Port Notes · Viking Orion · Southeast Asia Horizons

Day 1 detail — Wed Mar 28, 2029

Embarkation day

Weather

🌧️ 88° / 80° · 49% rain

Humidity: 80%
Implication: Peak late-dry-season heat — hydrate, shade, light clothes; pier is far from central Bangkok.
Sunrise / sunset: 6:15 AM / 6:27 PM
Moon: Waxing gibbous

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Thai baht (THB). Cards widely accepted in Bangkok; carry some cash for markets and taxis. USD sometimes accepted at tourist shops but usually at a poor rate — prefer THB or card.
Tipping: Not required; round up or 10% in tourist restaurants if no service charge. Hotel porters small THB tip is fine.
Taxis / ride-hailing: Grab is the main ride-hailing app in Bangkok and major cities. Metered taxis exist — insist on meter. BTS/MRT for central Bangkok (far from Laem Chabang pier).
Time zone: Indochina Time
Language: Thai. English common in tourist areas and hotels.

Dining

Picks are in Pattaya (about 30–40 minutes from Laem Chabang pier). Central Bangkok fine dining is far from the pier.

Master Seafood — Seafood, Pattaya (30–40 min from Laem Chabang pier)
King Seafood — Seafood, Pattaya (30–40 min from Laem Chabang pier)
Khrua Ban Por Ta — Thai, Pattaya (30–40 min from Laem Chabang pier)
Pad Lay — Seafood / Thai, Pattaya (30–40 min from Laem Chabang pier; opens 13:00)

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/thailand
U.S. mission — U.S. Embassy Bangkok — +66-2-205-4000 (th.usembassy.gov)
Local emergency — Police 191 · Ambulance 1669 · Tourist Police 1155

Day 2 detail — Thu Mar 29, 2029

Overnight in port

Weather

🌧️ 88° / 80° · 49% rain

Humidity: 80%
Implication: Same heat pattern — plan indoor midday breaks if touring Bangkok (long transfer from Laem Chabang).
Sunrise / sunset: 6:14 AM / 6:27 PM
Moon: Waxing gibbous

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Thai baht (THB). Cards widely accepted in Bangkok; carry some cash for markets and taxis. USD sometimes accepted at tourist shops but usually at a poor rate — prefer THB or card.
Tipping: Not required; round up or 10% in tourist restaurants if no service charge. Hotel porters small THB tip is fine.
Taxis / ride-hailing: Grab is the main ride-hailing app in Bangkok and major cities. Metered taxis exist — insist on meter. BTS/MRT for central Bangkok (far from Laem Chabang pier).
Time zone: Indochina Time
Language: Thai. English common in tourist areas and hotels.

Dining

Picks are in Pattaya (about 30–40 minutes from Laem Chabang pier). Central Bangkok fine dining is far from the pier.

Master Seafood — Seafood, Pattaya (30–40 min from Laem Chabang pier)
King Seafood — Seafood, Pattaya (30–40 min from Laem Chabang pier)
Khrua Ban Por Ta — Thai, Pattaya (30–40 min from Laem Chabang pier)
Pad Lay — Seafood / Thai, Pattaya (30–40 min from Laem Chabang pier; opens 13:00)

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/thailand
U.S. mission — U.S. Embassy Bangkok — +66-2-205-4000 (th.usembassy.gov)
Local emergency — Police 191 · Ambulance 1669 · Tourist Police 1155

Day 3 detail — Fri Mar 30, 2029

Weather

🌧️ 88° / 77° · 76% rain

Humidity: 81%
Implication: Sticky coastal heat — brief showers possible; rain chance climbing toward wet season.
Sunrise / sunset: 6:04 AM / 6:16 PM
Moon: Full moon

Good to know

Khmer New Year is later (Apr 14–16) — not during this call.
State Dept Level 2 for Cambodia (see Official contacts).

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Cambodian riel (KHR) and U.S. dollars both circulate. USD notes (clean, newer) widely used for larger purchases; riel for small change. Cards less common outside hotels.
Tipping: Not required; small USD tips for guides/drivers are appreciated. Round up in restaurants.
Taxis / ride-hailing: Grab operates in Sihanoukville for rides and deliveries. Tuk-tuks and taxis — agree price before boarding if no meter/app.
Time zone: Phnom Penh
Language: Khmer. Limited English outside hotels and tourism.

Dining

Sandan — Khmer (social enterprise), Sihanoukville
ONAMI — Japanese, Sihanoukville
Chhne Meas — Seafood, Sihanoukville beach

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/cambodia
U.S. mission — U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh — +855-23-728-000 (kh.usembassy.gov)
Local emergency — Police 117 · Fire 118 · Ambulance 119 (confirm locally; response times vary)
State Dept — Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution — crime, unrest, unexploded ordnance. https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/cambodia.html

Day 4 detail — Sat Mar 31, 2029

Overnight

Weather

🌧️ 88° / 77° · 74% rain

Humidity: 81%
Implication: Sticky evenings — light rain layer useful.
Sunrise / sunset: 6:03 AM / 6:16 PM
Moon: Full moon

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Cambodian riel (KHR) and U.S. dollars both circulate. USD notes (clean, newer) widely used for larger purchases; riel for small change. Cards less common outside hotels.
Tipping: Not required; small USD tips for guides/drivers are appreciated. Round up in restaurants.
Taxis / ride-hailing: Grab operates in Sihanoukville for rides and deliveries. Tuk-tuks and taxis — agree price before boarding if no meter/app.
Time zone: Phnom Penh
Language: Khmer. Limited English outside hotels and tourism.

Dining

Sandan — Khmer (social enterprise), Sihanoukville
ONAMI — Japanese, Sihanoukville
Chhne Meas — Seafood, Sihanoukville beach

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/cambodia
U.S. mission — U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh — +855-23-728-000 (kh.usembassy.gov)
Local emergency — Police 117 · Fire 118 · Ambulance 119 (confirm locally; response times vary)
State Dept — Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution — crime, unrest, unexploded ordnance. https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/cambodia.html

Day 5 detail — Sun Apr 1, 2029

Scenic sailing: Gulf of Thailand

Weather

🌧️ 93° / 76° · 43% rain

Humidity: 72%
Implication: Expect warm tropical sea air; check Viking daily program for outdoor decks.
Sunrise / sunset: 5:56 AM / 6:10 PM
Moon: Waning gibbous

Day 6 detail — Mon Apr 2, 2029

Multi-day call begins

Weather

⛅ 93° / 77° · 37% rain

Humidity: 73%
Implication: Hottest stretch of the year here — pace walking, AC breaks, sun protection.
Sunrise / sunset: 5:49 AM / 6:03 PM
Moon: Waning gibbous

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Vietnamese dong (VND). Cards common in HCMC hotels and malls; cash for street food and markets. USD sometimes accepted but change comes in VND — prefer VND.
Tipping: Not expected; 5–10% in tourist restaurants is fine if no service charge. Avoid USD tips — use VND.
Taxis / ride-hailing: Grab is widely used for cars and motorbikes in HCMC, Da Nang/Hue area, and Ha Long. Metered taxis (e.g. Mai Linh, Vinasun) also common.
Time zone: Indochina Time
Language: Vietnamese. English more common in HCMC tourist districts than in smaller cities.

Dining

Starred picks are in central Ho Chi Minh City (mostly District 1 / Thao Dien). Confirm pier (often Phu My) and transfer time with Viking.

Ănăn Saigon Michelin ★ — Vietnamese contemporary, District 1
Long Trieu Michelin ★ — Cantonese, District 1 (The Reverie Saigon)
Coco Dining Michelin ★ — Innovative, Ho Chi Minh City
Akuna Michelin ★ — Innovative, Ho Chi Minh City
CieL Michelin ★ — Innovative, Ho Chi Minh City
Upstairs Michelin ★ — Vietnamese contemporary, Thao Dien

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/vietnam
U.S. mission — U.S. Embassy Hanoi — +84-24-3850-5000 · U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City ACS — +84-28-3520-4200 (vn.usembassy.gov)
Local emergency — Police 113 · Fire 114 · Ambulance 115

Day 7 detail — Tue Apr 3, 2029

Overnight

Weather

⛅ 92° / 77° · 34% rain

Humidity: 73%
Implication: Same heat — early starts beat midday.
Sunrise / sunset: 5:49 AM / 6:03 PM
Moon: Waning gibbous

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Vietnamese dong (VND). Cards common in HCMC hotels and malls; cash for street food and markets. USD sometimes accepted but change comes in VND — prefer VND.
Tipping: Not expected; 5–10% in tourist restaurants is fine if no service charge. Avoid USD tips — use VND.
Taxis / ride-hailing: Grab is widely used for cars and motorbikes in HCMC, Da Nang/Hue area, and Ha Long. Metered taxis (e.g. Mai Linh, Vinasun) also common.
Time zone: Indochina Time
Language: Vietnamese. English more common in HCMC tourist districts than in smaller cities.

Dining

Starred picks are in central Ho Chi Minh City (mostly District 1 / Thao Dien). Confirm pier (often Phu My) and transfer time with Viking.

Ănăn Saigon Michelin ★ — Vietnamese contemporary, District 1
Long Trieu Michelin ★ — Cantonese, District 1 (The Reverie Saigon)
Coco Dining Michelin ★ — Innovative, Ho Chi Minh City
Akuna Michelin ★ — Innovative, Ho Chi Minh City
CieL Michelin ★ — Innovative, Ho Chi Minh City
Upstairs Michelin ★ — Vietnamese contemporary, Thao Dien

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/vietnam
U.S. mission — U.S. Embassy Hanoi — +84-24-3850-5000 · U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City ACS — +84-28-3520-4200 (vn.usembassy.gov)
Local emergency — Police 113 · Fire 114 · Ambulance 115

Day 8 detail — Wed Apr 4, 2029

Final HCMC day

Weather

⛅ 93° / 77° · 31% rain

Humidity: 72%
Implication: Heat continues — last chance for city errands before sailing.
Sunrise / sunset: 5:48 AM / 6:03 PM
Moon: Waning gibbous

Good to know

Taiwan Children’s Day / Tomb Sweeping cluster is Apr 4–5 regionally — not a Vietnam closure for this call.

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Vietnamese dong (VND). Cards common in HCMC hotels and malls; cash for street food and markets. USD sometimes accepted but change comes in VND — prefer VND.
Tipping: Not expected; 5–10% in tourist restaurants is fine if no service charge. Avoid USD tips — use VND.
Taxis / ride-hailing: Grab is widely used for cars and motorbikes in HCMC, Da Nang/Hue area, and Ha Long. Metered taxis (e.g. Mai Linh, Vinasun) also common.
Time zone: Indochina Time
Language: Vietnamese. English more common in HCMC tourist districts than in smaller cities.

Dining

Starred picks are in central Ho Chi Minh City (mostly District 1 / Thao Dien). Confirm pier (often Phu My) and transfer time with Viking.

Ănăn Saigon Michelin ★ — Vietnamese contemporary, District 1
Long Trieu Michelin ★ — Cantonese, District 1 (The Reverie Saigon)
Coco Dining Michelin ★ — Innovative, Ho Chi Minh City
Akuna Michelin ★ — Innovative, Ho Chi Minh City
CieL Michelin ★ — Innovative, Ho Chi Minh City
Upstairs Michelin ★ — Vietnamese contemporary, Thao Dien

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/vietnam
U.S. mission — U.S. Embassy Hanoi — +84-24-3850-5000 · U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City ACS — +84-28-3520-4200 (vn.usembassy.gov)
Local emergency — Police 113 · Fire 114 · Ambulance 115

Day 9 detail — Thu Apr 5, 2029

Sail the South China Sea

Weather

⛅ 97° / 74° · 23% rain

Humidity: 59%
Implication: Warm seas; possible spring squalls — follow ship outdoor guidance.
Sunrise / sunset: 5:44 AM / 6:02 PM
Moon: Last quarter

Day 10 detail — Fri Apr 6, 2029

Gateway for Hue / Da Nang area

Weather

⛅ 84° / 74° · 34% rain

Humidity: 85%
Implication: Still hot but a notch below HCMC — road time to Hue matters more than rain.
Sunrise / sunset: 5:39 AM / 6:01 PM
Moon: Last quarter

Good to know

Thailand Chakri Day is Apr 6 — not relevant in Vietnam.

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Vietnamese dong (VND). Cards common in HCMC hotels and malls; cash for street food and markets. USD sometimes accepted but change comes in VND — prefer VND.
Tipping: Not expected; 5–10% in tourist restaurants is fine if no service charge. Avoid USD tips — use VND.
Taxis / ride-hailing: Grab is widely used for cars and motorbikes in HCMC, Da Nang/Hue area, and Ha Long. Metered taxis (e.g. Mai Linh, Vinasun) also common.
Time zone: Indochina Time
Language: Vietnamese. English more common in HCMC tourist districts than in smaller cities.

Dining

Picks are in Hue city (about 1.5–2 hours each way from Chan May pier).

Madam Thu 2 — Hue Vietnamese, Hue (1.5–2 h each way from Chan May)
Quan Hanh — Hue Vietnamese, Hue (1.5–2 h each way from Chan May)
Les Jardins de la Carambole — French / Vietnamese, Hue (1.5–2 h each way from Chan May)
Le Cercle Hue — French / Vietnamese, Hue (1.5–2 h each way from Chan May)

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/vietnam
U.S. mission — U.S. Embassy Hanoi — +84-24-3850-5000 · U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City ACS — +84-28-3520-4200 (vn.usembassy.gov)
Local emergency — Police 113 · Fire 114 · Ambulance 115

Day 11 detail — Sat Apr 7, 2029

Overnight — tender / bay access typical for this call type; confirm with Viking

Weather

⛅ 78° / 69° · 29% rain

Humidity: 84%
Implication: Milder than the south — haze or light rain can mute views; still humid.
Sunrise / sunset: 5:39 AM / 6:07 PM
Moon: Waning crescent

Good to know

Worth catching if you can — Clear-air bay views are weather-dependent — worth catching from deck if visibility is good.

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Vietnamese dong (VND). Cards common in HCMC hotels and malls; cash for street food and markets. USD sometimes accepted but change comes in VND — prefer VND.
Tipping: Not expected; 5–10% in tourist restaurants is fine if no service charge. Avoid USD tips — use VND.
Taxis / ride-hailing: Grab is widely used for cars and motorbikes in HCMC, Da Nang/Hue area, and Ha Long. Metered taxis (e.g. Mai Linh, Vinasun) also common.
Time zone: Indochina Time
Language: Vietnamese. English more common in HCMC tourist districts than in smaller cities.

Dining

Picks centered on Bai Chay / Ha Long City (common landing side).

Ngoc Phuong Nam Seafood — Seafood, Bai Chay
Vựa Hải Sản Bãi Cháy — Live seafood, Bai Chay
Hot Stone Pho — Pho / Vietnamese, Ha Long

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/vietnam
U.S. mission — U.S. Embassy Hanoi — +84-24-3850-5000 · U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City ACS — +84-28-3520-4200 (vn.usembassy.gov)
Local emergency — Police 113 · Fire 114 · Ambulance 115

Day 12 detail — Sun Apr 8, 2029

Overnight continues

Weather

⛅ 78° / 70° · 29% rain

Humidity: 84%
Implication: Same spring pattern — light layer for evening breezes on deck.
Sunrise / sunset: 5:38 AM / 6:07 PM
Moon: Waning crescent

Good to know

Worth catching if you can — Clear-air bay views are weather-dependent — worth catching from deck if visibility is good.

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Vietnamese dong (VND). Cards common in HCMC hotels and malls; cash for street food and markets. USD sometimes accepted but change comes in VND — prefer VND.
Tipping: Not expected; 5–10% in tourist restaurants is fine if no service charge. Avoid USD tips — use VND.
Taxis / ride-hailing: Grab is widely used for cars and motorbikes in HCMC, Da Nang/Hue area, and Ha Long. Metered taxis (e.g. Mai Linh, Vinasun) also common.
Time zone: Indochina Time
Language: Vietnamese. English more common in HCMC tourist districts than in smaller cities.

Dining

Picks centered on Bai Chay / Ha Long City (common landing side).

Ngoc Phuong Nam Seafood — Seafood, Bai Chay
Vựa Hải Sản Bãi Cháy — Live seafood, Bai Chay
Hot Stone Pho — Pho / Vietnamese, Ha Long

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/vietnam
U.S. mission — U.S. Embassy Hanoi — +84-24-3850-5000 · U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City ACS — +84-28-3520-4200 (vn.usembassy.gov)
Local emergency — Police 113 · Fire 114 · Ambulance 115

Day 13 detail — Mon Apr 9, 2029

Sail the South China Sea

Weather

🌧️ 82° / 69° · 43% rain

Humidity: 82%
Implication: Transit north toward Hong Kong — follow ship program.
Sunrise / sunset: 6:23 AM / 6:54 PM
Moon: Waning crescent

Day 14 detail — Tue Apr 10, 2029

Multi-day call begins

Weather

⛅ 76° / 67° · 34% rain

Humidity: 84%
Implication: Pack a compact umbrella — spring rains are common; milder than Vietnam.
Sunrise / sunset: 6:07 AM / 6:41 PM
Moon: Waning crescent

Good to know

Qingming holiday cluster usually early April — city is back to normal mid-month.
State Dept Level 2 for Hong Kong (see Official contacts).
Songkran (Thailand) and Khmer New Year begin later this week — not Hong Kong holidays.

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Hong Kong dollar (HKD). Cards and Octopus card widely used. USD not needed day-to-day.
Tipping: Not required in most places; some restaurants add 10% service charge. Round up taxis if you wish.
Taxis / ride-hailing: MTR is excellent. Octopus card for transit, convenience stores, and many shops. Taxis plentiful; Uber also operates. No Grab.
Time zone: Hong Kong Time
Language: Cantonese and English are official; Mandarin also common. English widely usable.

Dining

Kai Tak cruise terminal is linked to the MTR; starred picks are across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon (easy city reach).

T'ang Court Michelin ★★★ — Cantonese, Tsim Sha Tsui (The Langham)
Caprice Michelin ★★★ — French contemporary, Central (Four Seasons)
Amber Michelin ★★★ — French contemporary, Central (Mandarin Oriental The Landmark)
Sushi Shikon Michelin ★★★ — Sushi, Hong Kong
Yat Lok (Central) Michelin ★ — Roast goose / Cantonese, Central

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/hong-kong-sar
U.S. mission — U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau — +852-2841-2211 · after-hours emergencies +852-2523-9011 (hk.usconsulate.gov)
Local emergency — Police / Fire / Ambulance 999
State Dept — Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution — arbitrary enforcement of local laws. https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/hong-kong.html

Day 15 detail — Wed Apr 11, 2029

Overnight

Weather

⛅ 76° / 67° · 36% rain

Humidity: 84%
Implication: Same spring pattern — umbrella and light jacket for evenings.
Sunrise / sunset: 6:07 AM / 6:41 PM
Moon: Waning crescent

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Hong Kong dollar (HKD). Cards and Octopus card widely used. USD not needed day-to-day.
Tipping: Not required in most places; some restaurants add 10% service charge. Round up taxis if you wish.
Taxis / ride-hailing: MTR is excellent. Octopus card for transit, convenience stores, and many shops. Taxis plentiful; Uber also operates. No Grab.
Time zone: Hong Kong Time
Language: Cantonese and English are official; Mandarin also common. English widely usable.

Dining

Kai Tak cruise terminal is linked to the MTR; starred picks are across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon (easy city reach).

T'ang Court Michelin ★★★ — Cantonese, Tsim Sha Tsui (The Langham)
Caprice Michelin ★★★ — French contemporary, Central (Four Seasons)
Amber Michelin ★★★ — French contemporary, Central (Mandarin Oriental The Landmark)
Sushi Shikon Michelin ★★★ — Sushi, Hong Kong
Yat Lok (Central) Michelin ★ — Roast goose / Cantonese, Central

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/hong-kong-sar
U.S. mission — U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau — +852-2841-2211 · after-hours emergencies +852-2523-9011 (hk.usconsulate.gov)
Local emergency — Police / Fire / Ambulance 999
State Dept — Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution — arbitrary enforcement of local laws. https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/hong-kong.html

Day 16 detail — Thu Apr 12, 2029

Final Hong Kong day

Weather

🌧️ 77° / 68° · 40% rain

Humidity: 85%
Implication: Last Hong Kong day — rain chance still elevated.
Sunrise / sunset: 6:06 AM / 6:42 PM
Moon: Waning crescent

Good to know

Thailand Songkran begins tomorrow (Apr 13) — you will already be at sea.

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Hong Kong dollar (HKD). Cards and Octopus card widely used. USD not needed day-to-day.
Tipping: Not required in most places; some restaurants add 10% service charge. Round up taxis if you wish.
Taxis / ride-hailing: MTR is excellent. Octopus card for transit, convenience stores, and many shops. Taxis plentiful; Uber also operates. No Grab.
Time zone: Hong Kong Time
Language: Cantonese and English are official; Mandarin also common. English widely usable.

Dining

Kai Tak cruise terminal is linked to the MTR; starred picks are across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon (easy city reach).

T'ang Court Michelin ★★★ — Cantonese, Tsim Sha Tsui (The Langham)
Caprice Michelin ★★★ — French contemporary, Central (Four Seasons)
Amber Michelin ★★★ — French contemporary, Central (Mandarin Oriental The Landmark)
Sushi Shikon Michelin ★★★ — Sushi, Hong Kong
Yat Lok (Central) Michelin ★ — Roast goose / Cantonese, Central

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/hong-kong-sar
U.S. mission — U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau — +852-2841-2211 · after-hours emergencies +852-2523-9011 (hk.usconsulate.gov)
Local emergency — Police / Fire / Ambulance 999
State Dept — Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution — arbitrary enforcement of local laws. https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/hong-kong.html

Day 17 detail — Fri Apr 13, 2029

Sail the East China Sea

Weather

⛅ 70° / 67° · 34% rain

Humidity: 86%
Implication: Cooler air possible as you move northeast — check ship daily for deck conditions.
Sunrise / sunset: 5:49 AM / 6:28 PM
Moon: New moon

Day 18 detail — Sat Apr 14, 2029

Day call — Taipei about 45–60 min inland

Weather

🌧️ 76° / 66° · 63% rain

Humidity: 83%
Implication: Mild but frequently wet in spring — umbrella and layers for Keelung / Taipei.
Sunrise / sunset: 5:32 AM / 6:14 PM
Moon: New moon

Good to know

Khmer New Year / Songkran holidays elsewhere in the region (mid-April) — Taiwan runs on its own calendar.
No Taiwan Level 2+ State Dept advisory (Level 1 as of research).

Practical notes

Currency & payments: New Taiwan dollar (TWD). Cards widely accepted in Taipei; EasyCard / iPASS for transit. USD not commonly used day-to-day.
Tipping: Not customary; service charges often included. No tip expected for taxis.
Taxis / ride-hailing: TRA / HSR / MRT excellent. Taxi and Uber available. Keelung is about 45–60 min from Taipei by train or taxi. No Grab.
Time zone: Taipei
Language: Mandarin Chinese. English signage in Taipei transit; English less common outside tourist spots.

Dining

Keelung pier is about 45–60 minutes from Taipei. Starred picks are in Taipei (easy reach for a port day).

Le Palais Michelin ★★★ — Cantonese, Taipei (Palais de Chine, Datong)
Taïrroir Michelin ★★★ — Taiwanese contemporary, Taipei
A Michelin ★★ — French contemporary, Taipei
NOBUO Michelin ★★ — Contemporary, Taipei (Zhongzheng)
logy Michelin ★★ — Innovative, Taipei

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/taiwan
U.S. mission — American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), Taipei — +886-2-2162-2000 (ait.org.tw)
Local emergency — Police 110 · Fire / Ambulance 119

Day 19 detail — Sun Apr 15, 2029

Sail the East China Sea

Weather

⛅ 66° / 61° · 36% rain

Humidity: 81%
Implication: Approaching Japan — cooler spring seas.
Sunrise / sunset: 6:11 AM / 7:02 PM
Moon: Waxing crescent

Day 20 detail — Mon Apr 16, 2029

Weather

🌧️ 67° / 54° · 40% rain

Humidity: 75%
Implication: Comfortable spring — light jacket for mornings; not tropical anymore.
Sunrise / sunset: 5:50 AM / 6:50 PM
Moon: Waxing crescent

Good to know

Golden Week in Japan starts Apr 29 (after this cruise ends) — cities quieter than peak GW.
Songkran / Khmer New Year end around this date in SE Asia — not observed in Japan.

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Japanese yen (JPY). Cards widely accepted in cities; some small shops and shrines are cash-only. IC cards (Suica / Pasmo / ICOCA) for trains, convenience stores, and many taxis. USD not used day-to-day.
Tipping: Not customary — and can cause confusion. Do not tip; excellent service is the norm. Hotel and restaurant bills may include service charges.
Taxis / ride-hailing: Trains and subways are the backbone. IC cards work nationwide on most systems. Taxis are reliable but pricey; Uber limited. Japan Taxi / GO apps in larger cities. No Grab.
Time zone: Japan Standard Time
Language: Japanese. English signage strong in major stations and tourist sites; English spoken unevenly outside hotels and big cities.

Dining

Yossou — Shippoku (Nagasaki multi-course), Nagasaki
Shikairou — Champon / Chinese-Nagasaki, Nagasaki
Kozanro — Chinese, Nagasaki Chinatown
Sakanaya Asajiro — Seafood, Nagasaki

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/japan
U.S. mission — U.S. Embassy Tokyo — +81-3-3224-5000 (jp.usembassy.gov). Consulates also in Osaka, Fukuoka, Naha, Sapporo.
Local emergency — Police 110 · Fire / Ambulance 119

Day 21 detail — Tue Apr 17, 2029

Weather

🌧️ 69° / 53° · 44% rain

Humidity: 77%
Implication: Umbrella useful — Kyushu spring can be showery; Sakurajima views weather-dependent.
Sunrise / sunset: 5:47 AM / 6:47 PM
Moon: Waxing crescent

Good to know

Worth catching if you can — Sakurajima views from the bay — worth catching if the peak is clear.

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Japanese yen (JPY). Cards widely accepted in cities; some small shops and shrines are cash-only. IC cards (Suica / Pasmo / ICOCA) for trains, convenience stores, and many taxis. USD not used day-to-day.
Tipping: Not customary — and can cause confusion. Do not tip; excellent service is the norm. Hotel and restaurant bills may include service charges.
Taxis / ride-hailing: Trains and subways are the backbone. IC cards work nationwide on most systems. Taxis are reliable but pricey; Uber limited. Japan Taxi / GO apps in larger cities. No Grab.
Time zone: Japan Standard Time
Language: Japanese. English signage strong in major stations and tourist sites; English spoken unevenly outside hotels and big cities.

Dining

Mekkemon’s former Dolphin Port location closed with that facility (2020); the Sumiyoshi-cho shop remains (operator still labels it Dolphin Port shop).

Mekkemon (Sumiyoshi-cho) — Conveyor-belt sushi, Sumiyoshi-cho, Kagoshima
Ajimori — Kagoshima black pork tonkatsu, Kagoshima
Yataro Sushi — Sushi, Kagoshima

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/japan
U.S. mission — U.S. Embassy Tokyo — +81-3-3224-5000 (jp.usembassy.gov). Consulates also in Osaka, Fukuoka, Naha, Sapporo.
Local emergency — Police 110 · Fire / Ambulance 119

Day 22 detail — Wed Apr 18, 2029

Weather

⛅ 68° / 52° · 30% rain

Humidity: 73%
Implication: Coolest mornings so far — sweater for early shore time; onsen weather.
Sunrise / sunset: 5:40 AM / 6:46 PM
Moon: Waxing crescent

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Japanese yen (JPY). Cards widely accepted in cities; some small shops and shrines are cash-only. IC cards (Suica / Pasmo / ICOCA) for trains, convenience stores, and many taxis. USD not used day-to-day.
Tipping: Not customary — and can cause confusion. Do not tip; excellent service is the norm. Hotel and restaurant bills may include service charges.
Taxis / ride-hailing: Trains and subways are the backbone. IC cards work nationwide on most systems. Taxis are reliable but pricey; Uber limited. Japan Taxi / GO apps in larger cities. No Grab.
Time zone: Japan Standard Time
Language: Japanese. English signage strong in major stations and tourist sites; English spoken unevenly outside hotels and big cities.

Dining

Toyotsune Honten — Toriten / Japanese, Beppu
Kamesho Kurukuru Sushi — Sushi, Beppu
Okamotoya Baiten — Local Japanese, Beppu

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/japan
U.S. mission — U.S. Embassy Tokyo — +81-3-3224-5000 (jp.usembassy.gov). Consulates also in Osaka, Fukuoka, Naha, Sapporo.
Local emergency — Police 110 · Fire / Ambulance 119

Day 23 detail — Thu Apr 19, 2029

Overnight begins

Weather

⛅ 66° / 48° · 27% rain

Humidity: 74%
Implication: Mild days, cool nights — layers for Peace Park and evening.
Sunrise / sunset: 5:34 AM / 6:44 PM
Moon: Waxing crescent

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Japanese yen (JPY). Cards widely accepted in cities; some small shops and shrines are cash-only. IC cards (Suica / Pasmo / ICOCA) for trains, convenience stores, and many taxis. USD not used day-to-day.
Tipping: Not customary — and can cause confusion. Do not tip; excellent service is the norm. Hotel and restaurant bills may include service charges.
Taxis / ride-hailing: Trains and subways are the backbone. IC cards work nationwide on most systems. Taxis are reliable but pricey; Uber limited. Japan Taxi / GO apps in larger cities. No Grab.
Time zone: Japan Standard Time
Language: Japanese. English signage strong in major stations and tourist sites; English spoken unevenly outside hotels and big cities.

Dining

Okonomiyaki Nagata-ya — Hiroshima okonomiyaki, Naka-ku (near Peace Park)
Hassei — Okonomiyaki, Hiroshima
Sushi-tei Hikarimachi — Sushi, Hiroshima
Baketsu Tatemachi — Oysters / izakaya, Tatemachi, Naka-ku

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/japan
U.S. mission — U.S. Embassy Tokyo — +81-3-3224-5000 (jp.usembassy.gov). Consulates also in Osaka, Fukuoka, Naha, Sapporo.
Local emergency — Police 110 · Fire / Ambulance 119

Day 24 detail — Fri Apr 20, 2029

Overnight continues

Weather

⛅ 67° / 49° · 31% rain

Humidity: 74%
Implication: Same mild spring pattern.
Sunrise / sunset: 5:33 AM / 6:45 PM
Moon: Waxing crescent

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Japanese yen (JPY). Cards widely accepted in cities; some small shops and shrines are cash-only. IC cards (Suica / Pasmo / ICOCA) for trains, convenience stores, and many taxis. USD not used day-to-day.
Tipping: Not customary — and can cause confusion. Do not tip; excellent service is the norm. Hotel and restaurant bills may include service charges.
Taxis / ride-hailing: Trains and subways are the backbone. IC cards work nationwide on most systems. Taxis are reliable but pricey; Uber limited. Japan Taxi / GO apps in larger cities. No Grab.
Time zone: Japan Standard Time
Language: Japanese. English signage strong in major stations and tourist sites; English spoken unevenly outside hotels and big cities.

Dining

Okonomiyaki Nagata-ya — Hiroshima okonomiyaki, Naka-ku (near Peace Park)
Hassei — Okonomiyaki, Hiroshima
Sushi-tei Hikarimachi — Sushi, Hiroshima
Baketsu Tatemachi — Oysters / izakaya, Tatemachi, Naka-ku

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/japan
U.S. mission — U.S. Embassy Tokyo — +81-3-3224-5000 (jp.usembassy.gov). Consulates also in Osaka, Fukuoka, Naha, Sapporo.
Local emergency — Police 110 · Fire / Ambulance 119

Day 25 detail — Sat Apr 21, 2029

Weather

⛅ 67° / 54° · 26% rain

Humidity: 74%
Implication: Pleasant city weather — late cherry-blossom window is typically ending by late April (varies by year).
Sunrise / sunset: 5:19 AM / 6:34 PM
Moon: First quarter

Good to know

Late-April Osaka is usually past peak sakura — any remaining blooms are a bonus, not a guarantee.
Worth catching if you can — If any late sakura linger in parks — worth catching if you can, but do not plan the day around it.

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Japanese yen (JPY). Cards widely accepted in cities; some small shops and shrines are cash-only. IC cards (Suica / Pasmo / ICOCA) for trains, convenience stores, and many taxis. USD not used day-to-day.
Tipping: Not customary — and can cause confusion. Do not tip; excellent service is the norm. Hotel and restaurant bills may include service charges.
Taxis / ride-hailing: Trains and subways are the backbone. IC cards work nationwide on most systems. Taxis are reliable but pricey; Uber limited. Japan Taxi / GO apps in larger cities. No Grab.
Time zone: Japan Standard Time
Language: Japanese. English signage strong in major stations and tourist sites; English spoken unevenly outside hotels and big cities.

Dining

Starred picks are in Osaka city (easy reach from Osaka cruise terminals).

Taian Michelin ★★★ — Japanese, Chuo-ku (Nagahoribashi)
HAJIME Michelin ★★★ — Innovative, Nishi-ku (Edobori)
Kashiwaya Osaka Senriyama Michelin ★★★ — Japanese, Senriyama, Osaka

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/japan
U.S. mission — U.S. Embassy Tokyo — +81-3-3224-5000 (jp.usembassy.gov). Consulates also in Osaka, Fukuoka, Naha, Sapporo.
Local emergency — Police 110 · Fire / Ambulance 119

Day 26 detail — Sun Apr 22, 2029

Overnight begins

Weather

⛅ 69° / 54° · 34% rain

Humidity: 76%
Implication: Mt. Fuji views are cloud-dependent — mild temps either way.
Sunrise / sunset: 5:05 AM / 6:23 PM
Moon: First quarter

Good to know

Worth catching if you can — Mt. Fuji from Miho no Matsubara or ship — worth catching if the peak is clear.

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Japanese yen (JPY). Cards widely accepted in cities; some small shops and shrines are cash-only. IC cards (Suica / Pasmo / ICOCA) for trains, convenience stores, and many taxis. USD not used day-to-day.
Tipping: Not customary — and can cause confusion. Do not tip; excellent service is the norm. Hotel and restaurant bills may include service charges.
Taxis / ride-hailing: Trains and subways are the backbone. IC cards work nationwide on most systems. Taxis are reliable but pricey; Uber limited. Japan Taxi / GO apps in larger cities. No Grab.
Time zone: Japan Standard Time
Language: Japanese. English signage strong in major stations and tourist sites; English spoken unevenly outside hotels and big cities.

Dining

Harbor and market picks near Shimizu port.

Shimizu Sushi Alley — Sushi (food court), S-Pulse Dream Plaza (about 10 min walk from pier)
Shimizuko Minami — Tuna donburi / seafood, Near Shimizu port (about 20–30 min by car)
Miyamoto (Kashi-no-Ichi) — Tuna / seafood bowls, Kashi-no-Ichi (closed Wed; 20–25 min walk or short taxi from pier)

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/japan
U.S. mission — U.S. Embassy Tokyo — +81-3-3224-5000 (jp.usembassy.gov). Consulates also in Osaka, Fukuoka, Naha, Sapporo.
Local emergency — Police 110 · Fire / Ambulance 119

Day 27 detail — Mon Apr 23, 2029

Overnight continues

Weather

⛅ 69° / 55° · 36% rain

Humidity: 77%
Implication: Second chance at Fuji views if yesterday was cloudy.
Sunrise / sunset: 5:04 AM / 6:24 PM
Moon: Waxing gibbous

Good to know

Worth catching if you can — Clear Fuji views — worth catching if you can.

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Japanese yen (JPY). Cards widely accepted in cities; some small shops and shrines are cash-only. IC cards (Suica / Pasmo / ICOCA) for trains, convenience stores, and many taxis. USD not used day-to-day.
Tipping: Not customary — and can cause confusion. Do not tip; excellent service is the norm. Hotel and restaurant bills may include service charges.
Taxis / ride-hailing: Trains and subways are the backbone. IC cards work nationwide on most systems. Taxis are reliable but pricey; Uber limited. Japan Taxi / GO apps in larger cities. No Grab.
Time zone: Japan Standard Time
Language: Japanese. English signage strong in major stations and tourist sites; English spoken unevenly outside hotels and big cities.

Dining

Harbor and market picks near Shimizu port.

Shimizu Sushi Alley — Sushi (food court), S-Pulse Dream Plaza (about 10 min walk from pier)
Shimizuko Minami — Tuna donburi / seafood, Near Shimizu port (about 20–30 min by car)
Miyamoto (Kashi-no-Ichi) — Tuna / seafood bowls, Kashi-no-Ichi (closed Wed; 20–25 min walk or short taxi from pier)

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/japan
U.S. mission — U.S. Embassy Tokyo — +81-3-3224-5000 (jp.usembassy.gov). Consulates also in Osaka, Fukuoka, Naha, Sapporo.
Local emergency — Police 110 · Fire / Ambulance 119

Day 28 detail — Tue Apr 24, 2029

Arrive Tokyo area — overnight

Weather

⛅ 67° / 54° · 36% rain

Humidity: 74%
Implication: Pleasant spring city weather — light jacket for evenings.
Sunrise / sunset: 4:58 AM / 6:21 PM
Moon: Waxing gibbous

Good to know

Golden Week begins Apr 29 — after disembarkation; Tokyo not yet in peak GW crowds.

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Japanese yen (JPY). Cards widely accepted in cities; some small shops and shrines are cash-only. IC cards (Suica / Pasmo / ICOCA) for trains, convenience stores, and many taxis. USD not used day-to-day.
Tipping: Not customary — and can cause confusion. Do not tip; excellent service is the norm. Hotel and restaurant bills may include service charges.
Taxis / ride-hailing: Trains and subways are the backbone. IC cards work nationwide on most systems. Taxis are reliable but pricey; Uber limited. Japan Taxi / GO apps in larger cities. No Grab.
Time zone: Japan Standard Time
Language: Japanese. English signage strong in major stations and tourist sites; English spoken unevenly outside hotels and big cities.

Dining

Ship docks in Yokohama. Two Tokyo starred restaurants (Shinagawa / Ebisu) are listed with transfer times; three local Yokohama picks have no star badges.

Quintessence Michelin ★★★ — French, Tokyo — Shinagawa (about 1–1.5 h each way from Yokohama)
Joël Robuchon Michelin ★★★ — French, Tokyo — Ebisu / Yebisu Garden Place (about 1–1.5 h each way from Yokohama)
Manchinro Honten — Cantonese, Yokohama Chinatown
ToKi — Sichuan Chinese, Hong Kong Road, Yokohama Chinatown
Mutekiro — Japanese / kaiseki-style, Motomachi, Yokohama (book early for lunch; last order 13:00; Mondays irregular)

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/japan
U.S. mission — U.S. Embassy Tokyo — +81-3-3224-5000 (jp.usembassy.gov). Consulates also in Osaka, Fukuoka, Naha, Sapporo.
Local emergency — Police 110 · Fire / Ambulance 119

Day 29 detail — Wed Apr 25, 2029

Disembarkation day

Weather

⛅ 67° / 54° · 34% rain

Humidity: 73%
Implication: Good disembark weather pattern historically — still pack a light layer for early transfer.
Sunrise / sunset: 4:57 AM / 6:22 PM
Moon: Waxing gibbous

Good to know

Disembarkation — confirm Viking luggage and transfer times in final docs.

Practical notes

Currency & payments: Japanese yen (JPY). Cards widely accepted in cities; some small shops and shrines are cash-only. IC cards (Suica / Pasmo / ICOCA) for trains, convenience stores, and many taxis. USD not used day-to-day.
Tipping: Not customary — and can cause confusion. Do not tip; excellent service is the norm. Hotel and restaurant bills may include service charges.
Taxis / ride-hailing: Trains and subways are the backbone. IC cards work nationwide on most systems. Taxis are reliable but pricey; Uber limited. Japan Taxi / GO apps in larger cities. No Grab.
Time zone: Japan Standard Time
Language: Japanese. English signage strong in major stations and tourist sites; English spoken unevenly outside hotels and big cities.

Dining

Ship docks in Yokohama. Two Tokyo starred restaurants (Shinagawa / Ebisu) are listed with transfer times; three local Yokohama picks have no star badges.

Quintessence Michelin ★★★ — French, Tokyo — Shinagawa (about 1–1.5 h each way from Yokohama)
Joël Robuchon Michelin ★★★ — French, Tokyo — Ebisu / Yebisu Garden Place (about 1–1.5 h each way from Yokohama)
Manchinro Honten — Cantonese, Yokohama Chinatown
ToKi — Sichuan Chinese, Hong Kong Road, Yokohama Chinatown
Mutekiro — Japanese / kaiseki-style, Motomachi, Yokohama (book early for lunch; last order 13:00; Mondays irregular)

Official contacts

Health / CDC — review destination vaccines and notices before travel: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/japan
U.S. mission — U.S. Embassy Tokyo — +81-3-3224-5000 (jp.usembassy.gov). Consulates also in Osaka, Fukuoka, Naha, Sapporo.
Local emergency — Police 110 · Fire / Ambulance 119