Towering temples, colorful tropical birds and raucous seafood markets captivate your senses throughout this remarkable 26-day cruise that meanders along the islands and coastlines of Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines. Explore the Kuching fortifications of Sir James Brooke, a former British soldier who crushed pirates and a rebellion to become a Rajah. Float past shadowy limestone outcroppings sculpted during an underground cave exploration of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Board an outrigger bound for lush Hundred Islands shorelines and then snorkel amid a Giant Clam Sanctuary. Sample grilled tuna, fried seaweed and crunchy local cashews in an aromatic open market in Coron Town, Philippines. Stretch out in soothing hot spring waters surrounded by lush plants and aromatic flowers in Miyakojima, Japan. Savor an exceptional French-themed 5-course meal infused with local Japanese ingredients and artfully prepared by an executive chef at the prestigious Sankara Hotel and Spa near Yakushima.

Say hello to Stamford Raffles’ engaging city, a modern metropolis which is blended with the traditional historic towns of the founders. These include Chinatown, Little India and the Malay community of Kampong Glam. The Singapore River meanders through the center of the island with vistas of skyscrapers and historic shop houses, often side-by-side. Singapore is a tropical garden city with flowers and greenery everywhere. Among the attractions are the domes at Gardens by the Bay located near Marina Bay and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Botanic Gardens. Orchard Road is the epicenter for shopping some of Asia’s leading retailers and includes both international brands and local shops.

Once a part of the Brunei empire, Kuching (translated means cat) is the cat lover's capital of the world.  You will find cat statues and cat monuments throughout the city. The natural beauty of the tree-lined waterfront and the Sarawak River running through the city, is also found at the Sarawak National Park, Bako National Park, and Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, an orangutan rehabilitation facility.

The vast oil fields and oil production of Brunei have made it one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Not to be missed here is the Sultan Omar Saifuddin Mosque, with its gold domes.  You might also venture by water taxi to the water village and discover the maze of wooden boardwalks there. Brunei is also filled with many beautiful markets, including the famous Pasar Gadon Night Market.

Situated on the coast of Borneo bordered by the South China Sea, Kota Kinabalu is your gateway to Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exceptional array of functioning ecosystems. You will see over 1,200 species of orchids, and more than half of Borneo's plants, birds, mammals and amphibians live here.  In Kota Kinabalu itself you will get an idea of the numerous indigenous ethnic groups of Borneo at the Mari Mari Cultural Village, including the local culture that lives in stilt villages along the coast.

Voted the "Best Island in the World" by Travel & Leisure Magazine in 2016, this island is a center for eco-tourism and home to multiple natural UNESCO sites including the coral reef Tubbataha and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, the longest navigable underground river in the world. Other highlights of Puerto Princesa include the Palawan Heritage Centre, Iwahiq Penal Colony and Immaculate Conception Church.

Voted the "Best Island in the World" by Travel & Leisure Magazine in 2016, this island is a center for eco-tourism and home to multiple natural UNESCO sites including the coral reef Tubbataha and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, the longest navigable underground river in the world. Other highlights of Puerto Princesa include the Palawan Heritage Centre, Iwahiq Penal Colony and Immaculate Conception Church.

Coron is famous for divers and snorkelers due to the numerous well-preserved Japanese shipwrecks from WWII that are found there. Sought-after snorkeling sites include Siete Pecados, the Twin Lagoons and Atuwayan Beach.  Coron itself is very small but offers beautiful beaches and is the jumping off place for island tours and boat trips.

Manila is considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world with a delightful blend of cultures and flavors. It has experienced Spanish, British, Japanese and American rule as evidenced in the variety of architecture. Sights to see in Manila include the Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago, and San Agustin Church.  The city's Binondo neighborhood is home to the oldest Chinatown in the world. Rizal Park is home to many museums, themed gardens and other interesting sights. Overnighting in Manila will allow for plenty of time for the great shopping found there.

Manila is considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world with a delightful blend of cultures and flavors. It has experienced Spanish, British, Japanese and American rule as evidenced in the variety of architecture. Sights to see in Manila include the Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago, and San Agustin Church.  The city's Binondo neighborhood is home to the oldest Chinatown in the world. Rizal Park is home to many museums, themed gardens and other interesting sights. Overnighting in Manila will allow for plenty of time for the great shopping found there.

There are actually 124 islands at low tide, 123 at high tide in Hundred Islands National Park. Very few of the islands are inhabited but you will find lots of marine life, including crab-eating macaques, civets, dolphins, the occasional dugongs and a number of sea turtle species.  Today is a day for island hopping, swimming, lounging on the beach or snorkeling.

Our ship docks right in the heart of Hong Kong’s harbor, putting you at the center of all manner of attractions. Watch sampans and junks glide through the waters of Aberdeen. Soak in the towering skyscrapers, peaceful green hillsides and world-famous Harbour from the top of Victoria Peak. Pursue bargains at Stanley Market. Have your fortune told at the Temple Street Night Market. Visit Lantau Island where a giant bronze Buddha holds court.

The modern metropolis and capital city of Taiwan is an interesting mix of Japanese, Chinese and Southeast Asian cultures. The skyline is dominated by the 1,671-foot, 101-storied, bamboo-shaped skyscraper, Taipei 101. Other highlights of Taipei include the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park, Martyrs’ Shrine which is an excellent example of classical Ming Dynasty architecture, and the Confucius Temple.

Famous for its white-sand beaches and clear waters, Miyakojima is considered by many to have the most beautiful beaches in Japan. Visit the town of Hirara where you will see the 16th century tomb of samurai hero Nakasone Tuyumya. Other highlights include Taragawa Awamori Sake Brewery, Utopia Farm and the amazing view of Higashi Henna Cape.

Renowned for its scenic beauty, rich history and unique Chinese, Japanese and Korean culture, Okinawa is famous for its ceramic wares. Tsuboya Potter Museum is the place to visit to learn about this beautiful artform. You’ll also want to see Shuri Castle & Shureimon Gate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Kokusai Street, the main shopping area.

The tropical small port of Amami Island is well-known in Japan for the top-quality silk and dyes produce the highest-end kimonos. The white-sand beaches and warm, crystal-clear waters of Amami are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Amami is also known for Keihan, its unique chicken rice dish.

Another delightful small port, Yakushima has been a UNESCO site since 1993. This sub-tropical island is covered with an extensive cedar forest with trees that are 7,000 years old. Wildlife here includes the Yakushima deer and snow monkeys. A special Japanese liquor of rice, barley, sweet potatoes and buckwheat is made here.

Cruise around the island of Hashima, abandoned over 50 years ago when the coal mining that flourished there suddenly ran out. The mining company shut the mine down and the island has been a ghost town ever since. (Visibility depends on weather conditions.)

Notable for the nuclear attack it suffered during WWII, Nagasaki has memorialized the event at the city’s Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Memorial Park. The museum tells the story of the events leading up to the bombing and the park, located at the center of the bomb blast, houses a beautiful 30-foot tall fountain symbolizing peace. Other highlights to see are the Glover Gardens and Dejima Museum, which was originally an artificial island.

This picturesque port city is one of Windstar’s iconic hidden harbors.  Tomonoura is part of the Setonanikai National Park and features an endearing old-fashioned townscape. One of its thriving industries is the production of “homeishu,” a medicinal liquor with 16 different herbs in it, said to promote longevity.

The sparsely traveled Inland Sea separates 3 of the 4 main islands of Japan and is considered one of the most fascinating and little known parts of Japan. Its sheltered coasts include more than 700 islands and islets and is full of picturesque water towns, beautiful bicycling routes and many old-fashioned bathhouses. It is a unique blend of old and new Japan experienced by few people.

Osaka is the gateway to Kyoto with great street food, bright lights and delightful night life. Its main historic landmark is the 16th century Osaka Castle surrounded by a moat and many flowering trees. Kyoto is famous for its numerous Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. It is also known for formal traditions like kaiseki dining (multiple courses of precise dishes) and geisha entertainers.

There are so many interesting things about Tokyo it is not possible to list them here and you will want to plan to extend your stay. This is the place for excellent and unlimited shopping choices and from where new fashion trends seem to spring. It offers excellent cuisine and has earned mention on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Even though Tokyo’s neon-lit streets make it seem modernistic, it also prides itself on retaining its shogun past, carrying on sumo tournaments and kabuki productions. Tokyo is also committed to providing green spaces in the city or on the outskirts, quickly reached by train.