New Horizons
There’s always an air of anticipation among cruise passengers when sailing into a port for the first time, and our arrival into the city of Shanghai, dubbed the Paris of the East, proves to be no exception.
On the left-hand side of the Huangpu River, the space-aged Oriental Pearl TV Tower dominates the emerging skyline of the Pudong district. Opposite, the city’s famous Bund promenade stretches as far as the eye can see, dotted with Colonial buildings and heaving with sightseers. Earlier that morning, Regent Seven Seas Mariner had cruised into China’s Yangtze River from the Yellow Sea, and navigated the busy Huangpu tributary, which snakes its way through a heavily industrialised landscape into Shanghai. And although it was not one of the most picturesque few hours of our 15-night northern Asia cruise, everyone agreed it was one of the highlights. Shanghai is one of the most popular ports of call in China, and is visited by Seven Seas Mariner each year on its Grand Circle Asia Pacific cruise. The segment, which usually starts in Osaka, features stops in Japan and ends in Hong Kong, has been growing in popularity in recent years. There are good reasons why this is so.
Seasoned cruisers have their favourite places, but they are often on the lookout for new horizons to explore. When it comes to history, culture, cuisine and sightseeing, Japan and China are two countries that rarely disappoint.
From the Alps in the north, to the great cities and sacred sites in the south, Japan is a nation of contrasts. It has many diverse destinations that lure visitors every year, but three of the most common that appear on cruise itineraries include Yokohama, Osaka and Nagasaki. Yokohama is less than 28 kilometres from Japan’s capital city, Tokyo, making distance no obstacle for anyone who wants to shop, eat the freshest sushi on the planet or explore the city’s many fascinating districts and famous sights.
Then there’s Osaka, a gastronome’s town famous for many delicacies including its baked or grilled squid, ikayaki. But it’s also only 47 kilometres from Japan’s former imperial capital, Kyoto, which is home to one-fifth of Japan’s national treasures.
On the southwestern corner of the country is the port city of Nagasaki, a picturesque spot and a site of major historical significance that was almost wiped from the face of the earth in 1945 by an atomic bomb.
In China, one of the major drawcards for most cruise passengers is the opportunity to visit two of the world’s most famous landmarks – the Forbidden City and Great Wall of China. On our Seven Seas Mariner cruise this involved a two-day excursion to Beijing from the port of Tianjin. The Great Wall, an enduring symbol of ancient Chinese civilisation, was the highlight of the first afternoon. A major section of the wall is located just north of Beijing and we discovered that it’s one of the few wonders of the world that truly possesses a ‘wow’ factor. It also proves quite a challenge to climb!
Back in the city centre, the 74-hectare Forbidden City is no less impressive. Regarded as the world’s largest palace complex, it is an ancient mini-metropolis filled with architectural wonders.
Further south, and in stark contrast, Shanghai is a city growing so fast that its skyline changes almost every time a new cruise liner arrives. It earned its moniker – the Paris of the East – as a result of its love of art and architecture, and its obvious espousal of Western culture. Although large and under construction in many areas, it’s a fascinating city that can be explored on foot.
Most cruises of northern Asia end with a sail in to Hong Kong’s majestic harbour, one of life’s ‘must-do’ travel experiences, and a unique visual and sensory treat. Hong Kong itself is one of the world’s great cities to explore; packed with sights, cultural experiences and some of Asia’s best cuisine.
Asia is an undeniably alluring and diverse region, and a place that has drawn adventurous travellers for many years. With more cruise lines choosing to venture further north into China and Japan, yet more exotic destinations have become possible for cruise lovers to explore.
What the experts say
The latest statistics from the International Cruise Council Australasia (ICCA) show that Australia’s love affair with cruising in Asia is definitely growing. The number of Australians cruising there in 2008 increased by 45 per cent compared with 2007, and the region now ranks third on the league table in popularity.
“Most Australians have had some exposure to Asia’s many cultures and they see the region as an appealing and exotic destination,” says the ICCA’s general manager, Brett Jardine. “But it is also a comfortable distance to travel without the hassles of jet lag, and cruising offers a convenient way for passengers to see multiple cities and experience different Asian cultures within the one holiday.”
According to Jardine, Japan and China in particular have become favoured destinations. “Cruising offers a unique way for Australians to delve into both countries’ rich histories, and visit their unique natural and man-made attractions without feeling overwhelmed by language barriers and cultural differences,” he says. Established late in 2008, the Asia Cruise Association (ACA) is a collaboration between Costa Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Silversea Cruises and Star Cruises to promote cruising in the region. Royal Caribbean’s Rama Rebbapragada, regional vice president, international, says it reflects the growing importance of the region to cruise lines. “Royal Caribbean sees great potential in Asia in terms of providing new destinations for international cruise guests, given its varied and exciting cultures and their accessibility to the coastline,” Rama says. “Asia’s cruise industry is set to grow in a big way, with the annual number of passengers expected to reach 1.5 million by 2010.”
Who else is cruising Japan and China?
Cruise West: Spirit of Oceanus has itineraries in September and October 2009 visiting Kobe, Uwajima, Kagoshima, Miyajima and Takamatsu, and an 18-night Grand Asia cruise visiting Kobe, Nagasaki, Shanghai, Xiamen and Hong Kong. The Yachts of Seabourn: Seabourn Pride and Spirit have itineraries in 2009-11 visiting Hong Kong, Xiamen, Shanghai, Qingdao, Kagoshima and Kobe. Azamara Cruises: Azamara Quest has itineraries in 2010 and 2011 visiting Hong Kong, Xiamen, Shanghai, Osaka and Kagoshima. Cunard: Queen Victoria’s 2010 World Cruise will visit Hong Kong, Shanghai, Nagasaki and Yokohama. Costa Cruises: Costa Classica and Costa Allegra have itineraries from August to November 2009, visiting Hong Kong, Tianjin, Shanghai, Fukuoka and Nagasaki.
Holland America Line: MS Volendam has 16-day trans-Pacific and Japan, and 32-day trans-Pacific and Orient itineraries in September 2009, visiting Hakodate, Otaru, Kobe, Dalian, Xingang, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Oceania Cruises: Nautica has itineraries in March 2010 visiting Hong Kong, Shanghai, Hiroshima and Osaka. Princess Cruises: Diamond Princess has itineraries in September and October 2009, visiting Qingdao, Dalian, Xingang, Okinawa, and Nagasaki. Silversea: Silver Shadow’s 2010 itineraries include Yokohama, Osaka, Okinawa, Tianjin and Shanghai.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
The all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner will visit Japan and China in October 2009. A 16-night cruise from Osaka to Hong Kong departing on October 1 starts from US$6,695 per person, plus port charges of US$425 per person (double occupancy). The cruise visits Nagasaki and Dalian, and features overnight stops in Tianjin (for Beijing) and Shanghai. The cruise fare includes accommodation, entertainment, gratuities, food and an all-inclusive beverage program including soft drinks, selected wines and spirits. Seven Seas Voyager will also be calling into various ports in China on its world cruise in February 2010, and Seven Seas Navigator will visit China and Japan in September 2010. For more information, visit Regent Seven Seas Cruises at www.rssc.com, or call Wiltrans on 1800 251 174.
HIGHS Cruising into Shanghai, first glimpse of the Great Wall of China, the all-inclusive cruise fare.
LOWS All-day bad weather in Nagasaki, and the cruise terminal in Shanghai wasn’t complete, which made access to the city tricky.