabitants lived, you can also visit Ryukyumura Village , a small theme park that recreates a village where craftsmen shape pottery, weave clothing and blankets and where musicians play the sanshin guitar.

The cliff of Cape Manzamou is a true natural sculpture shaped by the ocean: a part of it looks like the trunk of an elephant. It is impossible to leave without taking a photograph.

Kagoshima

In the far south of Japan an MSC cruise will help you discover the city of Kagoshima. It is populated by little more than half a million people and enjoys a mild climate for most of the year.

The town is dominated by the active volcano Sakurajima and is called the "Naples of Japan" for its similarity to the landscape of the city of Naples. It is not uncommon for the volcano to perform with spectacular eruptions.
 
On an excursion you can visit Shiroyama Park, located in the city centre but stretching all the way to mount Shiroyama. Just over a hundred metres high, it was the backdrop of a battle between the Imperial Army and a group of samurai rebels in the late 19th century. The park leads to the Observatory from where you can admire the spectacular scenery of the town and the bay of Kagoshima as well as the volcano.
 
Along the northern coast of the centre are the Senganen gardens, also known as Isoteien, a lovely example of a Japanese garden with ponds, streams, shrines and a bamboo grove. They date back three hundred years and were constructed by the Shimazu family. There is a fine restaurant inside the garden where you can dine and enjoy the meat and fish specialities that this country offers and for which it is famous all over the world. Next to Senganen is a building which dates back to the mid-19th century which originally housed a machinery factory and is now the "Shoko-Shuseikan" museum. It houses objects from the Shimazu family 700 year history. 

Your Ship: MSC Bellissima 

MSC Bellissima offers a stunning array of features to rival those of her sister ship, MSC Meraviglia. Innovative MSC for Me technology connects you to your fellow guests, the crew and the ship itself. Furthermore, Zoe, your in-cabin Bluetooth speaker connects with your mobile device, so you can enjoy your favourite playlists and songs throughout your cruise! In addition, the two-deck inside promenade features a spectacular 80-metre-long LED dome.

Always included with your vacation

• Great service comes as standard
• Full board available in buffet and main restaurant
• Gym, pools and relaxation
• West End-style theatre shows
• Children Clubs and activities

Shanghai, Jeju Island, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Osaka, Shanghai.

All fares are displayed in AUD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.