Expedition in the Seto Inland Sea – Ponant – 03 Oct 2024 – Cruise Traveller

Expedition in the Seto Inland Sea – Ponant

Cruise Line
Ponant
Ship
Le Soleal
Package Departs
03 Oct 2024
Package Duration
7 Nights
Embark Ship
Kobe, Japan
Disembark Ship
Fukuoka, Japan
Prestige Deck 5 Prestige Deck 6 Deluxe Suite Prestige Deck 6 Suite
AU $12,260
per person
 AU $12,970
per person
 AU $18,140
per person
 AU $25,860
per person

Highlights:
– First Expedition cruise in the world that goes in the Seto Inland Sea
– With featured guest chef Jean-Francois Piege.
– Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
– Varied landscapes along the Seto Inland Sea, offering stunning contrasts between land and sea.
– Enjoy a local cuisine rich in seafood and taste local sake.
– Discover the cultural richness of Japan`s oldest sea route, dating back to the 7th century.
– Discover the history, cultures, and the incredible diversity of the flora and fauna thanks to our team of naturalist guides with expertise in this destination.
_______________

Expedition in the Seto Inland Sea cruise package includes:
– 7 night Japan expedition cruise aboard Le Soleal from Kobe to Fukuoka
– All meals while on board the ship (from dinner on the day of embarkation to breakfast on the day of disembarkation)
– Captain`s welcome cocktail and gala dinner onboard
– Open Bar (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands) during cruise
– Evening entertainment and events
– Room service 24h (special selection)
– Highly qualified bilingual French/English expedition team
– Zodiac excursions
– Park entry fees into protected areas (where applicable)
– Port taxes

Special Conditions

*Conditions Apply: All prices shown here are per person share twin (unless stated as single) in AUD, based on best available cruise fare at time of publication (13Mar24) based on current Ponant bonus discount of Nil% where applicable which can and does change without prior notice. Some cabins may have obstructed views. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Travel agent service fees may apply. Special conditions apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Please note that the prices shown here are not shown in real time. While we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ from the prices in our booking system at time of reservation. Transfers mentioned are only included if guests are arriving/departing by air at specific airports on exact package dates. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Any hotels, transfers and airline carriers listed are at the discretion of Ponant. Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.

Special Validity Dates

Special is valid from 13 Mar 2024 to 30 Jun 2024 or until sold out/withdrawn.

Cruise Itinerary

DateActivityArriveDepart
03 Oct 2024
Kobe, Japan
 6:00 PM
04 Oct 2024
Okayama, Japan
05 Oct 2024
Tomonoura, Japan
05 Oct 2024
Onomichi, Japan
06 Oct 2024
Mitarai, Japan
06 Oct 2024
Shimokamagari, Japan
07 Oct 2024
Hagi, Japan
08 Oct 2024
Tsushima Island, Japan
09 Oct 2024
Yeosu, South Korea
10 Oct 2024
Fukuoka, Japan
 7:00 AM

All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

Please select your preferred category and cabin configuration/price. Then scroll down and select Continue to provide your contact details and preference. Our cruise specialists will check availability and respond to you as soon as possible.

Category Twin Per Person     Single Per Person
Prestige Deck 5
   
Prestige Deck 6
   
Deluxe Suite
   
Prestige Deck 6 Suite
   
Owner's Suite
   

Please select your preferred category and cabin configuration/price. Then scroll down and select Continue to provide your contact details and preference. Our cruise specialists will check availability and respond to you as soon as possible.

With this brand-new itinerary, PONANT is taking you on a cruise from Kobe to Fukuoka. This 8-day circuit will allow you to discover the jewels to be found in the picturesque towns and cities of the Seto Inland Sea. The oldest sea route in Japan, a strategic hub during Antiquity, it was also the theatre of many battles and historic events that shaped its myth and grandeur over time with the ebb and flow of the tides.

Le Soléal will set sail from Kobe, a forward-looking modern city, and make its way to the island of Inujima. A flourishing centre of the mining industry more than a century ago, particularly for copper extraction, this small 54-hectare island is now an essential destination for contemporary art enthusiasts. It is notably home to the Seirensho Art Museum, designed around the remaining blackened walls of a former copper refinery.

Aboard one of our zodiac inflatables, you will then head to Tomonoura, known for its gentle way of life and its craggy landscapes, which inspired the artist Hayao Miyazaki for the animated film Ponyo. Then, you will visit Onomichi, a charming coastal town surrounded by green hills and home to a large number of temples and emblematic shrines, including the Senkō-ji, Saikoku-ji, and Jōdo-ji temples.

After calling at Mitarai and Shimokamagari, two traditional fishing villages, Le Soléal will continue its crossing of the Seto Inland Sea to drop anchor on the island of Honshu, in Hagi. The home of the samurai and of Hagi ware will win you over with its narrow streets, traditional houses, and the former residences of the Japanese warriors from this feudal town, of which the mythical Shizuki Castle, erected in the 17th century, emerges as a symbol.

Then, you will sail towards Tsushima, the largest of the Nagasaki islands. Famous for its Aso Bay, offering exceptional panoramas of its ria coast, the island separates the Korean Peninsula from Japan. Eighty-nine percent of it is covered by natural vegetation and mountains. This green setting is the natural habitat of the Tsushima leopard cat, among others.

Your ship will then take you to Yeosu, in South Korea. Thrust into the international limelight for hosting the Marine Expo in 2012, the coastal city will captivate you with its traditional character, evident also in its fish market.

Your cruise will end in Fukuoka, your disembarkation port.

Designed in 2013 and loyal to the PONANT spirit, Le Soléal like her sisterships embodies the subtle alliance between luxury, intimacy and wellbeing which is Ponant’s signature. The elegance of her exterior and interior lines and her intimate size (only 132 staterooms and suites)make this a rare and innovative yacht on the cruise market.

Interior Design:
With her fluid lines and a modern colour scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white, Le Soléal presents references to a nautical theme.

Ship Profile & Stats

  • Length: 142 metres
  • Maiden Voyage: 2013
  • Passenger Capacity (dbl): 264
  • Officer Nationality: French
  • Ship Registration: France

Ship Amenities

  • Individually Controlled Air Conditioning & Heating
  • Mini Bar
  • Flat screen satellite Television
  • iPod Players
  • Video on Demand
  • In Room Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • 110/220 volts outlet
  • 24 Hour Room Service
  • Internet Access Wifi

Ship Facilities

  • Gastronomic Restaurant
  • Main Lounge
  • Boutique’s
  • Medical Centre
  • Theatre
  • Fitness Centre
  • Beauty Salon
  • Massage Rooms
  • Hair Salon
  • Swimming Pool
  • Grill Restaurant
  • Internet Station
  • Library
  • Panoramic Lounge
  • Panoramic Terrace
  • Open Air Bar
  • Sun Deck

EXPERIENCE CRUISING ANOTHER WAY, DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF YACHT CRUISES.

Our mission is to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small capacity ships.

To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment – a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared – and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.

To combine sophistication and conviviality, with priority given to authentic experiences, emotions and the ongoing quest for excellence.

Yacht cruises: more than a cruise, a privilege…

Attentive, professional, discreet and elegant, the fully bilingual service on board will meet your every desire. Our unique atmosphere is filled with a signature sentiment: a warm welcome from an experienced crew who are passionate about what they do, in the tradition of private yachting.

In the dining areas, our gourmet cuisine is worthy of top fine dining restaurants: exquisite wines are available, and menus are created with expertise by our skilled chefs with a French-inspired menu enhanced by specialties from our various ports of call.

Pleasure, enrichment, discovery: relax – we take care of everything…

Select the Cabin to view detail.

* Unless otherwise noted all pricing is on a per person twin share basis. All prices based on cash payment - credit card fees may apply. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Special conditions may apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Any pricing not in Australian Dollars will be converted on the day of payment into the relevant currency based on our daily rate of exchange. Please note that many of the prices shown on this website are not shown in real time. Whilst we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ slightly from the live prices in our booking system. All pricing and offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Please submit any data errors/omissions you may notice on this site.

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