🚢 MSC Cruise 5-Day, 4-Night Experience | Keelung → Ishigaki Island → Okinawa → Back to Keelung
This five-day, four-night cruise aboard MSC Bellissima departs from Keelung Port and visits two popular destinations in Japan: Ishigaki Island and Naha, Okinawa. The overall experience was incredibly relaxing, incredibly sleepy, and delicious—a true seaside resort!
🛳 Itinerary Overview
Day 1 | Boarding at Keelung Port → Departure at 6:00 PM
Start lining up at the port around 1:00 PM to check in. While the boarding process is busy, it's efficient, allowing you to board and stow your luggage in your room around 1:00-2:00 PM.
Spend the afternoon exploring the ship's facilities and enjoying afternoon tea. Dinner is served buffet-style or in the formal dining room (the menu changes daily). Evening entertainment is available, including a live show. The atmosphere is incredibly lively.
The cruise officially departs Keelung at 6:00 PM, and the voyage begins!
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Day 2 | Day Trip to Ishigaki Island
Dock at Ishigaki Island in the morning. You can choose to explore independently or join a tour. We chose to explore on our own, visiting Kabira Bay, enjoying Ishigaki beef rice bowl, and browsing souvenir shops selling brown sugar and sea salt along the way.
The entire island exudes a clean, comfortable, and Southern Island-inspired atmosphere—a truly relaxing experience. Returning to the ship in the evening, we were able to watch the sunset from the deck.
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Day 3 | Arrival in Naha, Okinawa in the Afternoon
This day will be spent at sea, allowing us to enjoy lunch, swim, and browse duty-free shops. We docked at Naha Port in Okinawa around 2:00 PM.
After disembarking, we headed straight to Kokusai-dori, where we enjoyed a satisfying shopping spree and a delicious meal. In the evening, we could return to the ship to watch a show or have a drink.
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Day 4 | Okinawa Morning Self-Guided Tour → Departure at 2:00 PM
Since the ship docks for more than a day, we were able to go ashore and explore the area in the morning!
Some people chose to wake up early and visit Shurijo Castle, Naminoue Beach, or AEON Mall for last-minute shopping (lol). We returned to the ship before noon, and the cruise departed promptly at 2:00 PM, sailing back to Taiwan.
The afternoon was a day at sea, and everyone got to enjoy the boat: going to the gym, participating in activities, taking photos, having afternoon tea, and watching the ocean—it was a truly relaxing day.
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Day 5 | Arriving at Keelung Port in the Morning
We arrived at Keelung Port around 7:00 AM. The ship arranged for disembarkation in batches, and the entire process was orderly. Luggage collection and customs clearance went smoothly. Although I was a little reluctant to return to Taiwan, I was also filled with memories!
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✨ Summary and Recommendations
✅ Pros:
* No need to carry luggage or change hotels, perfect for lazy travelers, seniors, and families.
* Excellent meals every day (three meals on board, afternoon tea, and a late-night snack).
* With cabaret shows, bars, duty-free shops, a swimming pool, and a gym, the sea activities were never boring.
* Plenty of free time, so even independent travelers could have a blast!
📌 Tips:
* Book a room with a balcony for a relaxing ocean view and sunbathing experience.
* Remember to check the return time for your shore excursions to avoid missing your departure time.
* Bring an extra set of formal attire for the "themed dinner" or photo opportunities.
* Passports will be checked and facial recognition will be required upon disembarkation in Japan. Get in line early to save time!
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Overall, this MSC five-day, four-night cruise is highly recommended for those who want a relaxing international experience with a high degree of freedom and a relaxed schedule.
It's a truly relaxing journey of "empty your mind → eat, drink, have fun → empty your mind again"—perfect for some soothing relaxation!