The Port 2 Port Podcast

Join Ronan Ryan for the Season 3 finale of Port2Port.This episode follows a guided shore excursion in Hirosaki, Japan, exploring the historic Hirosaki Castle, where we witnessed the main keep temporarily moved for foundation repairs. Stroll the serene castle grounds and take in the craftsmanship and history of this iconic site.Next, step inside the Neputa festival float display, featuring intricately painted paper and wooden floats brought to life by the haunting sounds of a live shamisen performance. Experience centuries of Japanese tradition and artistry in one unforgettable visit.Finally, our return journey to Tokyo, with a relaxing sea day contrasting the bustling city that awaits. This episode is a perfect mix of culture, history, and travel storytelling, and a fitting send-off for Season 3.If you’ve enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate the show, share it with a friend, and come say hello on Instagram at @port2portpodcast or @travelcruiserepeat.

On this episode of Port2Port, I take you through our relaxed, go-with-the-flow day in Hakodate, Japan — one of the easiest ports to explore independently.With no excursion booked, we stepped off the ship straight into the city center, wandered past fresh fish stalls and giant seafood tanks, tapped onto the local tram with our Suica cards, and spent the day discovering Hakodate at our own pace.From shopping at JINS and Loft, enjoying Starbucks with a view, strolling the beautiful star-shaped Goryokaku Park, indulging in incredible soft-serve ice cream at the tower, and exploring the famous Red Brick Warehouses, it was the perfect DIY port day.If you’re curious about visiting Hakodate on a cruise — or you just love hearing about smooth, stress-free travel days — this episode is for you.Follow @port2portpodcast and @travelcruiserepeat on Instagram for more cruise stories, behind-the-scenes clips, and travel updates!

In this episode of Port2Port, I’m taking you with us to Busan, South Korea — a stop we explored completely on our own, without booking a single excursion.We arrived into port under the stunning Busan Harbor Bridge before taking the free shuttle into the city and navigating the subway like locals.From diving into the world of Korean skincare at Olive Young, to relaxing over coffee, to sitting down for one of the best traditional Korean BBQ meals we’ve ever had, this day had the perfect mix of culture, food, and relaxed exploring. We finished with a stroll around the waterfront before heading back to the ship, full and happy.If you’re cruising to Busan soon — or wondering whether it’s easy to explore independently — this episode will show you exactly what to expect and why a DIY day in this city might be one of the highlights of your cruise.Follow @port2portpodcast and @travelcruiserepeat on Instagram for more cruise stories, behind-the-scenes clips, and travel updates!

Join Ronan as he takes you through one of the most powerful and unforgettable days of his travels — a journey from the serene beauty of Miyajima Island to the deeply moving history of Hiroshima.In this episode, we explore the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and its floating torii gate, wander through the peaceful streets of Miyajima, and then shift to Hiroshima’s historic center, visiting the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Peace Memorial Park, and the Peace Memorial Museum.This is an episode filled with reflection, humanity, and perspective — a reminder of the resilience of a city and the importance of remembering its story.Whether you're planning a cruise to Japan, dreaming of future travels, or simply interested in destinations with meaning, this episode offers insight, emotion, and a journey you won’t forget.Follow Ronan on Instagram at @port2portpodcast and @travelcruiserepeat for more travel stories and behind-the-scenes moments.

On this episode of Port2Port, I take you on Celebrity Cruises’ Kochi Sightseeing excursion. Explore dramatic coastlines, an ancient temple, a lively local food market, and one of Japan’s original castles. Get insider tips, cultural insights, and stories from a day spent discovering Kochi’s charm.Follow me on Instagram at @travelcruiserepeat for more travel tips and cruise adventures

In this episode, I take you inside the incredible world of Universal Studios Japan and the magical Super Nintendo World in Osaka. I chat about everything from how to get there, what you need to know before visiting, and the best strategy for getting on the most popular rides. From Mario Kart to Yoshi’s Adventure, I share my experience navigating the park, using the app, and making the most of your time.We also dive into the food and drink offerings around the park — including grabbing a bite at McDonald’s, trying themed snacks, and what to expect when eating inside and outside the park.On Day Two, I step outside the theme parks to explore Osaka’s cultural side. I visit the iconic Osaka Castle, walk through its beautiful grounds, and then head to one of Japan’s oldest and most historically significant shrines — Sumiyoshi Taisha. I discuss what to see, how to get there, and the unique atmosphere that makes this shrine so memorable.Whether you're planning a trip to Osaka or just want to follow along on the adventure, this episode is packed with tips, stories, and everything you need to know!🔗 Follow me on Instagram:@port2portpodcast@travelcruiserepeat

Join Ronan on Port2Port as he explores Shimizu, Japan on Celebrity Millennium! From the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, to the panoramic Nihondaira Observatory, this episode is packed with sightseeing, culture, and insider tips.Hear about all the Celebrity shore excursions in Shimizu, plus get a glimpse of onboard fun — drum performances, sail-out fireworks, private loyalty events, and a Broadway-style show.Whether you love history, nature, or scenic views, this episode gives you a complete picture of a perfect day in Japan on a Celebrity cruise.Follow Ronan for more cruise adventures:Instagram: @port2portpodcastInstagram: @travelcruiserepeat

In this episode of Port2Port, Ronan shares the full story of embarkation day — leaving his Tokyo hotel, taking a taxi down to Yokohama, navigating the baggage process, and stepping aboard Celebrity Millennium to begin a 12 night cruise around Japan.Expect plenty of practical tips along the way, from how to handle luggage and transfers to what to expect at Yokohama’s cruise terminal. Ronan also shares his first impressions of the ship, his cabin experience, and that unforgettable first sail-away from Yokohama Bay.Whether you’re planning your own Japanese cruise or just love hearing what it’s really like boarding a ship in Japan, this episode brings you right along for the ride.Follow me on Instagram: @port2portpodcast | @travelcruiserepeat

Join Ronan on his last day in Tokyo as he explores some of the city’s most iconic spots. Stroll through Shibuya Crossing, take in the panoramic views from Shibuya Sky, and capture photos of the towering Tokyo Tower from Shiba Park.Pop culture fans will love visits to the Pokémon Center and Nintendo Store, while food lovers will enjoy discovering Tokyo’s vibrant food halls and local treats. Along the way, Ronan shares practical tips and reflections from this unforgettable day in Japan’s capital.Next week, he sets sail on 12 nights aboard the Celebrity Millennium, sharing all the highlights from that cruise.Follow along on Instagram @port2portpodcast or @travelcruiserepeat for more travel and cruise adventures!

Join me on Day 4 in Tokyo as we dive into the city’s vibrant contrasts! From sipping an iced caramel latte and indulging in Princi cream cake at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, to reflecting at the serene Togo Shrine, exploring the colorful madness of Takeshita Street with its themed cafés and long fried potatoes, hunting retro toys solo at Nakano Sun Mall, enjoying a hearty katsu curry dinner at MonSnack, and finishing the day with an epic three-hour shopping spree at Don Quijote – this episode is packed with culture, food, and fun.Follow me for more Tokyo adventures and behind-the-scenes snaps on Instagram @port2portpodcast and @travelcruiserepeat. Don’t miss out – Tokyo never sleeps, and neither does the adventure!”