Cruise Traveller is proud to launch an exclusive new journey — ‘Japan in Bloom’ – a 12-night, luxury, discovery voyage sailing during Japan’s iconic Golden Week in April-May, 2026. This rare opportunity invites Australian travellers to immerse themselves in the very best of Japanese culture at one of the country’s most vibrant and celebrated times of the year.
As the exclusive Australian representative for Japan’s own Mitsui Ocean Cruises, Cruise Traveller has a special, ‘fly free, stay free’ offer as part of the unique, new package next April. Book by January 28, 2026.
Golden Week – a sequence of national holidays – sees Japan come alive in spectacular fashion. Streets fill with festivals, regional traditions flourish, and the nation showcases its deep cultural heritage through ceremonies, events, seasonal cuisine, and artistic expression. Securing premium travel experiences during this high-demand period is notoriously difficult, which makes this special departure next April exceptionally valuable.
Sailing aboard the luxurious Mitsui Ocean Fuji, formerly Seabourn Odyssey, guests will embark on a deeply enriching exploration of Japan’s coastline, travelling to culturally significant ports, ancient temples, timeless gardens and modern cities that bridge tradition and high-tech innovation. There’s also the chance to enjoy spectacular, late-season cherry blossoms which paint towns in soft hues of pink and white. This is not a typical cruise. It’s a curated Japanese, cultural discovery experience, blending small-ship intimacy with meaningful encounters and authentic local insight.
Highlights of Cruise Traveller’s ‘Japan in Bloom – Golden Week’ voyage include:
* A rare Golden Week departure — an opportunity seldom available to international travellers
* 12-night coastal journey exploring culture-rich ports including Kobe, Kochi, Hiroshima, and Shingu
* Immersive cultural experiences at the heart of Golden Week celebrations, where local communities showcase ceremonies, crafts, performances and regional flavours
* Sailing aboard the elegant Mitsui Ocean Fuji, a refined vessel, formerly Seabourn Odyssey, offering world-class hospitality and an intimate, small-ship atmosphere
* Exclusive inclusions such as fly free return to Tokyo and a free, pre-cruise hotel stay for early bookings
* A discovery focus appealing not only to cruise travellers, but also to lovers of culture, history, cuisine, nature, and small-group exploration
“Nobody knows Japan like Mitsui Ocean Cruises which offers a completely bespoke way of discovering the county’s ancient and modern wonders on unique journeys imbued with depth, discovery, enrichment and also value-for-money,” said Cruise Traveller Managing Director,” Joe O’Sullivan.
“This departure captures the essence of Japan at its most expressive and meaningful time of year. Golden Week is when Japan proudly shares its traditions, and travelling through the country during this period offers a level of cultural immersion you simply cannot replicate at any other time.”
Mr O’Sullivan said the boutique and culturally immersive journey with Mitsui Ocean Cruises was perfect for travellers who don’t usually cruise but value:
* Deeper cultural connection
* Once-in-a-lifetime experiences
* Unique seasonal events
* Exploration without crowds
* A premium, authentic journey
Fly free and stay free in April 2026 – Golden Week spring voyage around Japan
As Mitsui Ocean Cruises’ exclusive Australian representative, Cruise Traveller is offering ‘Japan in Bloom’ guests free return flights to Japan and a complimentary pre-cruise hotel stay..
The 12-night ‘Japan in Bloom’ package begins on April 28, 2026, with a free flight from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth to Tokyo and a free night in a luxury hotel in Tokyo or Yokohama pre-cruise. Guests then board Mitsui Ocean Fuji in Yokohama for an 11-night return voyage circling Japan’s main island of Honshu and visiting an array of smaller, less-visited and more authentic destinations such as the stunning beaches of Miyako, the late-blooming cherry blossoms and historic castles of Matsumae, the colourful samurai heritage of Akita, the healing onsen hot spring waters of Nanao and Matsuyama, the bustling markets of Busan in Korea and the breathtaking views of iconic Mt Fuji from Shimizu.
After disembarking back in Yokohama, guests fly home for free again back to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth.
Fares are from A$11,715 per person, twin-share in an Oceanview Suite including a specially curated, full-day excursion in a selected port and a half-day excursion in all other ports, plus selected, onboard beverages and Wi-Fi. For this exclusive package, book through Cruise Traveller by January 28, 2026.
Due to the high domestic demand of Golden Week and the boutique size of the Mitsui Ocean Fuji, space is extremely limited. Early booking is strongly recommended.
