Twice Upon an April Day: the Wonders of a Tokyo to Alaska Cruise

The Enchantment of Cherry Blossom Season in Tokyo

In April 2024, our journey began in Tokyo, Japan, where the spring air was perfumed with cherry blossoms. Staying at the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa in Minato-KU provided us with both luxury and a peaceful escape from the city’s bustling pace. Even though the rains came early, the allure of Hanami—enjoying picnics under blooming sakura trees—remained undiminished. Despite the weather’s dampening effects, the vibrant colors and gentle beauty of cherry blossoms offered a poignant reminder of nature’s transient beauty.

A Rain-Swept Adventure to Mt. Fuji and Hakone

Our anticipation for natural splendor led us to an excursion to Mt. Fuji and Hakone, organized by Grayline Tours. Unfortunately, the heavy rains obscured the majestic views and even shortened the cherry blossom blooms, casting an early shadow over our sightseeing plans. Yet, glimpses of Mt. Fuji’s grandeur peeking through dense clouds made us feel connected to something majestic, as if unraveling a hidden mystery. The tour wasn’t a complete loss, as we did make a stop at the Hakone Shrine. This ancient shrine, dedicated to the deities of health, marriage, and prosperity, took on added allure amidst the rain and fog. Plus, the thrilling bullet train ride back to Tokyo, reaching speeds up to 320 km/h (about 200 mph), added an extra dash of excitement to our rainy day.

Discovering Tokyo’s Spiritual Depth

Back in Tokyo, we took the opportunity to delve deeper into Japan’s cultural and spiritual essence by exploring the local neighborhood. We visited Koyasan Tokyo Betsuin and the adjacent Myo Shrine—urban extensions of the sacred Mount Koya. This peaceful exploration was a reflective pause that enriched our understanding of Japan’s Buddhist traditions and spiritual practices.

Boarding the Norwegian Jewel: A Gateway to New Adventures

Transitioning from land to sea, we boarded the Norwegian Jewel at the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal. Our balcony stateroom, #10558, retained the coziness of our Tokyo accommodation while offering additional amenities that enhanced our comfort. The ship had a Caribbean-like ambiance, accentuated by striking blue doors throughout the vessel. Its intimate size fostered a close-knit community of travelers, making interactions with fellow guests feel more personal and enriching. All in all, it was a nice vessel.

Cruise Itinerary: A Path through the Pacific

Tokyo, Japan

Embarkation

Wednesday, April 10 – 4:30pm departure

Sendai, Japan

Views of Matsushima

Thursday, April 11 – 10:30am arrival; 6:00pm departure

Hakodate, Japan

Onuma Quasi National Park by Land & Water

Friday, April 12 – 10:00am arrival; 8:00pm departure

Aomori, Japan

Best of Aomori

Saturday, April 13 – 7:00am arrival; 5:00pm departure

Kushiro, Japan

Lake Mashu & Geothermal Hokkaido

Sunday, April 14 – 8am arrival; 6:00pm departure

At Sea

the Pacific Ocean

Monday, April 15

At Sea

the Pacific Ocean

Tuesday, April 16

At Sea

the Pacific Ocean

Wednesday, April 17

At Sea

Crossing the International Date Line

Wednesday, April 17 (again)

At Sea

the Pacific Ocean

Thursday, April 18

At Sea

the Pacific Ocean

Friday, April 19

Kodiak, AK

the Pacific Ocean

Saturday, April 20 – 8:00am arrival; 6:00pm departure

Seward, AK

The Bay of Fundy: Explore the Ocean Floor

Sunday, April 21 – 8:00am arrival; overnight

Anchorage (Seward), AK

Disembarkation

Monday, April 22

A Tapestry of Cultural and Artistic Highlights at Sea

Our journey at sea was highlighted by exceptional nightly entertainment that often turned our evenings into vibrant celebrations of art and music. Oli Nez, a renowned saxophonist, enchanted us with his sultry jazz tunes, while the Travelers Duo captivated us with their breathtaking aerial performances. These extraordinary acts not only enriched our overall voyage but also filled our nights with a sense of wonder and joy.

Navigating the Unusual: A Day Repeated

This voyage featured a fascinating twist: we lived through April 17th twice due to crossing the International Date Line. This temporal anomaly caused a brief disruption in the ship’s systems but also presented a unique opportunity. The repetition of the same day led to unexpected availability at all the specialty restaurants, which were typically fully booked. We took advantage of this rare chance to explore different culinary experiences, effectively allowing us to enjoy two distinct versions of the same day. This curious event added an extra layer of intrigue and excitement to our journey, making it a truly unforgettable adventure.

Engaging Magic and Laughter with Adam Dean

Entertainment on the Norwegian Jewel was further enhanced by the captivating performances of Adam Dean, an Australian magician and comedian. His shows, a perfect blend of sleight of hand and humor, drew the audience together in shared moments of wonder and laughter. These performances helped us laugh together and enjoy a collective sense of joy and amusement, making each of his two shows a memorable part of our journey.

Adjusting Course Towards Alaska

Initially, our itinerary included a stop at the port of Homer, but the cruise operator proactively adjusted this, substituting it with a visit to Kushiro. As we approached Alaska, unexpected weather conditions necessitated another revision, leading to the cancellation of our stop at Dutch Harbor, a port known for frequent cancellations. This change resulted in additional sea days, providing us with ample time to marvel at the serene and rugged Alaskan landscapes from the comfort of our ship. Far from diminishing our adventure, these alterations brought us to Seward a day earlier than planned, offering us an unexpected and delightful opportunity to disembark and explore.

A Culinary Journey Across the Pacific

Throughout our voyage, the diverse culinary offerings aboard the Norwegian Jewel delighted us. From the Asian flavors at Chin Chin to the exceptional Indian cuisine at the Garden Cafe, each meal was a discovery of taste and a testament to the chefs’ expertise, enhancing our overall satisfaction with each savory bite.

A Glimpse of History at the Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral

In addition to our usual shore excursions, we also made a visit to the Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral in Kodiak—the third iteration since its original establishment in 1794. This cathedral is a significant landmark with a rich history. The original church, founded by Russian Orthodox missionaries, is one of the oldest Orthodox churches in North America. The current structure, built in 1945 after the first two buildings were lost to fire, retains much of the traditional Russian architectural style, including the iconic onion domes and a beautiful iconostasis.

Unforgettable Sendai: A Blend of Culture and Nature

Choosing a favorite port was no easy task, but Sendai stood out with its ideal weather and vibrant cultural tapestry. Our day there vividly showcased the best of Japan—from ancient temples and sacred shrines to mysterious caves and blooming cherry blossoms. It was a day that seamlessly blended Japan’s rich cultural heritage with its breathtaking landscapes, helping us to truly appreciate the value of our experiences. Initially unsure about committing to such a long journey from the US, we were ultimately rewarded with a profound sense of fulfillment and awe.

Cruise Port: Tokyo, Japan

Itinerary Name: Tokyo to Seward: Alaska and Japan

Cruise Line/Ship: Norwegian Cruise Lines / Norwegian Jewel

Duration: 14 days

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