7 Night Japanese Subtropical Islands Cruise from Keelung (Taipei)

Ship: Le Jacques Cartier

Cruise Line: Ponant Cruises

Sailed: Saturday, Mar 23, 2024 from Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan

Ended: Saturday, Mar 30, 2024

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Saturday, Mar 23, 2024 departure of the Le Jacques Cartier. If Ponant Cruises modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

Want to book Le Jacques Cartier
44 Departures. Starting from $1030

Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Saturday - Mar 23, 2024

Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan

Depart: 7:00 pm

On the north-east tip of Taiwan, the harbour city of Keelung stands on one of the most beautiful coasts on the island. Nearby is the spectacular natural park of Yehliu, famed for its striking rock formations. It's easy to tour the city's historical sites on trails that cross the lush green hills surrounding the harbour. From Chung Cheng Park to Fort Ershawan, you can enjoy superb views of Keelung and the coastline. But the main attraction is the Miaokou night market, where you can taste some typically Taiwanese culinary delights.

Day 2 - Sunday - Mar 24, 2024

Ishigaki

Located to the south of the main island of the Yaeyama archipelago, Ishigaki boasts all the aspects of an authentic piece of paradise. You have guessed it, you do not come here for its skyscrapers but for its pure emerald waters and idyllic beaches. The waters off Shiraho, on the island's south-west coast, have one of the largest areas of blue coral in the world.

Day 3 - Monday - Mar 25, 2024

Taketomi Island, Japan

Off the coast of the Okinawa Prefecture, Taketomi Island (Taketomijima) is fascinating for its traditional character, preserved in a beautiful, lush setting. Like its big sisters, Ishigaki and Kuroshima, this island in the Yaeyama archipelago is the ideal destination for an immersion in typical landscapes and the insular way of life of the former Ryukyu Kingdom. Here, time seems to have stood still. There are very few cars about; bicycles and carriages drawn by imposing oxen remain the only means of transport. This is an ideal opportunity to wander through the picturesque streets lined with traditional dwellings with red-tiled roofs and lion-shaped shisa statues placed in front of the vast majority of houses to keep evil spirits at bay.

Iriomote Jima

Nestled in the very heart of the Yaeyama archipelago, Iriomote Island conjures visions of a hidden paradise. With 90% of the island covered by thick jungle, crossed by rivers and impressive mangrove forests, Iriomote is an ideal destination for fans of large preserved spaces. With exceptional fauna and flora, this lush jewel is home to many endemic species: you may be lucky enough to get to glimpse an Iriomote cat or a crested serpent eagle. During this port of call, you will also have the possibility of admiring the captivating underwater world during a free diving session or contemplating this lush jungle close up on a cruise along the calm waters of the island's rivers.

Day 4 - Tuesday - Mar 26, 2024

Kume Shima, Japan, Japan

Located 90 kilometers (56 miles) to the south-west of Okinawa-honto, Kumejima is a multifaceted island home to natural treasures. Hatenohama, a stunning 7-kilometer-long (4.3 miles) fine-sand beach, promises wonderful carefree moments discovering the exceptional underwater worlds off the coast of Kumejima. Mifuga, a rock formation on the north coast of the island with a hole right through its middle, is a great example of the erosion along the coast. The eastern island offers another geological feature, visible at low tide: 1,000 flat rocks each around one meter (3.2 feet) in diameter, formed by the contraction of lava from a nearby eruption a million years ago. They create a rocky plateau resembling a traditional Japanese tatami, hence the name Tatami-ishi.

Day 5 - Wednesday - Mar 27, 2024

Zamami Island, Kerama Islands, Japan

Zamami is an island in the Kerama archipelago, 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Okinawa Island in the China Sea. Visitors to this 16 square-kilometer (6 square miles) quasi-uninhabited isle are enchanted by the many untouched natural treasures they find here. You will discover a tranquil island with lush vegetation, lined with stunning white-sand bays bathing in the glimmering 'Kerama blue' waters around the archipelago. Zamami is also renowned for the beauty of its coral reefs, where multicolored fish engage in an endless mesmerizing ballet. The observation deck on Mount Takatsuki reveals stunning views of the Kerama Islands, granted national park status in 2014. With subtle shifting shades of azure above and all around, this island truly is paradise.

Day 6 - Thursday - Mar 28, 2024

Kikai-shima, Japan, Japan

Located between continental Japan and the main island of Okinawa, Kikaijima is a small preserved coral island where nature unfurls in all its splendor. Amidst this abundance of plants, you will be enchanted by century-old trees, majestic banyan trees, and sugar cane plantations, which produce a delicious brown sugar. This island, inhabited since the 10th century and located on the trade route between China and Japan, has a turbulent history. During your exploration, perhaps you will notice some ancient coral stone walls, like an echo of the ever-present ocean. Between the white sandy beaches and the limestone coastlines, you'll also be able to enjoy a snorkeling trip and delightful possibilities for swimming.

Day 7 - Friday - Mar 29, 2024

At Sea

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship's upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Day 8 - Saturday - Mar 30, 2024

Kobe, Japan

A coastal city on the main island of Honshu, Kobe is a vital Japanese port. You will be inspired by the authenticity, way of life, and heritage of the capital of Hyogo Prefecture, which is bordered by the sea. Its beef is internationally renowned, but there is much more to the city's attractions than this delicate speciality. As soon as you arrive, you will be welcomed by the Kobe Port Tower, located, along with the Maritime Museum, in the much appreciated Meriken Park. The Mount Rokko National Park is a real island of greenery in the very heart of the vibrant city. Long frequented by Shinto monks, then popular with the expatriates who flocked to Kobe during the second half of the 19th century, it is one of the symbols of the city.