Sea Day at Imabari

The Scenic Eclipse II docked at the port of Imabari sometime overnight. Although we have planned to visit another castle and then to take a bus tour of the city, there is heavy rain outside. I’ve already seen several castles and don’t relish the idea of a bus trip, so I think I will just stay on the ship, do my laundry and talk with friends.

This is the first time a cruise ship has ever visited in Imabari. The small size and the shallow draft of the Scenic Eclipse II allows us to come here. Imabari is neither Tokyo nor Osaka, which see Americans every day. In Imabari having Americans, Aussies, Brits and Germans in town is a really big deal.

The city has given us a royal welcome. At dockside a group of preschool children welcomed our shipmates going ashore with flowers and flags. The mayor of the city and other dignitaries came aboard, and in a short ceremony exchanged flowers and plaques with the captain and crew. The people here seem genuinely glad to see our ship in port.Read more