Japan & the Aleutian Islands

Welcome to Otaru. Transfer to Scenic Eclipse where your journey into wonder begins with a warm greeting by the crew as you step on board. Raise your glass this evening and toast the start of your ultra-luxury cruise.

Please book your flight to arrive into Sapporo prior to 02:00 PM.

Today’s sea day gives you the chance to familiarise yourself with your Discovery Yacht and make the most of the services and activities on board.     

Feel the excitement building as your Discovery Team explains how your zodiac and optional helicopter^, and Discovery Excursions will work in the coming days. Get familiar with the provided clothing you will need for kayak and stand up paddleboarding excursions.

Set your alarm early this morning and head to the Observation Deck to be among the first to see the sunrise in the land of the rising sun, as we sail into Nemuro. In the Lake Furen area lush green fields meet more than 300 species of wild birds, particularly Sea Eagles and wild Japanese red foxes. See wild deer at Cape Ochiishi. 

Welcome to Kushiro, home to Japan’s largest marshland, Kushiro Shitsugen, and some of the most pristine wildlife habitats in the country. The most populous city in eastern Hokkaido was previously an industrial port and came to life thanks to its harbour and its status as the gateway to the National Parks close by.

Today, uncover the highlights of Kushiro. Visit the Kushiro Crane Reserve, preserving endangered redheaded cranes, which were on the verge of extinction in the 1950s. Continue to Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, Japan’s newest national park and the first Ramsar site designated in Japan. Enjoy a scenic drive by the observatory, offering views of the marshes and Mount Oaken and Meakan in the distance. Finish your day at the Kushiro City Museum. A skeleton of a mammoth greets you upon entry into this impressively designed building that houses a collection of displays on the nature and history of the Kushiro area.

The state-of-the-art theatre on Deck 4 is the hub for on board entertainment. The advanced cinemascope technology and multiple viewing screens create an immersive 270-degree experience, complete with a sparkly night sky ceiling. You’ll be sitting in supremely comfortable reclining lounge chairs and a full range of drinks is available from the attentive waiters.

During the day, the theatre hosts talks and lectures from the Discovery Team. At night, it transforms into a glittering entertainment venue showcasing professional-quality productions from musical theatre and cabaret to pop music, dance and fun interactive game shows. Take a closer look at the cast and you might recognise some of your favourite crew showing their talent on stage. 

You can find more night-time entertainment in the ship’s bars and lounges, with piano players, musicians and singers performing regularly.

Cruise the Bering Sea and over the International Date Line.

A holiday can be a chance to expand your knowledge, so today you could join one of the talks, demonstrations or workshops hosted by the on board experts. For a culinary masterclass, head to Scenic Épicure on Deck 5. With a special cooking station, hydroponic herb garden and a large TV screen, you’ll get to see the ship’s chefs in action as they create authentic regional dishes relating to your itinerary. The Head Sommelier also hosts wine tastings in Épicure, taking guests through some of the most interesting bottles from the ship’s wine cellar. Note that numbers are limited for all classes require a booking once announced on board.  

Check your daily program for other specialist classes happening throughout the day, like smartphone photography workshops, movement and mobility lectures from the wellness coaches, or a guided whiskey tasting.  

A true culinary journey awaits every day on board Scenic Eclipse, with up to 10 extraordinary all-inclusive dining experiences. Start with breakfast al fresco at the Yacht Club (be sure to return later to visit the large gelato fridge). For lunch, Azure Bar & Café serves light meals, pizza and salads that are available for grazing throughout the day. Elements is the main restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, where the menu ranges from Italian to steak and seafood.   

The selection of specialty restaurants on board allows you to dine around the world each night. Channel the spirit of Asia at Koko’s Asian Fusion; choose one of the sunken Japanese-style tables for an authentic ambience. Take a seat at the bar at Sushi @ Koko’s to watch the chefs at work or enjoy the spectacle of teppanyaki-style dining inspired by the markets of Asia at Night Market @ Koko’s, an exclusive experience for just eight guests at a time. Journey to France at Lumière, a contemporary fine dining French restaurant replete with a luxe Champagne bar.   

Chef’s Table @ Elements is an invitation-only private dining event for just 10 guests. Set within the Elements restaurant, you’ll could dine on an 11-course degustation menu prepared by the Head Chef and his team, paired with premium wines. And indulgent in-suite dining is available 24 hours a day; your butler can arrange a sweet treat, midnight snack or breakfast in bed whenever you fancy. 

The Aleutian Islands is a chain of small islands forming a segment of what is known as the Pacific Ring of Fire. One of the world’s most beautiful and dramatic regions, journey along the sea-sculpted coastlines, admiring the rocky shores, windswept landscape and steep, bold mountains.  Attu Island is the westernmost and largest of the Aleutian Islands, and is the only location that World War II was fought on North American soil.  Home to many birds, enjoy watching them in the natural habitat as they fly round the rolling hillside. Learn of the Forgotten War from the on board historian.  

Discovery: Throughout your voyage, learn from the expert on board Discovery Team, with historians looking back on World War II, to ornithologists teaching you of the multitude of bird species and the stories told by the rocky landscapes with the geologist. Kayak along the islands, join the Discovery Team for landings and explore by foot or discover secret inlets by Zodiac. 

Kiska Island > Davidof Island
Kiska Island is a volcanic island located in Alaska's Aleutian Islands, near the western end of the Aleutian chain. Part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, this island is uninhabited by humans. Kiska Island was previously occupied by the Japanese during the Second World War, and there are still some remnants of the war around the island. 

Located in the eastern end of the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian chain, Davidof Island is home to a variety of seabirds and marine mammals.  

Both Kiska Island and Davidof Island offer breathtaking views of the surrounding Alaskan wilderness, making them excellent destinations for nature lovers seeking remote and pristine environments. 

Discovery: If conditions allow, take the opportunity to hike, or take your binoculars ashore for some bird watching. Or maybe kayak along the islands rocky shores 

Adak Island 
Surrounded by rocky cliffs that rise steeply form the water, Scarrab Bay on Adak Island is marked by small coves, tidal pools, and sandy beaches. With waters that are usually calm, they are home to a variety of wildlife, including sea otters, seals, sea lions, and whales. 
Adak Island used to be home to a naval base that was in operation from 1942 until 1997. At its peak, there are over 6000 personal based here. Today, the abandoned military buildings and infrastructure serve as reminders of the island's military past. Scarrab Bay is a unique destination that offers guests an immersive natural and historical experience.

Discovery: Hike along the coastal trains, or discover the coastline on kayak and stand up paddleboard.

Atka Island
One of the largest islands in the Andreanof Islands group, Atka Island has a rugged terrain of mountains, valleys, and volcanic cones. The island is home to approximately 60 people who live off the land. Atka Island is home to a diverse range of wildlife species, including marine mammals, seabirds, and land animals such as foxes and reindeer.  

Discovery: If conditions allow, go ashore today and explore the remote wilderness.

Chagulak Island > Chegunadak Island
Chagulak Island is a small island situated in the Gulf of Alaska. Like many other towns in the Aleutians, the small amount of local people that live here are largely subsistence hunters and fishers, relying on the surrounding waters to provide for their needs. The island's terrain is rugged, with steep cliffs and rocky beaches, and the weather can be unpredictable, with strong winds and heavy rain or fog.

Discovery: If conditions allow, the island offers some of the most spectacular views in the region. Walk along the island's rocky coasts and through its lush forests is a popular activity, with opportunities to spot wildlife and birdlife such as puffins along the way.

Umnak Island
The third-largest island of the Aleutian archipelago, Umnak Island is known for its rugged topography, active volcanoes, and abundant wildlife.
Hot Spring Cove is a popular destination on Umnak Island that attracts visitors for its natural geothermal hot springs. Take the opportunity to take a dip in the mineral-rich hot springs while enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.

One of the world’s largest and most famous fishing ports, Dutch Harbour has a fascinating history. In 1942, Dutch Harbor was attacked by aerial bombardment from the Japanese.  Take in the beautiful scenery of this remote and mountainous landscape much loved by tourists, and famed for its hiking, skiing, sportfishing, kayaking and wildlife.
 

Freechoice:
Museum of the Aleutians and WWII Visitor Center: Visit the Museum of the Aleutians and WWII Visitor Center. The Museum of the Aleutians is a cultural history institution for the Aleutian Islands and the community of Unalaska. The museum opened its doors in 1999 with the mission to collect, preserve, and research the cultural history and prehistory of the Aleutian Islands region. Through actively growing Unangax, Russian-American, WWII, and local art collections, the museum provides stimulating permanent and changing exhibits, as well as a home to researchers, visitors, and community members. The visitor center for Aleutian World War II National Historic Area is located in Unalaska. Many of the objects, quotes, and information in the visitor center came directly from Aleutian residents and World War II veterans who have shepherded this project along from the beginning.

Bunker Hill Hike: Bring your camera and binoculars for the beautiful, panoramic view that awaits you at the top of hike up Bunker Hill. Enjoy the opportunity to learn about the prehistory, history, flora and fauna as you make your journey up and down the hill in two hours. While the 360- degree view of the area is no longer of strategic importance as it was during World War II, the top of Bunker Hill still offers a beautiful view of Captains Bay, Amaknak Island, Unalaska Bay and Dutch Harbor. 

For relaxation and wellbeing at sea, the indulgent Senses Spa awaits on Deck 6. This expansive 550m2 gold-leaf emblazoned spa is like nothing you’ll see on other cruise ships. Inside this luxurious retreat you can be pampered with a range of holistic ESPA treatments* including massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. A range of alternative therapies are also on offer, like Japanese shiatsu, Indian Ayurvedic massage and Tibetan bowl sound healing, which is said to produce a healing energy that can relieve stress and pain and promote wellbeing. There’s also a hair and beauty salon within the spa if you need a touch up.

After your treatment, soak in the Vitality plunge pool on the Senses Spa Pool Deck, where the temperature of the water will be perfectly matched to the weather. Warm up in the tranquil Vitality thermal lounge, where unique heated loungers gently purify the body. You’ll also find Nordic bathing experiences, infra-red saunas, chromo-therapy pressure showers, and separate steam rooms and relaxation lounges for men and women.

Said to be one of the most remote islands in Alaska. Immerging from draping fog, the treeless island will make you feel like a true explorer. Listen for the chitters of the island’s endemic singing vole as you walk around the tundra, gaining an insight into what life would have been like for the pioneers that first attempted to settle here in 1809. At Hall Island, go ashore with the on board Discovery Team and be immersed in the feeling of seeing ocean in all directions. 

Discovery: Join the Discovery Team to go ashore via Zodiac. Set foot on this remote, uninhabited island and explore the raw nature and untamed landscapes. 

This is your final day at sea so you may want to revisit some of your favourite spots on board. Book in for one final massage or treatment* at the Senses Spa, then relax on the heated beds in the Vitality Lounge. Lay back in a cabana or lounge chair on Deck 10, making sure you have sampled everything on the cocktail list. Take one last look through the Swarovski telescopes on the Observation Terrace, swim in the Vitality pools or eat gelato in the Yacht Club. If you haven’t yet visited the bridge, today is your chance. You could also drop into the boutique for those last-minute gifts or a souvenir to take home.

Be sure to meet your friends at your favourite on board restaurant for your final night on board. And then toast an unforgettable voyage with a vintage whisky in the Lounge Bar or a glass of French champagne in Lumière.

Your cruise ends this morning in Anchorage as you say farewell to your crew. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport.

Please book your flight to depart out of Anchorage after 08:00 PM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.