Cruise West, the recognized leader of small ship cruises and cruise itineraries, has recently announced some new Japan itineraries for the 2008-2009 cruise season. As always, the beauty of being a cruise passenger on Cruise West is the ability of the ships to get up close and personal in every location they visit. As an added bonus on these cruises, all the staterooms will be suites, making the cruise as comfortable as possible for all its cruise travelers.

Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com), a leading innovator of small-ship itineraries, has announced 12 departures of the Hidden Treasures of Japan itinerary for the 2008-2009 season. The 12-day/11-night voyage throughout ancient islands explores UNESCO World Heritage Sites, pauses briefly in South Korea, and visits Japanese port towns, traditional gardens, holy shrines and hidden castles, many tucked away in harbors that only a small ship such as a Cruise West vessel can access.
Sailing alongside an international crew on the all-suite Spirit of Oceanus, the most spacious and luxurious of Cruise West’s fleet, guests can select from four departures in October 2008, four in March 2009 and four in October 2009. Prices begin at $5,849 per person, round trip; cruises sail roundtrip from Kobe. Guests booking a fall 2008 departure will receive a $250 shipboard credit. Save up to $400 when booking a March or April 2009 departure by October 10, 2008, or a September or October 2009 departure by April 10, 2009.
After flying into Osaka, guests are transferred from the airport to Kobe, one of Japan’s most livable and attractive cities, situated between the coast and the mountains. Guests will explore Kobe, including a stop at the spectacular Himeji (White Egret) Castle, the country’s most beautiful stronghold. The ship begins its voyage departing from Kobe, sailing for the ancient castle town of Okayama, home to Japan’s most famous garden, the Korakuen Garden. Tours of Kurashiki’s 300-year-old rice warehouses, homes of samurai, and the renowned Ohara Museum follow.
Delving deeper into the history and culture of Japan, guests will learn the process of implanting, harvesting, extracting and sorting precious pearls in Uwajima, be welcomed into a small mountainside home of a fourth generation abbot for tea with his family, and tread on the precious island of Yakushima, itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve with nearly 2,000 Japanese cedar trees. The last several days of the journey include the town of Nagasaki, one of the few ports open to foreign traders during Japan’s 250-year period of isolation and the second to be destroyed by an atomic bomb in World War II, then a brief visit to Kyongju, South Korea, complete with a Korean barbeque lunch.
The voyage continues to Hiroshima, a once-battered city now thriving and devoted to peace. Guests will tour Peace Park, Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum; after a visit to Takamatsu, a feudal capitol in the 1600s, the ship will return to Kobe for transfer to Kansai International Airport.
Intrepid explorers can indulge in a three-day pre-cruise excursion that includes two days exploring Kyoto, the cultural center of Japan known as Nihon no Furasato (the Heart of Japan). Highlights include the Ryoanji (Peaceful Dragon) Temple, founded in 1450 and famous for its 13-stone Zen garden and considered by many to be the single greatest masterpiece of Japanese culture. The third day will be spent sightseeing in Nara, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kiyomizu Temple, built on stilts and offering a spectacular view of the city.
For additional information on the Japan itinerary, call 1-888-579-8706.

~ Up-Close, Casual and Personal Cruising ~
Cruise West offers the opportunity to explore remote and distinctive destinations throughout North and Central America, Asia and the South Pacific. Small-ship cruising allows for personalized experiences not offered by larger cruise lines. Guest capacities aboard Cruise West’s nine ships range from 78-138. Guests may expect personal enrichment through onboard narrative and presentations by local experts. The ships’ forward lounges and ample outdoor deck space provide outstanding viewing opportunities, and inflatable boats allow for up-close exploration and shore landings. For more information, call me at 1-888-579-8706 or visit www.AVCTravel.com/GreggEppleman.