Asia Pacific Adventures: An Insider’s Look at Australia & Japan

When I think about what thrills me about travel, so much of it is in the planning for me and the anticipated opportunity to connect with friends around the world. If you think about it, the travel really starts at that point, in your mind and that’s a powerful thing to remember now more than ever. Then comes the adventure of discovering new countries and diving deeper into the local culture, cuisine and venturing off the beaten track. I’m continually saving good travel articles and unique recommendations that I can call on when visiting new or even familiar places.

Australia: Urban Wonders & Natural Adventures
Likewise, since I call Sydney, Australia home, I have so many personal favorites and relish the chance to share them with fellow travelers. Many are often overwhelmed when beginning to plan a trip to Australia since our country is so vast – larger than the landmass of the United States – but an can be the perfect way to maximize your time here. You can easily mix city slicking with coast living, wine tasting with wildlife and plenty of relaxation as you cruise our scenic coastlines. I’d suggest starting in Sydney and discovering our city with its stunning harbor and coastal beaches, including the world-famous Bondi Beach. Sometimes the best way to enjoy a city is through restaurants – I love Café Sydney atop the Customs Building at Circular Quay. Since it overlooks the Harbour Bridge and the iconic Sydney Opera House, you can enjoy the sweeping views while you dine or have a cocktail. Another top choice of mine is Icebergs overlooking Bondi Beach.

Beyond Sydney, the choices are limitless – the Great Barrier Reef from the port of Cairns off the Queensland Coast, a wildlife adventure in Tasmania, discovering laid-back Perth, a wine tasting tour in Barossa Valley from Adelaide, the stunning Whitehaven Beach from Airlie Beach. And these are just a few of the options. Every corner of Australia has something special and different to offer and on an Oceania Cruises voyage, you typically have the opportunity to experience a few regions. For those looking to explore Australia farther, an overland program to the incredible Uluru would be perfect or a pre- or post-cruise land program that takes you on the ultimate adventure in the Blue Mountains.

Japan: Land of Contrasts & Culinary Tradition
For me personally, one of the places that’s drawn me back again and again over the years is Japan. It’s such a beautiful country, where past traditions are respected and preserved, there is attention to detail all around you and new layers are revealed each time you visit. Cruises in Japan also reveal that it’s a country of contrasts with pristine nature, a unique culture that is so welcoming and absolutely amazing food.

In fact, if I had to pick a favorite culinary destination, it would most definitely be Japan. There are so many choices of cuisine and dining styles, ranging from incredible sushi and sashimi restaurants to specialized tempura venues to shabu-shabu – one of my personal favorites. Shabu-shabu is a Japanese nabemono hotpot dish of thinly sliced meat and vegetables boiled in water and served with dipping sauces. The food is cooked piece by piece by the diner at the table and makes for a lively and convivial way to enjoy dinner with friends. For the ultimate Japanese dining experience, I would recommend trying Kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner. It’s especially popular at the many small beautiful onsens, or hot springs, and it never disappoints.

Whenever I visit Japan I never miss the chance to spend some time in Tokyo. It’s a very exciting and vibrant city to visit – really unique shopping, an incredible array of dining choices and endless cultural attractions that you can easily explore on Tokyo shore excursions. I always make a point to visit to the Meiji Shrine in the Shibuya district. This shrine was completed and dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken in 1920. It’s located in a stunning tree-filled park in the center of the city. I also really enjoy Kyoto, Japan’s former capital and a city where you can soak up the local tradition. It's famous for its many classical Buddhist temples, as well as serene gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses.

Remember the Future: South America
While I love returning to my favorite destinations, there are still some regions of the world I’ve not yet had the chance to explore. Namely, South America, which is now at the top of my list. My first plan is to walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and spend time in Ecuador and Peru. I also want to visit the fascinating Galapagos Islands and then of course, there are the exciting cities, the Amazon basin and Patagonia. I have a feeling there will be several trips to South America in my future!

Where are you looking forward to traveling next? Share your comments with me on our Facebook page.

About Steve Odell, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Asia Pacific
Steve Odell joined the company in October 2015 to spearhead the launch of the company’s Asia Pacific business managing the company’s three brands including NCL. In his current role, he is responsible for the strategic expansion, vision and continued growth of the company’s presence in the fast-growing Asia Pacific market. With over 30 years of cruise industry experience, Odell has held senior management roles for several international contemporary, premium and luxury cruise lines, including most recently Silversea Cruises where he served as President, Europe & Asia Pacific. He served as Chairman of the International Cruise Council Australasia (now CLIA Australasia) from 2005 to 2007, and as a founding board member of the Asia Cruise Association. Following his return to Australia to take the helm of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ Asia Pacific region, Odell was appointed Chairman of CLIA Australasia for a two-year term beginning until May 2018. He continues as an active member of CLIA’s Executive Committee.