Japan this year has soared to the fourth most visited destination for Australians according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics but one region few visit in the Land of the Rising Sun are the wild and remote subtropical islands south of mainland Japan where the pace of life is far slower than in the rest of the country.
To help adventurous travellers discover these exotic isles with their idyllic beaches, crystal-clear waters, tropical forest, waterfalls and intact culture, Australian small ship cruise specialist, Cruise Traveller, has packaged a new, luxury expedition voyage with Ponant in March, 2024, that unveils the pristine beauty of the enchanting Okinawa, Yaeyama, Ryukyu and Kerama islands.
Cruise Traveller’s 10-night ‘Wild Japan’ package offers earlybird savings of A$3220 per person, twin-share, and less-than-half-price fares for solo travellers, with fares cut by A$12,9445, for bookings made before May 30, 2023.
Cruise Traveller’s cruise and stay package features a seven-night, luxury expedition cruise in southern Japan aboard Ponant’s 184-guest exploration ship, Le Jacques Cartier. Launched in 2020 and named after a 16th Century French maritime explorer, the sleek and stylish Le Jacques Cartier boasts a refined and intimate, French-styled elegance, fine dining restaurants, plush lounges, theatre, spectacular infinity pool, an expert expedition team and personalised service. All staterooms offer a private balcony or terrace.
The unique holiday begins with three nights in the ancient, castle city of Osaka before guests fly south to the island of Okinawa, the birthplace of the ancient martial art of karate. Here, guests board Le Jacques Cartier for a seldom-offered, week-long cruise that showcases the unspoiled beauty and preserved, traditional culture of Japan’s sublime southern islands.
The voyage features the destinations of Iheya Island, where guests can visit a traditional village to experience an ancient drumming show, the islands of Zamami and Kumejima with their turquoise waters, chalk-white beaches and lush forests, the emerald-blue bays of Ishigaki, the wild islands of Taketomi and Iriomote and the spectacular rock formations of Yonaguni. The voyage ends in Keelung, Taiwan.
Including the seven-night cruise, three nights in Osaka, domestic flight in Japan, open bar aboard the ship and zodiac excursions, the 10-night ‘Wild Japan’ package is available from A$9795 per person, twin-share, in a Deluxe Balcony cabin – a saving of A$3220. For solo travellers, fares are from A$11,455, or less than half the original fare, with a saving of A$12,945. Fares are subject to availability. Flights from Australia are additional, which Cruise Traveller can arrange. The savings are valid for bookings made by May 30, 2023.
Call Australian small ship specialist, Cruise Traveller, on 1800 507 777 or visit www.CruiseTraveller.com.au/
Cruise Traveller is Australia’s premier, small ship cruise specialist, representing 57 boutique, luxury and expedition cruising operators around the world.
