Hong Kong is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Singaporeans. Chances are you have visited Hong Kong umpteen times with your significant other for a quick getaway. If you crave to do something different and yet still cannot resist the charms of Hong Kong, how about taking a cruise out of Hong Kong to Okinawa, Japan?
Yes, you can kill two birds with one stone. In fact, you can kill many birds with one stone – figuratively speaking – by flying to Hong Kong and then taking a return cruise to Okinawa. On one hand, you still enjoy the metropolitan life of Hong Kong. On the other hand, you can escape the city hustle and bustle for a taste of the unrushed life in Okinawa.
From Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, we boarded the luxury cruise ship Genting Dream for a 6D5N on-sea adventure to Okinawa, specifically the islands of Miyakojima and Naha. And if you are still unconvinced how romantic a getaway this itinerary can be, we list down some of the lovey-dovey activities you can do with your other half:
Snorkel as a couple
Miyakojima boasts some of the most pristine beaches, unbelievably blue waters and unspoilt coral reefs. It’s the perfect place to snorkel, with the coral reefs being just a few metres away from the water surface.
Imagine exploring the underwater world and swimming among schools of fishes, hand in hand with your other half. It’s what dreams are made of.
Stroll along the beaches of Miyakojima
Ok, this is clichéd, but hey, we can never get tired of romantic beach strolls. There is no place more ideal for your by-the-sea walk than Miyakojima, with its myriad beaches of endless golden sand and sea of turquoise as far as the eyes can see. Listen to the lullaby of the waves, feel the caress of the breeze on your face and immerse in the romantic moment with nary a care in the world. You’ll probably fall in love all over again.
Bond over food at Naha
Nothing brings people – or a couple – together like food does. And you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to food at Naha, the capital city of Okinawa Prefecture.
For a fun time, head over to Sam’s Sailor Inn, a teppanyaki restaurant along the popular stretch of Kokusaidori. Sam’s Sailor Inn is not your typical teppanyaki outlet; it’s a theatrical show as chefs deftly throw salt and pepper shakers in the air while cooking your dinner before your eyes. Even if your evening night out is not exactly romantic, you can be sure your meal is an entertaining one with your S.O.
Romance at sea
You do not take a cruise with your loved one to Okinawa for nothing. There’s just something about sailing the high seas that sparks romance. Reconnect over intimate dinners at celebrity chef restaurant Bistro by Mark Best. Pamper yourselves silly with couple spa treatments at Crystal Life Spa. Cap off the days by stepping outside onto the decks to watch the sunset together. You can’t get any more romantic than that.
The best way to get there
For those of us living in Singapore, there is no direct flight to Okinawa. Japan is almost seven hours away by flight, and you’d still have to make a transit in Tokyo.
By taking the Hong Kong-Okinawa-Hong Kong cruise with Dream Cruises, you simply take a three-hour flight to Hong Kong and board the cruise from there. After your Okinawa cruise, you can continue your holiday in bustling Hong Kong.
For more information about Dream Cruises, visit www.dreamcruiseline.com.
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