Seattle is a young city, but it's short history is part of the landscape and charm. Cruise to Seattle and check out the Hiram Chittenden Locks in the Ballard neighbourhood – this impressive feat of engineering passed its first ship through in 1916, and today, it's one of the busiest lock systems in the US. Then, stroll through the nearby Carl S. English Jr Botanical Gardens, an English-style landscape garden with over 1,500 varieties of plants. Or head to Gas Works Park, on the grounds of the former Seattle Gas Light Company: This former business is now a prime vantage point to view the Seattle skyline. And don't miss the famous Space Needle: From the top, you can take in clear views of the bay, the Cascade Mountains and Mount Rainier.

The International Date Line is the meridian that separates two consecutive calendar days. Of course, since the line is mainly across open ocean, you can't see it. But without the IDL, if you cruised west around the planet you'd discover that when you returned home, it would seem as though an extra day had passed. This situation actually happened to Magellan's crew when they returned home after their circumnavigation of the earth. If your cruise should take you across this imaginary line, our staff will let you know the exact time one day turns into another - just in case you want to celebrate.

Hakodate overflows with historic architecture and steamy hot springs . Located along Hokkaido's southwestern tip, it's the perfect spot to begin exploring this island's unique history and culture during your vacation. Cruise to Hakodate and start your day at the morning Hakodate-Asaichi, or Morning Market, and tuck into a hearty kaisendon, a bowl of ultra-fresh sashimi fish over steamed rice. Then, relax with a soak in the Yunokawa hot springs on Hakodate's outskirts, or check out Goryokaku Fort — the nearby tower lets you take in a bird's-eye view of the star-shaped design surrounded by a moat. And don't leave without taking in the million-dollar views of the city from atop Mt. Hakodate.

Hakodate overflows with historic architecture and steamy hot springs . Located along Hokkaido's southwestern tip, it's the perfect spot to begin exploring this island's unique history and culture during your vacation. Cruise to Hakodate and start your day at the morning Hakodate-Asaichi, or Morning Market, and tuck into a hearty kaisendon, a bowl of ultra-fresh sashimi fish over steamed rice. Then, relax with a soak in the Yunokawa hot springs on Hakodate's outskirts, or check out Goryokaku Fort — the nearby tower lets you take in a bird's-eye view of the star-shaped design surrounded by a moat. And don't leave without taking in the million-dollar views of the city from atop Mt. Hakodate.

Akita City is a bustling port in northern Japan where good food and good drinks are essential for weathering the long winters and over 3.6 metres of snow a year. Akita is the capital of Akita Prefecture, which is renowned for Akita dogs, high-quality rice and sake, and lively folk festivals. Revellers in traditional attire often greet cruise ships by balancing lantern-laden bamboo poles, which are part of the summer Kanto Festival. Look out for people dressed up as namahage ogres, too. You can explore this rich culture in the city's parks, historic buildings and cultural attractions.

The capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo is a gateway to Japan's northern island of rugged mountains, hot springs and endless winter adventures. Cruise through Odori Park, an oasis that hosts the world-famous Snow Festival in winter, a lilac festival in spring and a beer festival in summer. Learn about Hokkaido's frontier history at Former Hokkaido Government Office, an exquisite example of American neo-Baroque architecture dating back to 1888. Cruise to Sapporo to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, soak your bones in the steamy springs of Jozankei, and feast on Sapporo's famous hearty ramen noodle soup defined by salty miso, a fermented soya bean paste.

Yokohama is the central gateway to exploring Tokyo, a once-humble fishing village that is now one of the world's biggest, most densely populated cities. You'll find an eclectic mix of traditional shrines and soaring skyscrapers lining these neon-lit streets. Walk the Rainbow Bridge over Tokyo Bay alongside the Yurikamome Rail Line, a futuristic, operatorless train system. Then, see old Tokyo at the Imperial Palace, an Edo Castle surrounded by moats and gardens perfect for strolling. Cruise to Tokyo and head to iconic Sensoji Buddhist Temple and pass below the massive red paper lantern of the Thunder Gate. Then, unwind in Yoyogi Park, a literal forest in the heart of the city, complete with Zen gardens and a gingko tree forest.