What is a casual cruise?
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Each passenger ship offers a wide variety of facilities including restaurants and rooms for freshening up.
The grand appearance of each passenger ship sailing through the ocean means that potential passengers may be spoilt for choice over which one to choose.
Introduction to Passenger Ships
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Line details |
Blue Dolphin
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Total length: 136.6 m (448.2 ft) |
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Origin of name: The name Blue Dolphin comes from the corporate color of Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry combined with the dolphin in the company’s logo, reflecting the chance to see dolphins on the route via the Tsugaru Straits from April to May. |
Virgo
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Total length: 134.6 m (441.6 ft.) |
Origin of name: Virgo - the virgin goddess born of the god Zeus and the goddess Themis |
Venus
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Total length: 136.6 m (448.2 ft) |
Origin of name: The daughter of Zeus and Dione, Venus was an Olympian and the goddess of beauty (Greek name: Aphrodite). The planet of the same name is commonly known as the Morning Star or the Evening Star. |
Esan 2000
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Total length: 110.3 m (361.9 ft) |
Origin of name: The ship started service in 2000 following on from the operation of the Esan. As its name (meaning “blessed mountain”) suggests, the mountain is rich in blessings from nature. |
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Line details |
Sunflower Sapporo
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Total length: 192 m (629.9 ft.) |
This ferry departs in the evening. A variety of cabin types ranging from economy rooms to suites are available. The restaurant on the top floor offers fine meals as magnificent views unfold outside the windows. |
Sunflower Furano
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Total length: 192 m (629.9 ft) |
This ferry departs in the evening. As with the Sunflower Sapporo, a range of cabin types (from economy rooms to suites) are available to meet passenger needs. A variety of onboard facilities allow passengers to enjoy their time on the ferry to the fullest. |
Sunflower Shiretoko
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Total length: 190 m (623.4 ft) |
Origin of name: The vessel is named after Mt. Esan, an active volcano located in the city of Hakodate. Esan stems from the Ainu word Iesan (meaning “blazing away as lava streams down”). |
Sunflower Daisetsu
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Total length: 190 m (623.4 ft) |
This ferry departs late at night. As with the Sunflower Shiretoko, cabins including single beds are available. There is a vending machine area and a shop selling unique Sunflower goods. |
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Line details |
Silver Queen
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Total length: 134 m (439.8 ft.) |
Departure from Hachinohe in the morning and from Tomakomai at night. This ferry is characterized by its size (with the largest tonnage of the four ferries operating on the line) and its speed (with the shortest travel time of approximately seven hours). With its many cabins, it provides the optimal choice for those who want to spend time relaxing in a cabin. |
Vega
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Total length: 134.6 m (441.7 ft.) |
Departure from Hachinohe during the day and from Tomakomai late at night. This ferry has ample facilities including a restaurant, baths and a spacious observation area, allowing passengers to enjoy various aspects of cruising. |
Ferry Hachinohe
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Total length: 126.55 m (415.2 ft.) |
Departure from Hachinohe at night and from Tomakomai in the morning. The ferry from Tomakomai allows passengers to enjoy panoramic daytime views from the ocean, while the night departure from Hachinohe provides a relaxing cruising experience. Passengers may also have the chance to see dolphins and whales during the day. |
Venilia
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Total length: 134.6 m (441.7 ft.) |
Departure from Hachinohe at night and from Tomakomai in the morning. This is the newest ferry on the line. First-class (Japanese and Western styles) and second-class cabins are available. As the departure from Hachinohe arrives in Tomakomai late at night and the service from Tomakomai departs early in the morning, this ferry is recommended for travelers who prefer a quieter atmosphere. |
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Line details |
PanStar Dream
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Total length: 160 m (524.9 ft.) |
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A long-distance ferry connecting Osaka and Busan in 18 hours three times a week. |