Cruising Isn't Just for a Select Few!

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the number of Japanese cruise passengers reached a record high of 315,000 in 2017. The number of cruise ship calls at Japanese ports increased by 37% year-on-year to 2,764, also a record high. In June of this year, JTB announced that it would charter a large cruise ship to be docked at Yokohama Port during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, when hotel shortages are expected, and use it as a hotel. Approximately 1,000 rooms are expected to accommodate a total of 36,000 guests.


Even so, those who aren't interested might wonder, "What's so fun about cruises?" or "Isn't it boring on board?" If I may be so bold, having experienced my first cruise a few years ago, let me say this: it's not boring on board at all; in fact, it's quite busy! (I'll explain later).

And regarding the image of being "expensive," while there are luxury cruises like the world-renowned "Asuka" that cost millions of yen for a world tour, there are also casual ships, dubbed the LCCs of the sea, where fares are under ¥10,000 per night. Moreover, this price includes meals, use of onboard facilities like pools and jacuzzis, entertainment such as movies, shows, and live music, and transportation to your destinations. Once you board a cruise, you don't need to move your luggage. You'll arrive at your next port of call while you sleep, and you can enjoy sightseeing with light luggage, leaving the heavy items on the ship.

What is "Oceania Cruises," Known for Its High Repeat Passenger Rate?

A cruise ship is essentially a "moving hotel." Like hotels, they each have their own character and grade. I've heard that cruise enthusiasts have their favorite cruise lines. The options are increasing year by year, including cruise duration and routes. Among the myriad of cruise ships, we'd like to recommend "Oceania Cruises" to OPENERS readers.

Oceania Cruises is a relatively new cruise company, established in 2002, but it boasts an exceptional repeat passenger rate. Its destinations span Alaska, the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific, with a focus on cruises ranging from 7 to 14 days, though longer options are also available. What truly captivates repeat passengers are its hospitality and the deliciousness of its cuisine. It is also known among cruise aficionados as the "Ship of Gastronomy."

Oceania Cruises operates six ships, and the one I boarded this time was the "Nautica," with a gross tonnage of 32,770 tons (approximately 181 meters long, accommodating 684 passengers). In an era where ships exceeding 150,000 tons, reminiscent of giant hotels, are not uncommon, this is considered on the smaller side. However, its bow is elegantly curved, and the interior decor is sophisticated. Fresh flowers are placed throughout the ship, and paintings adorn the walls everywhere. Some of them made me wonder, "Is that a Picasso?" When I asked the staff, they confirmed it was a genuine Picasso! Apparently, it's part of the owner's collection. Staying on a ship that resembles an art museum feels incredibly luxurious (sigh).

Page02.The "Ship of Gastronomy" Recognized by Many Cruise Fans

The "Ship of Gastronomy" Recognized by Many Cruise Fans

The cuisine on Oceania Cruises, highly praised by many cruise fans as "the pinnacle of cruise dining," is overseen by the former private chef to a French president. It's no wonder it's so good. On my second day aboard the "Nautica," I resolved to "eat to my heart's content during this cruise!" It's impossible not to enjoy everything you eat, so why not worry about dieting after disembarking?

The "Nautica" has four restaurants onboard. In addition to the main dining room with its free seating, there is a buffet restaurant, and for fine dining, there's the grill restaurant "Polo Grill" and the Italian restaurant "Tuscan." Alcoholic beverages are extra, but wines are available from around $40, and since unfinished bottles can be kept for later, ordering was easy.



The main dining room allows you to choose any dish from appetizers to desserts, and you can order as many as you like. If you're not very hungry, you can opt for soup and salad, or if you're ravenous, you can choose two main courses. Unlike most cruise ships, which have two seatings for the main dining room with fixed meal times, the "Nautica," with its relatively small number of cabins, allows you to dine at your leisure during operating hours. This is quite convenient, as your appetite doesn't always strike at the same time. Furthermore, while many cruise ships include meals in the main dining room and buffet restaurant in the cruise fare, fine dining often incurs an additional charge. However, with Oceania Cruises, the cost of fine dining is included in the ship's fare (reservations are required)! That's generous.

At "Polo Grill," you can enjoy aged steaks, which have gained popularity in Japan in recent years. The Italian cuisine at "Tuscan" is also excellent in both taste and variety. With multiple types of olive oil and balsamic sauces available, it's fun to ask the staff about their characteristics and choose your favorite. Additionally, "Tuscan" uses custom-made Versace tableware, which adds to the excitement.

Changing the subject, there are also budget cruise lines where the dining is so disappointing that they're whispered to be "diet cruises." While most cruise ships follow a similar format with a free buffet restaurant and main dining room, plus optional fine dining (often for a fee), the quality can differ vastly... However, I am somewhat curious to try a "diet cruise" just for the experience.

The Charm of the "Nautica": "Full Sea Days" Are the Most Enjoyable

This time, I embarked on a 12-day cruise from Civitavecchia, Italy, to Southampton, England. There were days for sightseeing at ports of call, and days spent entirely at sea, known as "full sea days."

"Isn't it boring to spend a whole day at sea?" This is a question many people have. I understand, I really do! As I mentioned at the beginning, it's not boring at all. It's busy.

While not exclusive to Oceania Cruises, the way you spend your time on a cruise is entirely up to you. And personally, I believe this is one of the greatest advantages of cruise travel. You can enjoy sightseeing at your ports of call, or simply relax on board. You can experience an extraordinary "non-daily" life while maintaining your usual daily routine.


There's a pool, a spa, and a gym. There are also multiple restaurants, and you can even shop. Trying your luck at the casino for a big win isn't a bad idea either. Various activities are organized to keep passengers entertained, such as quiz competitions, dance classes, bridge, coloring, and wine tasting. Every night, entertainment is held in the ship's theater. These shows are quite professional, and many stars who now perform on Broadway honed their skills on cruise ships before their debut.

There are also movie screenings under the stars. And most of these activities are included in the travel fare. Of course, there's nothing wrong with dozing off in your room with the sound of the waves as your background music. The daily ship newspaper lists the day's program, and planning your day based on it is part of the fun.

The cabins are not too different from what you might expect from a typical hotel. There are spacious suites, and if you're on a budget, you can choose a room without a window. However, to fully enjoy your cruise, a room with a window, preferably a balcony, is recommended. Depending on the ship, standard cabins are generally around 20-25 square meters, comparable to a Japanese business hotel. While not large, the "Nautica" is highly functional, with Bulgari amenities provided. Housekeeping attends to your room twice a day, ensuring a comfortable stay throughout your cruise.

After a few days at sea, you'll surely find your favorite spot. I visited the forward lounge, "Horizon Cafe," every day. In the morning, I'd check emails while sipping self-serve coffee. After dinner, I'd sometimes gaze out at the sea with a cocktail in hand. The passage through the Strait of Gibraltar was particularly exciting (they announce it properly), and there was a small commotion when whales (or perhaps dolphins) were seen leaping. Furthermore, "Horizon Cafe" offers afternoon tea from 4 PM daily. This is also included in the cruise fare and is quite elaborate. Thinking I'd just "take a little peek," I ended up indulging in quite a bit, guided by the staff serving from a trolley. Such exciting days repeat themselves on board.

Page03.The "Ports of Call," the Crown Jewels of Cruising, Are Also Delightful!

The "Ports of Call," the Crown Jewels of Cruising, Are Also Delightful!

Not only the ship itself, but the ports of call are also captivating. As expected from a cruise, waking up to find yourself in a different city each time is always thrilling.

The ports of call on this cruise were Barcelona (Spain), Cartagena (Spain), Lisbon (Portugal), Porto (Portugal), A Coruña (Spain), and Bilbao (Spain), and Bordeaux (France). Do you see a pattern? All of these are "delicious" cities. This cruise is a delightful dilemma, offering deliciousness both on and off the ship.





It's not that bigger ships are always better, or smaller ships are better; each has its advantages. When it comes to ports of call, smaller ships truly shine. They can dock at smaller ports that larger ships cannot access. This cruise maximized the capabilities of the approximately 30,000-ton "Nautica" for a gourmet itinerary. In most ports, you could walk to the city center directly from the ship. For ports like Porto and Bilbao, where the port is a bit further from the center, free shuttle buses were available. You can also opt for shore excursions organized by the cruise line (for a fee).

Some passengers choose to relax on board, enjoying the quieter ship, perhaps thinking, "I've visited this city many times before," or "I want to relax on the ship today." The view of the city from the ship is also beautiful and exciting. Spending a day on the pool deck with such a scene as a backdrop isn't a bad idea either.

How you spend your time at ports of call is also "free." Just stick to your own style.

Once You Try It, You'll Be Hooked: Cruise Travel

The ship you excitedly "explore" on embarkation day quickly becomes your irreplaceable "home." On the "Nautica," the staff called me by name on the very first night. I also saw guests joyfully reuniting with staff members on embarkation day. The ship is like another "home" that embraces its guests with open arms, which is why departing always brings a touch of sentimentality. That feeling, too, is part of the unique charm of cruise travel.

While I've spoken passionately, for those who haven't experienced it, the image of cruising might still seem a bit daunting. Nevertheless, I must insist: it might take a little courage, but encountering this new style of travel will surely enrich your life.

The "Nautica," in particular, is simply elegant. The warm hospitality within its refined atmosphere is comforting, and, I'll say it again, the food is delicious. The atrium staircase, modeled after the Titanic's, the library resembling a European nobleman's study, the view from the forward cafe, the deck overlooking the vast ocean—I could list countless favorite spots. But what remains most memorable are the simple moments spent gazing at the ever-changing sea from my cabin.



Courtesy of Oceania Cruises