5 nights. China. South Korea, Japan

Travel Idea: 5 Nights – South Korea & Japan

Passengers: 2 Adults, 0 Children

Cruise: 5 nights exploring South Korea and Japan aboard the elegant MSC Bellissima. Enjoy modern onboard comforts, varied dining options, and entertainment while discovering vibrant Asian ports, local culture, and coastal landscapes.

Highlights may include: coastal city tours, traditional markets, local cuisine tastings, temples and shrines, and time to relax at sea with full access to the ship’s amenities.

As your travel agent, I recommend preparing for your cruise with a mix of practical guides and inspiring reading:

Travel Guides:

• Lonely Planet Japan – Excellent for first-time visitors, with neighborhood maps, cultural tips, and must-see sights in major ports like Tokyo, Osaka, or Yokohama (depending on your itinerary).
• Lonely Planet Korea or Insight Guides South Korea – Great for understanding Korean culture, food, and history, including guidance on temples, markets, and coastal cities.
• DK Eyewitness Japan and DK Eyewitness South Korea – Very visual guides with photos, illustrations, and easy-to-read maps, ideal for planning what to do in each port of call.

Cultural & Background Reading:

• A Geek in Japan by Héctor García – A friendly introduction to modern Japanese life, customs, and pop culture.
• The Birth of Korean Cool by Euny Hong – A light, engaging look at modern Korean culture and the global rise of K-culture.
• Tokyo Vice by Jake Adelstein – For a more atmospheric sense of Japanese urban life (ideal if your cruise includes a stop near Tokyo or Yokohama).

Practical Tip: Before departure, also download offline maps for each port (e.g., Google Maps or Maps.me) and check if MSC offers any recommended shore excursion brochures for your specific sailing on the MSC Bellissima.