This exclusive cruise feature is brought to you by TD founder and co-chairman Gary Marshall aboard small luxury expedition ship, PONANT Le Lapérouse, en route to Osaka, Japan. 

If first impressions are anything to go by, this 13-night voyage looks like it’s going to be one of the best Japanese luxury cruises going and is destined to stick in the old memory bank for many years to come — and is certainly an item struck off my oh-so-long bucket list.

In the spirit of a quintessential luxury cruise experience, enhanced with polished European taste, the design gurus brought in to bring Le Lapérouse to life, have hit the mark with this classy and elegant purpose-built expedition ship.

From the moment you walk up the gangway and enter the lobby, where you are greeted by ship’s captain, Fabien Roché — accompanied by his attentive and impeccably well-dressed crew (most of whom come fully equipped with super-cool French accents)  — you can feel the quality of the build and dedication  to service just oozing from every corner.

PONANT’s Le Lapérouse features 92 spacious staterooms and suites, four of which boast some 45 sqm of space + 30 sqm balcony — all elegantly appointed like anything you would expect from some of the best hotel rooms in the world.

Designed and decorated by the French designer Jean-Philippe Nuel, each stateroom has large windows and decent size balconies to sit and enjoy the morning views with a cuppa in hand or relax at sunset with a glass of your favourite beverage. It already includes king-size beds, lounge area, door to balcony, bath-tub or shower depending on the stateroom, selection of French-brand toiletries, flatscreen and satellite TVs, Wi-Fi access, direct telephone line via satellite and room service twice daily.

In the Wake of General MacArthur: The Legacy of World War II

PONANT’s 14-day cruise itinerary ‘In the Wake of General MacArthur: The Legacy of World War II’ originates in Hong Kong, visits Taiwan and meanders up throughout a series of some of the most enchanting and interesting islands that Japan has to offer and finishes in Osaka. While on Le Lapérouse, guests are treated to significant immersive experiences and premium luxury service.

Highlights include Japan’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Miyajima Sanctuary and vermillion Torii, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Shuri Castle in Naha on Okinawa Island, as well as the shrines and landscapes of the Mt Fuji.

PONANT – French luxury cruise line

The only French cruise company in the world, PONANT has been offering luxury cruise experiences for more than three decades. The company prides itself for offering a unique cruise concept, combining exceptional cruise itineraries with 5-star hotel services.

To find out more about one of the best Japanese luxury cruises — and to experience the Gallic charm and unsurpassable service of this uniquely accomplished cruise line, make sure to click here and find Ponant’s range of incredible offers, to take you on your own bucket-list-worthy cruises across Europe, Asia, the US and more — you won’t regret it!