Spring 2026, 25 Night cruise on the Coral Princess
(Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan)
We booked with Costco after Lynn saw multiple Thailand and Vietnam stops on this cruise (on our bucket list) during a time period we were open. It is also shortly after my birthday and during Lynn's, so here is our present to each other. This cruise also had multiple Japan stops which Lynn and I enjoyed on our 2024 Asia cruise.
The cruise was $10,044 with us booking an ID inside room guarantee (you get that level or better). We had to give a $800 deposit, but it is refundable until 120 days before (Nov. 20,2025). We get $755 Digital Costco Shop Card after sailing, due to booking with Costco travel. It was $5,200 more for a balcony, so we didn't think it was worth it to us, and we have a lot of other cruises booked we need to pay for. Lynn will also still be elite status, due to our purchased upgrade on our 53 day cruise, so free laundry and discount on excursions for her. We paid final payment of $9,244.40 on 10-23-25. Inside rooms were sold out then and balcony would have been around $19,448. We got lucky finding out eight days before sailing that we were assigned room C604 a premium balcony room. Ship tips will be extra ($36 per night) and excursions, etc. will be extra.
Airfares, Parking, SFO visit: March 15 Miami to Singapore and returning April 21 from Tokyo
Going we fly United Airlines to Singapore from Miami, so a one hour drive to our parking. May 29, 2025 we booked United for $1,559 for both of us, going from Miami 7:23am March 15th and arriving in Singapore at 7:00am March 17th. The flights are 6h 36m to SFO (a 11 hr 36 min. layover, this is so we only had two legs versus three since American changed out reservation to three legs), then at 10:35 pm we have a 16h 34 min to Singapore (Currently United's second longest nonstop flight). So, 24 hours in air, 11.5 hours break between the flights.
With our long layover in San Francisco Lynn planned to meet and get picked up by our niece Jessica. We spent a nice afternoon together touring Muir Weeds in Sausalito, California and stopping for a good lunch and desert later.
I watched rates on the app Hopper and when it said to book our return flight on Delta on May 26th, 2025 we booked Tokyo-Haneda Airport to Atlanta to Miami on Delta for $1,451.62 for both of us. We leave Tokyo at 3:15pm on April 21 and arrive in Atlanta at 2:50 pm (still April 21st due to time changes), then a 4 hr 6 min. layover and at 6:56pm we have a 1hr 51 min flight to Miami arriving at 8:47 pm. Total flight time 18 hrs. 32 min. Seat selection, plane change if needed, 2 bags per person included).
Lynn found a good parking rate and reserved on May 30, 2025 throught Global Airport Parking LLC, from 1pm (after flight change Pullman said no problem to come in at 4am), March 15, 2026 through 11pm, April 21, 2026. Was called One Switch MIA Airport Parking (now shows the Pullman Hotel, 5800 Waterford District Dr
Miami, FL 33126) offers off-site airport parking with complimentary shuttles to Miami International Airport (MIA).
Parking was $205.53 and she paid in full.
5 nights hotel in Singapore (before the cruise) and 5 nights after the cruise in Yokohama
January 10, 2025, Lynn thought it would be nice to go to Singapore early and stay late in Yokohama, to explore the cities and area. She used our Princess promotion we bought for the Nov. 2025 South America cruise (two 2-day, two 5-day vouchers for 4 or 5 star hotels that you only pay the tax).
We booked five days ahead in Singapore starting 3 pm, March 17 - March 22, noon, at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium (SG Clean), an IHG Hotel, 317 Outram Road, Singapore, SG ($242.90). It was a nice hotel, with a large room and very convenient to the subway system, which was easy to figure out and get around on.
We also booked five days after, starting 3 pm, April 16 - April 21, 11 am in Sotetsu Fresa Inn Yokohama Higashiguchi
5-10 Kinko-cho, Yokohama, Kanagawa, JP ($45.76). This hotel room was the smallest I have ever been in and made me question staying there five days. We made it work, and it was very close to the Yokohama train station, which made travel to other areas, very accessible. The train system was very confusiing to us, trying to figure out what train line to take, where to enter that line, where to stand for the multiple trains that came, but it worked as Lynn asked at the help areas and other passengers that knew the system. Everyone was very helpful.
Coral Princess for March 22 - April 16, 2026
The Coral Princess holds 1,970 passengers, 900 crew, we booked a guaranteed inside room catagory ID. Guarantee means that catory of room or better but you don't know your room until close to sailing. This will be a smaller ships for us as we have mostly cruised on ships from 4,004 to 1,380 passengers, crews from 550 to 1,735.
Insurance
Lynn purchased Go Ready Travel Insurance from AEGIS for $396 which goes for one year starting March 30th, 2025 - March 30, 2026, so we will need to add another year. It covers items like: Trip Interruption, Airline Ticket Change Fee, Baggage Delay, Baggage / Personal Effects, Accidental Death, Emergency Accident and Emergency Sickness Medical Expense, Emergency Medical Evacuation, etc. Each with limits from $200 - $50,000.
Lynn purchased another year for $396 with AEGIS travel (Go
Ready Annual/Multi-Trip Primary Plan by Aegis General) on 2-11-26 to start March 14, 2026 (to cover this trip) - March 14, 2027.
Singapore
We flew March 17th (16th in Singapore) and stayed 5 nights in our Norwegian promotion booked hotel through March 22nd. March March 22nd cruise departs at 11 pm.
March 17, after checking in and showering we explored a little by taking the subway and then walking around and checking out stores, a couple temples and having lunch under the Buddha Tooth Relc temple. Then back to our room to rest up by 3pm after our long travel day and exploring.
March 18, we went to the Gardens by the Bay an award-winning horticultural destination known for its stunning Supertrees, the immersive Cloud Forest, and the Flower Dome, one of the world's largest greenhouses. We were up early due to the 13 hour time difference and watched sunrise, then walked around a lot. We had lunches there a couple times as it had a good variety. We saw a couple Malayan water monitor (Varanus salvator), a cousin of the Indonesia's Komodo dragon!
March 19, we went to the Marina Bay Waterfront.
This area featuring the iconic Merlion statue, the impressive Esplanade, and the Marina Bay Sands complex with its famous Sands Skypark Observation Deck. We toured the uniquely shaped Apple store on the water, had a good lunch and later watched the Spectra light and water show.
March 20, we toured the Singapore's botanical garden and Orchid Garden. A very nice orchid garden with more orchids together than I have ever seen before.
March 21, we went to Singapore's Chinatown.
A lively atmosphere of Singapore's historic Chinatown, exploring its bustling streets, diverse food options, and traditional Chinese goods and temples. We explored and had lunch at a vegan restaurant Lynn found.
Our last night in Singapore we rode the Singapore Flyer.
It gives breathtaking, panoramic views of the city skyline from this giant observation wheel, a perfect way to see Singapore's iconic landmarks from above.
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Ko Samui, Thailand
Wednesday, March 25, 7am - 4pm.
We took a private tour (taxi) for $180 plus and a $20 tip. First stop we went to the Samui Elephant Sanctuary, our entry fee was $57.52 to feed the elephants and I bought a shirt ($8), hat ($9) and Lynn got post cards ($3) and an elephant pants ($9.60). Next stop we went to see the Big Buddha temple (Wat Phra Yai), then to Kwan Yin (18 armed Buddhist avatar), visited the Wat Plai Laem temple and the Laughing Buddha. Lastly we both had lunch at Krao Chao Baan Samui and shared a beer for $19,61 then stopped at a waterfall on our way back to the ship.
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Laem Chabang, Thailand
Thursday, March 26, 8am - Friday, March 27, 4pm.
Day 1 we booked a driver in a private car at the port, it was 7277 baht or $224 for 10 hours going to Bongkok (a 2 hour drive each way). He first took us for a canal cruise (through locks and canals) which cost us an additional $100, then we went to the Grand Palace temple (500 baht or $31). We stopped for lunch at a vegan restaurant our driver found for Lynn ($20) and finally went to the Wat Pho temple (300 baht or $20). Our driver Attuyuth dropped us off at these sights and hung in parking lots waiting for us. It was a very hot day and we could done more but were exhausted.
On day 2 we hired the same driver for 6 hours ($92). We first stopped at the Big Bee Farm Lynn bought some bee propulus and crackers. I got an ice cream. Our second stop was a gemstone mining company mini tour ride and trying to sell us something but got our unscathed. Than a drive by the beach and on to the main attraction for the day, Sanctuary Of Truth, Pattaya, Thailand. They have been hand carving the Sanctuary for 45 years. Lastly a tip for our driver.
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Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Vietnam
Sunday, March 29,7am - 6pm.
We decided we did not want to take a two hour ride to Ho Chi Minh City, so we took a free shuttle to Go! Ba Rai mall. We walked outside through a local market with live and dried seafood, fruits, vegetables cloths, etc. Lynn bought a shirt, pajamas for Clara and facial mask. I bought a bottle of wine and disposable razors. $60 equaled 1.58 million dong.
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Nha Trang, Vietnam
Monday, March 30, 9am - 6pm.
We hired a private driver for $100. First we went to Long Son Pagoda:
Climbing to this serene Buddhist pagoda for panoramic views of the city and to see its impressive 24-meter-tall white Buddha statue. From there we went to Mountain Church which Was just OK in my (Jeff's) opinion. Then on to a local market, Trang Tam Thruong Mai Nha Trang, where I bought a t-shirt for 120,000 dong, 1 pair of underwear for 30 dong (since laundry was taking a while), Lynn bought a dress for 100,000 dong and some Pokiman cards for the grandkids. We then went to Ponagar Tower, ancient ruins and then stopped for a good lunch for 415,000 dong ($16). $1 = 26,338 dong.
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Cai Lan, Vietnam
Wednesday, April 1, 8am - Thursday, April 2, 7am.
Lynn booked us a Viator tour for $158 for both of us. As we met up I tried a egg coffee, it was good. We boarded the boat and went to a oyster farm to see their operation. Next we went to Sung Sot Cave and walked up, through and down from the cave. We then had an included lunch on the boat and headed to Luon Cave where we payed extra for a speed boat ride and then took the included bamboo boat under an overhang and saw monkeys playing on the shoreline. Last stop was Titov Isle where we hanged at the beach instead of climbing up for another lookout, then relaxed on the boat ride back through the scenic islands.
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Halong Bay, Vietnam (Cruising)
Thursday, April 2.
Cruising into Cai Lan, Vietnam through Halong Bay was very nice seeing all the small islands. When we left on the 2nd it was very foggy so I did not take more pictures or videos.
Da Nang, Vietnam
Friday, April 3, 7am - 5pm.
We took a Princess excursion from 8am-4pm for $99 each. The excursion first stopped at Cho Han market, then a marble carving company selling their carvings, then went to Hoi An to see a silk company showing how the silkworms grow and selling their cloths. Next our group walked around Hoi An visiting a temple and a old home that showed the height of floods over the years. We also saw the bridge that connected Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese communities and met there after having lunch and two beers at Lua Minh; buying four shirts for Lynn and family; three pop up cards by a vendor who was persistent; and lastly a chime for 70,000 dong and $1. It was a very nice town and we heard nice at night but we needed to get our bus back to the ship.
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Hong Kong
Sunday, April 5, 7am - 11pm.
AI suggestions: In April, you can enjoy Hong Kong's spring weather. Here are five specific things to do:
1. Hike the Dragon's Back Trail:
This popular trail offers stunning views of the city, Big Wave Bay, and wildflowers in the spring, according to Pale Ale Travel.
2. Attend the Hong Kong Flower Show:
Experience the blooming flowers and vibrant displays of this annual event, which is held in April and a major highlight of the month, notes Wanderlog.
3. Explore the Hong Kong Sevens:
If your visit coincides with the tournament, you can experience the energetic atmosphere of this world-famous rugby event.
4. Visit Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage:
Discover this historic former police compound, now a center for heritage and the arts, which hosts various cultural exhibitions and events.
5. Take a boat trip to Cheung Chau Island:
Experience the exciting Cheung Chau Bun Festival, a lively celebration featuring a parade and the famous "bun scramble" contest in April
Other options include visiting the Hong Kong Wetland Park or exploring the Cheung Chau Bun Festival.
More information to come as we plan and go...................
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Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan
Tuesday, April 7, 7am - 7pm.
AI suggestions: In April, here are the best things to do:
1. Eat your way through Miaokou Night Market:
Keelung's MiaoKou Night Market is a highlight, famous for its distinctive yellow lanterns and a wide variety of seafood, skewers, and other local foods.
2. Explore Heping Island GeoPark:
Visit this park to see its fascinating, uniquely shaped rock formations. April's good weather makes it a great time to explore the park's natural beauty.
3. Discover Zhengbin Fishing Port:
This historic port is known for its vibrantly colored buildings, which create a very picturesque scene for photos and a leisurely walk.
4. Visit the sacred Zhongzheng Park:
This large park features the iconic, large Buddha statue and tour the scenic Keelung Maritime Plaza, provides great views of Keelung.
5. Take a day trip to Taipei:
Keelung's proximity to Taipei allows you to easily visit attractions like the National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and Taipei 101
More information to come as we plan and go...................
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Seogwipo City, South Korea
Thursday, April 9, 7am - 3pm.
AI suggestions: In April, here are the top 5 things to do in Seogwipo in April:
1. Visit Jeongbang Waterfall:
This is a must-see attraction in Seogwipo, known as one of the few waterfalls in Asia that cascades directly into the sea.
2. Hike the Jeju Olle Trail:
April's mild weather is perfect for exploring the island's famous Olle Trails. You'll also get to see beautiful yellow canola flowers and other spring blossoms.
3. Explore the Osulloc Tea Museum:
Learn about Korean tea culture, enjoy panoramic views of the tea fields, and sample delicious green tea products.
4. See Cheonjiyeon Waterfall:
This picturesque waterfall is another highlight of the Seogwipo area, offering beautiful scenery.
5. Experience Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market:
Immerse yourself in the local culture at this vibrant market, a great place to find fresh produce, local delicacies, and unique souvenirs.
April is a popular time to visit South Korea due to the cherry blossom season, so expect larger crowds
More information to come as we plan and go...................
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Yatsushiro, Japan
Friday, April 10, 7am - 4pm.
AI suggestions: In April, you can enjoy the blooming cherry blossom and:
1. Experience the Yatsushiro Myoken Festival
This historic festival, recognized as a valuable cultural property, celebrates Yatsushiro's heritage with elaborate float parades that recreate scenes from 19th-century scrolls. The festival highlights traditional customs and is a must-see event.
2. Admire Cherry Blossoms at Kumamoto Castle
Spring is a beautiful time to visit the region, and Kumamoto Castle is a prime spot to see the cherry blossoms. The castle park's 600 cherry trees are often lit up at night during the full bloom season, typically late March to early April.
3. Stroll Through Suizenji Jojuen Garden
A National Place of Scenic Beauty and Historic Site, this 350-year-old garden offers a serene experience. You can walk through lush paths, see structures from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and admire the pond fed by spring water from Mount Aso.
4. Explore the Yatsushiro City Municipal Museum
For a deeper dive into the city's history and culture, visit the Yatsushiro City Municipal Museum. It's a good option for understanding the local heritage and stories of the region.
5. Take a Scenic Ride on the Hisatsu Orange Railway
This railway line runs along the west coast of Kyushu, offering beautiful views of the coastline and connecting several towns and cities. It's a great way to see more of the surrounding natural beauty and discover local hot springs along the way
More information to come as we plan and go...................
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Kagoshima, Japan
Saturday, April 11, 7am - 4pm.
AI suggestions: In April, you can enjoy Kagoshima's generally pleasant spring weather. Here are five great things to do in Kagoshima in April:
1. Visit Sakurajima Island:
This active volcano is a symbol of Kagoshima. In April, the weather is ideal for exploring its trails and experiencing its unique volcanic landscape, including the Sakurajima Lava Nagisa Promenade and Arimura Lava Observation Deck.
2. Stroll through Sengan-en Garden:
This beautiful, expansive Japanese garden offers stunning views and a glimpse into traditional architecture and history. It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy the spring scenery.
3. Explore Kagoshima City Aquarium (Io World):
Discover the diverse marine life of Kagoshima Bay. The aquarium's impressive exhibits and dolphin shows are an excellent educational experience for all ages.
4. Indulge in Local Cuisine:
Kagoshima is famous for its delicious food. Try regional specialties like black pork (Kurobuta), Satsuma-age (fried fish cakes), and kibinago (herring sashimi).
5. Relax at Ibusuki Onsen:
This coastal resort area is famous for its unique sand bath hot springs. Enjoy a relaxing experience where you're buried in geothermally heated sand, a perfect way to unwind in the spring
More information to come as we plan and go...................
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Kochi, Japan
Sunday, April 12, 10am - 6pm.
AI suggestions: In April, the best five things to do in Kochi:
1. Visit Kochi Castle:
Explore this well-preserved, 17th-century castle, a significant historic site offering panoramic views of the city.
2. Stroll through the Makino Botanical Garden:
In April, the garden is likely to be filled with beautiful spring flowers, making it an ideal time to visit and enjoy the vibrant blooms.
3. Dine at Hirome Market:
Experience a vibrant local atmosphere by having a meal at this bustling market. You can try Kochi's signature dish, Katsuo no Tataki (seared bonito).
4. Relax at Katsurahama Beach:
Enjoy the scenic beauty of this famous beach known for its picturesque coastline and the iconic Sakamoto Ryoma Statue.
5. Explore Chikurinji Temple:
This beautiful temple, located on Godaisan Park, is a significant religious site and offers a peaceful escape into nature and culture
More information to come as we plan and go...................
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Osaka, Japan
Monday, April 13, 7am - 9pm.
AI suggestions: In April, here are five top things to do in Osaka:
1. Witness the Cherry Blossoms at Osaka Castle Park:
April is peak cherry blossom season, making Osaka Castle Park a must-visit. You can stroll along the riverbank under the sakura trees or even enjoy a hanami (flower viewing) party with food and drinks.
2. Explore the Dotonbori District:
This bustling area is known for its bright, iconic signs, vibrant nightlife, and incredible street food. Sample local delicacies like takoyaki (octopus balls) and enjoy the canal cruise for a different perspective.
3. Indulge in Local Cuisine at Kuromon Market:
Often called "the Kitchen of Japan," Osaka is a food lover's paradise. Kuromon Market is a fantastic place to sample fresh seafood, street snacks, and other regional specialties.
4. Take in Panoramic Views from the Umeda Sky Building:
The Kuchu Teien Observatory at the Umeda Sky Building offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Osaka cityscape. It's particularly beautiful at sunset.
5. Visit the Historic Osaka Castle:
A significant landmark, Osaka Castle is worth exploring for its rich history. You can admire the architecture, explore the grounds, and learn about the castle's past
More information to come as we plan and go...................
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Shimizu, Japan
Wednesday, April 15, 7am - 4pm.
AI suggestions: Here are five specific activities to enjoy in Shimizu in April:
1. Experience Miho no Matsubara:
Walk the paths through this scenic pine grove, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy views of the ocean and Mount Fuji.
2. Explore the Shimizu Port & Kashi no Ichi Fish Market:
This is a great place to see the daily catch and sample fresh seafood, as the market is known for having the largest frozen tuna catch in Japan.
3. Visit Nihondaira Yume Terrace:
Head up to this observation deck for breathtaking 360-degree views of Mount Fuji, Shimizu Port, and Suruga Bay.
4. Tour the Shizuoka Sengen Shrine:
Located on a hill, this historically significant shrine offers beautiful surroundings and opportunities for scenic views, including views of Mount Fuji on clear days.
5. Discover S-Pulse Dream Plaza:
Located at the port, this complex offers various options for shopping, dining, and entertainment, named after the local soccer team and celebrating the port's anniversary
More information to come as we plan and go...................
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Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan
Thursday, April 16, 6am and have to depart ship
AI suggestions: In April, you can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossom.
Here are five specific activities to consider:
In Tokyo
1. See Cherry Blossoms in Ueno Park:
Ueno Park is a top spot for cherry blossom viewing, known for its "Ueno Sakura Matsuri" (cherry blossom festival), where you can see petals dance in the air and float on the park's water features.
2. Walk along Chidorigafuchi:
Visit the Chidorigafuchi walkway, located to the west of the Imperial Palace, to see cherry blossoms in full bloom along the moat.
3. Discover modern art at the teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM.
In Yokohama
1. Experience Yokohama Chinatown:
Explore Japan's largest Chinatown, with its colorful streets and numerous food vendors selling traditional Chinese snacks and dumplings.
2. Visit the Cup Noodles Museum:
Learn about the history of instant ramen and even create your own custom Cup Noodles to take home.
3. See the Yokohama Skyline from Landmark Tower:
Head to the Sky Garden observatory at the Yokohama Landmark Tower for panoramic views of the city, including the bay and the famous Ferris wheel
4. Seeing evening cherry blossoms at Sankeien Garden in Yokohama
Info to come after.
Airfare Back
I watched rates on the app Hopper and when it said to book our return flight on May 26th, 2025 we booked Tokyo to Miami on Delta for $1,451.62 for both of us. We leave Tokyo at 4:35pm on April 21 and arrive at Miami at 8:57pm still on the 21st (12h 55m flight to ATL with 2.5 hr. layover, then 1hr 57min to Miami, seat selection, plane change if needed, 2 bags per person included). Around 17.5 total hours of traveling from first lift off.
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