From Day 18 - From Korea

Today was Sunday, September 23, and we were back in Japanese waters docking in the city of Kagoshima, southern Kyushu. This city has often been called the 'Naples of the Eastern World' because of its serene palm-lined streets and laid-back attitude.
Some of the cruise ship travellers opted for a visit to the samurai houses in Chiran, which was several hours by bus each way. We decided to find our way to the ferry to visit the island of Sakurajima, which rises 3600 feet above the water of Kagoshima Bay. It is one of Japan's most active volcanoes and can be seen from every part of the city. It has erupted many times in recorded history and is still

mildly active today.
We had a pleasant ferry ride, only about a half hour, to the island, and then we bought our tickets for the scenic bus ride around the island. As we approached the bus stop we noticed the long queues of people lining up and wondered how many buses there were. It was exceedingly hot and the sun was beating down on everyone. We had to stand and some people decided to sit in the gutter just to rest their legs. Only two buses arrived and we all had to cram ourselves into these very old buses and just hang on - all the seats were taken. It was a most unpleasant journey as the roads up and down the mountain were so winding and we could not help but be swung this way and that, all the while with perspiration dripping down our faces and necks. Lesley will never forget the trip to Sakurajima (Cherry Blossom Island) but for all the wrong reasons. We did get some views from the top of the island. We rewarded ourselves with coffee and cake when we got back to the mainland.

The next day we were At Sea and we spent a leisurely day exploring the different venues on board, relaxing on deck chairs with our books and of course dressing up for dinner in the dining room at night. For the first half of the trip we had elected to sit with a group of four others. However, for the second half, we sat at a table for two. We enjoyed that. Lesley's favourite dessert was the creme brulee - Tony's was key lime pie. Ah, delicious! Our waiters were especially attentive and we enjoyed our interactions with them.
On board there were so many activities and promotions. Welcome Aboard gatherings with sparkling wine for everyone. Then there were games and entertainment in the Atrium. Tony's favourite activity were the trivia quiz nights in a variety of bars. One night we tied for first place and won a few notebooks. Lesley's favourite was listening to the piano players in some of the lounges. Especially musical hits and jazz.

On Tuesday the 25th we docked in Yokohama, where we had begun our journey. This was to allow passengers who were only on the shorter cruise to depart, and for new passengers to come on board. We arrived at the port at 6am and so had a whole day to explore this port landscape.
Yokohama was one of the first Japanese ports opened to foreign trade in 1859. It contains a large Chinatown with hundreds of Chinese restaurants and shops. Portside it has the Minato Mirai district, site of the 296 metre Landmark Tower.
We wandered around this district which we heard was developed in the 1980's. It is a major centre for business, shopping and tourism. It was designed as a large master-planned development and has some spectacular new buildings. On the wharf there are still some huge old brick warehouses with an array of shops and stalls inside.
We saw an amazingly beautiful sailing ship at one of the docks. It made us gasp. So we spent some time viewing and watching the

workmen completing repairs on it. Further back we could see our own huge cruise liner resting by the dock.
Wednesday September 26 was another day at sea when we set out from Yokohama again, cruising northwards. The At Sea days on board were packed with extra activities. One of these was the Wine Tasting events run by the Maitre d'Hotel Wine Club. We participated in two of these happening in the Santa Fe Dining Room, Deck 6 Midship, and they were convivial with groups of guests at each table and at least an hour of interesting talks about the wines. Usually there were six wines and many were Australian or New Zealand wines.
Sometimes we stopped by for Piano and Cocktails with Magdalena Lachowicz or Chris May in the Crooners Bar, Deck 7 Midship. Great music!
Sometimes the Trivia Contests were in the Wheelhouse Bar, Deck 7 Forward, and other times in Club Fusion, Deck 7 Aft or in the

Explorers Lounge, Deck 7 Midship. We always enjoyed the night-time shows in the theatre - they have their own musical and acting troupe and we were impressed with the calibre of the shows. We learned early on to make sure we took our seats a good half hour before, as the theatre fills up fast and furious, especially if there is a previous show.
One could choose to have all meals in the buffet dining room where the choices were amazing and so delicious. Some days there was heaps of fresh and smoked salmon, and sometimes they put out gluten free somen which is a delicious Japanese noodle dish with its own sauce and additions. In the evening, we usually dined in the dining room where the atmosphere was relaxed and homely, and the lighting subdued.
Once, at a buffet breakfast, we came upon one of the staff with a voice like Pavaroti singing for guests. We were all impressed and gave him huge applause.
Lesley took advantage of the Izumi Japanese Bath, Deck 15 Aft, and made the required booking. It was a gorgeous space with several baths looking out towards the ocean. It was totally Japanese style and the Japanese assistant made sure she understood it was 'nude bathing - no costumes'. She seemed a bit nervous that here was

another foreigner and how to explain what to do and what not to do! For example, no soap or towels in the water! Lesley said she had lived in Japan and understood the concept well and this was not a first time nude bath. Of course this cruise around Japan means that the passengers are mostly Japanese, so Princess Cruises caters for them in so many ways, with Japanese cuisine included in the main dining rooms, the buffet dining room, Japanese style entertainments and Japanese style bathing.
On Thursday, September 27, we docked at Kushiro at 7am. This city of 181,000 is known as the 'City of Mist' because of the fog and drizzle that drifts in during the spring and summer months. The area is so green and lush and we heard there are dairy farms, forests, marshland, volcanoes and rolling hills nearby. Kushiro is also famous for the red-crested crane, a protected species, and there is a nature park dedicated to the natural breeding of this bird.
It was a lovely sunny day when we landed there, so we strolled off the ship and boarded a shuttle bus bound for the train station. In the shops and stalls we came upon, we could see souvenir items featuring the red-crested crane. We wandered around the Washo Fish Market, famous for a staggering array of fresh seafood.
We noted the earthworks - rubbish first, then soil and grass to create hills close to the sea - no doubt to protect the city from the ravages of tsunami on this eastern port. We also heard and saw the tender boats being lowered into the water, in preparation for our visit to Korsakov.