When we last had the spotlight on Abercrombie & Kent, their Connections product took center stage. Bookending  a standard Euro river cruise with pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, on paper the program does not seem all that remarkable.  Adding the services of an A&K guide from start to finish put Abercrombie Connections in a class of it’s own, easily living up to their expedition-born reputation.  It is with great interest then that we bring news of an ocean cruise option which should resonate with fans of the luxury travel company.

In 2016, Abercrombie & Kent will take just 199 guests on the luxurious, all-balcony Soleal on a tour of Japan‘s main islands titled Wonders Of Japan.  Like the river Connections we enjoyed, A&K does not own the ships but contracts a partial- or full-charter sailing.  In the case of their Wonders of Japan itinerary, on board will be A&K’s knowledgeable expedition team offering incomparable insight into the country’s rich culture, ancient history and natural treasures.

“This expedition takes you to the islands that are Japan’s heartland in comfort with a stylish expedition ship as your home-away-from-home,” says Bob Simpson, A&K’s Vice President, Product Operations & Small Ships.

 

This one-of-a kind journey explores Japan’s less-frequented coastal areas from the comfort of a ship small enough to call at these places but luxurious enough to satisfy A&K’s high standards. Soleal will easily reach remote parts of the country at a relaxed pace, crossing the International Dateline and visiting unique ports with access to rarely-seen wilderness areas.  It is there in the wilderness that A&K is solidly at home and there that this experience will no doubt bring lifetime-quality memories.

“Trying to replicate this itinerary by land would be both difficult and hugely expensive between the cost of hotels, bus and train transportation, along with the internal flights,” added Simpson.

A bonus feature, the 2016 Wonders Of Japan sailing marks the fourth cruise around the islands of Japan that A&K as offered since 2008. It will be the first featuring the new Le Soléal, sister ship to Le Boreal, which A&K uses in Antarctica and the Arctic.

Making Connections
Like other luxury cruise products, onboard enrichment and experts along that interact with passengers is a core quality and one A&K does well.  Here are some of the local experts that will be along on the A&K Japan Cruise, Wonders Of Japan, sailing May 13-26, 2016:

• Mark Brazil, author and Japan Times columnist
• Richard Harker hands-on photography instruction
• Dr. Lee Makela- Asian architecture and garden design

Also unique, shore excursions feature less-frequented ports and a choice of activities designed to appeal to guests’ personal passions.

Booking Information
Wonders of Japan Aboard Le Soleal with Abercrombie & Kent (May 13 – 26, 2016) is a total of 14 days; from $14,495 per person, double occupancy (when booked by August 31, 2015*). For more details on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, contact your travel professional, go to www.abercrombiekent.com or call 800 554 7094 to speak to a Travel Consultant.

 

Chris is not a paid spokesperson or brand ambassador.   Not compensated by cruise lines, what you read here are his observations, thoughts and interpretations, biased only by a positive outlook and appreciation for what cruise vacations have to offer travelers.