Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What languages are spoken on board?
The main languages spoken on board are Japanese and English. Announcements, daily schedules and menus are regularly available in both languages.
What drinks are included? What bars are on board?
Most beverages are included — specialty coffees, wine, beer and cocktails. Bars and lounges feature a Japanese craft gin cart, whiskey and sake sourced from various prefectures. Observation Bar 36 (named for Hokusai's 'Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji') serves seasonal cocktails and the Tamatebako afternoon tea (paid, by reservation); Ocean Club & Bar mixes gin and tonics and martinis to your preference; and on Sakura, BAR UMI offers panoramic bow views with morning pastries and evening cocktails. Some premium beverages carry an additional charge.
Is there a dress code for dinner?
Yes — the philosophy is 'enjoy daytime in free clothing and evening social time as adults.' Each cruise's dress code (Casual, Semi-Formal, Formal, or Japanese attire nights) is announced in your Boarding Information. Casual means chic, not-too-casual resort wear with collared shirts and long pants or skirts; Semi-Formal suggests what you would wear to an upscale restaurant; Formal welcomes tuxedos, dark suits with tie, or evening/cocktail dresses. Some sailings feature yukata or theme nights. In the dining room, please avoid hats, T-shirts, tank tops, shorts and athletic shoes even on casual nights.
What entertainment is offered on board?
Evenings bring contemporary Broadway-style production shows with exquisite choreography and live musicians and vocalists on the OCEAN STAGE (Deck 6), designed with state-of-the-art acoustics and lighting. Japanese traditions include Rakugo comic storytelling, craft making, a curated Japanese book collection, and special lectures on Japanese culture. Ocean Club & Bar (Deck 5) hosts cultural programs by day and intimate live music by night, and the daily onboard newspaper 'PORT & STARBOARD' lists each day's events.
Are there Japanese cultural activities on board?
Yes — cultural enrichment is central to Funatabi. Depending on the sailing you may find tea ceremonies, origami, calligraphy, ikebana, kimono fittings, kendama, Rakugo storytelling and workshops, watercolor art, guest lectures on Japanese culture, and seasonal theme nights like summer festivals. Daily activities are listed in the onboard newspaper PORT & STARBOARD.
Are shore excursions included?
Yes — on every cruise, a hand-selected shore experience with an English-speaking guide is included in each port at no extra cost: sometimes a half-day tour, sometimes a full-day tour with lunch, or convenient port shuttles. Excursions are thoughtfully curated with local experts, and select ports feature exclusive access to heritage sites and local artisans.