In September 2024, Holland America Line will introduce an unprecedented 53-day cruise to Japan. Departing from Seattle – Westerdam, this unique itinerary not only explores the wonders of the Far East but also includes stops in Alaska and Hawaii.
As part of Holland America’s Legendary Voyages program, this extended cruise offers the chance to discover 13 captivating Japanese port cities during the cooler autumn season. According to Paul Grigsby, Holland America Line’s vice president of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, this cruise provides the opportunity to experience Japan “from your doorstep” with just a domestic flight to Seattle. The itinerary has been carefully crafted to include visits to exceptional Alaskan ports like Kodiak and Dutch Harbor before reaching the first port of call in Japan, Kushiro, Hokkaido.
Along the way, passengers will also be treated to breathtaking scenic cruises through Alaska’s Inside Passage and Stephen’s Passage, as well as stops in Juneau, Sitka, Kodiak, and Dutch Harbor.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial, which holds the prestigious title of being a UNESCO World Heritage site, will be one of the stops on the Westerdam’s voyage in Japan. Along the way, the ship will also visit Kushiro, Hakodate, Yokohama (Tokyo), Kobe, Kochi, Kanmon Straight, Fukuoka (Hakata), Sakaiminato, Toyama, Kanazawa, Nagasaki, Ishigaki Island, and Naha.
In addition to these destinations, the Westerdam will offer passengers the opportunity to enjoy scenic cruising around Iwo Jima and Midway Island before making its way back to the United States. The return journey will include stops in three Hawaiian destinations: Nawiliwili, Kauai, and Honolulu.
During the trip, passengers will have the chance to spend the night in Yokohama (Tokyo), Kobe, and Honolulu, allowing for a more immersive experience in these vibrant cities. This cruise aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of Japan, encompassing its diverse landscapes, cultural hubs, and coastal regions, with the ship venturing as far north as Toyama on the east coast.
As the cruise is scheduled for September, there is also the exciting possibility of witnessing the beginning of autumn as the leaves start to change color in the highlands near Mt. Tateyama, close to Toyama.
