Taking Cruise to Japan - Pros and Cons

Travel Date: 2024/08/11 - 2024/08/14

Instead of the usual flight or ferry, we decided to embark on a less conventional adventure - cruising to Japan. Our journey took us to the vibrant streets of Naha City in Okinawa and the serene beauty of Ishigaki Island. Over the course of three nights and four days, we experienced the unique blend of relaxation and exploration that cruising offers. But as we soon discovered, this mode of travel comes with its own set of surprises.

Join me on a whirlwind 4-day, 3-night cruise to Japan’s serene Okinawa Prefecture, where the reality of just a few hours on land brought both memorable experiences and unique challenges. From the historic Shuri Castle in Okinawa to the tranquil yet limited offerings of Ishigaki Island, I navigated quiet streets, savored fresh sushi, and tackled the quirks of limited time ashore. These posts recount the highlights of our brief land excursions, the nostalgic charm of older taxis, the unexpected challenges of finding food, and the joys of traveling with family. Despite the short visits, each day unfolded with new discoveries that made the journey truly unforgettable.

Transportation to the Cruise 

We drove to Keelung, where the cruise departed, but finding parking was a challenge. It’s a 1.5-hour drive from our place, which seemed faster and less troublesome than taking the train, but... By 11 AM, all parking spots were full. We eventually found one over 1 km away, and although it cost over 800 NT for 3 nights, it was the cheapest option we could find. Parking in Keelung is not only scarce but also expensive. Many parking lots charge 30 NT per hour (or half-hour) without a time limit! It could end up costing almost as much per day, or even more, compared to what we paid for 3 days.

We drove around for nearly an hour, checking several car parks and spaces along the roads. We eventually parked in iRent, which was the only parking lot available! By the way, the taxi from there to the cruise cost 120 NT.

I recommend taking a train there as it could save both time and money.

Waiting for boarding, the line was long, really, really long, and we had to wait for about 2 hours. We eventually boarded at 2 PM, just in time for lunch, and the cruise set sail at 4 PM.

Duration & Schedule

While the allure of a cruise lies in its ability to transport you from one place to another in comfort, the reality is that a significant portion of your time will be spent on the ship itself. For us, only about 10% of our trip was dedicated to exploring Japan, which might leave some travelers craving more time on land. This ratio is perfect for those looking to unwind on the open sea but may feel limiting for those eager to immerse themselves in the destinations.

I had planned to visit a few places, but time didn’t allow for that. It was our first time in Japan, so it’s really disappointing that we couldn’t fully enjoy it. The cruise might be ideal for older travelers who don’t want to walk around much, as they can enjoy the ship itself. However, with a child, it wasn’t as enjoyable. Our son got bored and constantly needed our attention. Forget about getting into the pool and relaxing!

Dining

Dinner was a particularly memorable part of the day, served in a formal setting with a four-course meal that added a touch of elegance to our evenings. Although the fixed dinner time of 19:45 was a bit rigid, it allowed us to unwind and reflect on the day's activities. The contrast between the casual buffet breakfasts and lunches and the more refined dinners kept the dining experience varied and enjoyable.

All meals were included, which was a great convenience, but it’s important to remember that tips are expected per day. 

There was also brewed coffee and four different teas to brew yourself, and except for water, no other drinks were provided, unless paid options.

There were two dining options included in the price: a restaurant and a buffet. The breakfast food was almost the same each day, so you might get bored of it after a while. We didn’t have lunch except on the first day. I liked that dinner offered more variety, although I wouldn’t say the meals were very tasty—some dishes were good, while others were not so much. Since there were three of us, we chose three different options each night to try as many dishes as possible. The menu changed every night, which was great. I think I liked the desserts the most—I can’t complain about any of them!

The Room & Mandatory Safety Drill

After lunch, we went to check out our room, which wasn’t ready until 2:30 PM. The room was actually quite spacious and different from what we had expected. According to the brochure, the room was supposed to be small, with one big bed and another smaller bed hanging on the wall. It was a pleasant surprise that it turned out to be much bigger, with a standard bed instead. There was enough space to store our luggage and move around comfortably. We chose a room with a window so we could enjoy the view outside.

A mandatory safety drill required us to bring a lifejacket and stay on the deck until it was completed. We waited there until everyone gathered, standing in lines of 5-6 people, with children at the front. It turned out that you could also complete the drill through the app, but we were told to come to the deck, where they scanned our cruise cards, and we had to wait until the drill was finished. I noticed an option in the app labeled 'Start the drill,' but since we were already on the deck, I assumed it was done. 

After returning to our room, the alarm went off, signaling everyone to return to the deck. Apparently, if you chose to start the drill through the app, you would receive a notification confirming completion and could leave earlier. We ended up standing there for quite a while, and it was really hot and uncomfortable.

Facilities & Activities

The ship was like a floating resort, offering something for everyone—whether it was a dip in the pool or Jacuzzis, a game of roulette in the casino, a night out at the disco, or enjoying the bars, theater, lounges, and various restaurants. Unfortunately, we couldn’t check out most of the attractions. Can you imagine trying to watch a show, only for your child to say it’s boring, or suddenly needing a drink, a bathroom break, or something else? 

Although there were plenty of activities designed to keep children entertained all day long, as a parent, that means you have to supervise them instead of enjoying all the amenities yourself. The swimming pool was full of kids playing, while the adults hid in the shade. The cruise was very kid-friendly, with activities galore and children welcome everywhere until 11 PM.

Challenges & Annoyances

Despite the abundance of activities, we faced some challenges that dampened the experience. One thing that sometimes annoyed us was the ship’s confusing layout. Navigating the numerous decks and facilities felt like a bit of a maze. Some staircases only went up to Deck 3, so we often had to backtrack and find another set of stairs. Why not take the elevator? It was notoriously slow, considering there were 3,000-4,000 people on the cruise!

The noise levels on the ship, particularly at night, made it difficult to get a good night's sleep. During all three nights, we could hear various banging sounds throughout the night. Maybe that’s just how the ship is, but we didn’t know this before boarding. So, if you decide to go, prepare yourself by bringing some earplugs.

Navigating the ship also proved tricky, with some stairways leading to dead ends and the slow elevators testing our patience. The lengthy boarding and disembarking process in Taiwan further tested our resolve. In hindsight, a bit more preparation and patience might have eased these frustrations.

Travel & Sightseeing

Arriving in Japan felt like stepping into a different world, with anticipation building as we finally set foot on land. However, the limited time we had to explore was a bit disheartening. By the time we disembarked, it was already late afternoon, leaving us with just a few precious hours to soak in the sights before having to return to the ship. While we made the most of our time, the rushed schedule made it difficult to fully immerse ourselves in the local culture. It was a reminder that cruising offers a taste of each destination, rather than a full experience.

When we arrived in Japan, the time difference was one hour, and we finally docked at 2 PM. However, the actual time we went ashore and began exploring was around 4 PM. The final boarding time was 9:30 PM, but since the process takes a while, we returned after 7 PM, just in time for dinner.

You can read more about how our days went and what we saw in my other posts.

Additional Information

Most communication on the cruise was in English, making it easier for international travelers. A mandatory safety drill required us to bring a lifejacket and stay on the deck until it was completed.

When it comes to payments on the cruise, you have the option to either pay in cash or use a credit card. Upon boarding, a deposit of 150 USD per person is taken via credit card. This is a requirement by the Japanese government, not the cruise line. Any unused funds from this deposit are returned after the trip, which adds a layer of convenience but also requires some initial planning.

Interestingly, our passports were taken away until the end of the trip, with copies provided for disembarkation in Japan. Even those not participating in shore excursions had to disembark, or they would not be able to do so on the second island.

Lastly, tipping costs can add up quickly. For our three-day cruise, tips totaled over 4,000 NT for three people.

We purchased an eSIM card for 3 days at 370 NT, but the onboard internet was weak, except on the top deck. The cruise offered internet and tours, but they were quite expensive and left little time for actual sightseeing, which was a bit disappointing for those hoping to explore more.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, cruising offers a unique travel experience that blends relaxation with the thrill of exploration. However, it’s important to be aware of the challenges, from limited sightseeing opportunities to the potential for unexpected costs. For those who enjoy the journey as much as the destination, cruising can be an enjoyable adventure. Just be prepared for a few bumps along the way and approach it with a flexible mindset to make the most of your voyage.

We could definitely enjoy more without child.