2 hours ago, Retired23- said:

Does anyone know of the name of the cruise terminal port in Kyoto (Osaka), we will be on the NCL Spirit and docked there for two days on October 5th and 6th.  Thank you.

天保山客船ターミナル

11 hours ago, Hlitner said:

Can't say we have been to Yokohama "many times" and have only been their twice, in recent times.  We have enjoyed our stays at the Yokohama Park Royal, which is well located for those of us who are mobile, since it is within walking distance of Chinatown, the nearby park, and is also attached (underground) to a large indoor shopping mall (with quite a few eating venues).  This latter really worked out, one day, when it was raining cats-dogs and we could simply walk over to one of the mall restaurants for dinner.

 

I do not see the advantage of staying close to the port/pier (assuming you even know which port) since most folks are going to use a taxi to get to the port (assuming they are also dragging lots of luggage).  It matters little to us if we need to take a taxi 1/4 mile or 2 miles.  Those with severe mobility issues, that really limits walking, will likely need to use taxis to get them close to wherever they choose to go.  Consider that our favored hotel (Park Royal) involves a pretty long walk to simply get from the elevator to the hotel exit.  

 

I would also caution anyone booking a pre-cruise hotel, to make sure their reservation is able to be cancelled without penalty.  Docking locations/ports have been known to change, sometimes within the few weeks prior to a voyage.  In fact, we just noted yesterday, that Oceania changed a March 2025 voyages embarkation port from Tokyo to Yokohama.  And knowing Oceania, they are liable to change it again and again.  In most cases, the change of embarkation ports is more a decision forced by the ports rather than something cruise lines do on their own.  

 

Hank

Hank,
You made an excellent constructive feedback 👍. If you are healthy and mobile, you can stay anywhere you like. 
You are right, no reason to stay near a cruise terminal, otherwise too far to walk but too short of a distance for a taxi. All taxis have an initial fare, regardless of distance. Most taxi drivers prefer long distance fares.
Anyone prefer public amenities are nearby, then stay near a major train station.

If Oceania changed a March 2025 voyages embarkation port from Tokyo to Yokohama, more like will dock at Shinko Pier.

1 hour ago, bazzaw said:

AAH! I found this webpage which tells what ships go to which berths in Yokohama https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp.e.sj.hp.transer.com/kanko-bunka/minato/kyakusen/nyuko/2024.html   Seems that most go to Osanbashi with some ( what appear to be smaller ships) go to Shinko pier 

Sihnko Pier is for small cruise ships; Osanbashi for medium and Daikoku Pier for large cruise ship because of Yokohama Bay Bridge clearance restriction.

5 hours ago, villauk said:

 

We’re on an 11:50am flight in August; I can let you know how we get on if you so wish? We do have a private transfer booked though.

August travel is not crazy as Golden Week. Only typhoon and earthquake will impact you travel plan.

6 hours ago, mfabz said:

monkey@cruise and DaKahuna -- your input would be appreciated

 

We are on Celebrity Millennium scheduled to arrive in Yokohama at 6:30 am on Sunday, April 20, 2025.  We would be waiting on line to walk off with luggage once ship is cleared.  Is it possible to go thru customs and get to Haneda in time to take an 11:00 am flight back to the states?   

 

Thanks

Even in an ideal scenario: ship docks at 6:30am and cleared at 7am. First one off the gangway; clear customs, and taxi queue. Travel time from terminal to Haneda airport usually under 45 min.
Your road block will be at the Airport Roadway and Haneda Airport - "2025 Japan Golden Week, April 29 to May 5" and  "Osaka World Expo 2025 starts from April 13".

You must clear security and exit immigration. If your departure gate number is above 140, will be a long walk. International flight large aircrafts usually boarding time is 45 min before departure. So give yourself minimum 2.5 hr. airport check-in time.

Cross your fingers if planning the 11:00am departure.

Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. Any prone will shutdown transport system for safety.

3 hours ago, debfed65 said:

 

Amazing details, this is great....thank you so much 🙂 

 

 

You are very welcome. If you don't mind taking public transport, many attractions can be visted in a cost saving way. There are cafes, small eateries around Kamakura and Hase stations; or you can pick up sandwiches from any convenience stores (Japanese breads are soft, ingredients are differ from North American).

50-60 min travel time.
Metro Minatomiral Line to Yokohama station: 4 stops fare ¥230 time 7 min
JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura station: 6 stops fare ¥360  25 min
Enoden Line to Hase station: 3 stops fare ¥200  5 min

2 hours ago, jsglow said:

I'm glad it worked out fine for you. I'm glad I didn't need to do the work. I hope you enjoyed your trip.

I already did the Celebrity sailing. Discovery Princess won't let us apply our own e-Visa, and must pay US $75/PP fee. (money grab). The google map address function is very handy, display in English and in local language. Use it to show local taxi driver where I want to go, no lost in communication translation. Enjoy your transpacific cruise.

3 hours ago, jsglow said:

I stand by my statement. The fact that an exhaustive search of the interwebs is necessary to come up with the REQUIRED port address means it is difficult by definition. And seeing that all that is being done for me is a huge load off thousands of cruisers, myself included.  

We received the seaport info from Celebrity email and I got the address from google map, shared with all CC members for our Celebrity sailing, everyone got the e-VISA without issue.

Information About the trip"
Entry through checkpoint - Vung Tau Seaport 
Exit through checkpoint - Nha Trang Seaport
Intended temporary resident address in Vietnam - Celebrity Millennium, Phu My Port, Phú Mỹ, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Vietnam
City/Province - BA RIA - VUNG TAU

5 hours ago, Hlitner said:

Where I disagree with AKJonsey, is that we much prefer to stay in Yokohama (if embarking from one of their three cruise ports) rather than staying near Haneda.  Why?  Yokohama is actually a nice city, in its own right, with an excellent Chinatown, promanade, plenty of restaurants, and excellent public transit (including good metro service to Tokyo).  Even if we were to check-in at 11 pm, that taxi ride from Haneda to a Yokohama hotel should not take more than a half hour.  We would much prefer to wake-up in Yokohama than the Haneda area.   There are less expensive ways to get to Yokohama from Haneda (i.e. bus, train, etc) but we never regret the convenience and ease of grabbing a taxi.  Another option, is one wants to use the train, is to ship your luggage from the airport to your hotel (they can send your luggage to nearly any place in the country) so that you do not need to deal with luggage on a train.  My issue with this is that once you pay for the luggage shipping service (and it takes a few minutes to make the arrangements) it may well be that a taxi would not have cost much more money.

 

To us, the bigger issue is whether to stay near the port (i.e. Yokohama) or in Tokyo.  We enjoy both cities and basing one's self in Tokyo (we like the Shinjuku area) is very convenient for seeing all that Tokyo has to offer.  

 

Last year we spent a few days in Tokyo, before taking the train to Kyoto where we spent 6 nights.  For that trip, we did have our hotel ship our luggage ahead to our Kyoto hotel.  We had it at the desk the morning of the day before we checked-out of our Tokyo hotel, and our luggage was waiting for us when we checked-in at Kyoto.  The cost of shipping two large pieces was about $50 and well worth it.  The practice of shipping luggage (to hotels) is very common in Japan.

 

Hank

Hank,

AK.Jonsey is a HAL cruiser and pier is Shinko. Unfortunately, the couple had medical challenge, wife had to use a cane due to hip replacement and max 2 mile walk/day, husband requires B12 injection. Haneda Terminal 3,  4/F and 5/F are restaurants and convenience stores, walking from her hotel takes 10 min, under 2000 feet distance. Haneda also had medical emergency station. In Yokohama, I think only Yokohama station had the similar facilities like Haneda and  Yokohama Bay Sheraton is the closest. If they are healthy seniors, then staying in Haneda for 2 days is not a wise decision.

Since you have been to Yokohama many times, if someone had the similar medical condition, which hotel with varieties restaurants nearby, will you recommend? 

I seldom overnight in Yokohama, I always pre-cruise stay in Osaka/Kyoto, I can day trip to Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara and Wakayama. On embankment day, ride the shinkansen, a 2.5 hrs travel to any Yokohama cruise terminal, similar time from Narita to Yokohama. Hotel cost is cheaper than in Tokyo, even factor in the shinkansen fare.

4 hours ago, debfed65 said:

rinshin- is it fairly easy to get to Kamakura on our own from the pier in Yokohama? Taxi or train? 
 

We have a turn around day for our b2b so do you think there is enough time to do it on that day? 
 

thanks! 

Some CC members did go to Kamakura Big Buddha during turn around day.
1. From Osanbashi Pier either taxi to Yokohama station or walk to Nihon-Odori Station take metro Minatomirai Line to Yokohama Station.
2. From Yokohama Station, take JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura station, then transfer Enoden Line to Hase station. Walk 10 min to Kotoku-in temple.

https://www.city.kamakura.kanagawa.jp/visitkamakura/en/access/index.html

Yokosuka Line runs every 10-15 min

Follow the signage in Kamakura station to Enoden Line

Enoden Lines runs every 15 min:

4 hours ago, janetmojo said:

I'd like to post my very deepest thanks to those who have posted and added to this amazing thread!  I've copied the daily info sheets onto my pc and copied and pasted many of your notes into my files for our July cruise next summer (yes we know it will be hot but we are working around the school schedule for my niece and nephew.)  As a side question...I'm looking at spending around 3-4 days at Tokyo Disney and wonder if anyone has any advice as to if it worth staying on an "on property hotel" for the extra 15 mins entry time or some have suggested I stay at the Hilton Tokyo Bay Celebrio rooms.  I'm also seeking advice for pre/post stay for myself alone (mid 40's female) to explore Tokyo/Yokohama on my own for an extra week or so.  Thanks again!

The typhoon season in Japan runs from May through October, with most activity from July to September.

If first timer to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, I suggest book a Disney Resort vacation package, to enjoy Disney to the fullest and guaranteed admissions. You need an App on your smart phone in the Park and Japanese is the primary language.

12 minutes ago, jsglow said:

The fact that Carnival is literally doing it for a $6 premium is simply incredible. Huge thumbs up to them. I witnessed the wailing and gnashing of teeth last winter as folks were trying to figure out the entry Provinces, etc. on a competitor's cruise. Nightmare. They were roundly (and appropriately) criticised.

A loose left visa mostly for cruise ship passengers with restriction. An E-VISA  is a general electronic visa. Cruise ship companies do have how-to sample document, and Vietnam gov't website does post list file for seaports and provinces. Actually is very easy to apply the e-Visa if collected all the required information ahead. Don't shoot first and ask questions later. 

9 hours ago, luckybecky said:

@AKJonesy @monkey@cruise Thank you for all the detailed information! Excellent suggestions! We have a lot of time to figure this out. It's good to hear what worked for other people.

If NCL docks at Tokyo International, stay in Shinagawa City, north of Haneda. Yokohama is 10 miles south of Haneda. If requires taxi transport to Tokyo area, flat-rate fare taxi available from Haneda.

36 minutes ago, jsglow said:

Carnival just notified guests of the planned October trans-Pacific that it will provide Visas for Vietnam onboard for $31. Fantastic news. 

Good 👍 loose leaf visa is US$5 and Carnival charges $26 for admission fee. Princess charges the most, US $75

3 hours ago, rinshin said:

I think you will hit the beginning of cherry blossom season then.  Earlier, it is ume blossom season.  Weather then will be perfect hence big tourist season in Japan.  Be prepared for crowds esp in metro Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.  Kyoto during the cherry blossom season will be packed with tourists ie throngs of tourists much like Venice. Late March is prime cherry blossom season starting fro southern Japan slowly extending north to Hokkaido.  If you ever get a chance to do a  week tour of Hokkaido, I really recommend it.  Vast and very interesting esp the Ainu culture. 

I wish Celebrity will add Otaru to her itineary. I like the Hokkaido Shiroi Koibito biscuit 
(白い恋人 white lover) - chocolate sandwiched between langue de chat. My friends always ask me to bring this iconic souvenir whenever I travel to Japan.

2 minutes ago, abbydancer2003 said:

Right - how are you guys?  As I recall, you changed your cc handle between them.

 

Suzie passed away in 2017, so I changed CC named from SSN.  Travelling in Japan is relatively easy, most of the port I did DIY. If sailing the Spice Route, will be head spinning for all of us.

9 hours ago, abbydancer2003 said:

 

 

Our first Celebrity cruise was an Eastern Med cruise, with 2 sea days out of 10.  I told DH we needed a vacation from our vacation.

 

We had Conner on the Summit last year - he was great.  Maybe Eliza on the Apex, not sure it was same, but if so, she was great also.

 

Abby, we both did Antarctica on Star Princess;  and Iceland TA on Caribbean Princess. I will do the Expo 2025 in Osaka and take Discovery Princess to Singapore.

https://tokyo-haneda.com/en/index.html
Haneda Airport has three different terminals. Terminal 1 is a domestic only, Terminal 2 is mostly domestic, but it has a few international flights. Terminal 3, is only for international flights. 
If arrival gate number is above 140, an extensive walking distance to immigration hall.

Visit Japan Web online form vs Paper Form
If both queue the same line, the QR code doesn't speed up immigration—still need to see an official to get your passport reviewed and stamped.
If separate line for each - QR code, paper form. The QR code line will be quicker.
For customs, a separate line with kiosks for QR codes. Scan the QR code and  passport at a kiosk, confirm your answer and go to the automated gate, you only have to remove hat/mask and slowly walk out (there is camera that look at you). QR code line is quicker than paper form line.

Transport from Haneda Airport
Keikyu Airport Line Express to Yokohama station, operates till 11:30pm, every 15 min, 30 min travel, fare ¥370  (US $2.5)
Keikyu Haneda Airport Bus to Yokohama Sta. (YCAT), operates till 11:30pm, every 20 min, 30 min travel, fare ¥650  (US 4.50)
Taxi from Haneda Airport to Yokohama Stn. fare : ¥10,000  (US $65)

Train is commuter rail, though no luggage rack, but floor area for luggage, if taking the train during evening hours, fewer passenger .

Bus accepts touch payment by credit card (Visa, American Express, Diners Club, Discover), no need to queue at a ticketing desk.

Yokohama Bay has three cruise terminals: Daikoku Pier, Osanbashi Hall and Shinko Pier
Haneda Airport ⇔ Yamashita Park/Minato Mirai District/ Red Brick Warehouse bus route
Runs every 2 hours from 10am to 4pm, 4 times a day only. fare ¥800  (US $5.30)
Shinko Pier - 300 feet;  Osanbashi Hall - 1800 feet; Daikoku Pier - N/A no public transport access (shuttle from Yamashita Park)

6 hours ago, Cruise5life said:

I’ll be spending a day in Yokohama and wondering if it possible to take the bullet train round trip somewhere just to get the experience of riding the train?    Staying at the Hyatt Regency Yokohama.    
just looking for something to do for the day.    
thanks. 

The nearest shinkansen station is shin-yokohama station about 10 km from your hotel, 30 min train ride from Kannai station or Sakuragichō Station.
You can ride the shinkansen to Nagoya in 75 min; Kyoto in 110 min, Osaka in 130 min, Kobe in 180 min, Hiroshima in 220 min,.....

20 minutes ago, Pushka said:

Website is borked right now. Doesn't recognise previous cruises nor current cruises. Entering details can't find it. 

More likely a system update got kaboom.  Wait for a Walmart rollback !

    ありがとう  DaKahuna. Thank you for your patience allow me hijacking your thread.

    Safe Travel. I didn't know your Osaka Dotonbori tour is on your own, otherwise

    will tell you the  hidden gems location. You must re-visit Japan to pick up the missing pieces.

10 hours ago, patty1955 said:

It only happens on Chrome on my PC. My tablet and phone both display it correctly. I do use some extensions so maybe that's the issue.

By the way, my husband checked Celebrity's website to try to help and I can't repeat what he said when he saw the flashing header on the home page. Let's just say he's not a fan.

For PC, you use the Chrome Browse to connect Celebrity website, where tablet/smart phone use Celebrity own app (you download the app from App store) to connect. I can see Celebrity try to moving users using app interface than through PC browser.

2 hours ago, hummingbird_206 said:

Thanks for the info about the pier. 

 

As to why walk to the Ropeway, because we like to walk and take in the sites as we walk.  I haven't looked into the tram.  Good to know about it so we know the options in case we decide not to walk.

 

 

This is my Hakodate tram experience, I was not in kimono outfit !

You can take the tram to Goryōkaku Park and Tower.

1 hour ago, DaKahuna said:

 

I did not count but I would say there had to be at least 10 to 12 positions open and processing people. 

Thanks, This will be quick, can clear the whole ship in 2 hours. Hakodate is not a wealthy but conservative city, very few shopping malls and department stores. If the city want to earn tourist $$$, act fast!

They can tell I am a tourist because I am not in kimono outfit. 

1 hour ago, hummingbird_206 said:

Thanks for the info.  The writeup you linked was in 2019, so perhaps they have changed where the ship docks?  According to this site, the pier is where I used for my Google Maps link.  https://www.cruisetimetables.com/hakodate-japan-cruise-ship-schedule.html

 

Also, the cruise excursions say they walk to the Red-Brick Warehouse and the Morning Market, both of which are by the dock I used.  But I appreciate the warning so we'll be prepared in case we don't dock where I noted!

Hakodate built a new cruise terminal and pier - Wakamatsu Wharf Quay in 2021-22 and operate since 2023 fall. The wharf is designated for small and medium size cruise ships. Minatocho wharf (7 km away) is for overflow (2nd cruise ship) or cruise ship over 110,000 tonnage (Royal Princess docked  there in April).

Westerdam will dock at Wakamatsu Wharf, if no other ship took the spot. Diamond Princess and Celebrity also docking at Wakamatsu Wharf 

Why walk to the Hakodate Ropeway? Ride a tram only cost ¥210 per trip, or you purchase a tram day pass (unlimited ride) for ¥600 from JR Hakodate station tourist center. No more concern on pedestrian and location safety .

Picture of Wakamatsu Wharf and cruise terminal

3 min walk to the Fish market back entrance, 5 min to JR Hakodate train station.