By Gina Storey
Cruising through the Southern islands of Japan from Icheon (Seoul) Tokyo this wonderful cruise on Crystal Symphony is a delight.
Understated, elegant and with wonderful staff, we have all thoroughly enjoyed the experience, our cabins are comfortable and well appointed.
I have been in a solo cabin which is ideal for someone travelling on their own with a king sized bed, wardrobe, two seater sofa and coffee table, bathroom with walk in shower and mini bar, these come at a lower price than a solo travelling in a full sized suite.
Other suites have walk in wardrobes, spacious bathrooms and balconies – a joy to open the door for fresh air.
There are a mixture of nationalities on board, we are on for a10 night cruise however I have met many on from Mombasa who are enjoying a 58 night trip crossing the Indian ocean and visiting the Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Asia; or from Singapore for nearly a month, calling onto the Philippines, Hong Kong amongst other stops.
Several of the travellers taking the longer journeys have cruised with Crystal previously and enjoy the relaxed yet elegant lifestyle on board.
I’ve been looking at a circumnavigation of South America and also a Brisbane to New York option … if only I had the time! Perhaps you do !
When in port there are a range of optional shore excursions visiting castles, onsens, samurai houses and peace museums; one day we enjoyed painting flags for Children’s Day in May and sake tasting.
The joy of this cruise has been the number of ports on the most southernly major island Kyushu and also to the less visited Shikoku through the inland sea and tomorrow we disembark in Tokyo.
The cherry blossoms are in full bloom which is lovely, especially as they bloom for only two weeks a year starting in the south and heading north …. we are lucky to have the timing perfect.
At Himeji castle groups of locals gathered under the blossoms for a picnic lunch, a tradition held dear to the Japanese.
As a Virtuoso agency we were able to offer all of our clients a bonus US$250 on board credit to use in the spa or for shore excursions.
We can often extend these exclusive offers on many cruises worldwide.Contact Travelling Places P: 07 554516500 E: travel@travellingplaces.com.au
