Before your cruise

Japan, Korea and China

Temples, gardens and big cities of East Asia. Every ship has its own ports, so pick the countries on your ticket.

Say: Ohayō gozaimasu (おはようございます) (oh-HIGH-yoh goh-ZAI-mahs), Good morningArigatō gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) (ah-ree-GAH-toh goh-ZAI-mahs), Thank you very much
Try: Sushi, Ramen, Tempura
See: Mount Fuji, Sensō-ji, Tokyo Skytree
Money: Japanese yen (¥)
Good to know: Carry some cash. Cards are accepted more and more, but many small shops, restaurants and even hotels, especially in the countryside, take only cash. ATMs at post offices and 7-Eleven stores accept foreign cards.

Say: Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요) (ahn-nyung-HAH-seh-yo), HelloGamsahamnida (감사합니다) (KAHM-sah-hahm-nee-dah), Thank you
Try: Kimchi, Bibimbap, Bulgogi
See: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto
Money: South Korean won (₩)
Good to know: Get a T-money card. A rechargeable T-money card works on subways, city buses and many taxis across the country, and each ride is a little cheaper than with a paper ticket. Buy and top it up at convenience stores and subway stations; topping up usually needs cash.

Say: Nǐ hǎo (你好) (nee HOW), HelloXièxie (谢谢) (SHYEH-shyeh), Thank you
Try: Peking duck, Jiaozi (boiled dumplings), Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings)
See: The Great Wall at Mutianyu, The Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven
Money: Renminbi, counted in Chinese yuan (¥)
Good to know: Check the visa rules for your passport. As of 2026, citizens of about 50 countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and most of Europe, can visit mainland China for up to 30 days without a visa under a policy that runs until the end of 2026. Many others, including US citizens, can stay up to 10 days without a visa if they are travelling on to a third country. Rules change often, so check with the Chinese embassy before you book.