Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Apr 2027 | Osaka, Japan |
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| 18 Apr 2027 | Osaka, Japan |
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| 19 Apr 2027 | Hiroshima, Japan |
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| 19 Apr 2027 | Miyajima Japan |
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| 20 Apr 2027 | Hagi, Japan |
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| 21 Apr 2027 | Oki Island, Japan |
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| 22 Apr 2027 | Matsue, Japan |
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| 23 Apr 2027 | Ulsan, Korea |
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| 24 Apr 2027 | Shimonoseki, Japan |
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| 25 Apr 2027 | Tamano, Japan |
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| 26 Apr 2027 | Osaka, Japan |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
This departure is from Osaka to Osaka.
Coinciding with the tail end of Japan’s famed Cherry Blossom season and Japan’s most enchanting season, Heritage Expeditions brand new 10-day Springtime Splendour in Japan Cruise will immerse you in the beauty of the soul of Japan.
Considered one of the best times to visit Japan, this all-inclusive cruise will see you exploring Japan’s main island, Honshu, the southern wonders of Honshu, the UNESCO registered Global Geopark of Oki Islands as well as South Korea’s Ulsan. Combining Japan’s ancient culture and storied history with the vivid beauty of spring, this voyage explores castles, gardens and sacred shrines, dramatic coastlines and geological wonders, all while savouring the flavours of Japan’s indelible culture and world-renowned experiences, cuisine and sake.
Departing from Osaka, dubbed the ‘Nation’s Kitchen’ and Japan’s bustling commercial centre, our Japan spring cruise will visit iconic highlights alongside rarely visited gems only accessible by expedition ship. Discover Kyoto’s famed 1,001 Senju Kannon statues, historic Pontocho Alley, Nishiki Market and Fushimi’s sake heritage. Sail the Seto Inland Sea and visit historic Hiroshima and its Peace Memorial Park and eternal Flame of Peace, marvel at Miyajima’s famed floating Torii Gate and sacred Itsukushima Shrine. Travel along the Sea of Japan to discover the 300-million-year-old Akiyoshido Cave in the former samurai-dominated Hagi.
Sure to be a highlight is the hidden-gem, Oki Islands. Part of the Daisen-Oki National Park and a UNESCO registered Global Geopark, these dramatic and sparsely populated islands are home to soaring cliffs, pristine coves and Mt Daimanji, which is more than 600 metres above sea level. We will also explore Mt Daisen on the mainland, another dramatic highlight of this volcanic region.
Discover Japan’s ‘Pufferfish/Fugu Capital’ in Shimoneseki where we will have the opportunity to sample this local delicacy at the world famous Karato Fish Market. In Ulsan, South Korea discover ancient Gyeongju, capital of the Silla Dynasty and visit the Gyeongju National Museum, while having the opportunity to experience authentic Korean cuisine and cultural performances.
Surrounded by changing colours of springtime Japan, we plan to visit, Shiranoe Botanical Garden the elegant Yuushien Garden, alongside one of Japan’s three great gardens, the 28-acre formal 17th Century Koraku-en Garden.
History and culture connoisseurs will relish visits to Adachi Museum of Art and Ohara Museum of Art and Japan’s renowned art island Naoshima, while chances to explore Osaka, Hagi, Kokura and Matsue Castle, one of Japan’s few original 17th Century castles, will transport you back to feudal Japan.
Further enhancing your Japan cruise, on board expert guest speakers and Japanese guides, as well as local, on the ground guides, will share Japan’s ancient history, customs and traditions of this captivating country as this unforgettable adventure unfolds.
***Note: Some voyages will operate the itinerary in reverse.***
Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the ‘Grande Dame of Polar Exploration’ due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purposebuilt for adventure in 1991 at Finland’s Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for Polar exploration.
Setting a peerless standard in authentic expedition travel, Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating (1A Super) with an impressive history of Polar exploration. Having held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages, makes Heritage Adventurer perfect for pioneering New Zealand-based Heritage Expeditions signature experiential expedition travel.
Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 expeditioners ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition adventure. Heritage Adventurer proudly continues our traditions of exceptional, personalised expedition experiences as Heritage Expeditions flagship.
Ship Profile & Stats
- Length: 124 m
- Tonnage: 8,378
- Maiden Voyage: 1991
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 140
Ship Facilities
- Presentation Theatre
- Hospital
- Dining Room
- Shop
- Lounge/Bar
- Bistro Dining Room and Lounge
- Zodiacs
- Pool
- Health, Wellbeing & Beauty Area
- Jacuzzi
- Gym
- 2 Bars
- Library
- Observation Lounge
- Observation Deck
Every year Heritage Expeditions voyages with small groups of between 18 and 140 intrepid travellers to some of the most unique and remote islands, coasts and shorelines on earth aboard their expedition ships Heritage Adventurer and Heritage Explorer on voyages ranging from 5 – 28 days.
Founded in 1985 by the Russ family in Christchurch, New Zealand, Heritage Expeditions is still proudly family-owned and operated. Contributing to conservation through experiential learning and providing funds for research and management, they are pioneers in environmentally-responsible expedition travel offering intimate group excursions to Antarctica and the Subantarctic Islands, through the Pacific, and around New Zealand on their purpose built expedition ships.
Each expedition is meticulously planned and led by a team of botanists, ornithologists, naturalists and experts in their field, ensuring guests maximise every opportunity to learn, discover and experience as much as possible, while minimising the impact of their visit and returning as ambassadors for these very special places.
Select the Deck to view detail.
Select the Cabin to view detail.
Located on Deck 6, Heritage Suites are an expansive 44m2 and feature large double panoramic windows, king bed, large living area with a sofa, coffee table and chairs and grand marble bathroom with a double basin, bathtub and shower, large writing desk, floor to ceiling cabinetry for storage and a flat screen entertainment system. Receive complimentary in-room dining, minibar replenished daily, free laundry, US$100.00 per person SPA credit, Heritage Expeditions keep cup, notebook and pen.
Located on Deck 6, Worsley Suites are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable chaise-style lounge suite, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system. Receive complimentary in-room dining, minibar replenished daily, Heritage Expeditions keep cup, notebook and pen.
Superior Single Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king bed, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Superior Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Superior Triple Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Superior Cabins on Deck 4 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Main Deck Single Cabins on Deck 3 are a spacious 22m2 and feature two porthole windows, king bed, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Main Deck Triple Cabins on Deck 3 are a spacious 22m2 and feature two porthole windows, two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
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