Vancouver to Tokyo Pacific Crossing 15 Nights • Vancouver, British Columbia to Tokyo, Japan • Celebrity Edge

Skyscrapers, mountains, and ocean come together seamlessly in Vancouver, without ever feeling crowded. Stanley Park alone is worth the visit, 1,000 acres of forest, totem poles, and scenic seawall right at the edge of downtown, while Gastown's cobblestone streets invite a leisurely afternoon and the local food scene punches well above its weight.

The city's multicultural character shows up especially at mealtime, where exceptional dim sum can be found just blocks from a classic seafood shack. With mountains visible from downtown streets and ski slopes less than an hour away, Vancouver manages to feel like an outdoor destination even before the ship leaves the harbor. Consistently ranked among the most livable cities in the world, it combines that outdoor access with genuine urban polish, excellent public transit, walkable neighborhoods, and a waterfront locals actually use rather than just admire.

Sapporo, Japan: Sapporo is the largest city on the island of Hokkaido and is located about 2 hours north of Muroran. In the heart of the city, Odori Avenue Park is filled with beautiful sculptures, a variety of fountains, 92 species of trees, and lots of flowerbeds. New art can be experienced in many ways throughout Sapporo with old houses, basements, and passageways continually being reinvented as beautiful galleries, shops, and bustling restaurants. Visit Sapporo Beer Museum and find out how the famous export is made, and, perhaps sample a few in the Biergarten. There are many other sights to discover on a Sapporo cruise, including the Sapporo City Clock, which has been marking time for over a century and the old Hokkaido government building, a neo-baroque building known as "Red Brick" that is lit up after dark. For authentic souvenirs and keepsakes, the Museum Store and Clark Gallery & Shift both offer wonderful locally made, handcrafted goods. Or stop in to Saturday Chocolate Factory Café for small-batch chocolates made with single-origin cacao beans.

Akita City is a bustling port in northern Japan where good food and good drinks are essential for weathering the long winters and over 3.6 metres of snow a year. Akita is the capital of Akita Prefecture, which is renowned for Akita dogs, high-quality rice and sake, and lively folk festivals. Revellers in traditional attire often greet cruise ships by balancing lantern-laden bamboo poles, which are part of the summer Kanto Festival. Look out for people dressed up as namahage ogres, too. You can explore this rich culture in the city's parks, historic buildings and cultural attractions.

A port city on the island of Hokkaido, Hakodate is best known for the spectacular views and the area's delicious, fresh seafood, sushi, squid, and ramen. From the top of the Mount Hakodate, you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the city surrounded by the ocean. You can reach the summit by hiking trail, cable car, or auto. The former Goryōkaku Fort, Japan's first Western style fortress, is now used in as a public park and is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. The park also features the tall, white Goryōkaku Tower that offers a panoramic view of the park, including mainland Japan across the Tsugaru Strait on clear days. Hakodate is literally a town of hot springs, and it even offers steamy outdoor footbaths to pedestrians.

Tokyo, Japan: Even though Tokyo is among the largest, most frenetic cities in the world, it’s still able to maintain a great deal of efficiency and charm. Amid the endless buzzing neon signs and the overhead cable webs, Tokyo is home to some of the world’s most impressive architecture, stylish shops and 4-star restaurants. Sushi lovers will revel in Tokyo’s offering of the famous dish. And the city’s “Ramen Zones” serve up unique noodle dishes where slurping is encouraged. Visit the Tokyo Tower on your Tokyo cruise for heart-pounding panoramic views of the city way atop the 492-foot high Grand Observation Deck. And just a short distance outside of the clamor the city is a whole different world. In the surrounding small towns and villages you’ll get a glimpse into Japan’s rich culture and traditions. Here you’ll discover scores of wooden residential homes, ancient temples, shrines and imperial gardens. From the frenzy-filled metropolis to the tranquil bonsai-tree-lined neighborhoods, Tokyo is truly a study in delightful contrast.