Itinerary

Day 1 May 16, 2027 Kobe Departs 19:00 The Japanese city of Kobe needs no introduction. The name is synonymous with its home grown superstar. We are not talking of its stunning shrines, cherry trees laden with blossom during sakura or effervescent city, buzzing with life 24/7. We are of course talking of a much more grass roots hero – its eponymous beef. The delicacy might have put the city on the map, but there is far more to Kobe than its meat. Naturally, Kobe wears its cuisine as a badge of honour. View less Its port history has given it a gastronomy that is quite different from its neighbours. Seafood and sushi is naturally some of the freshest and most diverse you can find, but Kobe’s multi-cultural nature (the city is home to 98 different nationalities) means that it has one of the most diverse gastronomic cultures in Japan. Bread and bakeries are also an (unexpected) delicacy. Additionally, Sake is taken very seriously – Kobe even has its own museum dedicated to the national spirit. Historically, Kobe has always been a key city for Japan. Renamed in 1889, it was known as Owada no Tomari during the Nara Period (710-784 C.E.). Kobe’s location on the calm Inland Sea between Osaka and Kyoto has proven to be pivotal in Japanese history; it is mentioned in famous literary works such as The Tale of Genji (from approximately late 9th century) and the Taiheiki (14th century). The city and region are home to many attractions including the Himeji Castle (widely considered to be Japan's most beautiful feudal castle), a short ride away.

Day 2 May 17, 2027 Kochi, Japan 07:00 – 13:00 6.0 hrs ashore An MSC cruise will take you to Kochi, situated in the prefecture of the same name, on the island of Shikoku. You can visit Kochi castle on an excursion; it is one of the twelve Japanese castles to have survived fires, wars and other catastrophes of the post-feudal age. It was built between 1601 and 1611. What you can see of the building today however, dates back to 1748, the year in which the castle was rebuilt after a fire. Curiosity: its main tower was not used only for military purposes, but it was also the residence of noble families. Quite unusual, since the nobility would usually reside in other parts of the castle. The wooden interior is typical of the traditional style of the Edo period. Near Kochi harbour is the picturesque beach of Katsurahama. In the local restaurants you can eat Katsuo, a type of tuna which is typical to Japanese waters, cut into slices and lightly grilled on straw fuelled fire which gives it a slightly smoky flavour. Seventy kilometres from Kochi there is an unusual tourist attraction, the ancient Kazurabashi Bridge, 45 meters wide and 2 metres wide, it stretches 14 metres above the waters of the river Iya. Today, the bridge – which is made from Actinidia arguta wood, a kind of vine similar to a kiwi plant – is reinforced with steel wires. It should not be missed for the surrounding landscape and the brief but thrilling walk it offers. Closer to Kochi is the wonderful Oboke gorge: we cross the river Yoshino on a boat and marvel at how over hundreds of millions of years the river has eroded the rocks of the Shikoku mountains shaping the stone into bizarre shapes. Kochi, Japan port guide Search cruises visiting Kochi, Japan

Day 5 May 20, 2027 Busan, South Korea Arrives 11:00 "A tapestry of kaleidoscopic colours, intense seafood flavours, and urban beach bliss, Busan rolls across a glorious natural setting on the Korean Peninsula's south-east. One of the largest and busiest ports in the world, 3.5 million people call South Korea's second city home, and the amiable locals help to lend the city its quirky, offbeat outlook. A spacious, playful and cosmopolitan place, Busan is a lively, liveable city, cradled by lush mountains and endless ocean scenery. Haedong Yonggung Temple nestles on a dramatic cliffside, just above the crumbling rocks and crashing waves of the East Sea. Dating back to 1376, the temple's multi-storey pagoda is adorned with lions - each representing a different emotion. Elsewhere, lanterns glitter in the night sky around Mount Geumjeongsan, freshly released from the beautiful Beomeosa Temple, which was established in AD 678. The hillside shantytown of Gamcheon Culture Village has completed an improbable transformation, blossoming from a sea of makeshift homes for Korean war refugees, into a colourful explosion of creativity and curiosity. Local artists have been let loose to create interactive installations, and the entire area is now an expansive canvas for expression. Lose yourself among vibrant alleyways of flamingo-pink, lemon-yellow and baby-blue painted facades in this unique area. Sample bibimbap, fiery-hot beef and rice, from street food vendors, before relaxing on one of South Korea's best beaches - Haeundae's banana bend of sand. Metallic skyscrapers offer an unusual backdrop to this pristine expanse of golden powder and are mirrored by elaborate sandcastles and sculptures during the annual sand festival - when spontaneous water fights and firework displays also take place. Gwangalli beach is another urban option, laying out spectacular views of the reaching Gwangan Bridge - the country's second largest bridge. At night, 16,000 bulbs bathe this engineering marvel in colour." Busan, South Korea port guide Search cruises visiting Busan, South Korea

Busan, South Korea photo — Day 5 May 20, 2027 Busan, South Korea Arrives 11:00 "A tapestry of kaleidoscopic colours, intense seafood flavours, and urban beach bliss, Busan rolls across a glorious natural setting on the Korean Peninsula's south-east. One of the largest and busiest ports in the world, 3.5 million people call South Korea's second city home, and the amiable locals help to lend the city its quirky, offbeat outlook. A spacious, playful and cosmopolitan place, Busan is a lively, liveable city, cradled by lush mountains and endless ocean scenery. Haedong Yonggung Temple nestles on a dramatic cliffside, just above the crumbling rocks and crashing waves of the East Sea. Dating back to 1376, the temple's multi-storey pagoda is adorned with lions - each representing a different emotion. Elsewhere, lanterns glitter in the night sky around Mount Geumjeongsan, freshly released from the beautiful Beomeosa Temple, which was established in AD 678. The hillside shantytown of Gamcheon Culture Village has completed an improbable transformation, blossoming from a sea of makeshift homes for Korean war refugees, into a colourful explosion of creativity and curiosity. Local artists have been let loose to create interactive installations, and the entire area is now an expansive canvas for expression. Lose yourself among vibrant alleyways of flamingo-pink, lemon-yellow and baby-blue painted facades in this unique area. Sample bibimbap, fiery-hot beef and rice, from street food vendors, before relaxing on one of South Korea's best beaches - Haeundae's banana bend of sand. Metallic skyscrapers offer an unusual backdrop to this pristine expanse of golden powder and are mirrored by elaborate sandcastles and sculptures during the annual sand festival - when spontaneous water fights and firework displays also take place. Gwangalli beach is another urban option, laying out spectacular views of the reaching Gwangan Bridge - the country's second largest bridge. At night, 16,000 bulbs bathe this engineering marvel in colour." Busan, South Korea port guide Search cruises visiting Busan, South Korea

Day 7 May 22, 2027 Sakaiminato 13:00 – 22:00 9.0 hrs ashore Wedged between sea, sky and mountains, this small fishing port has been esteemed for centuries for its superb seafood. Here, the Sea of Japan yields up both crab and hon-maguro, the prized Bluefin tuna esteemed by gourmets around the world. Sakaiminato is also your gateway to a very ancient region of Honshu. West of the city lies Izumo-taisha, one of the oldest and holiest shrines in Shinto. This area is dotted with burial mounds from Japan's Bronze Age. The town of Matsue boasts the celebrated "Black Castle," a six-story, black-walled castle that home to a clan of the mighty Tokugawa dynasty that ruled Japan for over 250 years. And to the east rises the great snow-capped summit of Mt. Daisen, considered one of the four most scenic mountains in all Japan. Sakaiminato port guide Search cruises visiting Sakaiminato

Sakaiminato photo — Day 7 May 22, 2027 Sakaiminato 13:00 – 22:00 9.0 hrs ashore Wedged between sea, sky and mountains, this small fishing port has been esteemed for centuries for its superb seafood. Here, the Sea of Japan yields up both crab and hon-maguro, the prized Bluefin tuna esteemed by gourmets around the world. Sakaiminato is also your gateway to a very ancient region of Honshu. West of the city lies Izumo-taisha, one of the oldest and holiest shrines in Shinto. This area is dotted with burial mounds from Japan's Bronze Age. The town of Matsue boasts the celebrated "Black Castle," a six-story, black-walled castle that home to a clan of the mighty Tokugawa dynasty that ruled Japan for over 250 years. And to the east rises the great snow-capped summit of Mt. Daisen, considered one of the four most scenic mountains in all Japan. Sakaiminato port guide Search cruises visiting Sakaiminato

Day 9 May 24, 2027 Kanazawa 07:00 – 21:00 14.0 hrs ashore Dive into feudal Japan! Fascinating Kanazawa is a real gem thanks to its elegant houses, the historic districts dedicated to pleasure, its proud white castle and the Kenrokuen garden. On an MSC cruise you will get to know this city, a much appreciated destination also for it handicrafts: the Kaga-Yuzen silk kimonos, Wajima's lacquer-ware and Kutani and Ohi ceramics are all exquisite. At the foot of the castle lies the district of Nagamachi, which you can visit on an excursion: the area preserves a historic atmosphere with its Samurai residences characterised by their "mud walls", private wooden entrance gates, narrow lanes and water canals. Kenrokuen, the green area surrounding the castle, is a real discovery: ranked as one of the "three most beautiful landscaped gardens" in Japan alongside Kairakuen in Mito and Korakuen in Okayama. Its colours change depending on the season. Teambuoco Shima and Kaikaro theatres are the two chaya districts open to the public: these areas once hosted exclusive restaurants whose guests were entertained by Geishas. Shirakawa-Go was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 and is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri, some of which are more than 250 years old. That is wooden houses with steep thatched roofs, whose shape recalls the palms of the Buddhist monks joined together in prayer. In actual fact the roofs are designed to withstand the heavy snowfall during the winter. Kanazawa port guide Search cruises visiting Kanazawa

Kanazawa photo — Day 9 May 24, 2027 Kanazawa 07:00 – 21:00 14.0 hrs ashore Dive into feudal Japan! Fascinating Kanazawa is a real gem thanks to its elegant houses, the historic districts dedicated to pleasure, its proud white castle and the Kenrokuen garden. On an MSC cruise you will get to know this city, a much appreciated destination also for it handicrafts: the Kaga-Yuzen silk kimonos, Wajima's lacquer-ware and Kutani and Ohi ceramics are all exquisite. At the foot of the castle lies the district of Nagamachi, which you can visit on an excursion: the area preserves a historic atmosphere with its Samurai residences characterised by their "mud walls", private wooden entrance gates, narrow lanes and water canals. Kenrokuen, the green area surrounding the castle, is a real discovery: ranked as one of the "three most beautiful landscaped gardens" in Japan alongside Kairakuen in Mito and Korakuen in Okayama. Its colours change depending on the season. Teambuoco Shima and Kaikaro theatres are the two chaya districts open to the public: these areas once hosted exclusive restaurants whose guests were entertained by Geishas. Shirakawa-Go was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 and is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri, some of which are more than 250 years old. That is wooden houses with steep thatched roofs, whose shape recalls the palms of the Buddhist monks joined together in prayer. In actual fact the roofs are designed to withstand the heavy snowfall during the winter. Kanazawa port guide Search cruises visiting Kanazawa

Day 10 May 25, 2027 Sado Island, Japan 09:00 – 17:30 8.5 hrs ashore A lightning bolt-shaped island in the Sea of Japan — the long, feature-rich coast is etched with sea caves, rugged cliffs and gently rising green peaks. A peaceful island of ancient rice terraces, rare toki birds, and traditional wooden tub boats — the serenity was shattered by the discovery of gold in 1601, bringing a rush that created the country’s largest gold mines. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, walking through original, hand-dug mining tunnels, as well as later excavations. This remote island is now a peaceful place to wander between mountains and forests, but was once a place of exile, and the former emperors and Buddhist monks banished here left a lasting cultural legacy. Each year, the Earth Festival brings the rhythms of taiko drumming and exuberant dancing.

Day 11 May 26, 2027 Aomori 18:30 – 23:00 4.5 hrs ashore From fiery festivals to spectacular mountain scenery, soaring temples to castles surrounded by cherry blossom blooms, Aomori is one of Japan’s most enchanting destinations. Framed by dark peaks clad with dense forestry, the city enjoys a picturesque location on Japan’s main island Honshu. While there are gorgeous pink tinted parks, tiered castles and towering Buddha statues to explore, the Aomori Prefecture’s capital is perhaps best known for the summer festival of fire that lights it up each year. Lavish illuminated floats fill the streets during Nebuta Matsuri festival, as dancing locals wave flickering lanterns through the night sky - and drummers pound out pulsating rhythms. Nebuta Matsuri has a euphoric and energetic atmosphere which makes it stand out as an unmissable experience compared with some of Japan’s more restrained festivals. At other times of the year, places like the stunning Hirosaki Castle bloom with rose-pink cherry blossom, as spring’s sunshine clears away winter’s plentiful snowfall. The castle’s moat, glowing with the pale hue of fallen blossom, is a truly mesmerising sight to behold. Don’t worry if you’re too late though, you might be able to catch the pink-flush of the apple blossom - which comes slightly later. Extraordinary prehistoric Jomon period history is waiting to be unearthed at the living archaeological site, Sannai-Maruyama Ruins. Or, the untouched wilderness of UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakami Sanchi is within reach. This sprawling mass of beech trees covers a third of the Shirakami mountain range, and the dense forestry once blanketed the majority of northern Japan’s land. Visit to scratch the surface of this untamed landscape’s beauty and see sprawling waterfalls cascading down mountainsides, in a beautiful off-bounds landscape, where black bears roam freely. Aomori port guide Search cruises visiting Aomori

Aomori photo — Day 11 May 26, 2027 Aomori 18:30 – 23:00 4.5 hrs ashore From fiery festivals to spectacular mountain scenery, soaring temples to castles surrounded by cherry blossom blooms, Aomori is one of Japan’s most enchanting destinations. Framed by dark peaks clad with dense forestry, the city enjoys a picturesque location on Japan’s main island Honshu. While there are gorgeous pink tinted parks, tiered castles and towering Buddha statues to explore, the Aomori Prefecture’s capital is perhaps best known for the summer festival of fire that lights it up each year. Lavish illuminated floats fill the streets during Nebuta Matsuri festival, as dancing locals wave flickering lanterns through the night sky - and drummers pound out pulsating rhythms. Nebuta Matsuri has a euphoric and energetic atmosphere which makes it stand out as an unmissable experience compared with some of Japan’s more restrained festivals. At other times of the year, places like the stunning Hirosaki Castle bloom with rose-pink cherry blossom, as spring’s sunshine clears away winter’s plentiful snowfall. The castle’s moat, glowing with the pale hue of fallen blossom, is a truly mesmerising sight to behold. Don’t worry if you’re too late though, you might be able to catch the pink-flush of the apple blossom - which comes slightly later. Extraordinary prehistoric Jomon period history is waiting to be unearthed at the living archaeological site, Sannai-Maruyama Ruins. Or, the untouched wilderness of UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakami Sanchi is within reach. This sprawling mass of beech trees covers a third of the Shirakami mountain range, and the dense forestry once blanketed the majority of northern Japan’s land. Visit to scratch the surface of this untamed landscape’s beauty and see sprawling waterfalls cascading down mountainsides, in a beautiful off-bounds landscape, where black bears roam freely. Aomori port guide Search cruises visiting Aomori

Day 13 May 28, 2027 Otaru, Japan Arrives 07:00 In 1880, the first railroad line on the island of Hokkaido connected Sapporo, the prefectural capital, with the important port city of Otaru. Indeed, for most of the 19th and much of the 20th centuries, Otaru outshone Sapporo in importance. The city was home to a thriving herring fleet. Ships regularly plied the waters between the port and the then Japanese island of Sakhalin. Coal was mined in the hills, and Otaru even won a reputation for producing fine music boxes. It was the island's industrial heart. Closure of coal mine in Hokkaido and downturn in demand of coal initiated a long decline that lasted into the 1950s. But Otaru survived - and has thrived. Japanese travelers discovered the city, drawn to its winter sports, its fine sushi, and its historic architecture. Otaru seemed like a portrait frozen in time. Today, international travelers have flocked to experience Otaru's charms - including the scenic beauty of Hokkaido's rugged west coast and its nearby national parks. The vast wealth accumulated by Otaru's herring tycoons is displayed at their so-called "Herring Mansions." One, the Nishin Goten, built in 1897, amply illustrates the state of 19th century society: the sumptuous ground floor housed the family while as many as 120 workers lived in squalor upstairs.

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 97-day span: $10,900 · range $10,900–$23,200

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

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Not available

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Balcony

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Suite

from $20,200

$1,683 / night

Fare rows

Vista Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $20,200

$1,683 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Veranda Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $23,200

$1,933 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Veranda Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $25,500

$2,125 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Medallion Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $26,500

$2,208 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Silver Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $28,400

$2,366 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Royal 1 Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $30,100

$2,508 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand 1 Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $33,800

$2,816 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner's 1 Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $37,400

$3,116 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 30, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Silversea and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

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Cheaper than 76%

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○ = last available date (sold out, or no longer listed). · Price verified 1 day ago.

Cabin grades

Suite

Lowest Suite $20,200 DV Deluxe Veranda Suite $25,500 G1 Grand 1 Suite $33,800 ME Medallion Suite $26,500 O1 Owner's 1 Suite $37,400 R1 Royal 1 Suite $30,100 SL Silver Suite $28,400 VI Vista Suite $20,200 VR Veranda Suite $23,200

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Cabin grades and pricing
Name	Supplier code	Type
Veranda Suite	CV	Suite
Deluxe Veranda Suite	DV	Suite
Grand 1 Suite	G1	Suite
Grand 2 Suite	G2	Suite
Medallion Suite	ME	Suite
Owner's 1 Suite	O1	Suite
Owner's 2 Suite	O2	Suite
Royal 1 Suite	R1	Suite
Royal 2 Suite	R2	Suite
Silver Suite	SL	Suite
Deluxe Veranda Suite	SV	Suite
Vista Suite	VI	Suite
Veranda Suite	VR	Suite

Ship

Your ship Silver Cloud 5★ **17,400** GT **254** guests Built **1993** After extensive refurbishment, Silver Cloud is the most spacious and comfortable ice class vessel in expedition cruising. Her large suites, her destination itineraries and her unparalleled service make her truly special. Her four dining options will tantalise your taste buds and as 80% of her suites include a veranda, watching a breaching whale or a few cavorting penguins has never been so personal. A limited number of guests in polar waters, mean that Silver Cloud has the highest space to guest and crew to guest ratios in expedition cruising. With her 18 zodiacs, 10 kayaks, possibilities are almost limitless with ship-wide simultaneous explorations. Silver Cloud ship guide Search cruises on Silver Cloud

Kobe to Otaru

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