Queen Elizabeth
May 14, 2024

Tolanaro (Fort Dauphin), Madagascar, offers docking at Tolanaro Port. Travelers explore Nahampoana Reserve and Libanona Beach. Excursions include lemur-watching at Berenty Reserve. Local markets sell zebu curry. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures rainforests and Indian Ocean vistas. Dining onboard includes romazava, a Malagasy favorite. Souvenirs, like raffia crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Tsitongambarika history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance reserve walks. Tolanaro’s natural allure offers a vibrant Malagasy stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of unique wildlife and scenic beaches, making Tolanaro an engaging destination for exploration.

Kagoshima, Japan, has docking at Kagoshima Port. Travelers explore Sakurajima volcano’s active trails. Excursions visit Sengan-en Garden’s historic grounds. Local markets sell shochu. The peak season, March to May, brings cherry blossoms. Photography captures volcanic landscapes and coastal vistas. Dining onboard includes kurobuta pork, a Kagoshima specialty. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Kyushu’s history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Sturdy shoes enhance volcano hikes. Kagoshima’s volcanic beauty offers a dynamic Japanese stop, blending nature with cultural heritage.

Seogwipo, Jeju Island, South Korea, offers docking at Seogwipo Port. Travelers explore Cheonjiyeon Waterfall and Jeju Folk Village. Excursions visit Hallasan’s hiking trails. Local markets sell tangerines. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for island tours. Photography captures volcanic landscapes and East China Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes haemul pajeon, a Korean favorite. Souvenirs, like lava crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Jeju history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance hikes. Seogwipo’s natural charm offers a vibrant Korean stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic waterfalls and cultural heritage, making Seogwipo an engaging destination for exploration.

Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan, offers docking at Keelung Port with excursions to Taipei. Travelers explore Taipei 101 and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial. Excursions visit Yehliu’s rock formations. Local markets sell stinky tofu. The peak season, October to April, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures urban skylines and Taiwan Strait vistas. Dining onboard includes xiaolongbao, a Taiwanese favorite. Souvenirs, like oolong tea, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Formosan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Keelung’s urban gateway offers a vibrant Taiwanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern landmarks and coastal beauty, making Keelung an engaging destination.

Nagasaki, Japan, offers docking at Nagasaki Port. Travelers explore the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum. Excursions visit Glover Garden’s colonial mansions. Local markets sell champon noodles. The peak season, March to May, brings cherry blossoms and mild weather. Photography captures historic sites and Dejima Island views. Dining onboard includes sara udon, a Nagasaki dish. Souvenirs, like castella cakes, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Nagasaki’s WWII history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance park walks. Nagasaki’s blend of history and resilience offers a poignant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of somber memorials, colonial heritage, and scenic harbors, making Nagasaki an engaging destination for exploring Japan’s cultural and historical depth on Kyushu Island.

Aburatsu Port, Miyazaki, Japan, accommodates cruise ships at its East Wharf in Nichinan City, on Kyushu Island's east coast. The terminal, upgraded in 2015, handles vessels up to 200,000 GT and lies 10 minutes by shuttle from downtown. Passengers access the 220-meter berth for direct docking, with nearby facilities including restrooms, a small cafe, and tourist information. From the port, excursions head to Obi Castle, a 15th-century samurai residence with restored gates and gardens, reached in 20 minutes by bus. Udo-jingu Shrine, 40 minutes away, perches in a sea cave overlooking Pacific waves, where visitors toss pebbles for good fortune. Aoshima Island, 45 minutes drive, features basalt rock formations called the Devil's Washboard, accessible via a land bridge at low tide. Local markets offer fresh bonito and shochu spirits. The Aburatsu Aquarium, steps from the pier, displays dolphins and tropical fish. Peak visits occur May to October for mild weather; taxis cost around 1000 yen to town. Dining includes seafood rice bowls at harbor eateries. Souvenirs feature haniwa clay figures and wood crafts.

Returning to Tokyo — see Day 1 above for port info.