Mariana Islands and Japan: Miyajima and Yakushima
Jewels of the Japanese Coast: Discover Culture and Landscape
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Apra (Agana) to Kobe
This fourteen-night expedition voyage from Apra on Guam to Kobe aboard Silver Cloud Expedition uncovers remote western Pacific islands and Japan's southern coast. Silversea's expedition vessel offers the all-inclusive concept with butler service, premium wines, Wi-Fi and gratuities included, complemented by Zodiacs for landings on uninhabited shores. The route follows the Bonin and Ryukyu islands northwards and ends at Kobe at the gates of Kyoto. A voyage for nature lovers in search of Japanese island culture beyond the standard routes.
Route highlights
- Apra on Guam: opening in the westernmost US territory with a tropical climate and Pacific history.
- Western Pacific passage: sea days towards the remote Japanese outposts.
- Expedition experience: Zodiac landings at islands without harbour infrastructure.
- Japanese southern islands: subtropical vegetation and endemic wildlife of the Ryukyus.
- Silversea on-board culture: butler in every suite, curated wines and several complimentary restaurants.
- Kobe: destination port with Kobe beef and rapid connections to the imperial city of Kyoto.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 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.
The Route
Apra (Guam)
14 nights
Kobe
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SUN · 02 May 2027Apra · EmbarkationArrival 00:00 Departure 20:00
Apra Harbour on the western coast of Guam is one of the deepest natural harbours in the western Pacific. Sheltered between peninsula and reef, it forms the island's maritime heart.
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MON · 03 May 2027SaipanArrival 07:00 Departure 13:30
In the western Pacific, Saipan is the main island of the Northern Marianas, with white sand beaches and steep cliffs in the north. WWII battlegrounds mark the island's history.
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TUE · 04 May 2027PaganArrival 07:00 Departure 18:00
Rising from the western Pacific within the Mariana archipelago, this uninhabited volcanic island is dominated by two active craters. Black lava beaches and ash fields bear witness to the major 1981 eruption that forced the evacuation of its residents.
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WED · 05 May 2027At sea
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THU · 06 May 2027At sea
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FRI · 07 May 2027Torishima IslandArrival 13:00 Departure 14:00
The uninhabited volcanic island of Torishima in the Izu archipelago south of Tokyo is the most important breeding ground of the rare short-tailed albatross. Steep cliffs drop into the sea on all sides, and the island is closely protected as a bird sanctuary.
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SAT · 08 May 2027ShimizuArrival 11:00 Departure 23:00
As the port district of Shizuoka city in the prefecture of the same name, Shimizu sits on Suruga Bay on the Pacific. On clear days Mount Fuji rises impressively above the harbour.
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SUN · 09 May 2027Motomachi (Oshima)Arrival 06:30 Departure 18:00
Motomachi is the main port of Izu Oshima island south of Tokyo, which is dominated by the active Mount Mihara volcano. In winter and early spring its slopes bloom with countless camellias, for which the island is renowned.
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MON · 10 May 2027TobaArrival 07:00 Departure 18:00
Toba sits on the Pacific coast of Japan's Mie Prefecture on the Shima Peninsula. Here Mikimoto Kōkichi launched the world's first cultured pearl production in 1893, a story now told in a dedicated museum.
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TUE · 11 May 2027TakamatsuArrival 12:30 Departure 18:00
Takamatsu on the island of Shikoku is known for Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan's finest landscape gardens. The port city is also the gateway to the art islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
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WED · 12 May 2027KochiArrival 07:00 Departure 14:00
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.
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THU · 13 May 2027Miyajima IslandArrival 06:30 Departure 12:30
The sacred island of Miyajima in Hiroshima Bay is famous for the great red torii of Itsukushima Shrine, which appears to float on the water and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tame sika deer roam the lanes, and Mount Misen offers sweeping views over the Seto Inland Sea.
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FRI · 14 May 2027Miyanoura (Yakushima)Arrival 08:30 Departure 18:00
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.
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SAT · 15 May 2027At sea
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SUN · 16 May 2027Kobe · DisembarkationArrival 07:00
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)
Silver Cloud Expedition
Silver Cloud Expedition was converted in 2017 from luxury liner to expedition ship: ice-reinforced hull, Zodiac fleet, 296 guests. What remained: Silversea service, the all-inclusive philosophy and a standard of comfort unmatched in the expedition class.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most prestigious suite on board, available with a second bedroom. A separate living and dining area, a generous marble bathroom and a private veranda overlooking the sea. Butler service included.
Grand Suite
The most spacious suite on Silver Cloud, available with two bedrooms. An elegant living and dining area, two bathrooms and a large veranda in the forward position. Ideal for the highest demands on space. Butler service included.
Royal Suite
A stately suite with a separate living and dining area, available with a second bedroom. A marble bathroom and a private veranda with sweeping forward views. Butler service included.
Medallion Suite
A generous midship suite with a sitting area, a marble bathroom and a veranda with floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Butler service included.
Silver Suite
A stylish suite with a separate living area, a marble bathroom with bathtub and separate shower, and a particularly large veranda. Butler service included.
Vista Suite
An elegant suite with a large picture window instead of a veranda, a cosy living area and a marble bathroom. Butler service included.
Deluxe Veranda Suite
A comfortable veranda suite in a particularly central location, with a seating area, a marble bathroom and a private veranda. Butler service included.
Veranda Suite
The classic Silversea suite: a welcoming living area, a marble bathroom and a private veranda with panoramic ocean views. Butler service included.
Deck plan · Silver Cloud Expedition
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Luxurious suite with ocean view or veranda, every category with personal butler service
- Full board in all onboard restaurants (main restaurant, speciality restaurants, casual dining) at no extra charge
- 24-hour room service and an individually stocked minibar in the suite
- Premium beverages on board: selected wines, champagne, international spirits, cocktails, beer, soft drinks, speciality coffees, tea and water
- Gratuities for the entire crew are included in the fare
- Unlimited Wi-Fi on board for all guests
- Use of pool, gym, sauna, steam bath and classes (yoga, stretching)
- Evening programme: live music, shows, themed lectures and onboard events
Not included
- Personal expenses on board (boutique, hairdresser, photos)
- Spa and wellness treatments, massages and personal trainer
- Laundry and pressing service (partly included in higher suite categories)
- Premium restaurants with a reservation or cover charge (e.g. La Dame, Kaiseki/Seishin, Silver Note on repeat visits)
- Selected fine spirits, rare wines and vintage champagnes beyond the standard premium package
- Shore excursions or private tours, unless explicitly stated in your booking confirmation.
- Medical care on board, doctor consultations and medication
- Travel insurance (cancellation, international health cover)
- Visa fees, entry taxes and biometric registration in the destination
- Airport taxes and security fees when arriving under your own arrangements
- Travel to the home airport outside the Door-to-Door radius
- Flight upgrades to Premium Economy or Business Class (bookable for a surcharge on the Door-to-Door fare)
- Personal telephone calls and satellite calls from the suite
Further options
Additionally included depending on the fare booked:
- Shore excursions: on classic cruises at least one excursion per port depending on the fare; on expedition voyages all Zodiac outings and guided landings
- On expedition voyages additionally: lectures by the expedition team experts, a parka to keep and rubber boots on loan
- Economy-class flights from and to your home airport on Door-to-Door and many All-Inclusive fares (business upgrade for a surcharge)
- Airport transfers between airport and ship on the Door-to-Door and All-Inclusive Plus fares
- On Door-to-Door and selected expedition voyages: a hotel night before and after the cruise
- On Door-to-Door (home airport within about 80 km): private chauffeur service from your door to the airport and back
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
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. 14 nights from EUR 9.900 p.p. With Silversea, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Silver Cloud Expedition?
A maximum of 254 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 to sail this voyage?
The best time to sail this route is March to May (cherry blossom) and October to November (autumn foliage).
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
