Pioneering New Zealand-based expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions has released its 2024-25 season featuring an innovative cultural and art-focused circumnavigation of Japan, as well as some fresh and exciting highlights for its iconic cruises through Indonesia and Melanesia.
Heritage Expeditions’ new voyage, Japan’s National Parks, Art and Culture, offers an inspired circumnavigation of Japan’s main island, exploring the wilderness, culture and rich history as well as the country’s world-renowned arts scene.
Art-themed experiences include a blend of ancient traditions and contemporary art with visits to galleries and museums including two of Japan’s leading contemporary art museums, the recently-opened Hachinhoe Art Museum and the Towada Art Center; pottery and silk painting in Kanazawa; Japan’s famous Art Island, Naoshima and Ishinomaki’s cultural centre.
Japan’s National Parks, Art and Culture 24 May – 8 June 2024, embarkation and disembarkation in Kobe. Prices start from £10,670 per person.
New destinations added to Heritage Expeditions’ popular Indonesia and Melanesia voyages include the biologically rich and historically fascinating Bakan Island and rarely visited Pulau Saparua and Molana on the 15-day Undiscovered Philippines and Indonesia voyage (22 June – 6 July 2024), as well as some new wildlife hotspots and tropical outposts on the 18-day Indonesian Explorer (13-31 Oct 2024) including Triton Bay, one of the world’s best places to swim with whale sharks; world-renowned underwater wonderland Aiduma Island, Etna Bay and Asmat villages.
While guests on the Discover the Secrets of Melanesia (30 Oct– 15 Nov 2024) trip would be adding the culturally rich Trobriand Islands, sometimes called the ‘Islands of Love’, where indigenous culture has continued unchanged for countless generations; the coral-fringed islands of the Louisiade Archipelago; the volcanic wonders of the D’Entrecasteaux Islands, and the biological wonderland and rare endemic species on remote Woodlark Island to an already unforgettable 17-day voyage.
Tariffs are based on superior twin share ensuite accommodation including all meals, house beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, Zodiac excursions, guided tours, one night hotel accommodation (incl. dinner/breakfast), pre- and post-cruise transfers.