On the day I arrived in Vladivostok, Russia on the Trans-Siberia railway, DBS ferry happens to have weekly sailing from Russia to South Korea and onward to Japan starting on the same day.
The 2 nights ferry ride wasn't exactly cheap, but it offers a unique way of travelling to Japan. There is a website featuring the ferry ride, but booking and confirming the tickets involve sending emails to the DBS ferry staff.
Once payment is done online, I received and printed the e-ticket for the ferry ride. In Vladivostok, the ferry terminal is conveniently located next to the railway station. Since I had a few hours between arriving on the train and departing on the ferry, this gave me the chance to walk around and explore Vladivostok, including purchasing some cheap souvenirs from the local supermarket with very friendly and helpful staff.
The ferry arrived in Sakaiminato, Japan after two nights, right on time. In all, the ferry had basic amenities, though it wasn't equipped with much entertainment amenities compared to big cruise ships. Still, it was a fascinating experience to travel on this ferry between Russia, South Korea and Japan.
The 2 nights ferry ride wasn't exactly cheap, but it offers a unique way of travelling to Japan. There is a website featuring the ferry ride, but booking and confirming the tickets involve sending emails to the DBS ferry staff.
Once payment is done online, I received and printed the e-ticket for the ferry ride. In Vladivostok, the ferry terminal is conveniently located next to the railway station. Since I had a few hours between arriving on the train and departing on the ferry, this gave me the chance to walk around and explore Vladivostok, including purchasing some cheap souvenirs from the local supermarket with very friendly and helpful staff.
On the ferry
There is a Zesta Bar selling food and beverages
A snack shop and a souvenir shop
Some interesting displays
Cruising on the sea
Stopping in Donghae, South Korea for a few hours
I took the chance to disembark and wander around the town of Donghae
Lunch at a local eatery
Initially, I was booked and assigned a bunk bed in third class, which is basically a big room containing many double bunk beds. After the stopover in Donghae, I was fortunately reassigned to second class cabin with eight bunk beds in a room. There was a washbasin in the room. Toilets and shower facility is shared at another part of the ferry, similar to third class.
Leaving Donghae, South Korea
Dinner, with a seaview, on the ferry
The ferry arrived in Sakaiminato, Japan after two nights, right on time. In all, the ferry had basic amenities, though it wasn't equipped with much entertainment amenities compared to big cruise ships. Still, it was a fascinating experience to travel on this ferry between Russia, South Korea and Japan.
