Q – We have become regulars on your sites and trust the advice you share on so many topics of interest. My wife and I are in our early forties, we live in New York and both work in investment banking. We have traveled extensively in North America and Europe. We’ve sailed Seabourn and Sea Dream and loved them both and we’re looking for a small ship experience next year to someplace accessible but different. We are wondering if there is a favorite itinerary of your editors that we should consider. We are active and have serious interests in exploring other cultures by small ship. That is our comfort zone and it allows us to relax from the stress of our everyday lives in Manhattan. We have no desire to drive around on our own or to be on a tour bus. Keep up the good work.
A – We are going to use your question to name our annual “Small Ship Cruise of The Year” award. Famed tour operator Abercrombie & Kent has leased the Le Ponant Yacht, L’Austral to operate a 13-Day “Wonders of Japan” cruise tour from Sapporo to Osaka on May 18th.
The ability to so a complete sailing along Japan’s coast from North to south is rare – this is a totally rewarding itinerary that will take you to small ports, wilderness areas, and UNESCO World Sites. A complete Expedition team will be on-board so this will be a true
learning experience particularly rewarding for those with an interest in the arts combined with active shore excursion options. Think great museums, tea ceremony in lovely gardens, local markets, and one of the world’s great gold jewelry collections. There is even a five-day post cruise extension than takes in Kyoto and Tokyo for a simple flight home. This is our 2016 Small Ship Cruise of the Year.
