We choose this cruise to coincide with a significant birthday and to make the festive season special. A last minute change of itinerary meant we visited some some less visited ports in Japan.

The passengers were a mix from all over the world, not the North American majority normally present on a Regent cruise. This was probably due to its starting and finishing point.

We enjoyed the ports and excursions although felt despite the on board decorations, it was not really festive. Christmas dinner, turkey notwithstanding, could have been any night; Regent left an impersonal 'Happy Holidays' card in our room. I guess we expected a bit more song and dance. Read more