Nagasaki and its harbor at dusk, with the city lights below the surrounding hills.
Featured Cruises to Nagasaki, Japan
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Cruises to Nagasaki, Japan
Nagasaki, the harbor city on the island of Kyushu that was for centuries Japan's main window on the West, is the place to understand both the country's long contact with Europe and the atomic bombing of August 9, 1945. Founded as a port by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it held the Dutch trading post on Dejima, for more than two centuries the only place in Japan open to Westerners. The rebuilt city of about 390,000 people keeps its peace memorials alongside hillside gardens, merchant houses and churches. Oura Cathedral belongs to a UNESCO World Heritage listing of Hidden Christian Sites, and offshore Hashima, Battleship Island, to another, for Japan's Meiji-era industrial sites.
Do cruise ships dock in Nagasaki? Yes. Large international ships berth at the Matsugae International Terminal, opened in 2010 on the harbor, close to the Oura Kaigan Dori streetcar stop. How far is the cruise terminal from the sights? Glover Garden and Oura Cathedral, in the Minamiyamate area, are near the terminal, and Glover's residence there is the oldest Western-style house surviving in Japan. Smaller ships may use other wharves in the harbor.
Cruises to Nagasaki are part of Japan and wider Asia itineraries, led by Princess, with Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian also calling, along with Windstar, Viking, Oceania and Silversea.
If Hashima, the abandoned Battleship Island, is on your list, keep a backup plan, because boat landings there depend on the weather. When the ship stays into the evening, Mount Inasa's famous night view is worth the ropeway ride.
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Destinations for Cruises to Nagasaki, Japan
The following cruise destinations can be visited on a cruise that includes Nagasaki, Japan. Select a destination to view the upcoming cruises that are available:
Make a selection below to view the cruises available during that month in that destination.
Pricing listed above is per person, based on double occupancy in the least expensive accommodations available, is subject to change, and may not reflect the most recent pricing (as pricing gets updated throughout the day). Prices include Required Cruise Fees & Expenses, as well as Government Taxes & Fees. Prices may not reflect discounts and special promotions that you may qualify for. Go to the Category selection step of the online booking process to view the live pricing and latest offers.
Cruise Lines with Cruises to Nagasaki, Japan
The following cruise lines offer cruises sailing to Nagasaki, Japan. Select a cruise line to view the upcoming cruises that visit Nagasaki, Japan:
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Deluxe Cruise Lines
These cruise lines fit (quality and, usually, price-wise) somewhere in between Premium and Luxury cruise lines.
A country club casual atmosphere can be expected on these lines, as can be elegant accommodations and gourmet cuisine. These cruise lines are a great option for adults looking for a upscale, yet laid back, vacation.
Unique itineraries are often available on these cruise lines, as their small-to-mid-sized ships can visit ports of call that large ones can't get to.
The pricing on Azamara Club Cruises includes select beverages and pre-paid gratuities, while the pricing of Viking Ocean Cruises includes shore excursions and select beverages.
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Premium Cruise Lines
These cruise lines enhance what mainstream cruise lines typically offer, by providing their guests with higher quality service and cuisine, along with more spacious public spaces and accommodations.
Depending on the cruise line, the ships in this class range in size from small to very large.
These cruise lines appeal to a more discerning traveler, and are typically more expensive than mainstream cruise lines, but more affordable than the luxury lines.
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River Cruise Lines
Becoming more and more popular, a river cruise is an immerse and destination-focused vacation experience, on a small and luxurious vessel.
River cruises sail through the inland waterways of some of the world's most interesting vacation destinations (i.e. Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America), and provide their guests with a greater opportunity to spend time visiting more unique ports of call than a traditional cruise typically would.
Because the destination is the star of a river cruise, (typically guided) shore excursions are included at no additional charge by many River cruise lines. There are usually many interesting lectures given during the cruise, by experts on the history and culture of the region being visited.
Among the famous rivers that one may take a river cruise on are the Rhine, Mississippi, Seine, Danube, Mekong, Nile, Yangtze, Amazon and Douro.
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Specialty Cruise Lines
These cruise lines offer a truly unique vacation experience, with a wide range of possible amenities and itineraries. Some are expedition cruise lines, others have sailing yachts or are coastal ships.
On these types of cruise lines, there's usually a focus on a specific destination or theme. Itineraries are usually very destination intensive, aided by the fact that they're able to reach many ports of call that larger ships can't.
Expedition cruise lines are a great fit for adventure-seeking travelers, featuring exciting destinations like the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, and the Norwegian coast. During the cruise, there will usually be plenty of interesting lectures given by experts on the destination being visited. Often, shore excursions are included in the cost of the cruise. In fact, some of these cruise lines have all-inclusive pricing. There's a definite focus on the ship's surrounding scenery, as well as opportunities to view wildlife in their natural habitat. Small, but comfortable, ships are commonplace here, with anywhere from basic to very luxurious public spaces, cuisine, and accommodations (depending on the cruise line and ship).
Sailing Yachts, sail-assisted motor ships, offer a really unique vacation experience. Accommodations and cuisine on these intimate vessels can be anywhere from good to fantastic, depending on the cruise line. Destinations offered by these cruise lines may include the Caribbean, Europe, Panama Canal, Tahiti, and Costa Rica.
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Mainstream Cruise Lines
Value is a key feature of these popular cruise lines, as they offer lots of activities, entertainment and dining options, along with a variety of stateroom types. Some of the cruise lines in this category have ships with unique innovations like water slides, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, surfing simulators, bowling alleys, and boardwalks.
Their ships are usually anywhere from mid-sized to very large "mega" ships, accommodating thousands of guests. These ships give the feel of being in a large resort.
Mainstream cruise lines are a great option for just about everyone (including multi-generation families, and first-time cruisers), and typically have great youth programs.
During the cruise, entertainment may include Broadway productions, Vegas-style shows, comedians, and music. Some of these lines have select formal nights during the cruise. Specialty restaurants are becoming more and more common (some which have a cover charge for this type enhanced dining experience). Buffets are usually available throughout the day, besides room service, and the main dining room(s).
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Luxury Cruise Lines
When the finest cruise vacation is your top priority, this is the place to start.
On a luxury cruise line, guests experience highly personalized service, a more intimate (and usually formal) onboard experience, gourmet cuisine, well-appointed accommodations, and fantastic amenities. Many of these brands have smaller ships, allowing them to reach ports of call that the larger ships can't, which results in unique itineraries.
All of these brands feature a version of all-inclusive pricing, and some of them have ships with all-suite accommodations. Although these cruise lines are usually more expensive than the rest, they also provide their guests with so much more, resulting in a fantastic value when considering all that's included.
Azamara is a deluxe cruising experience that's geared towards discerning travelers yearning to travel, in luxury, to exotic and rare vacation destinations. On an Azamara cruise, you'll experience extremely high levels of service, gourmet cuisine, and fantastic accommodations. With a country club casual dress code and open dining format, this premium product is a fabulous choice for many travelers. Special amenities that all guests booked on an Azamara cruise benefit from include pre-paid gratuities, bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees, and teas. Select standard spirits, international beers, and wines are also included (available in the bars during regular opening hours, and not through room service). Guests who are booked in a suite get complimentary specialty dining, free internet, complimentary access to the Thalassotherapy pool and spa deck, and much more!
Until you personally experience the five-star service for which Celebrity Cruises is acclaimed, you won't know what it means to be treated not simply as a passenger, but as an honored guest. Fabulous service, great food, and entertaining shows are all available onboard each Celebrity cruise ship. AquaClass accommodations, balcony staterooms with special spa amenities and access, are available on most Celebrity ships. The line also offers a state-of-the-art Spa with first-at-sea fitness programs aboard all vessels. Consistently rated as one of the best cruise lines in the world, you simply can't go wrong with Celebrity Cruises.
Costa Cruises enjoys the reputation of being Europe’s number one cruise line. This Italian company has a large fleet that sails Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, Asia, Indian Ocean, Middle East, Baltic and Russia, and Transatlantic itineraries. Spa accommodations are available on several of the newer Costa ships, and there are a wide range of things to do as you Cruise Italian Style with them.
Crystal, previously known as Crystal Cruises, is one of the world's leaders in ultra-luxury cruising. Their all-inclusive fleet includes two renovated ocean-going ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Extraordinary service, abundant space, gourmet cuisine (comparable to the finest restaurants on land), and excellent itineraries are some highlights of an unforgettable Crystal cruise. Combining the included amenities (fine wine, premium spirits, gratuities, and much more) with their exceptional accommodations and service, Crystal is a fantastic value in the luxury cruising market.
Cunard's glorious ocean liners are floating palaces of art deco splendor and Edwardian excess, surrounding guests with every comfort and luxury. They are the quintessence of luxury travel. With Cunard, the journey may be even more magnificent than the destination. There are currently four vessels in the Cunard fleet: Queen Anne, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, and their flagship, Queen Mary 2. Regardless of which one you choose, you're going to be on a luxurious vessel with fabulous food, entertainment & service.
Founded in 2014, originally as Emerald Waterways, Emerald Cruises, is an award-winning deluxe cruise line well known for its great value and contemporary style, offering both river and yacht cruises. Included in an Emerald Cruises vacation is a wonderful selection of dining and beverage options, as well as a selection of shore excursions for when you are exploring on land. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included during lunch and dinner aboard their Star-Ships and their yacht, with complimentary tea and coffee all day long. Bottled water is provided in your room, and is replenished daily. Their onboard cuisine uses local, fresh ingredients, further immersing you into the destination being explored. WiFi is included standard and tipping is included, which are both otherwise significant expenses that you won't have to consider during your vacation.
Part of the MSC Group, Explora Journeys offers the ultimate all-inclusive luxury cruise experience, from architecture and design to technology and features. They are wellness-focused, offering a fantastic variety of experiences in each destination (both onboard and ashore). Explora Journeys offers a variety of beautiful voyages in destinations such as the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Africa & Indian Ocean, Canada & New England, and more.
Award-winning Holland America Line has been among the leaders in cruising for over 140 years. This premium cruise line has a fleet of modern yet classic ships that combine to offer over 500 cruises a year, sailing in all seven continents! While on a Holland America cruise, guests can count on world-class entertainment, a variety of onboard activities to choose from, remarkable service, tastefully appointed accommodations, and fantastic dining. Select ships have special venues such as Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King's Blues Club, as well as gourmet restaurants like the Pinnacle Grill and Tamarind (a Pan-Asian venue that has been praised by Condé Nast Traveler as having cuisine "that rivals the top restaurants on land."). Other onboard venues include several bars and lounges (serving masterfully crafted cocktails), the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, a fitness center, swimming pools, and a casino that offers a variety of games. The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine® magazine offers cooking demon
For nearly 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has been taking their guests on expedition style trips around the world. Through their alliance with National Geographic, they're able to provide a unique variety of special features on their cruises. For instance, all Lindblad expeditions are joined by National Geographic experts, and their guests may be able to use state-of-the-art equipment including bow cameras, ROVs, kayaks, undersea cameras, hydrophones, video-microscopes, crittercams. Some of the destinations offered by Lindblad Expeditions are the exotic Galapagos Islands, Egypt, Alaska, South America, Antarctica, the Mexican Riviera, and Europe.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is proud to present Freestyle Cruising aboard one of the youngest fleets of cruise ships in the world. Enjoy open-seating dining, where you can dine whenever and with whomever you wish. Don't want to pack formal wear on your vacation? With the resort casual evening attire, you don't have to! All of the Norwegian ships feature a variety of specialty restaurants and entertainment venues. An NCL cruise is perfect for guests of all ages and includes complimentary youth programs. Their award-winning entertainment options include Broadway-style production shows, world-class acrobats, and much more. The Haven by Norwegian™, available on select ships, is an exclusive enclave for suite guests staying in NCL's most luxurious accommodations. Some Norwegian cruise ships have Studio accommodations designed and priced for solo travelers. NCL is the only major cruise line to offer year-round Hawaii cruises.
Formed in 2002 by luxury cruise industry veterans Joe Watters and Frank Del Rio, Oceania Cruises is one of the the world’s leading deluxe cruise lines. The finest cuisine at sea, award-winning itineraries and outstanding value define Oceania Cruises’ five-star product and have positioned the company as the cruise line of choice for travelers seeking a truly refined and casually elegant travel experience.
Experience a different and magical way of cruising. Ponant prides themselves in providing modest-sized yachts that will transport you where most larger ships cannot reach. Included on board are restaurants that prepare the finest in French-inspired cuisine, as well as a well-trained and discreet staff whose goal is to provide you with the best service possible. For those who enjoy the luxurious life, some of their ships have butler service (for guests staying in select suites). All this and so much more is offered, along with all the privacy you could ask for. Come experience cruising "A la Française", the tasteful style of this company.
Princess Cruises has taken cruising to a whole new level, with spacious and accommodating ships packed with amenities. You'll always find the freedom to chart your own course. The Princess fleet includes a variety ships, from mid-sized to large feature-filled vessels, and features a wonderful Personal Choice Dining® program where you can choose between Traditional (assigned) and Anytime (open) dining setups to enjoy their great service and cuisine.
The six small to mid-size ships in Regent Seven Seas' award-winning six-star fleet include the intimate all-suite Seven Seas Navigator, the all-suite, all-balcony sister ships Mariner and Voyager, the all-suite, all-balcony Explorer and Splendor, and the recently introduced Grandeur. Regardless of which ship you choose, you're going to be on a luxurious vessel that's staffed with an ultra-attentive staff and a gourmet all-inclusive setup, in which gratuities, as well as select wines and spirits, are included.
What type of traveler is Royal Caribbean right for? All types! Royal Caribbean is popular with families, seniors, couples, honeymooners, singles, and large groups (regardless of travel experience). Why? Because there's something for everyone on a Royal Caribbean cruise. The line has one of the largest fleets in the world, consisting of some of the most beautiful and modern ships in the cruising industry. Their ships are destinations within themselves! Possibilities aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship include Broadway-style shows, casinos that will make you think you're in Las Vegas, a variety of dining venues, great programs for children, as well as (depending on the ship), innovations like surfing simulators, sky-diving simulators, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, and much more.
Seabourn is one of the world's most luxurious cruise lines, offering state of the art amenities such as complimentary welcome champagne, open bars, complimentary gourmet dining and personalized service. Since its founding, Seabourn's ultra-luxury ships have consistently ranked among the very best vacation experiences in surveys, polls and the annual honors lists of international guidebooks and travel critics. New for Seabourn in May 2018 was Seabourn Ovation, sister ship to the innovative Seabourn Encore.
Silversea's all-inclusive ultra-luxury vacations appeal to discriminating travelers accustomed to plush accommodations and attentive, individualized service. Distinguished by its award-winning, all-suite ships and impeccable service, Silversea's all-inclusive fares include round-trip airfare (from select gateways), a pre-cruise deluxe hotel stay, all beverages including select wines and spirits, gratuities, transfers, and a special shoreside event, The Silversea Experience, on select sailings.
With over 70 years of expertise in extraordinary remote destinations, Swan Hellenic offers a truly unique luxury cruise experience with its brand-new fleet of expedition ships. The company focuses on guests' preferences and needs, environmental safety, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures, proposing enriching cultural expeditions with unforgettable itineraries to Iceland, Greenland, Canada, Antarctica, Lands of the Celts, Lands of the Vikings, and more.
Designed to combine the luxury lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton® and the untethered freedom of a yachting vacation, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers all-inclusive voyages onboard custom-built yachts. Their cruises range from 3 to 13 nights and more, offering many overnight calls and uniquely curated experiences ashore at distinguished destinations. As with The Ritz-Carlton® on land, each yacht features personalized service, elevated dining, and luxury amenities. All of this is delivered in an intimate setting, with a heightened level of care and attention.
Viking Ocean Cruises is the sister company of world-renowned Viking River Cruises. This line launched with one vessel, Viking Star, in 2015, and now consists of 11 vessels, with 2 more sister ships to follow in 2025-2026. Itineraries include 8- to 32-day adventures all over Europe and the Mediterranean all year round and exclusive voyages to China and Japan in the fall plus World Cruises that can last 121 to 138 days. All staterooms on Viking ocean ships have a veranda, so you can enjoy the sights and smells of the open ocean at all times. With a concentration on ports with rich heritages and plenty of local experts to learn from, Viking Ocean Cruises cater to those yearning to learn as they vacation. There's a great value here, with meals, guided shore excursions, free Wi-Fi, complimentary beverages, hotel accommodations during city portions of your itinerary (if you purchase a cruise tour), as well as lectures and various live performances all being included in the p
Windstar was created with the vision to offer an alternative to the typical cruise or resort vacation. The Windstar passenger sees the world with luxurious accommodations, a casual yet elegant atmosphere, and exquisite service and cuisine. Well known for cruising off the beaten path and pampering without pretense, they sail to exotic locales and hidden harbors that larger ships can't access. Windstar Cruises operates three sailing yachts and three power yachts throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and the Americas.
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Things to do in Nagasaki, Japan
Peace memorials, a Scottish merchant's hillside garden and a rebuilt Dutch trading post tell Nagasaki's story. Here are the best things to do in Nagasaki on a cruise day.
♦ Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum
Near the hypocenter of the 1945 explosion, the Peace Park is watched over by the 33-foot (10 m) Peace Statue by the Nagasaki sculptor Seibo Kitamura. Next to it, the Atomic Bomb Museum tells the story of the bombing and its aftermath through photographs, relics and documents, alongside the history of nuclear weapons. For most visitors, this is the visit that matters most.
♦ Glover Garden
On the Minamiyamate hillside above the harbor and near the cruise terminal, this garden surrounds the house of Thomas Blake Glover, a Scottish merchant who helped modernize Japanese shipbuilding and coal mining. Completed in 1863, his residence is the oldest Western-style house surviving in Japan, and the garden overlooks the harbor.
♦ Oura Cathedral
Near Glover Garden, this church was built after Japan reopened to the West in the 1850s and is dedicated to the Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan. It is part of the Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018, and unlike other churches in the listing it can be visited without advance notice.
♦ Dejima
This fan-shaped artificial island, built in 1636, was home to the Dutch trading post from 1641 until 1858 and for more than two centuries was Japan's main link to Western trade and learning. The land around it has since been reclaimed, and many of its warehouses and residences have been rebuilt as they looked in the early 1800s.
♦ Hashima (Gunkanjima)
About 9 miles (15 km) from the city center, this tiny island, nicknamed Battleship Island, is ringed by a seawall and crowded with abandoned concrete buildings. It was emptied when its undersea coal mine closed in 1974. Boat tours have landed visitors on a walkway there since 2009, weather permitting, and the mine is part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing of Japan's Meiji-era industrial sites.
♦ Mount Inasa
West of the city center, this 1,093-foot (333 m) hill is reached by ropeway and slope car, and its observation deck gives a 360-degree view over the city and harbor. Its night view is famous in Japan, which makes it a fine choice when a ship stays into the evening.
Average Monthly Weather for Nagasaki, Japan
Temperature
Average monthly high and low temperatures. Values are in Fahrenheit (switch to Celsius):
The information above is provided for informational purposes only. Monthly statistics are based on the most recent instance of that month. Weather is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. The data is provided by a third-party and we accept no liability regarding its accuracy.
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