99 islands cruise

Kujukushima

The 99 islands in saikai national park.

The Kujukushima are a group of islands spreading along the coast between Sasebo City and Hirado Island, in Nagasaki prefecture in Kyushu. Composed of 80 % of natural spaces, they belong to the Saikai National Park created in 1955. The archipelago is divided into a northern part, the most extensive, and a southern part, the closest to Sasebo, and is now one of the main attractions of the area.

The Saikai National Park and its 24.646 hectares are home to a natural environment called Kujukushima, literally the "99 islands". Since the Meiji Era (1868-1912), this archipelago is well-known and liked by the Japanese who come from throughout the country to admire its wonderful natural landscape.

A wilderness area to preserve biodiversity

Despite its name counting 99 islands, the archipelago actually encompasses 208 islands. At the time of naming the place, nobody really took the time to count the islands, and the number 99 was used to give the idea they were too many to be easily numbered.

Only four of the islands are inhabited, the other were left to the wild and are a natural shelter for migratory birds . Each year, cormorants, mandarin ducks, mallards in winter and Japanese cranes in spring   🌸 stop by Kujukushima during their migration, renewing the vitality of the area.

Leisure and relaxation for all

Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort is a place dedicated to the discovery of the Kujukushima islands and located in their southern part. Various attractions are available:

• Kujukushima Visitor Center , an information center on the archipelago. Its formation, as well as its natural environment, flora and wildlife are presented on explication panels and videos . It is the ideal place to start sightseeing .
• The large Umi-kirara aquarium has a huge 4,8-meters deep outdoor water tank, home to 120 species. Its gives the impression of being underwater and allows to watch submarine life to the closest.
• Cruises in the archipelago , mainly on board of two pirate ships : the Pearl Queen and the Mirai. The cruise lasts about fifty minutes with departures almost every hour. From July to October , you can also board for a sunset cruise. Other courses are available, such as the relaxing cruise aboard a smaller boat , and yacht or sea kayak rental.

Iconic landscapes

There is a total number of eight different viewpoints to get a panorama on the whole of Kujukushima Islands. Five of these observatories are in the southern part, about 15 to 30 minutes by car  🚙 from Sasebo downtown:

• Tenkaiho, the most popular and the southernmost one;
• Funakoshi, the lowest one, but accessible to wheelchairs;
• Yumihari-dake, at 364 meters high, for a full panorama on both the city and the sea;
• Udogoe, mid-height on the side of the Yumiari-dake, with a view on the Pearl Sea Resort;
• Ishidake, at 191 meters high, for a view on the archipelago at the end of a forestry path. The place was also a shooting set for the movie The Last Samurai (2003).

The three other observatories are in the northern part of the Kujukushima Islands:

• Nagushiyama Koen, at 234 meters of altitude;
• Hiyamizu-dake;
• Takashima Ban-dake with a view on Hirado and Goto Islands.

Kujukushima Islands and Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort are a nice getaway for friends or family outings, of an easy access from Sasebo and offer a complete change of landscape when arriving from the big city.

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99 Islands and Sasebo

• 99 Islands and a Mouthful of History in Sasebo

If your hobby happens to be hiding and hunting for treasures at sea, Kujukushima is a pirate’s paradise. Literally, kujukushima means “99 islands”. Figuratively, it means “too many islands to count”. Although in 2001 somebody finally did count them, so according to citizen science, there are 208 discrete islands at high tide. Among these, only four are inhabited by humans, so that gives you plenty of room to play around the other 204 islets.

There’s just one catch, however. This labyrinthine archipelago, which contains the highest density of islands in Japan, is entirely protected as part of Saikai National Park since 1955. This means that Kujukushima’s 25 square kilometers of marine park stretching out from the sawtoothed coastline of Sasebo in Nagasaki prefecture are strictly off-limits to pirates, and to any rogue seafarers in general.

On the other hand, viewing the islands up close from the sea is accessible to tourists, as long as you buy a ticket. For an immersive experience of Kujukushima, you can choose to venture out by kayak, yacht, or cruise boat. I climbed aboard the bright red  Pirate Pleasure Ship Mirai,  where I could play pirate to my heart’s content and leave the navigation to the crew.

Cruise the intriguing archipelago of Kujukushima

Mirai is shaped like a pirate’s hat, the better to maneuver through narrow passageways between the islands. The two enclosed lower levels are comfortably sheltered from the wind and the waves, but I spent most of my time on the open upper deck, alternating views from one of the three crow’s nests. I saluted the life-size model captain figure forever looking toward the future through his spyglass. This colorful eco-friendly ship is the first cruise boat to be powered by electric propulsion, and can take up to 200 people on a 50-minute tour of southern Kujukushima’s  most iconic islands .

Many of the islands are named for their figurative rock formations when viewed from certain angles. My favorite is Yoko-shima, for its unmistakable shape of a lion (or a sphinx) resting on the water with extended forepaws and tail. Tiny Kurakake-jima is the “saddle” island; the larger Makura-jima is named after the legendary Empress Jingu’s wooden pillow, which a storm tossed out to sea. Another favorite is Ojikase, suggestive of a submarine hovering just under the water’s surface, crowned with two distinct black pine trees.

Each island has a unique characteristic, if not a defining feature. Ware-shima is so-named because it apparently split in half, while the typical Fukashiro-jima consists of two connected islands (Obuka and Kobuka), one bigger and one smaller. Kuroko-jima is both a single island at low tide and an evergreen-tufted trio of islets at high tide. Gatagan is named for its dry lagoon at low tide. Matsura-jima is known for its deep coves. Kanashige-jima is recognizable by its rough sheer cliff face on one side and sandy beach on another. Moro-shima appears to have a komainu dog ensconced on its rocky shore, as if guarding the entrance to the neighboring island of Nagahae-jima, which is fronted by a craggy senjojiki (1,000 piled tatami mats) rock formation.

On the way back, in the distance I could see the 138-meter-high peak of Bandake on the “high island” of Taka-shima, which has about 250 inhabitants. Further out is the “black island” of Kuro-shima, the largest in Kujukushima at 5.3 km², with about 650 inhabitants who are mostly the descendants of Catholics who hid there to escape persecution during the Edo period.

What’s most fascinating about Kujukushima is how dramatically the scenery changes according to the season or time of day (sunset cruises are also available), weather conditions, at high or low tide, when seen from the sea or from above and afar. When I boarded, the sky was forebodingly overcast, but the clouds soon cleared, letting the sunshine illuminate the islands with a generous glow. Meanwhile, the ship’s recorded commentary in both Japanese and English allowed us to simply have fun identifying the various islands we passed as we enjoyed the view.

Next time, I hope to encounter the  native wildlife  and  flora  that live in the dense green forests and waters surrounding the islands. (The  Kujukushima Aquarium UmiKirara  is also right next to the cruise boat terminal.) The bay is known for its resident white dolphins, but I was happy to spot a blue heron flying by overhead.

Sink your teeth into a classic Sasebo Burger

After driving past the U.S. Navy Base and seeing the intimidating fleet of military battleships docked in the shipyard on the way to Kujukushima, it’s hard to imagine that this port city of Sasebo was once a humble fishing village. It wasn’t until the Meiji period that the Admiral of the Imperial Japanese Navy, Heihachiro Togo, recognized the harbor’s strategic location and took the initiative to found the Sasebo Naval District in 1889. It served as a major base for the Japanese Navy until the end of World War II, when the United States Navy took over part of the base and formed the U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo in 1946.

By the early 1950s, more than a few local restaurateurs were successfully adapting their menu offerings to suit American cravings for good old-fashioned hamburgers. Soon enough, Japanese people also took a liking to the delicacy, and the burgers evolved into a local specialty. Thus, long before McDonald’s first came to Japan in 1971, the Sasebo Burger was born.

Today, a  couple dozen of these local hamburger joints can be found around the city, each offering their own take on the iconic Sasebo Burger. Almost all of them cater directly to Japanese customers, with menus in katakana, the Sasebo Burger Boy mascot, and homemade recipes for the soft, fluffy single-patty gourmet burgers that can be digested in one sitting by the average flexitarian.

I went to  Sasebo Burger Honten , just a short drive up the mountain from Kujukushima, near the  Funakoshi Observatory . The “Burger Museum” is perched on a hillside just above Kujukushima Bay, the perfect setting for a post-cruise lunch. The inside of the restaurant is decorated with vintage U.S. road signs, license plates, and other retro paraphernalia, but that day all the other customers were seated next to the large windows on the sheltered terrace.

From an extensive menu of variations, I ordered the ABC burger, which featured avocado, bacon, and cheese, in addition to the standard Japanese beef patty, fried egg, fresh lettuce and tomato, homemade tomato sauce, and seasoned mayonnaise, all carefully arranged between two lightly toasted, brioche-like buns. As the weather was still warm with clear skies and no more than a gentle breeze on the hill, I chose to sit outside with the open view. The staff warned me to beware of black kites that swoop down to steal your meal.

As soon as I took my first bite of the much-anticipated Sasebo Burger, all its savory ingredients melted together in my mouth in a swirl of sweet nostalgia. This local burger certainly lived up to its promise, was just as satisfying as it was gratifying, after more than half a century of a peaceful American presence in Sasebo among evolving Japanese tastes. Sitting outside on the peaceful hill, contemplating yet another magnificent view of Kujukushima from above, savoring each mouthful of this gourmet treat, I thought, this moment alone was well worth the trip—and not a single black kite pirate in sight!

Cherise Fong

Originally from San Francisco, I arrived in Tokyo with my bike and my backpack one rainy day in summer. Since then, I travel through the archipelago by bicycle, train and boat, often to the rhythm of taiko and shinobue, always looking for new paths and unique perspectives.

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How to enjoy Kujukushima

Concerning the Saikai National Park,　Kujukushima

Stretching north from Sasebo Port to Hirado, this area of sea covering approximately 25 km, has a complex sawtooth coastline interwoven with 208 islands and deep inlets creating a scene of natural beauty. People live on only four of the islands, with the rest remaining uninhabited. With more than 80% of the 288.5 km long coast retaining a natural coastline, almost the entire area was designated as Saikai National Park in 1955. With the highest island density in Japan, forests of evergreens and broadleaf trees cast their shadows over the water surface, as gentle waves quietly roll into the many inlets that are home to a diverse range of creatures. Ever changing its expression with the movement of the sun and play of light, seasonal flowers and birds add to the color of the landscape which is sure to please no matter how many times you visit.

Kujukushima Cruise Ship Pearl Queen

Enjoy an elegant and comfortable cruise among the islands on this white ship with a color reminiscent of a pearl. ● Operating period: Year-round operation ● Time required: Around 50 minutes / 8 ships per day

Pirate Pleasure Ship Mirai

As the first electric propulsion pleasure ship in Japan, it is an eco-friendly ship considerate of the future environment and nature. ● Operating period: Year-round operation ● Time required: Around 50 minutes / 8 ships per day

Sunset Cruise

Enjoy a view of Kujukushima bathed in the light of the setting sun, from aboard a ship. A seasonal elegant way of enjoying oneself. As departures are made based on the setting of the sun, please contact us for times and details. ▼Large cruise ships （Kujukushima Cruise Ship Pearl Queen ・ Pirate Pleasure Ship Mirai） ● Operating period: Weekends, August through October ● Time required: Around 50 minutes ▼Small ships (Kujukushima Relaxing Cruise / Yacht Sailing) ● Operating period: March through July, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays, August through October, every day ● Time required: Around 60 minutes

Kujukushima Relaxing Cruises

A comfortable ship with wide relaxing seats. With limited seating, enjoy a special course only taken on this relaxing cruise. Observe the beauty of nature up close, as you see native plants and aquatic life. ● Operating period: Year-round operation ● Time required: Around 50 minutes 7 Ships, 10:20〜16:20 ※ June、July 10:10、10:20 Cancelled ※ October 16:10、16:20 Cancelled

Yacht Sailing

Sail around the calm Kujukushima sea on a Cruiser style yacht. Enjoy the grandeur of Kujukushima’s evening scenery on a “Sunset Cruise” (March ～ October) departing in time to watch the setting sun. ● Operating period: Year-round operation ● Time required: Around 50 minutes 7 boats, 10:10〜16:10

For inquiries please call: Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort (Please call to make reservations)

☎ 0956-28-1999 (Directly connected to pleasure boat office) Sasebo City, Kashimae-cho 1008

Sea Kayaking

As the sea is calm, it is perfect for beginners..

After practicing on the land, set out on the sea with a guide. A course exploring an uninhabited island, and enjoying lunch or tea-time are also available. ※ The sea kayaking experience run by Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort is conducted only in the marina.

Kujukushima Aquarium Umi Kirara

An aquarium that reproduces the sea of kujukushima.

Meet the various creatures found in the rich nature of Kujukushima. With feeding, pearl finding experiences and dolphin programs, the aquarium is full of fun. Opening time (★ Spot details) March through October, 9:00 – 18:00 (final entry 17:30) November through February, 9:00 – 17:00 (final entry 16:30)

Observation Decks

Observation decks from which you can admire a wonderful view of Kujukushima.

Feel the joy of a field of seasonal flowers, as Kujukushima and Sasebo Port spread out before your eyes.

Yumiharidake Observatory Deck

Take in the great depth of Sasebo Port and a distant view of Kujukushima. The orange color of the ports night time scenery is beautiful.

Ishidake Observatory Deck

A superb view that became a location in the Hollywood movie “Last Samurai”.

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The Kujuku Islands of Nagasaki

Saikai National Park

The Kujuku Islands (99 Islands), located in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, is a part of the Sakai National Park and consists of 208 islands, both large and small. If you know some Japanese, you might note that 'kujuku' means 99 but in this case it simply refers to the 'many' islands' here.

The ria coastline of the Kujuku Islands, with their intricate and complex inlets and bays, make Sasebo the perfect scenic spot. Most of the islands are uninhabited though four, including Kuroshima and Takashima, are home to people.

The Kujuku Islands are divided into the north and south islands. In the south islands, pleasure cruises depart regularly from the Saikai Pearl Sea Resort. The ships offer great views including lovely fresh breeze from the second floor. The stunning scenery of these islands saw them selected as one of Japan's 100 Famous Views. They even appeared in Tom Cruise's Hollywood film, The Last Samurai .

Cruising is the best way to completely take in the views of the Kujuku Islands. The island known as Yokoshima, for example, appears to look like a sleeping lion. The unique characteristics of the ria coastline islands make time spent watching them extremely enjoyable.

Cruise ship guides will explain many things about the islands in an easy and understandable manner. During my cruise, I happened to noticed many overseas tourists enjoying themselves taking pictures of the stunning island and water views. Back at Saikai Pearl Sea Resort, visitors can enjoy the lovely aquarium there as well as the botanical garden.

Time spent cruising and enjoying these land attractions makes for a wonderful way to spend a day with family and friends.

Getting there

A bus from Sasebo Station can take you to the Saiaki Pearl Sea Resort in about 25 minutes while the express bus takes about 15-20 minutes. From there, cruise ships depart from the port.

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Cruise Around Kujukushima in Sasebo, Nagasaki

• October 20, 2017
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Kujukushima Excursion Boat – Pearl Queen

Kujukushima Islands

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About Kujukushima

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View spot of Kujukushima

Plant of Kujukushima

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Scattered about 25 kilometers from the outside of sasebo bay to the north of Hirado, Kujukushima are beautiful natural landscapes with a complex interwoven rias coast and islands. Almost the entire area has been designated as the “Saikai national park”, and the density of islands is the highest in Japan. Ninety-nine is used as a metaphor for the number that means so much, and the true number of islands is 208.

The little knowledge of Kujukushima

How many islands are there in the kujukushiama.

According to a survey conducted by local volunteers in 2001,there are 208 islands in the Kujujushima area. Kujuku (99) refers to the wondrous fact that the number of islands is too numerous to count. The name Kujuku was already being used in the middle of the Edo era,showing that these islands were a treasured scenery from times past.

How to count the islands?

The Kujukushima may be seem like many independent islands at high tide,but at low tide, many islands are found to be connected.

South Kujukushima

❶ Motono-shima

❷ Makinoi-shima

❸ Yoko-shima

❹ Katsura-jima

❺ Fukashiro-jima

❻ Ware-shima

❼ Matsura-jima

❽ Kamenoko-jima

❾ Yokiotoshi ❿ Joga-shima

⓫ Nagahae-jima

⓬ Moro-shima

⓮ Kuroko-jima

⓯ Kurakake-jima

⓰ Makura-jima

⓲ kanashige-jima

⓳ Torinosu-jima

North Kujukushima

Kuro-shima Cathedral

The club of the most beautiful bays of the world

Using the resources of the gulf for information exchange and information campaigns on tourism and economic development, NGO founded in Berlin, Germany on 10 March 1997. There are 27 member states and 44 bays (October 2018 now).

In Japan, there are four places in Matsushima bay (Miyagi Prefecture),Toyama Bay (Toyama Prefecture), Suruga Bay (Shizuoka Prefecture),Miyazu Bay・Ine Bay (Kyoyo Prefecture). In April 2018, the Kujukushima bay was recognized as the fifth place in Japan and joined the world’s most beautiful bay club.

Matsushima bay（Miyagi）

Suruga Bay（Shizuoka）

Toyama Bay（Toyama）

Miyazu Bay・Ine Bay（Kyoyo）

The mayor of Sasebo City Tomonaga Norio

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99 Islands - Kujuku Island

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• Kujuku Island

So-called Ninety-nine Islands are actually composed of 208 islands. "Ninety nine" means "many... read more

This is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places to visit in Japan. A must see if in Sasebo... read more

Kujukushima literally means a group of 99 Islands. But, the fact is there are around 208 small islands in this area. It is located inside of Sakai National Park. Tourist can enjoy the magnificent view of this islands from the observation towers; Ishidake, Tenkaiho and Yumihari. There are Pearl Queen & Mirai cruise/boars operators who provide the cruising/boat tour. Access from Sasebo Sta. by free shuttle bus, which takes around 20 min. Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort by beautiful boat, travel time around 50 min @ 1400 Yen one way.

This is a fun outing. This was my first visit and was trying to experience what I could, though my time was mostly taken up with work.

It was raining the day I went so there was not much I could see but I think if you go on a clear day the view can be spectacular. Ask for a day pass for the bus at Sasebo information center. It only cost 500¥. If you wanna pay cash each way will cost you 520¥. So I highly reccomend to get the bus pass. Also the bus is not very frequent and google does not help so also ask at the information about bus number and timing and plan accordingly.

The prices are fair and the tours are what you pay for. The food choices around are a little week. the Italian place there was one of my worst experiences.

small aquarium with interesting sealife. dolphin show and a wonderfull boatride between the islands. just need a bit luck with weather cause in sunlight its a looot better.

Felt like the Halong Bay in Vietnam. On a clear good day, the view of this attraction is magnificent from the view points. There are limited buses to the viewpoints and so it may be better to rent a car if you do not want to rush.

Caribbean cruise line reroutes ships, cancels stop at island port due to violence, turmoil

• Published: Apr. 25, 2024, 12:11 p.m.

Royal Caribbean International has canceled stops at its private beach in Haiti through September as a result of the violence plaguing the island nation, a private fan blog, citing messages to travelers, reports. AP

• Robert Higgs, cleveland.com

MIAMI – Royal Caribbean has cancelled stops at its private port of Labadee through the summer because of simmering violence in Haiti.

In March, the cruise line canceled stops at the private beach area through May, but this week Royal Caribbean reworked cruise schedules through the summer and into September, a post on the Royal Caribbean Blog said.

“Guests booked on cruises in the summer and early fall are getting notifications from Royal Caribbean that their visits to Labadee have been canceled,” the blog said. “On Tuesday (April 23), cruisers began to share updates they received from Royal Caribbean that their itineraries have been updated to drop Labadee and replace it with another port or a sea day.”

Labadee is a beach area on a peninsula in northern Haiti near Cap-Haitien used exclusively by Royal Caribbean. The cruise line has its own security force at the site, which is walled off from the rest of the country.

The 260-acre site has been leased by Royal Caribbean since the 1980s. It is about a six-hour drive from Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, and thus far has not seen any incidents of violence, the blog said.

More than 2,500 people were killed or injured in gang violence from January to March across Haiti, a more than 50% increase from the same period last year, according to a report Friday by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti. The vast majority of violence is in Port-au-Prince .

Cap-Haitien, Haiti’s former capital, has been spared much of the violence and is going through a bit of a resurgence, The Associated Press said . Business owners, anxious parents and even historic state ceremonies have been relocating there, and that began even before gangs started attacking key government infrastructure in Port-au-Prince in late February.

Royal Caribbean International had no formal announcements of the changes posted to its website. Royal Caribbean Blog is an unofficial site for fans of the cruise line and is not affiliated with Royal Caribbean International.

But it cited chatter and messages from cruise ticket holders about changes to their itinerary that showed stops at Labadee were being canceled and replaced with either an extra day of cruising at sea or stops in alternate ports.

A notice from the cruise line, reposted on the blog, informed guests about the change in travel plans, without explicitly mentioning the violence.

“Due to the continuing situation in Haiti, we’ll now visit Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, instead of Labadee, Haiti,” the notice reads. “We’re sorry for the change – your safety is our top priority. Nevertheless, we’re excited to visit a new port with you!”

Grand Turk is the capital island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago north of Haiti.

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U.S. tourist faces 12 years in prison after taking ammunition to Turks and Caicos

An Oklahoma man faces up to 12 years in prison on a Caribbean island after customs officials found ammunition in his luggage.

Ryan Watson traveled to Turks and Caicos with his wife, Valerie, to celebrate his 40th birthday on April 7. They went with two friends who had also turned 40.

The vacation came to an abrupt end when airport staff members found a zip-close bag containing bullets in the couple's carry-on luggage. Watson said it was hunting ammunition he had accidentally brought with him — but under a strict law in Turks and Caicos, a court may still impose a mandatory 12-year sentence.

"They were hunting ammunition rounds that I use for whitetail deer," Watson told NBC Boston in an interview conducted last week that aired after their first court appearance Tuesday.

"I recognized them, and I thought, 'Oh, man, what a bonehead mistake that I had no idea that those were in there,'" he said.

The couple were arrested and charged with possession of ammunition. Authorities seized their passports and explained the penalties they faced.

Valerie Watson said in the interview: "When I heard that, I immediately was terrified, because I was like we can't both be in prison for 12 years. We have kids at home, and this is such an innocent mistake."

The charges against her were dropped, and she returned home to Oklahoma City on Tuesday after the court hearing to be reunited with her two young children.

"Our goal is to get Ryan home, because we can’t be a family without Dad," she said.

The couple also spoke about the financial burden of a much longer-than-planned trip. "This is something that we may never recover from," Ryan Watson said.

The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a warning to travelers in September about a law that strongly prohibits possession of firearms or ammunition in Turks and Caicos, an overseas British territory southeast of the Bahamas that is a popular vacation spot.

It said: "We wish to remind all travelers that declaring a weapon in your luggage with an airline carrier does not grant permission to bring the weapon into TCI [Turks and Caicos Islands] and will result in your arrest."

The embassy added: "If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, we will not be able to secure your release from custody."

The embassy and the government in Turks and Caicos did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The same thing happened to another American, Bryan Hagerich, of Pennsylvania, who was arrested after ammunition was found in his luggage before he tried to board a flight out of Turks and Caicos in February. He said he accidentally left it in his bag.

Hagerich was on a family vacation with his wife and two young children but has now been in the country for 70 days. He spent eight days in prison before he posted bail.

"It’s incredibly scary. You know, you just don’t know what the next day may bring — you know, what path this may take," Hagerich told NBC Boston.

"You know, it’s certainly a lot different than packing your bags and going away with your family for a few days. It’s been the worst 70 days of my life," he said.

Hagerich, once a professional baseball player, was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the MLB 2007 June amateur draft from the University of Delaware.

His case goes to trial May 3.

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

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• Set Sail to the Islands of Kujukushima in Nagasaki

Navigate the clear blue waters from the opening scene of “The Last Samurai”

Just a stone’s throw from the city of Sasebo lies one of Japan’s most stunning ocean views, the Kujukushima islands in Saikai National Park . Literally meaning “99 Islands,” there are actually more than 200 verdant patches scattered along the coastline. While the islands are undeniably beautiful, their real charm only emerges at closer quarters. Head to the Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort for yachting, kayaking or a choice of island cruises.

Alternatively, embark on a solo ocean trip with one of the many rental yachts or kayaks at the resort. Finally, during Golden Week or weekends between August and October,      board a sunset cruise and snap photos of the islands at their very best, as the glittering reflections on the water turn the islands into dark droplets in a sea of gold. 

Access: From Tokyo Haneda Airport, fly to Nagasaki Airport (about 1 hour and 55 minutes); take the Saihi Bus to the Sasebo Eki Mae stop (about 1 hour and 30 minutes); take a taxi to the resort area (about 10 minutes).

Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort

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The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

C ruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. In fact, the Aloha State is in many ways an ideal cruise destination. It has year-round sunny weather, four main islands featuring varied topographies — including sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanic mountains and vibrant green valleys — and a wide array of land- and water-based activities.

The main caveat? Hawaii cruise options are somewhat limited — just a fraction of what's available in the Caribbean — and many itineraries involve multiday crossings from the West Coast. Only one cruise line offers Hawaii itineraries throughout the year; most others visit during specific months or when repositioning ships in spring and fall.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Looking for the Hawaiian Islands sailing that's right for you? Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler.

Norwegian Cruise Line's 7-night Inter-island Hawaii

For travelers who want more aloha time than the typical eight-hour port call allows, Norwegian Cruise Line has a solution. Its 2,186-passenger Pride of America lets vacationers sample four Hawaiian islands over seven days, with overnights in Maui and Kauai, plus port calls on both Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii. In total, this itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of shore time.

Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round. As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way. Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu.

The overnights on Maui and Kauai also mean it's possible to try several of Hawaii's signature experiences that most port calls don't allow. Passengers can catch dusk or dawn from atop Maui's massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with sunrise and sunset excursions to the Haleakala Crater. And with the ship in port all night on Kauai, guests who want to enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and hula performances can book the Luau Kalamaku for a fun evening out.

Pride of America, which has been cruising Hawaii since 2005, doesn't have the onboard thrills (race track, virtual-reality gaming, waterslides) of Norwegian's newer ships , but that's okay because the islands, not the ship, are your main destination. Its American-themed decor celebrates U.S. cities in a vibrant, and at times, kitschy way, but a 2021 refurbishment left its cabins and public spaces feeling refreshed.

Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki.

Who should go: Anyone seeking a convenient way to island-hop — and see a lot of Hawaii — by making the most of the generous shore time with a combination of independent exploration and shore excursions. Most sailings attract couples ages 50 and older, although summer and holiday sailings have plenty of families on board.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes

Cruisers seeking a less traditional, more carefree Hawaii experience can have it from November to April aboard UnCruise Adventures ' 36-passenger Safari Explorer. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary, which begins either on Molokai or the island of Hawaii, is an unconventional one designed for those who enjoy going off the beaten path in an intimate and more authentic setting. U.S. passports aren't required to sail.

UnCruise visits four islands — Maui and Lanai plus Molokai and Hawaii — and focuses on not only their striking landscapes and underwater beauty but also the cultural traditions, cuisine and music of the Hawaiian people. On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples.

Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. You might also catch glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles. A "Captain's Choice" day is a wild card determined by the weather, marine life in the area and other factors, while the final two days are spent exploring the Big Island of Hawaii — including a hike up Hualalai volcano and a skiff ride along the rugged coast.

Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska). Its size allows it to navigate areas larger ships can't reach, which in Hawaii means bays and coves ideal for snorkeling or watersports.

With such a small number of passengers aboard, guests get to know each other — and Safari Explorer's friendly and knowledgeable crew — quite well. Passengers come together over meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and as all UnCruise fares include unlimited wines, spirits and microbrews, shipmates can raise a glass without worrying who's buying a round. It all lends itself to an exclusive yet utterly relaxed week of cruising.

Who should go: The ship's laid-back onboard vibe paired with its land- and water-based activities make the Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary ideal for active travelers seeking a nature-focused itinerary — although cruise fares (which start around $5,900 per person) are among the priciest for a Hawaii cruise.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Holland America's 17-night Circle Hawaii

Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and who prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America 's 17-night Circle Hawaii itinerary. They'd better also love sea days because crossing the Pacific from San Diego or Vancouver to Honolulu and back requires 10 days.

That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii. Some itineraries stay in select ports overnight. Cruises departing from San Diego also call on Ensenada, Mexico. With either departure port, passports will be required.

The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam.

Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Koningsdam will sail a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary in 2025 that combines visits to four Hawaiian islands with calls on five islands in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati (and 20 sea days).

Related: Holland America unveils epic cruise to Hawaii and Alaska for 2025

Zaandam will also sail 51- to 56-night Tales of the South Pacific itineraries that visit multiple islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia along with ports in the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.

Holland America is popular with cruisers ages 60 and older, many of them retired, who have time to enjoy longer itineraries on ships that offer good value with a focus on culinary and musical enjoyment. Two of Koningsdam's most popular venues are its live entertainment area with three venues — B.B. King's Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock), and World Stage, a theater with a 270-degree screen used for both special BBC Earth in Concert and theatrical productions.

Onboard specialty dining options (at an added cost) include Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood, Tamarind for Pan-Asian cuisine and Rudi's Sel de Mer for French Brasserie specialties and seafood.

Who should go: Mature travelers who prefer not to fly and who enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. They should also love sea days as much (or even more so) than port exploration.

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

Princess Cruises' 15- or 16-night Hawaiian Islands

Princess Cruises is also a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in the fall and winter.

The majority of sailings are aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess and Ruby Princess from San Francisco, and the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess and 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess from Los Angeles.

Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours in Hawaii (Hilo), Kauai and Maui and for 16 hours in Oahu. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days.

The ships feature many of Princess' popular dining venues, including Alfredo's Pizzeria (a sit-down venue serving personal-size pizzas), Crown Grill for steaks and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria. There's plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun — including an adults-only sun deck — and a dazzling Piazza for enjoying cocktails, gelato and pop-up street performers.

Fans of Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings (with free popcorn) and Discovery at SEA enrichment programming will have ample time to enjoy these perks on a Hawaii sailing.

Who should go: These sailings will appeal to couples or groups of friends who prefer to have a wide choice of sailing dates, can take the time to enjoy a leisurely Pacific crossing and appreciate Princess' focus on quality cuisine and a sun deck designed for relaxation rather than thrills.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

Celebrity's 9- to 12-night Hawaii Cruise

Travelers seeking modern interior decor on a ship designed with couples in mind can visit Hawaii aboard Celebrity Cruises ' 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice or 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge on itineraries ranging from nine to 13 nights — but only if the timing is right. That's because the line offers only two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) as the ships reposition between Alaska and destinations in the Pacific. The itineraries are one-way (Vancouver to Honolulu or vice versa) with passports required.

These cruises call on three ports on two islands: Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo and Kona (Hawaii), with one or two overnights in port and 10 hours ashore on one-day visits. All include five days in a row at sea. Since the itineraries either begin or end in Honolulu, there's also a chance for some pre- or post-cruise exploration.

Sea days offer opportunities to enjoy the chic, grown-up ambience and amenities aboard these ships. Each vessel offers multiple complimentary and extra-fee specialty restaurants. Celebrity Solstice features Tuscan Grille for Italian specialties and steak and Murano for modern French cuisine, while Celebrity Edge offers the whimsical Le Petit Chef and the international Eden Restaurant.

Celebrity's signature Martini Bar and many other onboard watering holes keep the grown-up vibe going day and night. Choose cruise fares that include alcohol and Wi-Fi, or pay a lower rate and pay for your drinks as you go.

Who should go: The slightly shorter one-way sailings and the ships' contemporary ambience make these itineraries ideal for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxing escape — especially Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s, who are Celebrity's target market.

Related: 6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship (and 2 are in Hawaii)

Carnival's 14- or 15-night Hawaii from Los Angeles

If fun is your cruise mantra, the "Fun Ship" brand Carnival Cruise Line offers a handful of round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles (Long Beach) aboard the 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance. Like other roundtrips from the West Coast, these itineraries spend just five days in Hawaii, offering eight to 14 hours of shore time in ports on four islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii. Along with enjoying eight sea days, guests will also call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Carnival Radiance first sailed under that name in 2021, but it's not a new ship. Before an epic makeover, it sailed for the cruise line as Carnival Victory. Ship features include many of Carnival's signature complimentary and extra-fee dining venues, including Guy's Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Additional guest favorite destinations on board include the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and WaterWorks aquapark. Expect high-voltage theater shows from Playlist Productions at night and poolside interactive contests by day.

Who should go: Socially inclined cruisers who love Carnival's emphasis on onboard fun and can appreciate a colorful ship with a lively ambience and lots of day and evening activities.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise tips for getting the most from your island-hopping trip

Royal Caribbean's 9- to 13-night Hawaii Cruises

A megaship cruise experience to Hawaii is available, too — with pricing that's quite affordable. Royal Caribbean cruises there on two vessels in one of its newer classes of ships: the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.

All are one-way cruises just before or after the Alaska cruise season (so late April or early October) between Oahu and Vancouver (or vice versa). The ships call on two Hawaiian islands and spend four or five days in a row at sea. Passports are required since these itineraries begin or end in Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. These include RipCord by iFly simulated sky diving, FlowRider simulated surfing, bumper car racing in the SeaPlex indoor activity complex and the North Star sightseeing capsule, which ascends 300 feet above the top deck for 360-degree views.

Both ships also offer 14 dining venues, including the innovative Wonderland, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and kid-favorite Dog House, as well as bar options that include Schooner Bar for by-request piano tunes, Boleros for mojitos and merengue and Bionic Bar for drinks poured by robotic bartenders. Entertainment includes live cover bands in the Music Hall and multimedia music and dance performances in Two70.

Who should go: Cruisers who love a big ship with a wide array of dining choices, all kinds of evening entertainment and plenty of exciting activities to pass the time on sea days. Quantum-class ships are great for families, but the sail dates might not work for those with school-age kids.

Related: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Viking's 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn

For a guaranteed adults-only sailing in a relaxed, boutique-style setting, upscale cruise line Viking also offers round-trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 on its 930-passenger Viking Neptune.

What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. Additional excursions can be booked at an extra charge.

The 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailings visit four islands — Hawaii (Hilo), Oahu, Kauai and Maui — and like other round-trip sailings from the West Coast include 10 sea days and a call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Viking Neptune will also do 32-night Grand Hawaii and Polynesia sailings round-trip from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 that visit four islands in Hawaii and four in French Polynesia.

The ship, which debuted in 2022, features sleek Scandinavian-inspired decor, a soothing spa with a complimentary thermal area, an aft infinity pool and hot tub, a panoramic Explorer's Lounge and five onboard restaurants. Specialty restaurant Manfredi's serves an extensive menu of Italian specialties, while The Chef's Table offers rotating five-course themed menus, including Asian, French and California-inspired.

In addition to the free shore excursions, pricing includes complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner, specialty dining at no extra charge, crew gratuities and transfers.

Who should go: Couples who prefer the quieter ambience of a ship that doesn't allow anyone under 18 onboard, doesn't have a casino and offers presentations by regional experts that enhance immersion into local culture. Viking cruisers are generally over age 55.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

More From Forbes

How to see the best of northern europe on a scandinavian cruise.

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Cruise ship passengers enjoy the view of Sweden’s Stockholm archipelago from the Royal Caribbean ... [+] ship ‘Serenade of the Seas.’

If you’ve ever wanted to dive into the culture of the Vikings or explore what makes people in the Nordic region the so-called happiest on earth, you could do a lot worse than book a Scandinavian cruise.

Scandinavia—and Norway in particular—is an expensive place to travel around, so a cruise can make financial sense for those seeking an introduction to the region. For one price, you get your travel, accommodation, meals, and entertainment covered.

Such a trip offers the opportunity to sample various Scandinavian travel highlights , whether you prefer the Scandinavian capitals, the stunning Norwegian fjords, or soaking up the atmosphere of beautiful islands and historic ports in the Baltic Sea.

Popular Scandinavian Cruise Itineraries

Many different types of itinerary can be advertised as Scandinavian cruises. Typically, they focus on the Nordic capital cities. Some may also include the highlights of the Baltic Sea region, including the Baltic countries and ports in the north of Germany and Poland.

With popular Norwegian fjords cruises together with midnight sun and northern lights tours to the north of Norway also available, there is a lot of diversity in Scandinavian cruises.

Scandinavian Capitals : Cruise itineraries starting in the U.K. or Germany and calling in at two or even all three of Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen have long been popular.

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The Nyhavn district of Copenhagen, Denmark, is a popular destination for cruise ship passengers ... [+] visiting Scandinavia.

Helsinki is often included on such itineraries. If you want to explore modern Scandinavia while gaining access to some of the region’s best museums, such an itinerary is a perfect choice.

Such itineraries tend to be shorter, and are a great introduction to both cruising and Scandinavia, with limited sea days and plenty to see and do while in port.

Baltic Sea : Longer Scandinavian itineraries often include stops at Baltic Sea islands and ports. The beautiful Estonian capital city, Tallinn, or the Latvian capital, Riga, are particular highlights, as are ports on the northern coastline of Germany and Poland.

For those interested in Viking history, look out for smaller ship itineraries featuring Visby on the wonderful island of Gotland .

One such trip is this 12-night itinerary from Celebrity Cruises, which includes a visit to both Visby and Tallinn. Other highlights include a visit to Stockholm and Copenhagen, including an overnight stop in the latter.

The old city walls of Visby on Gotland island, a popular cruise port.

Norwegian Fjords : By far the most variety can be found in the Norwegian fjords region , with almost all major cruise lines operating at least some itineraries here. Although port calls in Flåm and Geiranger will soon be severely limited, many alternative ports will still be able to welcome some of the world’s largest cruise ships.

Whether you prefer the action-packed ships of Royal Caribbean or MSC, or the smaller ships that can sail along narrower fjords, there will be a Norwegian fjords itinerary for you.

Following the recent rise in popularity of the region as a cruising destination, the fjords season has extended, with trips available as early as April and as late as September.

British line P&O Cruises operates its relatively new megaship Iona in the fjords region for much of that period, with regular departures from Southampton on a popular 7-day itinerary.

Midnight Sun : Although all summer cruises in the region will experience long summer days, specific midnight sun itineraries set sail for the far north of Norway to let guests experience the thrill of being outside with the sun in the sky at midnight. Many of these trips visit Honningsvåg, which allows guests to travel by bus to the North Cape.

Northern Lights : In recent years, Scandinavia—or more specifically Norway—has become a year-round cruising destination thanks to the growth in popularity of northern lights cruises .

Aurora borealis in the sky seen from a cruise ship in Arctic Norway.

These itineraries can be found heading north of the Arctic Circle between October and early April.

Planning Tips For Scandinavian Cruises

Cruising in Northern Europe offers a fantastic variety of excursions and experiences, from historical city tours to adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures.

The region’s love of the outdoors lifestyle means active experiences are easy to find, both through cruise line excursions and independent operators.

The high levels of English comprehension across the region means booking your own activities and exploring ports independently is much easier than in many other parts of the world. Even so, look for independent tours that take place earlier in the day to reduce any time-related risk.

No matter when you visit Scandinavia, pack for all weathers. The height of summer can be marred by heavy rainfall, while it’s possible to get sunburnt in the snow-covered conditions of February and March.

Pack a versatile wardrobe. Layered clothing accommodates the region's variable weather, while specialized gear might be necessary for specific excursions.

Cruising And Sustainability

Prospective travelers should be aware of environmental concerns associated with cruising in this pristine region. The industry is moving towards sustainability, with initiatives to introduce zero-emission vessels in sensitive areas, particularly the UNESCO-listed Norwegian fjords .

Some local initiatives protesting against cruise travel have also gathered momentum, so cruisers should be aware of these issues before setting foot ashore.

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