Cruise Advice
Duration
7 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
9 Ports
10 October
Setting sail from Fukuoka
11 October
Japan: Yakushima
The island of Yakushima is an unspoilt natural paradise, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its primeval temperate rainforest. The mountainous interior is a magical landscape of waterfalls, ancient cedar trees and winding trails, and provided the inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s acclaimed anime ‘Princess Mononoke’.
12 October
Japan: Amami-Oshima
The island of Amami-Oshima is rich in flora and fauna thanks to a mild subtropical climate, and a number of whale species can be spotted in the surrounding waters during the winter. The island also has some lovely white sand beaches, and is known for producing high quality hand-made silk.
13 October
Japan: Zamami
Zamami island is part of the Kerama archipelago, known for its beautiful white sand beaches, vivid blue waters and world class scuba diving. A host of other aquatic activities are also available here, or you can hike up to the Takatsuki Observatory for lovely views.
14 October
Japan: Taketomi Island
14 October
Japan: Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki is the most developed of the Yaeyama islands, an idyllic tropical archipelago located closer to Taiwan than mainland Japan. The offshore coral reefs make this a popular spot for diving and snorkelling, while the jungle interior offers some great hiking opportunities.
15 October
Japan: Tsuki-ga-hama Beach (Iriomote-jima)
The crescent-shaped Tsuki-ga-hama is one of the best beaches on the jungle-clad island of Iriomote-jima, part of the idyllic Yaeyama archipelago. The islands are known for their fantastic coral reefs, perfect for diving and snorkelling, while ashore you can explore on foot or on a river kayaking expedition.
16 October
Japan: Yonaguni
Wild and remote, Yonaguni is Japan’s westernmost island, with a landscape of plunging cliffs, white sand beaches and verdant meadows. The island is the home of the Yonaguni horse, a native Japanese breed, and the surrounding waters teem with migrating hammerhead sharks between late November and May, making this a great destination for divers.
17 October
Arriving in Keelung (Taipei)
Keelung is a fairly unremarkable port city close to Taiwan's capital, Taipei. The city is best known for its night market, where a mouthwatering array of food is on offer in an atmospheric setting. Otherwise, you are best off heading for Taipei if you want to prolong your stay on the island; the capital draws on an interesting mix of Chinese, Japanese and Western influences, and is home to attractive temples, a burgeoning street food scene and Taipei 101, which was the world's tallest building until it was eclipsed by Dubai's Burj Khalifa in 2010.
Our tip
Taiwan is a number one destination for foodies, so if this is your thing, plan ahead to make the most of it.
Your home from home
Sleek and stylish, Le Boréal, Le Soléal, L'Austral and Le Lyrial are wonderful small ships that blend luxury and intimacy with a discreet elegance and tasteful décor.
What we love
These chic sisters are amongst the most stylish ships at sea, with muted natural tones, minimalist interiors and playful splashes of colour. The accommodation is flexible, with the option to combine staterooms and create expansive suites, while the restaurants deliver the sort of outstanding gastronomic experience that you would expect from a French flag cruise line.
| Capacity | 264 Guests (Le Boréal, Le Soléal & L'Austral) / 244 Guests (Le Lyrial) |
|---|---|
| Crew | 140 Staff |
| Style | Refined with a wonderful mix of a modern super yacht and nautical tradition, all with a French flair. |
| Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Keelung
To be honest you would probably be better off staying in Taipei, but if you need a Keelung hotel, we would choose the Evergreen Laurel.
Excursions from Keelung
Visit the Yeliou Geopark to see its unique rock formations formed by sea erosion and earth movements.
