Day 2 of my Asian Odyssey was a sea day as we transited from Tokyo to Osaka. This is the way all cruises should start, a nice relaxing day at sea after what can be a chaotic day of embarkation. For me today was purely familiarising myself with Azamara Quest and dinner in Windows Cafe, the ship’s buffet restaurant.
Today I boarded my new home for the 17 nights of my Asian Odyssey, the Azamara Quest, at the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal. The terminal must have been very new and not used too often as both the hotel concierge and taxi drivers thought that I had to go to Yokohama.
Boarding was very efficient, hardly any queuing and then straight onto the ship. One of the differences between Azamara and Regent is no Champagne on boarding. Will have to find a bar I guess
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I was feeling a bit lazy after great day in Tokyo so decided to give one of the hotel restaurants a try. The Japanese was full, next up was Karin, the hotel’s Chinese Restaurant. And I am glad I did! The cuisine is Cantonese that takes advantage of the local fresh produce.
My food choice for the night was Chef Takeshi Okubo, the head chef of Karin Chinese Restaurant, dégustation menu. Definitely a good option.
Seasonal colourful assorted appetizers
Each bite was tasty, my favourites were the fish and pork belly.
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I have wanted to visit the Tokyo Fish Market for a long time, Tsukiji Outer Market is what remains of the original market that moved in 2018. Unfortunately the fish auctions are no longer open to the public, unless you are with a local Chef.
The Tsukiji Outer Market is home to both wholesale and retail sellers as well as a number of food outlets.
As I had no idea where to start I decided to join an organised tour, my tour guide for the day was Kumei from Arigato Food Tours. My tour of was the Classic Tsukiji Breakfast Tour, which combined a tour of the markets and the opportunity to try some of the local fare.
On the way to the Tsukiji Outer Market we passed a large Buddhist Temple that was built using stone based on an Indian style. The builders chose stone to help protect it from earthquakes the previous temple was significantly damaged by an earthquake early in the 20th Century.
After a very wet first night in Tokyo, I awoke to blue skies and mid to high teens Celsius, perfect for a wander around Tokyo. The district an around my hotel is near the National Diet and a number of Embassies. Expect it will be good for a photo or two (well, maybe at an extra zero to the 2).
The first area I came across was Ark Hills and saw this in the Ark Hills Garden. I am guessing that one of the local school or kids groups have created and are maintaining it.
For moreIt is that time again, Cruise Time, this one is a 17 night Asian Odyssey from Tokyo to Singapore. I will be sailing onboard a new cruise line and ship, Azamara Quest.
| Port of Origin | Destination | Distance (Nautical Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo, Japan | Osaka, Japan | 319 |
| Osaka, Japan | Kochi, Japan | 113 |
| Kochi, Japan | Kagoshima, Japan | 262 |
| Kagoshima, Japan | Keelung, Taiwan | 622 |
| Keelung, Taiwan | Hong Kong, China | 475 |
| Hong Kong, China | Da Nang, Vietnam | 515 |
| Da Nang, Vietnam | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | 480 |
| Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Singapore, Singapore | 395 |
| Total Estimated Distance | 3,381 |
This cruise there will include 6 sea days and 3 ports where we will be staying overnight, Kagoshima, Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City. Will make for a more relaxing trip, hopefully.
Before joining the Azamara Quest I have a couple of days in Tokyo to enjoy the city a bit.
Can’t wait to start my Asian Odyssey!
One thing I will probably end up doing is comparing Azamara and Regent. The first thing to note is that Regent is all inclusive where as Azamara is not.
Azamara standard pricing includes meals and standard drinks in the restaurants, shore excursions are additional and so is internet access. Meals in the specialty restaurants are also extra.
Prior to the cruise I purchased a Experience More for Solo Travellers package, which included unlimited internet, the unlimited beverage package, a few meals in the specialty restaurants, 3 bags of washing, some additional onboard credit and some spa credit. Onboard credit can be used for purchases onboard as well as shore excursions. So getting closer to a Regent style standard package.
Azamara Quest is a 23 year old ship that can accommodate up to 690 passengers and 408 crew. She is a 30,277 tonne vessel that is 181m in length with a 25m beam. There are 11 decks with cabins on passenger cabins on 5 decks, 5 restaurants, 5 bars and a coffee shop. There are also 319 outside and 26 inside cabins. The last time it was refurbished was in 2016.
On this trip my cabin will be on deck 7, just under the bridge, with a balcony that looks out over the bow, will be interesting.
Time to get packing and ready for Tokyo and 17 nights at onboard the Azamara Quest….
