South Korea and Japan: Nagasaki and Osaka · Mar 2028
With the French elegance and pioneering spirit of Le Soléal
What makes the voyage of the Le Soléal to Asia special?
Eight nights aboard Le Soléal link Busan and Osaka with calls along Kyushu's historic harbour cities and the subtropical island of Yakushima. The route contrasts Edo castles with volcanic landscapes and ancient forests. The 184-guest, 142-metre Ponant Classic ship offers French cuisine, premium all-inclusive service and Zodiacs for smaller landings.
Route highlights
- Busan: South Korea's second city with the Haedong Yonggungsa temple and the Jagalchi fish market.
- Nagasaki: hilly harbour with the Glover Garden and Peace Park.
- Miyanoura (Yakushima): UNESCO-listed island with Japan's oldest sugi cedars.
- Kagoshima: harbour city facing the smoking Sakurajima volcano.
- Uwajima: castle town on Shikoku known for pearl culture.
- Kochi: samurai town with one of the few fully preserved original castles.
- Osaka: Kansai metropolis and gateway to Kyoto and Nara.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2028 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
What is the route of the cruise aboard the Le Soléal to Asia?
8 nights from Busan to Osaka, including Nagasaki, Miyanoura, Kagoshima.
Busan
8 nights
Osaka
-
Busan · Embarkation
Busan is South Korea's second-largest city and its most important port. Jagalchi Fish Market, the colourful Gamcheon district (Korea's "Machu Picchu") and the Beomeosa temple complex in the Geumjeongsan mountains showcase its maritime and Buddhist heritage.
-
Nagasaki
Nagasaki, with its Atomic Bomb Park and Peace Museum, recalls 9 August 1945 - the second atomic bomb in history. At the same time, Nagasaki has the longest western history of any Japanese city: the Dutch trading post of Dejima was for 200 years the only European gateway to isolated Japan.
-
Unzen, Unzen-Amakusa National Park
-
Sakitsu, Unzen-Amakusa National Park
-
Miyanoura, Yakushima
Miyanoura is the main harbour of the southern Japanese island of Yakushima in Kagoshima Prefecture in the East China Sea. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient Yakusugi cedars, the most famous of which, Jōmon Sugi, is estimated to be between 2,000 and 7,000 years old.
-
Kagoshima
Kagoshima is the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture in southern Kyushu. The active volcano Sakurajima across the bay smokes constantly and at times dusts the city with ash. The Senganen Gardens, the samurai tradition and the bold local cuisine define the cityscape.
-
Uwajima (Shikoku)
Uwajima sits on the west coast of Japan's Shikoku island on the Uwakai Sea. The port town is renowned for its bullfighting, the Tensha-en garden and pearl cultivation.
-
Kochi
Kōchi lies on Tosa Bay on the Pacific coast of Shikoku. Kōchi Castle is one of only twelve original castles surviving in Japan, a monument at Katsurahama beach recalls the reformer Sakamoto Ryoma, and at Hirome market you can taste the local speciality katsuo no tataki, seared bonito. Kōchi is the gateway to the clear rivers and mountains of Shikoku's rural heart.
-
Katsuura
-
Osaka · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 10 | 11 | 14 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 30 | 31 | 27 | 22 | 17 | 12 |
| Sea °C | 17 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 27 | 26 | 23 | 21 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 52 | 56 | 118 | 125 | 138 | 168 | 154 | 168 | 210 | 198 | 93 | 51 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: East Asia (Tokyo)
What are the highlights of the cruise aboard the Le Soléal to Asia?
Highlights of this route: Busan · Nagasaki · Miyanoura
Busan
Busan is South Korea's second-largest city and its most important port.
Nagasaki
Nagasaki, with its Atomic Bomb Park and Peace Museum, recalls 9 August 1945 - the second atomic bomb in history.
Miyanoura
Miyanoura is the main harbour of the southern Japanese island of Yakushima in Kagoshima Prefecture in the East China Sea.
Kagoshima
Kagoshima is the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture in southern Kyushu.
Uwajima
Uwajima sits on the west coast of Japan's Shikoku island on the Uwakai Sea.
Kochi
Kōchi lies on Tosa Bay on the Pacific coast of Shikoku.
Destination
What does the Le Soléal offer?
Le Soléal has sailed as the third ship of the Odyssée class since 2013. 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, French hospitality. Her name refers to the solar wind - and indeed Le Soléal has her finest moments in light: midnight sun, southern lights, sunsets over the sea.
In Asia, Le Soléal opens up coastlines and islands between Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia - cultural voyages with scientific accompaniment from the expedition team.
Impressions of the Le Soléal
What cabins does the Le Soléal offer?
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
What does the deck plan of the Le Soléal look like?
What does the cruise aboard the Le Soléal to Asia cost?
From € 6,510 p.p., 8 nights, departure 17.03.2028.
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Stateroom - PONT 3 | € 6.810 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Stateroom - PONT 3 | € 7.350 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 4 - PONT 4 | € 8.120 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 5 - PONT 5 | € 8.510 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 6 - PONT 6 | € 8.970 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Suite - PONT 6 | € 12.360 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 16.600 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 17.450 | Available | Book |
| Owner's Suite - PONT 6 | € 28.270 | On request | Book |
What is included as standard in the ship voyage of the Le Soléal?
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Vollpension an Bord: Frühstücksbuffet, französische Brasserie-Küche zum Mittagessen, mehrgängiges Abendessen
- Große Auswahl an Getränken in Markenqualität (Mineralwasser, Softdrinks, Wein, Bier, Champagner, Kaffee, Tee, ausgewählte Spirituosen)
- Inhalt der Minibar
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Ein Landausflug pro Person und Anlaufhafen
- Vorträge und Begleitung der Naturforscher und Lektoren an Bord
- Abendunterhaltung, Vorträge und Shows
- Zugang zu Fitnessbereich und Sauna
- Nicht-motorisierte Wassersport-Aktivitäten (Kajak, Stand-up-Paddle)
- Bei Expeditionsreisen: Zodiac-Anlandungen und Ausfahrten
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge, Bahn)
- Flughafentransfers
- Reiseversicherung
- Trinkgelder für Crew (übliche Empfehlung 8 bis 10 Euro pro Person und Tag)
- Premium-Spirituosen und ausgewählte Edel-Weine
- Zusätzliche, optionale Landausflüge
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Tauchgänge
Frequently asked questions
How do I book the voyage aboard the Le Soléal to Asia?
Send an enquiry to IVENT-SAILING via the booking form on this page. Our team of experienced travel experts will be in touch shortly with a personal offer. We would be glad to advise you.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 8 nights from EUR 6.510 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Soléal?
A maximum of 264 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time for a cruise to Asia?
The best time to sail this route is March to May (cherry blossom) and October to November (autumn foliage).
