Category Archives: Japan

Osaka Cruise Port

Posted on October 4, 2019 by

Osaka, Japan With a population of over 19 million, Osaka is Japan’s second most populous city, and one of the most populated metropolitan areas of the world. This port city has served historically as a merchant city. Signs of human … Continue reading →

Posted in Holland America, Japan, Pacific Ocean & Islands, Port Cities, Ports of Call, Westerdam | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Exploring Shimizu

Posted on September 6, 2019 by

We had just a short amount of time to spend onshore in our port stop in Shimizu, Japan. Holland America Westerdam had a brief port stop there mainly for the views of Mount Fuji, which can be seen from the … Continue reading →

Posted in Holland America, Japan, Port Cities, Ports of Call, Westerdam | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Shimizu, Japan Cruise Ship Port

Posted on August 2, 2019 by

The port of Shimizu is located between Tokyo and Osaka. With Mount Fuji looming large in the background, views from the port are spectacular on clear days. Fuji is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site. A nearby pine tree grove … Continue reading →

Posted in Holland America, Westerdam, Port Cities, Ports of Call, Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

North Pacific Crossing

Posted on July 19, 2019 by

We started our journey on the Amtrak Cascades train from Washington State into Vancouver B.C. on a rainy day. The train was full of people traveling to various cruise ships, some for that day and some for the next. One … Continue reading →

Posted in Alaska, Canada, Holland America, Japan, Pacific Ocean & Islands, Shipboard Life, Westerdam | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Exploring Yokohama

Posted on July 5, 2019 by

In a port stop at Yokohama, Japan’s Osanbashi Pier passengers don’t have far to go to find tourist attractions. In fact the pier itself is an attraction with trails and green space on top of the port buildings. From our … Continue reading →

Posted in Holland America, Japan, Port Cities, Ports of Call, Westerdam | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Yokohama Cruise Port

Posted on June 7, 2019 by

Yokohama Cruise Ship Port Osanbashi Pier in Yokohama, Japan is an attraction in itself with green spaces and a rooftop park with floorboards that mimic rolling waves. Though the architecture resembles a skate park skateboarding is not allowed. The pier … Continue reading →

Posted in Holland America, Japan, Port Cities, Ports of Call, Westerdam | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Exploring Hakodate

Posted on May 3, 2019 by

Holland America Westerdam slowly glided into port in Hakodate, Japan escorted not only by the usual tugs, but also by a boat with Welcome to Hakodate painted in large bold letters easily readable from neighboring ships on its side. This … Continue reading →

Posted in Holland America, Japan, Port Cities, Ports of Call, Westerdam | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hakodate, Japan Cruise Ship Port

Posted on April 5, 2019 by

HAKODATE One of our dining room tablemates on Holland America Westerdam was born in Japan so I’ll trust her on the pronunciation of this Japanese city. She said it’s Ha (as in ha ha ha) ko (rhymes with no) da … Continue reading →

Posted in Holland America, Japan, Port Cities, Ports of Call, Westerdam | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment