Philippines to Japan Cultural Discovery cruise

Cruise Only

What`s included

Perfect for travellers who are independent and happy doing their own thing before and after their cruise.

Solo travelers: book via enquiries@swanhellenic.com

Price From

$ 11,400

Per Person

Lowest fare available

book your cruise

What’s INCLUDED:

Your selected stateroom;
All meals onboard;
Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise;
24-hour room service;
Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers;
One selected shore excursion per port of call;
All expedition landings;
Entry level WI-FI (upgraded packages available);
Gym, sauna, pool;
24/7 self service laundry;
Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep;
In polar regions: branded parka, yours to keep and use of rubber boot;
Memory Package;
Onboard gratuities & port taxes.

The following services are not included:

Charter flights to the port of embarkation/ disembarkation (Longyearbyen, Ushuaia, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk);
Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel (where included);
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel (exemptions apply).

Wave 2026 - Cruise Only

What`s included

The perfect way to start your next journey with added value.

Elevated Expeditions bring upgraded Wi-Fi and onboard credit to elevate every step of your voyage.

Solo travelers: book via enquiries@swanhellenic.com

Price From

$ 9,900

Per Person

Lowest fare available

book your cruise

What’s INCLUDED:

Discounted rate
Complimentary 300$ On Board Credit on Ocean View and Balcony staterooms, 500$ on Suites
Complimentary Gold Wi-fi on Ocean View and Balcony staterooms, Platinum Wi-fi on Suites
Your selected stateroom;
All meals onboard;
Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise;
24-hour room service;
Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers;
One selected shore excursion per port of call;
All expedition landings;
Entry level WI-FI (upgraded packages available);
Gym, sauna, pool;
24/7 self service laundry;
Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep;
In polar regions: branded parka, yours to keep and use of rubber boot;
Memory Package;
Onboard gratuities & port taxes.

The following services are not included:

Charter flights to the port of embarkation/ disembarkation (Longyearbyen, Ushuaia, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk);
Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel (where included);
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel (exemptions apply).

FURTHER INFORMATION ON PRICING

Please read these travel conditions carefully before booking your package tour, because you accept them as binding with your booking.
Learn more here

YOUR TRIP

Join Swan Hellenic on a remarkable cultural discovery cruise from the vibrant shores of Manila to the historic city of Hiroshima. This immersive small-ship voyage offers a rare opportunity to explore the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines, the Taiwan Strait, and southern Japan. Sailing through lesser-travelled waters, you’ll uncover a fascinating blend of ancient traditions, spiritual heritage, and stunning natural beauty across East and Southeast Asia — all during the calm, temperate days of early summer. From the emerald islands of the Philippines to the serene temples of Kyushu, each stop reveals a distinct layer of regional identity.

Discover the Spanish colonial charm of Vigan, the unique island beauty of the UNESCO-listed Hundred Islands, and the timeless way of life in the remote Batanes and Sabtang Islands, where the Ivatan people maintain centuries-old customs. In Japan, explore sacred Christian sites in Sakitsu, stroll through the vibrant cityscape of Kagoshima, and reflect on history in the poignant setting of Hiroshima.

Perfect for culturally curious travelers seeking depth, authenticity, and comfort, this Philippines to Japan cruise blends remote island exploration with meaningful heritage experiences. Onboard Swan Hellenic’s elegant expedition ship, you’ll enjoy expert-led insights, refined service, and unforgettable moments in places rarely seen by mainstream tourism. Discover Asia’s cultural crossroads in signature Swan Hellenic style — immersive, enriching, and elegantly adventurous.

Trip Highlights

Sail past emerald isles, remote Batanes, and southern Japan’s quiet coasts

Encounter Ivatan islanders preserving centuries-old traditions and explore spiritual sites like Sakitsu and Hiroshima

Enjoy cultural excursions to Vigan’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and Kagoshima’s samurai heritage in Chiran

Itinerary

Manila, the teeming, sprawling metropolis of the Philippines, is a city bursting with creative and exciting energy, and a vibrant showcase of Filipino cuisine and arts. Intramuros, the historic Spanish walled city at its heart, is home to Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Popular museums include the National Museum Complex with the abundant collections of art, anthropology and natural history.

Hundred Islands National Park in the Lingayen Gulf of the Philippines has 124 islands known for their unique mushroom shapes, formed from ancient seabeds influenced by shifting sea levels. Conservation efforts like giant clam replanting aim to protect the marine environment, once traversed by Spanish galleons. Governor's Island has a deck with a statue of St. Joseph and is the jump point for the 546m island-to-island zipline.

the Philippines' best preserved colonial town, the UNESCO-listed 16th century Vigan City lies an hour south of Salomague port. Vigan's unique fusion architecture blending Philippine, Chinese and European elements has "no parallel in East and Southeast Asia" per UNESCO. Cobblestoned Calle Crisologo is the lively main street of the Mestizo district, with its broad promenade (malecón), horse-drawn carriages and rustic mansions.

Batanes, the Philippines’ northernmost province with capital Basco, was first occupied by Japan in WWII, leaving behind the hand-carved Dipnaysuhuan Tunnel, cut from volcanic rock. Today, Batanes is celebrated for its Ivatan heritage, with a resilient culture shaped by isolation and storms, reflected in its century-old stone houses. Diura Fishing Village showcases this enduring spirit, where traditional Ivatan fishing rituals continue today.

Sabtang offers pristine beaches, handwoven crafts, berry wine, and sweeping views from the Chamantad–Tinyan ridges. A highlight is the photogenic Mahayao Arch on Morong Beach.

Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts.

Naha is the capital of the Okinawa prefecture, part of an archipelago of more than 160 islands that formed part of the independent Ryukyu Kingdom, ruled by monarchs from the 1400s, until it became part of Japan in 1879. Ryukyu attractions include Shuri Castle, once home to Ryukyu royalty, and Naminouegu shrine. This seaside city also offers one of Japan’s best museums - the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum.

Dreamy beaches, mangroves and cerulean seas make up the Amami Islands. The largest, Amami Oshima, was part of the Ryukyu Kingdom before brief US control after WWII. The Tanaka Isson Memorial Museum in Amami Park displays works by the late painter who lived here. Pristine beaches like Tomori have colourful marine life, while in the south, rivers weave round the Mangrove Primeval Forest, and rugged cliffs and giant pebbles hug the Honohoshi Coast.

Sakitsu Village, on the Amakusa Islands in western Kumamoto, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site tied to Japan’s Hidden Christian history. Once a secret hub of worship during prohibition, it’s home to Sakitsu Church, known as the “Church of the Sea,” with a European Gothic exterior and rare tatami-mat interior. The village’s story is further told at the Minato-ya Museum, which displays artefacts used to practice the faith in secret.

Kagoshima, on the southwest tip of Japan’s Kyushu Island, is home to several glassmakers and potteries where artisans specialise in making Satsuma pottery and delicately cut Kiriko glassware. This city is a mix of classic Japanese architecture, modern high-rises and a spattering of Art Deco buildings. Observation points around the city provide dramatic views of Mount Sakurajima, an active volcano on a nearby island that regularly smokes.

Uwajima, a bustling coastal city, is anchored by the elegant Uwajima Castle, one of twelve Edo-period survivors, with spectacular cityscapes for hikers ascending to its keep. The Tensha-en Garden is a tranquil space with bamboo groves, towering culms and seasonal blooms. In the nearby village of Uchiko, the Old Quarter's streets are lined with well-preserved wooden houses and merchant buildings, frozen in time from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Hiroshima is a city of peace and resilience. The Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, vividly portrays the aftermath of the atomic bombing. Designed by Kenzō Tange and inaugurated in 1955, the museum serves as a global symbol of peace, featuring a solemn cenotaph bearing the victims' names and the Flame of Peace, lit in 1964. The Genbaku Dome stands as the sole original structure left at the blast site.

This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

Choose

YOUR SUITE TYPE

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Number of Guests:

Oceanview D4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m2 (215ft2) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Oceanview M4

20 m²

Balcony D5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m2 (269ft2) – including a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Balcony M5

25 m²

Balcony D6

25 m²

Suite

40 m²

Suites feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and walk-in shower – and a 10m2 (108ft2) private balcony.

Premium Suite

47 m²

Premium Suites have a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – walk-in wardrobe, and a 12m2 (129ft2) private balcony.