All-Inclusive Luxury Japan's Crafts & Cherry Blossoms Exploration

14 Nights from $19,298*pp Veranda Suite, Twin Share

Departing 16 March 2026

14 Night Japan’s Crafts & Cherry Blossoms onboard Seabourn Encore, sailing from Tokyo to Yokohama on 16 March 2026

Oceanfront Veranda Suite including taxes, port charges, and all onboard service charges

All onboard dining including specialty restaurants

Premium spirits and fine wines

Welcome Champagne and In-suite bar stocked with your preferences

Unlimited Wi-Fi

Entertainment and more

SPECIAL OFFER

FREE 3 Nights pre-cruise stay at ANA Intercontinental Tokyo (or similar) in a Classic Double Room with Breakfast

FREE 1 Night post-cruise stay at ANA Intercontinental Tokyo (or similar) in a Classic Double Room with Breakfast

FREE Return Private Car Transfers between Haneda Airport and Hotel

FREE Return Private Car Transfers between Hotel and Tokyo Cruise Terminal

PLUS Return Economy Class Flights flying direct from Sydney

Itinerary:

Day 0: Tokyo, Japan

Day 1: Days At Sea

Day 2: Kobe, Japan

Date: Mar 18, 2026 Arrives: 07:00 am Departs: 10:00 pm

Once the busiest port in Japan, this attractive city was devastated by an earthquake in 1995 and even after rebuilding never regained its maritime dominance. Nevertheless, its ultra-modern Harborland, crowned by the Kobe Port Tower offers a warm welcome to the Kansai district of Japan. Kansai is ruled by a trio of Japan’s most important cities: Kobe, Osaka and Kyoto. One of the first cities in Japan opened to trade, Kobe has a cosmopolitan air that includes a venerable Chinatown and a section of 19th-Century Western-style buildings in the Kitano neighborhood. The city’s history began in the 3rd-Century with construction of the Ikuta Shrine. Many visitors ascend looming Mt. Rokko via the Shinkobe Ropeway, for panoramic views over the city and the glass-domed Nunobiki Herb Garden on the slopes. The Arima Onsen hot springs right in Kobe is one of Japan, most famous spas. Massive Osaka is the largest of the trio of cities, with over 2.5 million people and attractions of its own including a reconstructed castle, the impressive Kaikuyan Aquarium and the odd-ball Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum commemorating the man who invented the ubiquitous cup-of-noodles. The richest repository of Japanese culture, however, is centered in Kyoto, where a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses no fewer than 17 structures as the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Castles, gardens, temples and other treasures abound, and make a compelling reason for visitors to make the pilgrimage from Kobe for the day.

Day 3: Days At Sea

Day 4: Kagoshima, Japan

Date: Mar 20, 2026 Arrives: 08:00 am Departs: 06:00 pm

Tucked into a deep-cut bay at the southern end of Kyushu Island, this port has been compared to Naples in Italy, because it is also dominated by views of an active stratovolcano, Sakurajima. Enjoy its magnificence from the Shiroyama Observatory, or from the tranquil Edo-period Senganen Japanese Garden. Ishibashi Park has three Edo-era stone bridges, of five originally built at the end of the 19th century. Near the port is the impressive Kagoshima Aquarium, with seven floors of displays including the massive Kuroshio Tank maintaining a current that sustains large specimens including a whale shark.

Day 5-6: Nagasaki, Japan

Date: Mar 21, 2026 Mar 22, 2026 Arrives: 09:00 am Departs: 07:00 pm

Nagasaki’s fine natural harbor on Kyushu island was mostly of local interest until Portuguese explorers landed there in 1543. It quickly flourished as a trading center for European and Asian merchants, which continued throughout its history. It also developed into an important industrial center. Because of its open status, the city harbored a significant Christian community, as well as a bustling Chinatown. During World War II, Nagasaki’s concentration of military and industrial sites made it a target of repeated Allied bombing raids, culminating in a nuclear bombing on August 9, 1945, the second, and to date the last use of a nuclear weapon in war. As in Hiroshima a few days before, the devastation from the aerial explosion of the “Fat Man” plutonium bomb was horrific. An area of over 2.5 square miles was flattened, and about 80,000 people were killed directly, with an equal number suffering injuries. Now rebuilt, and with a thriving industrial and shipbuilding economy, Nagasaki still attracts visitors with the relics of its history up to and including the atomic bombing.

Day 7: Busan (Pusan), South Korea

Date: Mar 23, 2026 Arrives: 8:00 am Departs: 6:00 pm

Home to approximately 3.4 million people, Busan is a fast-moving coastal metropolis that guarantees you’ll never have the same experience twice. History enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the stunning historical treasures of Beomeosa Temple, a serene oasis nestled within the city, with a rich heritage that dates back over 1,300 years. No trip is complete without strolling through Yongdusan Park to take in panoramic views while marveling at the iconic Busan Tower, a symbol of the city's aspirations and dynamism. Busan's culinary scene is a highlight of any visit. Savor the city's diverse gastronomy by exploring its bustling markets like Jagalchi Fish Market, where you can feast on freshly caught seafood, and indulge in delectable Korean street food. The city's natural beauty is another compelling reason to visit, with its pristine beaches like Haeundae Beach offering a tranquil escape by the sea. For those seeking a glimpse of Busan's ecological diversity, Dongbaek Island's ecological park features coastal walks and panoramic ocean views. Whether you’re drawn to studying the city's past and or its constant evolution, this destination appeals to a wide range of interests and tastes.

Day 8: Shimonoseki, Japan

Day 8: Scenic Cruising Kanmon Strait

Date: Mar 24, 2026

Kanmon Straits is a narrow channel of water that separates Honshu and Kyushu, two of Japan's main islands, while connecting the Sea of Japan with the Inland Sea. The strait has long played an important role in Japanese maritime history; the Shimonoseki Campaign — a series of military engagements with the U.S. and other navies that took place here in the 1860s — ended Japanese feudal rule over the region, thus opening Japan to the West and transforming it into an international trading hub. Twin 19th-centry lighthouses mark the port cities that face each other across the channel: Moji, Kyushu and Shimoneseki on Honshu, where you can still see cannons used during the naval campaign. Some 700 ships pass through Kanmon Straits on a daily basis; underground tunnels allow both cars and pedestrians to walk between the two ports. Japan’s largest fireworks display takes place over the strait every August, drawing more than a million sky gazers to watch the spectacular.

Day 9: Hiroshima, Japan

Date: Mar 25, 2026 Arrives: 9:00 am Departs: 10:00 pm

Hiroshima means “wide island” in Japanese. The city was established in the 16th Century on Japan’s largest island, Honshu, and grew into an important shipping center and prefecture capital, boasting a fine castle. Although it was an important city in Japan throughout the imperial period, its reputation in the greater world was burned into history when it became to target of the first atomic bombing of a civilian target in August of 1945. The United States airplane Enola Gay dropped a nuclear device nicknamed “Little Boy” on the city that morning, obliterating everything within a two-kilometer radius and directly killing 80,000 people. Approximately 70 percent of Hiroshima’s buildings were destroyed. Within a year, injury and radiation illness had killed an additional 90, 000 to 116,000 citizens. The attacks on Hiroshima and nearby Nagasaki quickly led to the surrender of Japan and effectively precipitated the end of World War II in Asia. Within a few years, Hiroshima had begun to rebuild, and the city became the focus of an international movement to eliminate nuclear weapons from future wars. Relics of its past such as the impressive Hiroshima Castle and the tranquil Shukkeien Garden were rebuilt, and the city undertook the construction of a Memorial Peace Park, which today attracts visitors from around the world. The park, which holds a museum and a memorial “Atomic Dome” constructed on the closest remaining building to the blast site, is a moving and impactful place of pilgrimage in this re-born City of Peace. One notable feature is a colorful memorial to Sadako Sasaki, a young woman whose dying wishes for world peace were recounted in the story A Thousand Paper Cranes.

Day 10: Beppu, Japan

Day 11: Kochi, Japan

Date: Mar 27, 2026 Arrives: 8:00 am Departs: 6:00 pm

Japan’s Shikoku island is a popular place of pilgrimage among Japanese Buddhists. Kochi has three of the 88 temples on the route. Chikurinji Temple, with its five-story pagoda, is one of them. Located on Mount Godaisan, it also features an adjacent botanical garden. The town is most famous for its castle, originally built in the early 17th century, but largely rebuilt following a fire in the mid-18th century. It is one of only 12 existing feudal-period castles in Japan. South of the town, Katsurahama beach is a popular destination, although swimming is not allowed due to strong currents. A picturesque shrine located on a high point overlooking the sea is the perfect postcard image of rural Japan. The beach is also a good spot to enjoy Katsuo no Tataki, the traditional local dish of lightly grilled and seasoned bonito tuna.

Day 12: Days At Sea

Day 13: Shimizu, Japan

Mar 29, 2026 Arrives 8:00 am Departs 5:00 pm

A busy port located on the Suruga Bay, Shimizu is renowned for the surrounding views of Mt. Fuji. One of the most famous is from Miho no Matsubara, a shoreline lined with groves of lovely pine trees that is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. One tree, said to be over 650 years old, plays a part in a popular folkloric myth. On clear days, the snow-capped cone can also be viewed from the heights of the Nihondaira Plateau overlooking the city and the bay. Near the port, the four-story S Pulse Dream Plaza shopping mall boasts a museum dedicated to sushi!

Day 14: Yokohama, Japan

Date: Mar 30, 2026 Arrives 6:30 am

An overnight stay at the port of Yokohama is meant to provide access for Tokyo, Japan’s capital and the most populous city on earth. There is more than enough variety in Tokyo to occupy a lifetime, but your visit may in include such highlights as the Imperial Palace and Gardens, a rickshaw ride through the historic Asakusa district and its Sensoji Temple, the huge National Museum, architectural oddities such as the Skytree Tower and the Tokyo Dome entertainment complex, or the shopping and entertainment meccas of Ginza, Roppongi or the dazzling electronics emporia of Akihabara. Your evening could include classical entertainment such as a kabuki performance, or the astonishing quirkiness of the teenaged fashion, cosplay and anime-fans along Takeshita Dori in Shinjuku.

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

✅ Please refer to the cruise lines terms & conditions and cancellation policy.

✅ All prices are correct at the time issue. Pricing is dynamic and is subject to changes & fluctuations at any time without notice, subject to availability at the time of booking.

✅ The category quoted may be based on a Guarantee Stateroom where you are guaranteed to receive a stateroom within a selected category class or better, anywhere on the ship. However, the actual room assignment and location on the ship may be determined at any time after your reservation has been completed and paid in full, up to the day of sailing. Requests for specific deck, cabin or location cannot be accommodated in a Guarantee Category.

✅ Outside Staterooms may have a porthole or window, or an obstructed view. Upgrades to a non-obstructed window may be available for an additional charge.

✅ Balcony Staterooms may have an obstructed view. Upgrades to a non-obstructed view may be available for an additional charge.

✅ Accessible Staterooms are on application only, subject to limited categories and limited availability, and may be subject to a price difference depending on availability.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PASSENGERS

✅ All passengers are required to sign in or create an account and complete the Online Check-in process (including contact information, passport details, emergency contact, etc). Once all required passenger information is complete, and your documentation is ready, you will be able to download or print your cruise documentation. You will be required to present your documentation, passport, and visa (if required) at embarkation.

✅ In your cruise line account you will have the opportunity to book shore excursions, make dining reservations, reserve onboard experiences such as spa treatments, etc, when available for your sailing.

✅ All travellers, including infants, are required to present on check-in a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date to Australia.

✅ Visa and entry requirements vary by country and are subject to change without notice. It is your responsibility to obtain required visa and other documentation prior to travel for the countries you are travelling to and through. For the most up-to-date travel requirements, please visit: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

✅ For non-Australian passport holders, only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about visa and entry requirements. Please contact the embassy or consulate of the countries you are visiting well in advance of travel. Please also ensure that you hold a valid re-entry visa or permit for Australia.

✅ We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance with cruise cover, that covers you for the duration of your holiday, to protect you from any possible cancellation charges, onboard or overseas medical costs, repatriation, loss of luggage, personal liability, or other expenses that may arise. You may be required to provide a copy of your certificate on embarkation. Travel Insurance may be mandatory for some cruise lines and destinations.

✅ When a minor (age 17 and under) travels without their legal guardian, an accompanying adult must present a notarized form signed by the child’s guardian. This ensures the child has the guardian’s consent to leave the country and participate in release-form activities onboard. The Minor Consent Form can be obtained from the cruise line.

✅ If your child has a different last name than you, you will need to bring an official supporting document to help explain why the names are different. The supporting document must be the original, or a notarized copy. Please refer to the cruise line’s website for examples of valid supporting documents.

✅ Whilst the cruise line will make all reasonable endeavours to provide a cruise in accordance with the published schedules and itineraries, your cruise itinerary is not guaranteed and does not form part of your contract. Many factors may affect the cruise line’s ability to provide an itinerary as scheduled. These could include weather, mechanical difficulties, civil unrest, or other unforeseen circumstances.

✅ Your cabin number may be assigned by the cruise line at any time until embarkation. Final cabin numbers may change at any time until day of departure. The cruise line will guarantee the same or higher cabin category.

✅ Due to security reasons, all passengers must be on board at least 2 hours before sailing on Day 1 of the cruise or you will not be permitted to sail. Please refer to your cruise documentation for your boarding time.

✅ Disembarkation usually begins 2 hours after docking on the final day of the cruise.

✅ Fuel Surcharges, Taxes, and Port Fees are subject to change without notice at any time whether or not you have a confirmed booking under deposit, or if you have made final payment.  

CITY TOURIST TAXES AND RESORT FEES

✅ Any City Tourist Taxes, Resort Fees, or other taxes & charges imposed by the hotel or city and are not included in the hotel rate. These taxes may vary by season and location within a destination and cannot be prepaid. Any such charges are mandatory and must be paid directly to the hotel.

All-Inclusive Luxury Japan’s Crafts & Cherry Blossoms Exploration | Seabourn