Cruising News Magazine Cruising News June 2018 | Page 6

Temples & Glaciers – Azamara Quest
Japan, Russia and Alaska are
combined on this diverse cross-cultural
adventure. The 17-night ‘Temples &
Glaciers’ fly, cruise and stay package
includes flights, transfers, four-star
accommodation in two cities and
a cruise aboard Azamara Quest,
complete with complimentary drinks
and gratuities.
The economy flight from Sydney
departs 9 May 2019 and arrives in
Tokyo for a two-night stay before
boarding the ship for a 13-night cruise
through three intriguing countries. The
crossing will thrill outdoor lovers and
everyone who seeks less-travelled seas,
visiting six ports including seven maiden
calls.
In Tokyo, get immersed in this fast-
paced city with a myriad of shopping,
restaurants, museums, temples and
gardens. Start with the live tuna
auctions at the Tsukiji Fish Market,
then head to Akihabara Electric Town
(Denki-Gai) for the latest in gadgetry
and games, before a sushi lunch.
Slow down at the Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku
Gyoen National Garden or Tokyo City
View, the 52nd floor observation deck
at Mori Tower.
Then sail to Muroran, in much quieter
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island.
Discover volcanic caldera lakes and
hot springs at Shikotsu-Tōya National
Park or stroll around the harbour and
its outdoor sightseeing spots. In Kushiro,
6
Issue 25
look out for red-crested white cranes
at a protected wetlands park.
Next stop is Petropavlovsk, an
1800s-era Russian trading centre,
with options to tour a museum, walk
through the Valley of the Geysers,
or view wildlife on the Kamchatka
Peninsula. Unreachable by road,
this charming old town contains the
southernmost expanse of Arctic tundra
and 160 volcanoes. Activities include
hiking, fishing, paragliding and feasting
on the local delicacies of salmon and
Kamchatka crab (king crab).
The next three destinations -- Dutch
Harbour, Kodiak and Homer -- are
authentic fishing towns that offer a
taste of the wild beauty of Alaska.
Non-anglers can kayak, take a scenic
helicopter tour or learn about Russia’s
place in Alaskan history at Baranov
Museum.
In Seward, one of Alaska’s oldest
communities, lies at the foot of Mount
Marathon on Resurrection Bay. Travel
to the Kenai Fjords National Park to
hike or kayak the tide pools along the
fjords and explore the Exit Glacier while
mushing your own dog sledding team.
A boat excursion or flightseeing tours
offer a glimpse of the Harding Icefield’s
glaciers, Kenai Fjords and Chugach
National Forest. Keep an eye out for
puffins, otters, sea lions and humpback
whales.
After the cruise, transfer from Seward
port to the Anchorage hotel for a
two-night stay (including breakfast)
at leisure. An optional half-day tour
covers the city’s pioneer history,
Bootlegger's Cove and Lake Hood, the
world’s busiest seaplane base, as well
as the chance to see stunning views
from atop the Chugach Mountains.
On the last day, flights return from
Anchorage to Sydney, arriving 29 May
2019.
The package is priced from $8,599 per
person twin share based on an inside
cabin. Upgrade to an outside cabin for
only $300 extra per person.
To find your local Worldwide Cruise
Centres agent, go to:
www.worldwidecruisecentres.com.au