Sea cruises from Japan — page 13

There are two peak windows: late March to April, the cherry blossom season, and October to November, the momiji season of red maples. Demand peaks on those dates and cabins sell far earlier than the rest of the season. Sakura cruises are planned a year ahead.

Yes. The visa can be arranged through a travel agency without appearing in person to submit or collect the passport; the application is filed in Warsaw. Polish citizens need no visa for short tourist visits.

On certain ships sailing Shanghai — Japan — Shanghai, Japanese ports may be visited without a visa. The terms depend on the vessel, the itinerary and the passenger's nationality, so such a cruise requires consulting an adviser first — visa-free entry cannot be guaranteed in advance.

Departures are from Tokyo (Yokohama) or Kobe (Osaka). Among the most rewarding calls: Nagasaki with its European legacy, Hakodate in the north, Kagoshima with the active Sakurajima volcano, subtropical Okinawa, traditional Kanazawa and Aomori with its festivals.

Princess Cruises, above all Diamond Princess, which is dedicated to the Japanese region. Also MSC Cruises with MSC Bellissima, Royal Caribbean with Spectrum of the Seas, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line.

Indicatively from €700–900 per person in an inside cabin. Most popular itineraries run €1,000–1,800, and premium options exceed €2,500–4,000. The price depends on the line, the cabin grade, the length and the season.

The commonest itineraries run eight days, but demand is higher for 10 to 14 nights. The reason is practical: the flight takes 14 to 18 hours, and a short cruise repays it poorly. Combined itineraries with South Korea and Taiwan show more within the same trip.

Scheduled flights via Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, Warsaw or Frankfurt are the convenient routings, taking 14 to 18 hours depending on the connection. Arrive at least two nights before departure: that allows time to adjust to the time zones, to see Tokyo, and to absorb a delayed flight.