ST. LOUIS -- Clipper Cruise Line is marketing two cruises to Asia
aboard its newest ship, the 128-passenger Clipper Odyssey.
The ship's relatively small dimensions enable it to call at smaller
Asian ports and explore remote coastal islands that are off limits
to larger cruise ships, the company said.
"Traveling with a limited number of passengers allows one to
encounter these out-of-the-way places in a more personal fashion,"
said Ian Coghlan, Clipper's chief executive officer.
"More cosmopolitan cities on the itinerary, like Hong Kong,
Pusan and Shanghai, add a different perspective, giving our
passengers an appreciation of 20th century lifestyles in the region
as well as its history and natural beauty," Coghlan said.
Trade Routes of the Orient, a 15-day trip starting April 17,
begins in Hong Kong. Passengers will board the Clipper Odyssey and
cruise the East China Sea, the Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan to
relatively unknown areas, such as Putuo Shan Island, China, one of
Buddhism's most sacred sites, and Hagi, Japan, where centuries-old
samurai residences are still in use.
In addition to smaller communities, there will be ample time to
explore the cities of Shanghai and Hiroshima.
Shore excursions have been planned throughout the cruise to
allow for an in-depth look at the local cultures.
Visits will be made to the 1,000-year-old Nanputuo Temple in
Xiamen; the Shanghai Museum, located behind the walls of the old
city; the Pulguksa Temple in Kyongju, Korea, and the Peace Memorial
Museum in Hiroshima, among other places.
After disembarking in Kobe, clients will set out on a day trip
to Osaka before departing for their home cities.
Rates begin at $6,640 per person, double, including roundtrip
air fare from Los Angeles and all planned shore excursions and
activities.
Another itinerary, Temples and Gardens of Ancient Japan and
Korea, is a 15-day trip that begins April 28 and includes a
two-night stay at the Nikko Princess Hotel in Kyoto, a city that is
home to exotic temples and gardens.
After embarking in Kobe, passengers will cruise through Japan's
Inland Sea and along its northern coast, visiting Okayama,
Hiroshima, Miyajima Island and Nagasaki, Japan; they will stop in
Pusan, South Korea, and then return to Japan to visit Hagi, Matsue,
Kanazawa, Sado Island, Aomori and Hakodate.
Sightseeing excursions include the Korakuen Garden in Okayama;
the Glover House
in Nagasaki, inspiration for the settings in Puccini's "Madama
Butterfly"; the Matsue Castle, with its collection of ancient armor
and weapons, and the Yuzen Silk Factory in Kana-zawa.
Rates begin at $6,780 per person, double, including roundtrip
air fare from Los Angeles, the two-night hotel stay in Kyoto and
all scheduled shore excursions and sightseeing.
During the voyages, Clipper's chefs will design menu options
that combine the flavors and spices of Asia with American
specialties.
The 64-cabin Clipper Odyssey has what the line describes as an
"intimate feel with all the amenities of a larger ship."
The ship features all outside cabins, teak-covered decks,
single-seating dining, a library, several lounges, an outdoor pool
with a Jacuzzi, a fully equipped gym and a jogging track.
Clipper Cruise Line
Phone: (800) 325-0010 or (314) 727-2929
Web: www.clippercruise.com