SAIL THE SEVEN SEAS? PERHAPS not, unless one has the time and inclination to undertake a long sea voyage. But if you’re up to exploring just one or two, you’ll certainly find a cruise that gives you a wider perspective of travel that flying or driving doesn’t give you.

For Japan aficionados, Silversea Cruise’s Silver Muse offers a great lesson in geography and the cultures of each prefecture and city without having to pack and unpack, or rush to catch a train or plane.

On a recent 14-day cruise, the luxury cruise set sail from Osaka, with an itinerary that includes stops in Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Kanazawa, Akita, Aomori and even the South Korean port of Busan. One of the newest ships in the Silversea fleet, the Silver Muse was built in 2017 and each cabin is a suite complete with a living space, walk-in wardrobe and personal butler.

But you won’t stay in for long, not with eight restaurants serving everything from Italian to French and Japanese food to sample. But what makes Silversea cruises very attractive is the inclusion of excursions as part of the cruise price, and English-speaking guides to explain the intricacies of each place you visit.

Most importantly, you’ll be collecting a portfolio of memories as you sail from one port to another, enjoying unique experiences organised exclusively for cruise passengers. Such as the flag performers who put up a spectacular show at the pier while the Silver Muse sailed out of Kanazawa, or an uplifting band performance by local students of Nagasaki as the ship prepared to leave the port.

When on shore, get a taste of gold leaf ice cream while watching tourists and locals stroll through the alleys of the Higashi Chaya Gai Geisha District in historic Kanazawa. Or sample local noodles such as Champon or Castella sponge cake in Nagasaki – a nod to the city’s past as a trading post for the Portuguese, Dutch and Chinese.

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In Akita’s Oga Peninsula, you’re introduced to the mystical world of Japanese ogers in an eye-opening performance by local folk at the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum. And get a glimpse of its famous fireworks festival when cruise passengers are treated to a special display just for them.

While in Aomori, the huge, beautiful lanterns in Tsugaru-han Neputa Village and a performance by local musicians give you a preview of the city’s famed festival, Nebuta Matsuri, that takes place every August.

When you’re back on board, end the night with some relaxing jazz at the Silver Note bar, or Panorama lounge for a spot of dancing. For wine lovers, there’s a good selection curated by the wine team, and a private paying list is also available, with several grand crus at very good prices.

When it’s time to leave, it will be hard to say goodbye to the Japanese culture and hospitality you’ve experienced over two weeks, and the beautiful sunrises and sunsets from your suite. It’s especially hard to bid farewell to your charming butler Ian and his room attendant sidekick Exequiel, whose level of service makes you contemplate your next cruise even before you step ashore.

The Silver Muse cruise was paid for by the writer.

Silversea’s Silver Nova

With eco-travel being the buzz word now, Silversea introduces Silver Nova, the 12th ship to join its ultra-luxury fleet and also its most environmentally-conscious to date. It’s the fleet’s first cruise ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). It has three sources to power its engines, with the ability to plug into shore power when the ship is docked. With this, the aim is to emit zero emission at every destination.

Thanks to its groundbreaking “horizontal” design, it is also the largest and most spacious ship, with a guest capacity of 728. Its 364 all-suite cabins are divided into different categories, with the ultimate being the 1,324 sq ft Otium suites which have 270-degree “walls of windows” for a breathtaking view at every angle.

Art plays a big role in the ship’s decor, with 1,700 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, tapestries, antique maps and even a muraled ceiling in the library. Among its stable of new dining options is S.A.L.T, which emphasises locally sourced ingredients and dishes. Meanwhile, Otium Spa offers a tranquil retreat with its Roman baths-inspired thermal suite that is the largest in the fleet.

Silver Nova, which embarked on its first voyage on Aug 14, will begin with Mediterranean cruises before moving to European cities, the US, Canada and Alaska. It heads to Asia in September 2024.