North Pacific Cruise - from Seattle - 127379

Seattle is also called the "Emerald City". The largest city in the state of Washington lies on the shores of Lake Washington and the Puget Sound, a sea inlet similar to a fjord with countless islands and arms of water. From here you can enjoy a fabulous view of the Cascades and Mount Rainier. The 'Seattle Center' with the city's trademark, the famous 'Space Needle' was built for the World's Fair of 1962. The coffee city is also the home of the popular 'Starbucks' chain and in Seattle there is a branch on almost every street corner. Those in the know meet at Pike Place Market for a stroll and to buy freshly-caught fish. The waterfront with its countless souvenir shops and fish restaurants is perfect for a leisurely walk. Sights include: the Pacific Science Center, the Space Needle, the University of Washington, the Japanese Gardens, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Aquarium, Chinatown, the Monorail and Smith Tower.

Hakodate, with a population of 320,000 lies at the southern point of the Japanese island of Hokkaido. In 1859 it was among the five Japanese towns first opened for outside trade, representing the gateway to the outside world. Hakodate is also the traditional starting point for trips to Hokkaido, which can be reached either by ferry or by train through the underwater tunnel constructed in 1988. This Japanese port is also famous for its star-shaped fort.

Hakodate, with a population of 320,000 lies at the southern point of the Japanese island of Hokkaido. In 1859 it was among the five Japanese towns first opened for outside trade, representing the gateway to the outside world. Hakodate is also the traditional starting point for trips to Hokkaido, which can be reached either by ferry or by train through the underwater tunnel constructed in 1988. This Japanese port is also famous for its star-shaped fort.

Muroran is on the South coast of Hokkaido and used to be an important centre of the Japanese steel industry. The city attracts visitors primarily on account of its many natural resources, which include the skyline and the unforgettable views from Cape Chikyu. Visitors can also watch whales and dolphins here. Sights include: Hakucho Bridge, the longest suspension bridge on the island of Hokkaido.

With a population of 3.4 million, Yokohama, on the western shore of the Bay of Tokyo, is the second largest city in Japan and the capital of the prefecture of Kanagawa. The city's port was one of the first to be opened to the western world in the 19th century and even today the metropolis is renowned for its international atmosphere. The city is home to both the largest Chinatown in the world and the tallest building in Japan, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view of Yokohama and the port. Many futuristic shopping centres provide fantastic shopping, excellent entertainment and culinary delights all under one roof. The landscaped garden of Sankei-en, created in 1906 by a silk trader from Yokohama is also worth seeing.