Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Apr 2027 | Osaka, Japan |
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| 26 Apr 2027 | Osaka, Japan |
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| 27 Apr 2027 | Tamano, Japan |
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| 27 Apr 2027 | Uno Ko (for Okayama), Japan |
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| 28 Apr 2027 | Uwajima, Japan |
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| 29 Apr 2027 | Yakushima, Japan |
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| 30 Apr 2027 | Nagasaki, Japan |
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| 01 May 2027 | Hagi, Japan |
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| 02 May 2027 | Busan, (Pusan) South Korea |
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| 03 May 2027 | Matsue, Japan |
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| 04 May 2027 | Kanazawa, Japan |
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| 05 May 2027 | Sado Island, Japan |
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| 06 May 2027 | Niigata, Japan |
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| 06 May 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 Niigata – Osaka.
Join us as we set sail and explore some of Japan’s iconic highlights alongside lesser-known and rarely-visited islands and destinations on one, unforgettable all-inclusive voyage aboard our luxurious, 140-guest flagship Heritage Adventurer.
Made up of 6,852 islands, the perfect way to explore Japan’s seldom visited destinations is by sea and Heritage Adventurer is the ideal vessel for such a voyage. Combining a thrilling mix of culture, history and the natural world our authentic expedition cruise will see us exploring ancient castles, serenely beautiful gardens and opulent temples and shrines combined with witnessing some of Japan’s stunning natural landscapes.
Experience all-inclusive luxury cruise travel as we explore Japan’s second-largest city, Osaka, famous for its vibrant nightlife and street food. Discover Kyoto’s famed 1001 Senju Kannon statues, historic Pontocho Alley, Nishiki Market and Fushimi’s sake heritage. Venture to destinations such as the historic and serene castle town of Matsue, the ancient anachronistic town of Hagi. Experience the tranquillity of Yakushima Island, a world away from the hustle and bustle of Japan’s mega cities with its towering mountains and ancient forest. We’ll also moor at Uwajima, one of Japan’s premier pearl producers with the opportunity to visit one of the city’s traditional pearl farms.
Among the many highlights of our itinerary will be the iconic garden of Kenroku-en and one of Japan’s most famed gardens the 28-acre formal 17th Century Koraku-en garden and Yuushien Garden, home to 250 types of peonies. Our voyage also visits parts of Japan where relatively few tourists set foot such as Sado Island – widely considered a perfect miniature Japan and thriving cultural capital filled with performing arts, natural scenery, samurai history, and more. During our exploration of Nagasaki, we will gain further insight into its World War II history as well as its role in international trade during the isolation period. We will also spend a day in the laidback metropolis of South Korea’s Busan famous for its beautiful beaches, markets, mountains and temples.
Helping us understand all we will see and experience, and travelling with us throughout the voyage, will be our expert Guest Speakers and Japanese guides. They will add immeasurably to your enjoyment and understanding of this captivating country.
***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.
* 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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