Modern styling for Japanese mature-age cruisers
Overview. Nippon Maru is really for Japanese-speaking couples and single travelers who want very comfortable surroundings, and who enjoy decent food and good service, all at a decent cost.
The Ship. Nippon Maru had an ambitious four-month refit in 2009–10, when a new hydraulic tender loading platform was created. Deck extensions created space for more public rooms such as a new dining room for suite-class and deluxe-grade passengers, a piano lounge, and a health/fitness facility.
The interior’s focal point is an atrium lobby that spans six decks. Public rooms include a showlounge, piano lounge, a 54-seat screening room/lecture room (Mermaid Theater), a gaming corner with give-aways rather than cash prizes, and a Chashitsu tatami room within the Horizon Lounge. The Neptune Bar has probably the most extensive assortment of Scotch whiskies (including many rare single malts) at sea.
Accommodation. The newer suites, on Deck 6, are large and have a separate sleeping and living areas. A sofa, two chairs, and coffee table occupy one section of the lounge; there is also a writing desk with Nespresso machine and tea-making facilities. The two beds can be pushed together. The bathroom includes a ‘washlet,’ but the step into the bathroom is high, at 8ins (21cm). Slippers and bathrobes are provided. Nine suites include two with huge balconies. Suites and deluxe-grade cabins are nicely decorated, and the living area has a table and two chairs, and two beds; there’s also a personal computer.
All standard cabins have blond wood cabinetry and good drawer space. Many have a third (or third and fourth) pull-down upper Pullman berth. Tea-making sets are provided, as is a good range of personal toiletry items.
Dining. The Mizuho dining room, which seats around 320, serves both traditional Japanese cuisine and Western dishes. There is one open seating. The ship is known for its high-quality food. A premium dining room, Kasuga, has been added for suite- and deluxe-grade occupants; adjacent is the excellent Shiosai sushi bar – always with some very high-quality sashimi and sushi.
Entertainment. The Dolphin Hall has a proscenium-arched stage, wooden dance floor, and seating on both the main and balcony levels of this two-deck-high room. There’s social dancing, with gentlemen hosts available as partners, and a rich program of lecturers and musicians.
Spa/Fitness. The Terraké Spa includes beauty and nail treatment rooms, three body treatment rooms, and a small fitness room. There’s a traditional Japanese Grand Bath (one for women, one for men, open until 1am), with washing stations and a sauna. Adjacent is a sports massage room.