April 22, 2006
Our Inaugural Cruise To Japan
.JPG)
It is very gratifying to see the results of one’s efforts come to fruition. After many years of planning and developing our new Japan cruise program, my family and I joined 100 guests on our Inaugural Japan cruise from Kobe to Niigata March 10-20.
Kobe was chosen as our homeport in part because Kobe is Seattle’s Sister City. It also happens to be well located near Osaka’s Kansai Airport and the historic cities and former capitals of Kyoto and Nara. Kobe’s Mayor, Mr. Tatsuo Yada, extended a warm welcome to our Captain, crew and guests aboard the Spirit of Oceanus. Local news reporters and cameras were on hand for the event.
Every port we visited was special – at each we received a warm and friendly greeting. They do not get .JPG)
many American cruise ships coming to these ports. We are indeed unique. After a welcome reception in the small port town of Hagi, Leslie and I were in a pottery shop when the proprietor motioned to us to look at the TV she was watching, and there was our ship and some of our guests being interviewed! We were big news wherever we went.
.JPG)
One of the most heart-warming – and tear-jerking – welcomes was in Nagasaki. About two-dozen young children – four to five years old – came aboard dressed in beautiful costumes to perform a variety of dances for us. It was wonderful – they were all so cute! And to top it off, a girl’s High School marching band performed on the pier as we were departing. They were excellent. We lined the railings waving to the children who had performed and the band and dignitaries. It was a moving experience.
We enjoyed a variety of weather – beautiful sunny spring days in
.JPG)
Kirishiki and Hagi. Snow in Yufuin, Miyajima, Korea and Kanazawa! Occasional rain and wind. But overall it was a wonderful cruise. The itinerary is packed with interesting places – gardens, castles, temples and shrines, as well as Samurai houses and art and history museums. And ofcourse, time for shopping. Many guests enjoyed the onsen – or Japanese bath – in Yufuin.
.JPG)
This is the best way to see a lot of Japan. All tours are provided, with expert English speaking guides. It is MUCH easier to see Japan this way – by small ship – than any other way! You unpack once – and come home each afternoon to comfortable surroundings.
We are now busy planning our Inaugural Vietnam program for fall 2007. Stayed tuned! That will be another great Asia experience!
Posted by Dick on April 22, 2006 1:35 PM
TrackBacks
TrackBack Link for this entry
(Right-click on this link to copy the URL)
videos 
booked guests