Japan Explorer!

Suggestion: ensure that you arrive into Tokyo/Yokohama the day previous to your sailing. This will give you time to explore this sprawling city and have a relaxed start to your upcoming cruise!

The morning is yours to do some last minute souvenir shopping, exploring or relaxation. With a pre-arranged transfer make your way to the dock for early afternoon embarkation. We set sail at 6pm and will leave the lights of Tokyo behind us for 14 days. Welcome to Holland America's Westerdam!

Use your first day at sea to get familiar with the amenities available on the ship. Find your prime cabana, discover the different restaurants onboard, book your spa/salon appointments and wander the shops. Each day there will be nightly entertainment, a selection of games/activities to choose from or enjoy the view from your stateroom balcony with room service. I am keen on checking out the BBC Earth Experiences series...

Arriving into Kobe on the Osaka Bay we have two full days here to explore. Your days of exploration may be a discovery of food, visiting ancient temples in Kyoto or exploring the streets of Kobe. You have two full days here, so there are many options for both local and little further afield exploration thanks to the bullet train.

After some exciting exploration in Kobe and the Osaka Bay, now you have time to relax in the comforts that are provided onboard. It may be a day for the pool and a book, or to chat about your Kobe explorations with other sailors onboard.

Perhaps a cooking demonstration and hands-on workshop is more your style. Onboard the Westerdam, Holland America has created America's Test Kitchen where you learn foolproof techniques that you can take home to make meals that are the envy of your guests.

In Naha, an island between Japan and Taipei, you can choose to join the included shore excursion, or explore on your own. This is a working port and dates back to the 15th Century.

This island in inhabited by some of the healthiest and longest living people on earth. They are islanders and only identify as islanders. They have a distinct culture that is different from mainland Japan.

The largest city in eastern Taiwan, albeit a small population, this is where the rugged mountains meet the pacific ocean. Take a shore excursion here to Taroko Gorge or explore the 400 years of history in Hulien temples.

We arrive into the port town of Keelung, which is a short 45min train ride to Taiwans capital, Taipei. You can choose to explore the streets, coffee shops and stores of Keelung or venture further to Taipei to visit the museums that are overshadowed by skyscrapers.

After leaving the exotic Japanese islands and exciting Taiwan it is time to enjoy the amenities onboard the ship and share stories.

Arriving back into Japan we visit Kagoshima, right at the southern tip of Japan. Here you can explore the many museums that cover the history of the area from the 17th century. Consider also a food tour to sample the regional fish and traditionally brewed shōchū.

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Aburatsu features miles of sandy beaches for you to explore.

Making our north again, we have a day at sea to lastly enjoy the amenities onboard our ship.

With views of Mt Fuji, the port of Shimizu has beautiful vistas to offer in natural beauty or explore the culture in buddhist temples and historic castles.

Arriving back into Tokyo, enjoy your breakfast onboard before disembarking. Take your pre-arranged transfer to the airport or continue onto the north of Japan for some further exploration.

Contact Bronwen to make sure you are on this amazing sailing!