tubeamps

We did this same trip last November but we flew Atlanta to Toronto, then to Narita. Since our first flight was 6:30am we left Woodstock at 3am, made it to the airport in 42 minutes which is unheard of. Anyway, enjoy the adventure, a great trip. BTW, if you are at the Hilton Shinjuku there is a nice 24 hour grocery about one block away if you want some snacks, drinks for the room.

Our experience at the Hilton (November 2023) was quite different. Our room was on the 26th floor, we never had an issue with crowded elevators. we typically went to breakfast at 7:30 and never encountered a line to get in, never had a problem getting a table.

We were at the Hilton Shinjuku last November and it was a very good. A bit crowded at times because many flight crews stay there, but clean, modern, central location.

It was also about an 1 hour 20 minutes ride to get to our Regent provided hotel in the Shinjuku district.

Don’t know what FtF is, but the Regent Explorer only has 700 passengers so no deck by deck anything.

We used a Regent provided shore excursion which entailed a short bus to a local auditorium for a traditional Korean music and dance presentation. Then they drove us to the local and large fish market.

I should add, at first Japanese port after Busan everyone had to clear Japanese customs/immigration before leaving the ship.

We were on a Regent cruise r/t Tokyo last November that included Busan as a port. Before getting off the ship Korean officials set up in the MDR and everyone had face to face passport check, stamp, then free to get off. Returning to ship another passport face to face check before boarding. we had no forms to fill out. Hope this helps.

We were on Explorer in Japan November 23 and used the provided shuttle while in Kyoto. They ran on a 30 minute schedule which was available at excursion desk. It worked well.

Regent is not as dressy as some make it out to be. Evenings inthe dining room you only need to wear a standard button shirt with collar and no jeans…..that’s it, I wouldn’t call it formal by any stretch.

This past November we disembarked in Tokyo at 8:35 or so. If you get a cab instead of waiting for the provided bus you can make Haneda in 30 minutes. Your timing is close but if no snafus it’s doable.

We got yen at home, bank just charged a flat $15 fee for however many yen you want. That said, not sure about best exchange rate, but Lawsons and 7-11s are everywhere. we we’re there a week ago.

We just got home from our Tokyo to Tokyo cruise with the 3 day Tokyo pre cruise experience. Our impressions were exactly the same as yours. Well organized and an overall enjoyable experience. Really nothing more to add, I’m more than a little jet lagged right now.

Day 2 on board. We are in Shizumi , ideal weather. we took the basic Regent MT. FUJI highlights. Well organized, about 24 on our bus. Very good but not great, took about 4 hours, wonderful scenery. Last night at Compass Rose had a ribeye steak, not as thick as I would like but a good cut of meat cooked correctly to medium rare. Tonight first specialty at Chartreuse. Bar service has been excellent, butler is nice to have, already used laundry give that an A. Someone asked which pre cruise package, it was Vibrant Tokyo. The physical attributes of the ship get an A from me.

On board Explorer now after 3 day pre cruise . Breakfasts at hotel were fine, tours were well coordinated. No over crowded buses, on time, guides were good, spoke English well. Only bump in the road so far was embarkation after a morning of tours. Didn’t get to ship until 2 pm. Would have preferred ending tours earlier and getting to ship earlier. Not a big deal. In a penthouse suite, certainly not dated by any measure I can think of. Going to first dinner soon will report back. The ships public rooms, restaurants seem very nice, as do the menus. More later.