Cruising to Japan: 11 Incredible Ports to Explore
When you journey to Japan you will experience a land of culture, history and sites beyond your imagination. To ensure you see all you are meant to, read on to discover 11 incredible ports to explore when you sail Japan with Norwegian Cruise Lines
If you’re looking through Norwegian’s Asia cruises, you’ll find no shortage of beautiful and exotic ports, many of which are in Japan. In fact, you can even book a cruise that primarily explores some of Japan’s most iconic destinations. One option is a 13-day cruise from Yokohama. If you’re planning a cruise to Japan, here’s a look at 11 incredible ports in Japan you can’t miss.
1. Shimizu (Mount Fuji)
Shimizu is a popular port because it’s the gateway to Mount Fuji (pictured above), but it’s also one of Japan’s most beautiful ports. Here, you can visit Japan’s first sushi museum, check out the archeological site of Toro that dates back to 200 BC, or wander through a 650-year-old black pine forest. If you’re interested in regional specialties, you’ll find traditional wooden handicrafts, fabrics, and local eats like a sweet jellied confection known as yokan.
2. Kobe
Kobe, Japan, is famous for its iconic beef, but it’s also the gateway to the popular city of Osaka. Here you can visit Ikuta Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest shrines, and spend the rest of the day eating and drinking your way through one of Japan’s most beloved food destinations. Enjoy an endless amount of street foods, and don’t miss Kobe’s Nada District, which is the top sake-producing region in the county.
3. Kanazawa
Travelers who want to learn more about Japan’s Edo period, which lasted from 1603 to 1886, should book a cruise that stops in Kanazawa. This is the second-largest city to survive World War II intact. You can explore the old castle town, the Nagamachi samurai district, and teahouses in the geisha district. You’ll find no shortage of temples and museums, plus a historic market that dates back to 1721.
4. Sapporo
Sapporo is one of Japan’s youngest cities and was the host city for the 1972 Winter Olympics. World class skiing and the annual ice festival are two reasons people flock to Sapporo, especially in the winter months. From Sapporo, you can also visit other iconic destinations, such as Hokkaido, or mineral-rich hot springs like Noboribetsu.
5. Beppu
Beppu is famous for its countless hot springs. The most famous of these is Jigoku, or Hell Circuit, but you won’t be taking a dip here, as it’s only for admiring. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may be able to view thousands of cherry blossoms in the spring or the stunning leaves of autumn. For local food specialties, don’t miss stopping by the historic Tomonaga Panya. This bakery dates back to 1916, and its signature specialty is the wanchan (doggie) bun.
6. Sasebo
Sasebo was once an old fishing village, but it transitioned into a large naval port in the 19th century. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the wide range of outdoor activities here. Visit the zoological and tropical botanical gardens with over 1,200 plant species and 80 animal species. Love Dutch tulips? Huis Ten Bosch is a recreation of a 17th-century Dutch village, complete with its own tulip fields. For traditional Japanese fare, explore the Yorozu-cho District where you can find a fun market with fresh seafood, produce, and plenty of handmade pottery and clothing.
7. Hakodate
The best views in Hakodate are seen from atop Hakodate Mountain. You can take a scenic ride up the gondola to the observation deck and marvel at the views below. Don’t miss interesting Hakodate attractions like Fort Goryokaku, built in the shape of a star, or the Hakodate market. Be sure to eat local specialties like kaisen-don, a seafood rice bowl.
8. Sakaiminato
The western part of Japan is seafood heaven, and Sakaiminato is the main fishing port for this part of the country. If you’ve eaten succulent snow crab in Japan, it comes from the Sakai Port. Beautiful sculptures from local artist Shigeru Mizuki line Kitaro Road, and the city is famed for its “Yokai” bronze sculptures of Japanese folklore spirit monsters.
9. Kochi
Kochi is another fun Japanese port, especially if you want to experience a Japanese beach. Katsurahama Beach is beautiful and is home to the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial that honors the famous Japanese peace negotiator. Settlement in this area started in 1601, and you can visit the area surrounding the historic Kochi Castle. Don’t miss trying Katsuo no tataki, which is a type of tuna tataki.
10. Miyako-Jima
Okinawa is renowned for its natural beauty, and Miyako-Jima is a beautiful port in the Okinawa Prefecture. Visitors are blown away by the turquoise water and world-class snorkeling. After you’ve worked up an appetite in the water, be sure to try Okinawa soba, a local specialty.
11. Hiroshima
Hiroshima is an emotional port for many travelers. It’s a historically rich region, but also a solemn reminder of World War II. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, where you’ll find numerous monuments to honor those who perished during the war. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Hiroshima is renowned for its local cuisine, including okonomiyaki, a crepe-like dish that some people refer to as Japanese pizza. It has vegetables, cabbage, and usually seafood. If you like oysters, don’t miss trying grilled oysters in Hiroshima either.
If your budget and vacation time allows, consider an East Asia cruise that primarily explores some of these ports in Japan. Many itineraries start or end in Tokyo, so you can add extra days to explore one of the world’s most dynamic cities on your own.
Eat Around the World Aboard Norwegian!
Get ready for a culinary exploration at Food Republic on Norwegian Cruise Line
Savor a fusion of foods and cultures from around the globe without ever leaving the ship. Travel to Peru to scoop up some ceviche. Jet away to Japan and try a new kind of sushi roll. Or have a hearty helping of noodles from China. Whichever delicious food guests choose, they will enjoy exotic dishes made with the freshest ingredients – and made fresh daily. Food Republic is not a food court, but rather a chef-inspired marketplace where guests order by using a tablet at their table or at the counter.
Travel somewhere new with every delicious bite. Food Republic can be chosen as one of the specialty dining restaurants as part of the FREE AT SEA promotion or dine a la carte for a per person charge.
Food Republic is currently available on the following Norwegian Cruise Line ships
Norwegian Bliss
Norwegian Joy
Norwegian Escape
Norwegian Encore
Travelling with a little one
Before going back to work after my maternity leave we decided to take a cruise. We had been on several cruises in the past but always opted for the more economical cabin because really how much time do you spend in it? But travelling with a baby we knew we would need to be in our cabin more for nap times and bed time so we splurged and got a balcony. Best decision ever!
We were still able to have our daughter nap without feeling “stuck” in the cabin. We could grab some lunch and bring it to our room and eat it on the balcony while she slept. And in the evenings after she went to bed we were able to unwind on that balcony without feeling like we were missing out on too much. Surprisingly, that was one of our most relaxing trips.
7 night Hawai’ian Cruise
My wife and I were very lucky to be invited and hosted by Norwegian Cruise Line on this trip. Most of the itinerary and meals on and off the ship were arranged and paid for by NCL. This is what our partners do from time to time so that we can experience their product and share that experience with our valued clients. We did enhance the experience with a few activities that we paid for ourselves.
Hawaii is a long way from Toronto. But it’s definitely worth the flight.
After a full day of travel, we arrived in Honolulu and spent the evening walking the beach and grabbing a bite to eat. A nice start to the trip.
The next morning, we woke up extremely early due to the time difference and decided to go hike Diamondhead which we could see from our hotel. It was a quick Uber ride away and just under an hour to go up and down. The views were spectacular, and the hike was quite rewarding.
Back to the hotel, we packed up and headed to the ship.
A Hawaiian cruise onboard the NCL Pride of America is not about the ship. It’s about the islands and the people. Don’t get me wrong, the ship does its job well. It is 13 years old but had a refurbishment most recently in 2016. The staterooms are comfortable, the restaurants nice and the staff were amazing.
Our first port was in Maui and when I woke up that morning and went up to the top deck to get a coffee I was greeted by the sunrise, a rainbow and a beautiful island. Should it be any other way, I am in Hawai’i after all. Apparently, that is typical!
First day in Maui featured a shore excursion that took us throughout the island. We toured the Ocean Vodka distillery (nothing quite like sampling vodka and rum at 10 AM) and then the Maui Gold pineapple plantation. The highlight for me was the lesson on how to choose a good pineapple in the store. Sorry, if you want to find out the secrets you just have to make your way to Hawai’i.
We then made our way to Paia town for some free time and finished our tour and at Iao Valley. This was a truly spectacular experience. A must see.
Since we were overnight in Maui, the next day we had to ourselves and took a zodiac to Malikani Crater – this was unreal. A mostly sunken crater poking out of the ocean with reefs on one side. We went snorkeling and then off to another coastal area to see some turtles. Now if you have been to the Caribbean to swim with turtles you will know that your hosts typically bring lettuce to attract the turtles. Not so in Hawai’i. Our hosts told us it was hit or miss with seeing these turtles as they now where they like to hang out but that’s it. Lucky for us, we saw two turtles by swimming around an area where a fresh water stream enters the ocean floor. Took about 15 minutes for them to reveal themselves amongst the coral formations 30 feet down. I found one heading to the surface for a breath of air and had a 30 second stare down with him (or her). Wow!
You will hear over and over again, Hawai’i is about the experiences and this was certainly holding true for us.
The next day we were off to Hilo Town in the Big Island for a media event and to visit the university and an expo on the amazing astronomical capabilities (fact check) they have.
Unfortunately, due to a nearby hurricane we were unable to port in Kona as we needed to tender in from the ship and it was too dangerous. Definitely disappointing as I am a coffee person and wanted to visit the home of Kona Coffee. However, my spirits were lifted when the captain of the ship announced that early that afternoon he would slowly sail by the Na Pali coast so we can see it up close and personal. What a site! For those of you who are not familiar, it is the setting for Jurassic Park, this movie and that movie (fact check). Unbelievable – the photos don’t do it justice.
Our next port was Kauai and we started our day off with a round of golf along the ocean at Kauai Ocean Course. A great way to spend a morning.
That night we were off to a Luau – a very spiritual ceremony with dancing and storytelling. I must admit the setting was not the best as we joined 800 other people but you can’t go to Hawai’i and not experience a Luau – the story is amazing and the dancing was captivating.
The ship stayed overnight in Kauai and we decided to spend our last day with some friends we had met on board. They had a great idea of renting a jeep, grabbing some food and refreshments and driving down the coast to find a beach for the day. We had an amazing time. We drove for about 45 minutes to a dirt road, headed along that for 2 miles, then hiked through a bit of vegetation to walk onto a beach that had only 10 other people on it!
We spent the day eating, drinking, swimming and soaking up the beautiful Hawai’ian weather. What more could you ask for?
That night we had a great dinner with our group of new friends and sadly packed our bags to fly home the next day.
Hawai’i was a destination I had yet to experience and had high expectations that were not only met, but definitely surpassed.
For a first time to Hawai’i, a cruise aboard the Pride of America is a great way to see these beautiful islands because you get to see them all. With the two overnights in Maui and Kauai, you don’t feel like you are rushing your way around the islands – you get to truly experience this tropical paradise.
A New Twist On Great Ships
I recently had the pleasure of spending a few days on Norwegian Bliss and wanted to share 5 thoughts.
Food/Restaurants
I did not have a chance to eat in all the restaurants but overall enjoyed the food experience. I am always a big fan of a pub on a ship. The Local did not disappoint. Good beer selection and some tasty pub grub. Food Republic was very cool – always a fan of shareables! We also ate at Tappenyaki one night and it was a lot of fun as was to be expected with a great show.
Go Carts
The Go Cart experience was far superior to my expectations. The process to get started was smooth and the track was longer and more adventurous than I anticipated. Most impressive was the speed and handling of the go carts themselves. I was able to move at a good pace and take corners hard. I really thought that it would be a very basic experience and it was truly thrilling.
Décor
The décor of the ship was great. Modern and crisp with soothing palettes. One thing I am impressed with is that NCL seems to improve their decor with every ship – they don’t just keep it the same.
Entertainment
I am always impressed with a professional production of Jersey Boys – the story is great; the music is fantastic – and it was no different on the Bliss. We took in a comedy routine at the Social Comedy and Night Club and both the host and the comedian were very entertaining – a nice way to laugh off feeling full after dinner!
Observation Lounge
This may have been the most impressive space on the ship. Primarily because it was a major upgrade from previous Escape class ships. It was well designed, extremely inviting and I was very impressed with the small food stations they had that allowed you to grab a snack or light lunch during the day.
Norwegian Sky Gets Updated Spaces After Renovations
Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils Photos of Norwegian Sky’s 2019 Bow-To-Stern Renovation Featuring New Bar and Dining Venue, Pinnacle Lounge and Sushi Bar, Introduced to Norwegian Fleet
Following a three-week dry dock in Freeport, Bahamas, Norwegian Sky recently returned to her homeport of Miami showcasing new venues, updated spaces and completely redesigned staterooms and corridors, elevating the experience for guests looking for shorter vacation getaways.
“Last year was an exciting year with the record-breaking launch of Norwegian Bliss, the announcement of Norwegian Joy’s redeployment to the U.S. and the unveiling of four ships which benefited from our comprehensive Norwegian Edge® bow-to-stern refurbishment program,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We are continuing the momentum and starting 2019 with the reintroduction of Norwegian Sky. She returned home to Miami unveiling new designs and experiences that showcase our dedication to providing guests with meaningful experiences across our fleet.”
All food and beverage outlets were updated, and eight new venues were introduced to Norwegian Sky. These include the pub-style eatery The Local Bar & Grill; La Cucina for classic Italian fare; Sugarcane Mojito Bar; Topsiders, the poolside bar; late night venues, Bliss Ultra Lounge and Spinnaker Lounge; a full-service Starbucks® licensed store; and new to the Norwegian fleet – Pinnacle Lounge and Sushi Bar, which provides guests with a relaxed yet elevated atmosphere to enjoy original and traditional sushi concepts while taking in the endless views of the ocean through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Other upgrades include the complimentary Palace and Crossings Main Dining Rooms, Garden Café and The Great Outdoors; and specialty restaurants Cagney’s and Le Bistro. All bars and lounges on board were also refreshed.
All 1,002 staterooms were upgraded with new televisions and USB outlets, as well as brand new carpet, artwork, furniture, lighting and balcony decking. The ship’s four 835-square-foot Owner’s Suites feature refreshed bathrooms and private hot tubs.
The Atrium, the epicenter of the ship, has been revitalized with an entirely refreshed look including updated flooring, refurbished reception and shore excursion desk areas and the addition of lounge seating. Pool deck enhancements include new flooring and furniture, the installation of additional canopies and an updated beach area.
A year-round resident of PortMiami, Norwegian Sky offers three-and-four-day cruises to the Bahamas, and four-and-five-day cruises to Bahamas and Cuba with an overnight in Havana. She calls to Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island, and is one of two ships in the fleet to offer an all-inclusive experience on select sailings.
Norwegian Cruise Line Reveals Footloose Musical Onboard Joy
Cut Loose! Norwegian Cruise Line Reveals Footloose as Headline of Entertainment Lineup on Norwegian Joy
Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in cruising, today announced that the Tony Award®-nominated musical Footloose along with the classic aerial acrobatics show, Elements, and the wine-tasting comedy, Wine Lovers: The Musical, will be featured on Norwegian Joy, the 15th ship in its fleet which will begin sailing to Alaska this May.
Debuting for the first time at sea, Footloose, based on the wildly popular movie, follows the story of a Chicago teen with a love of dancing, who moves to small town with a ban on Rock n’ Roll. Although he finds himself at odds with most of the town, including the influential local reverend, he and his friends eventually convince local leaders to lift the ban and allow the town to heal from a tragedy that affected them all. Featuring the hit music of Grammy Award®-winning artist, Kenny Loggins, Footloose celebrates warm and open minds.
“We are very excited to showcase Footloose, a feel-good, positive show that encourages people to embrace new ideas, stand up for what they believe in and dance their hearts out,” said Norwegian Cruise Line President and CEO Andy Stuart. “We’re certain it will have guests ‘kicking off their Sunday shoes’ as they enjoy their cruise vacation aboard Norwegian Joy as she makes her debut in Alaska in May 2019.”
Sharing the main stage with this revamped 80s classic will be the aerial acrobatics show, Elements. This Norwegian Cruise Line favorite revels in the four elements of Earth, Air, Water, and Fire and features mesmerizing magic, high-flying feats and exciting music and dance.
As part of Norwegian’s specialty dining performances, Wine Lovers: The Musical, known as the world’s first wine tasting musical production, provides guests the opportunity to taste a variety of wines at a lunch club-style experience while enjoying a hilarious musical comedy about the joys of wine and love. The show will be performed at the Social Comedy and Night Club with wine served to guests 21 and older.
Norwegian Joy is set to reposition to North America in late April following an over $50 million renovation that will make her nearly identical to sister ship, Norwegian Bliss, with an extended go-kart race track and new dining and bar concepts. Her first seven-day, round-trip Alaska sailing from Seattle, Washington will be on May 4, 2019, and she will call to both Glacier Bay and Icy Strait Point during her inaugural season. Norwegian Joy continues with Panama Canal sailings in October before offering weekly sailings to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles in November.
Guest Celebrates 100th Birthday Aboard Norwegian Epic Amid 4,100 New Friends
Who wouldn’t want to celebrate a birthday, or anniversary or special event while cruising? But Mrs. Rose Zelman really must have enjoyed this special evening!
On the evening of December 29 2019, Norwegian Epic hosted a centennial birthday for guest Rose Zelman, during her 32nd voyage with the cruise line.
Following an exclusive dinner with the captain at Cirque Dreams Epicurean, the ship’s signature acrobatic production, she was invited on stage and presented with a larger-than-life cake to commemorate her milestone birthday among all of her new friends, some of the 4,100 passengers aboard the vessel. As balloons dropped from the stage, the captain, crew, performers and audience all joined in to sing happy birthday.
A native New Yorker, Ms. Zelman traveled the globe with her husband Bob, but never on a cruise. After his passing in 2001, she met and became friends with Omar O’Besso, who later joined Norwegian Cruise Line as an on-board concierge. In 2005, he convinced her to begin cruising and she embarked on her first voyage, where she learned a new way to travel and see the world.
Since then, Ms. Zelman has cruised three times a year on ships where O’Besso is sailing, celebrated eight birthdays at sea, and visited destinations including Alaska, the Mediterranean and Europe. Currently she is enjoying back-to-back cruises to the Caribbean on Norwegian Epic from Port Canaveral.
“Cruising is my favorite way to vacation” said Rose Zelman. “It is hassle-free with so much to do on board from entertainment to activities. I have the chance to meet new people an can explore new destinations with ease, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe and even Russia. I was so happy and thankful to celebrate my 100th birthday with my friend Omar and the Captain, crew and my new friends on Norwegian Epic, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the cruise and sailing into 2019.”
Norwegian Epic is currently offering seven to eleven-day voyages to the Caribbean from Port Canaveral, before returning to Europe in April for a summer season of Mediterranean cruises.
Exciting Entertainment and Recreation Line-Up on Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils Entertainment and Recreation Line-up for Norwegian Encore at Keel Laying Ceremony
Tony Award®-Winning Broadway Musical “Kinky Boots” to Debut at Sea on Norwegian Encore
Company’s Newest Ship to Feature Enhanced Race Track, Laser Tag Arena and Virtual Reality Complex
PAPENBURG, Germany–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today at the Meyer Werft shipyard, Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in cruising, held an unforgettable keel laying ceremony for Norwegian Encore, unveiling the award-winning entertainment line-up and leading recreational amenities scheduled for the ship’s fall 2019 debut.
Following the major construction milestone and maritime tradition of embedding a “commemorative coin” within the keel blocks of the ship, attendees were treated to an unexpected presentation. Four performers appeared in extravagant costume with the lead singer in the show’s iconic boots, providing a surprise performance from “Kinky Boots,” confirming the Tony Award®-winning musical as the headlining act on Norwegian Encore. Lola, the lead character, and her dancing angels sang “Land of Lola,” one of the 16 original songs by Grammy Award® winner Cyndi Lauper.
“Norwegian Encore’s keel laying ceremony was not only special because we crossed a key construction milestone, but because we celebrated the incredible partnership we have had with the Meyer Werft team – a team of talented individuals who have built some of our most innovative ships,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Today’s surprise ‘Kinky Boots’ performance showcases the evolution of the meaningful and unforgettable experiences we are dedicated to providing our guests. We are very excited to be the first to feature this award-winning musical at sea.”
“We are honored to celebrate the construction milestone and keel laying of Norwegian Encore, another ship of the brand’s fleet built by Meyer Werft during the long-term relationship with Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Stephan Schmees, project manager and member of the board for Meyer Werft. “We look forward to delivering this incredible ship in the fall of 2019 and showcasing the technology and innovation made in Germany.”
Staying true to the company’s commitment to delivering unrivaled entertainment options; the freedom and flexibility for guests to express themselves and design their ideal cruise experience; and providing one of the most inclusive vacation options available, the offerings soon-to-be-available on Norwegian Encore are a testament to the continued evolution of the Breakaway-Plus class, the most successful class of the company’s history.
Entertainment at Sea
Exclusively on Norwegian Encore, “Kinky Boots” is a story about an unlikely partnership between a fabulous entertainer and factory owner, who through compassion and understanding embrace their differences and work together to create something the world has never seen before. Featuring original songs by Cyndi Lauper, the Broadway hit inspires audiences to feel free to be who they want to be.
Expanding on some of the most compelling entertainment at sea, “The Choir of Man,” which recently debuted on Norwegian Escape, combines high energy music, dance, live percussion and foot stomping choreography by the incredible talent of nine ordinary guys who perform everything from sing-along anthems to classic rock.
Additional entertainment that made a debut on Norwegian Bliss and will be available on Norwegian Encore include “Happy Hour Prohibition: The Musical,” the interactive cocktails and theater show, and guest favorite – The Cavern Club, which transports audiences back to the legendary Liverpool club with live musical performances from a Beatles cover band.
Recreation Activities for All Ages
As the only company to offer go-karts at sea, Norwegian Cruise Line is expanding its portfolio with a bigger and better two-level race track on Norwegian Encore. At nearly 1,150 feet, ten exhilarating turns and four points that extend up to 13 feet over the side of the ship, guests will enjoy the largest race track at sea. Additional upgrades include a covered viewing area in the center of the track where guests can provide passing go-karts with an additional turbo boost by tagging them with a laser beam.
Norwegian Encore will also feature the Galaxy Pavilion, a more than 10,000-square-foot indoor virtual reality complex, showcasing cutting-edge technology and interactive gaming. From multisensory virtual experiences, simulators to an escape room taking guests on a labyrinth of adventures, guests of all ages will be able to find something to enjoy.
The industry’s only open-air laser tag arena made popular on Norwegian Bliss will reappear on Norwegian Encore, but this time as the resurrected lost city of Atlantis, with new elements for a more exciting and interactive experience. The ship will also feature the Aqua Park, which guests have come to expect of the Breakaway and Breakaway-Plus class, including two multi-story waterslides, one of which extends 11 feet over the edge of the ship and loops down to the deck below.
At approximately 169,000 gross tons and accommodating up to 4,000 guests, Norwegian Encore will cruise out of Miami every Sunday and sail seven-day voyages to the Eastern Caribbean, beginning with her first journey on November 17, 2019 through April 12, 2020.
Observation Lounge on the NCL Bliss
I was fortunate to have been able to experience NCL’s newest ship during its inaugural in New York earlier this year.
This ships amazing new features include a race course for electric go karts, laser tag, a waterslide with tube that takes you along the side of the ship, and my personal favourite, a beautiful Observation Lounge.
This Lounge is the perfect spot to take in the fabulous Alaskan sights.
The lounge has 2 – 180 degree forward facing lounges. The lounge sits on Deck 15, and it is simply stunning. The space is 20,000 sq feet, with floor to ceiling windows, that will offer up spectacular views.
Be sure to check out this space when you book your Bliss experience.