Regent Seven Seas Cruises is inviting guests to embark on a ‘Captivating Japan’ adventure, delivering what are described as immersive destination experiences with a newly added 10-night Tokyo round trip voyage for the ultimate in luxury at sea.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises says that ‘Captivating Japan’ opens for reservations from Thursday 29 July 2021, with embarkation scheduled on 25 April 2023, in all-inclusive luxury with an en-suite experience like no other at sea including private balconies aboard Seven Seas Explorer®, which features extravagantly designed lounges and showplaces, and lavish gourmet restaurants.
Described as an enticing journey expertly crafted to showcase the most captivating locales of one of the world’s most fascinating destinations, it included FREE unlimited shore excursions and the additional luxury of a FREE 3-night Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Programme in Tokyo to explore the wonders of this vibrant city.
Steve Odell, Senior Vice President and Managing Director Asia Pacific, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises said, “Launching a new destination discovery voyage is always exciting, and knowing our guests’ strong desire to get back on the oceans, and passion for exploring the world, ‘Captivating Japan’ responds to this spirit of adventure in the unique style and refinement of The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet.”
He added, “Japan is timeless and captivating, and on most of our guests’ bucket lists. At Regent Seven Seas Cruises, we pride ourselves on exceptionally rich and vibrant in-depth exploration, with the wonderful opportunity to enjoy FREE unlimited shore excursions in every port, something that makes exploring this part of the world so breathtaking.”
The start and end is Yokohama (Tokyo), taking in iconic sights and experiences from the 7th-century Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, to Odaiba Observation Deck, located in the headquarters of Fuji Television, for a spectacular bird’s eye view of the amazing city, and world-famous Ginza, the premier shopping and entertainment district.
During Regent’s free pre- or post-voyage land programme, guests can discover fascinating ‘Shogun’ history and Japan’s rich tradition of art at superb museums, stroll beautiful gardens and explore Asakusa, Tokyo’s Old Town founded in the early 7th century.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises says that a highlight is a walk down Nakamise-dori, known as the “Street of Inside Shops,” an alley lined with vendors selling traditional food, souvenirs and handmade crafts. The National Museum of Nature & Science chronicles the history of Japan, Imperial Palace Plaza takes you inside the home of Japan’s emperor and empress, and Meiji Shrine in a dense forest glade of some 120,000 trees of 365 different species in the very heart of Tokyo, is dedicated to Emperor Meiji, the father of modern Japan.
Guests will also have ample time to sample not-to-be-missed sushi haunts, tea houses and sake bars. Especially recommended is Jiro, a national treasure and renowned sushi master, and savouring fresh, delicious sushi at Tsukiji, which is the original home to the world’s largest seafood market.
For an exceptional sake experience, Regent Seven Seas Cruises says that Hasegawa Liquor Store is a must, and for a flavour of Japanese whisky, Nikkabar, located in the basement of Nikka’s headquarters, is worth a visit. Meanwhile, authentic Japanese casual dining can be enjoyed at ‘izakaya’ bars, famed for after-work beers and grilled yakitori skewers. And for art lovers, Japanese ‘ukiyoe’ prints are highly sought-after, and can be browsed at galleries in Ginza as well as Kamakura and Zojoji, featured in the TV series Tokaido 53 Stations.
Docking at Kobe, visit breathtaking temples and shrines of Kyoto, Japan’s old imperial capital, and ancient Nara, the cradle of Japanese arts, literature and crafts, with its magnificent shrines and temples, and park famed for resident deer. After a tour of Osaka’s imposing castle, bring home exotic mementos such as silks, ceramic teapots, paper parasols, superb artworks and pottery.
The lively port of Shimizu is the gateway to magnificent Mount Fuji, and home to the Shimizu Sushi Museum and Kashi-no-Ichi seafood market. Meanwhile guests sailing South Korea on this destination-immersive voyage can explore the beautiful beaches of Busan, also known as “the summer capital”.
Japan’s southernmost major city Kagoshima is nicknamed the “Naples of the Eastern World” beneath majestic Mt Sakurajima, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. The city abounds in historic sightseeing spots such as the memorial site of St. Francisco Xavier, who first introduced Christianity to Japan.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises says that the elevated Regent experience continues aboard with Unrivalled Space At Sea, highly personalised service, free unlimited shore excursions, exquisite cuisine in specialty restaurants, fine wines and spirits, entertainment, unlimited internet access, valet laundry, transfer between hotel and ship, pre-paid gratuities and pre-cruise hotel packages for guests staying in Concierge-level suites and higher – all included in the fare.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is also sailing 14-day cruises from Hong Kong to Tokyo in 2023, with stopovers in Taipei, Sakishima Islands, Shanghai, Seoul, Kochi and Kyoto.
A report by John Alwyn-Jones, Cruise Editor, Global Travel Media and Global Cruise News.
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