17 Nights Across the Pacific: Our Royal Caribbean Cruise from Yokohama to Los Angeles

There’s something magical about departing from Japan on a cruise adventure. Our 17-night transpacific cruise aboard Royal Caribbean set sail from Yokohama. The excitement was palpable as we waved goodbye to the bustling city skyline, setting course for Los Angeles, with a couple of fascinating stops along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to spend almost three weeks on the open sea, then let me take you on this journey!

Overview: Yokohama to Los Angeles Cruise Itinerary

• Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean

• Ship: Ovation of the Seas

• Length: 17 nights

• Departure Port: Yokohama, Japan

• Arrival Port: Los Angeles, California

• Stateroom: Ocean View

• Ports of Call: Shimizu (1 day) Osaka (2 days)

• Remaining Days: Sailing across the Pacific Ocean

This type of itinerary is often called a repositioning cruise, and it’s one of the best ways to travel long distances comfortably and affordably. Sailing across the Pacific Ocean is not just a trip, it’s an experience that completely changes the way you think about travel.

Life at Sea: Budget Tips and Cabin Review: 

Why We Chose an Ocean View Stateroom for a Long Cruise:

For a 17-night cruise, comfort matters more than luxury therefore, we didn’t need a balcony. And honestly? We opted for a cozy oceanview room and we loved! The oceanview room gave us:

• Natural daylight every day, a perfect way to wake up each morning.

• The large windows provided spectacular views of the Pacific ocean

• A sense of space during long sea days

• A stronger connection to the journey itself

Upon entering, we were pleasantly surprised by the spaciousness and modern décor. Although we spent most of our time enjoying the ship’s amenities, it couldn’t hurt to have a relaxing retreat to return to after a busy day. 

Tips: Cruises departing from Yokohama are ideal for travelers combining Japan travel with long-distance cruising. After spending time exploring Tokyo and Yokohama, stepping onto the ship felt like a natural transition from city energy to ocean stillness. There’s a very specific feeling that happens the morning you board a cruise ship in a foreign country. You wake up knowing the next time you touch land… it will be another continent.

That’s exactly how we felt standing at the Port of Yokohama, looking up at Ovation of the Seas. Our suitcases were heavier than we planned, our Google Maps still full of saved spots in Japan we hadn’t seen yet, and ahead of us was 17 nights crossing the Pacific Ocean all the way to Los Angeles. We weren’t just ending a trip. We were slowly sailing home.

Boarding Ovation of the Seas in Yokohama

The Yokohama cruise terminal was calm and organized, almost surprisingly easy. Within a short time we were walking up the gangway, and the moment you step inside a Royal Caribbean ship you feel it instantly — bright lights, open atriums, music playing, and that vacation energy in the air. Our home for the next 17 nights was an Ocean View Stateroom. And honestly? We loved it.

Once onboard, we headed straight to our Ocean View Stateroom. That window quickly became our favorite feature, watching the port fade away marked the true beginning of the journey.

We didn’t need a balcony. Watching the ocean through our large window became part of our daily routine. Every morning started the same way: one of us would open the curtains, and the Pacific Ocean would be right there, endless and quiet. Some mornings it was glass-calm. Some mornings it was misty and dramatic. It never got old.

First Port Stop: Shimizu, Japan (Mt. Fuji Area)

Our first stop was Shimizu, a smaller port but one of the most memorable. This stop felt like a gentle goodbye to Japan: Calm harbor atmosphere, Walkable port area, Stunning scenery when the skies were clear, we focused on enjoying the surroundings and slowing down. Instead of rushing into a packed excursion, we explored on our own — our favorite way to travel.

We visited the Miho no Matsubara (Miho Beach) area in Shizuoka, where you can sometimes see Mount Fuji rising behind the pine trees. That day the mountain was shy, hidden behind clouds, but the black sand beach and the peaceful coastline still made the morning feel special.

After returning closer to port, we spent hours simply walking. We wandered around the Shimizu Port area, discovering quiet streets and everyday Japanese life, something we always enjoy more than crowded tourist attractions.

We also stopped at:

• Minowa Inari-jinja Shrine

• Myokei-ji Temple

Small, calm, and nearly empty — exactly the type of places that become our favorite memories. No tickets, no lines, no rush. Just us experiencing Japan slowly.

Two Days in Osaka, Japan

Our ship docked in Osaka for two full days, which felt like a luxury on a cruise itinerary. Stopping for two full days in Osaka was one of the most special parts of this itinerary.

Most cruises offer only a few hours in port, but having two days allowed us to:

• Explore without pressure

• Enjoy Osaka’s food scene at a relaxed pace

• Reconnect with a city we love

Osaka’s energy, warmth, and food culture made this extended stay unforgettable.

Osaka Aquarium & Tempozan Area

The first day we visited the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest aquariums in the world. Watching the whale sharks slowly glide through the massive central tank was mesmerizing, we stayed longer than we planned. Afterward we walked through Tempozan Park, then rode the Tempozan Ferris Wheel at night, seeing Osaka lights stretching across the harbor.

It felt completely different from Tokyo — more relaxed and playful.

Dotonbori & Namba Nights

Later we headed to the famous Dotonbori area.  Yes, we took the classic photo with the Glico running man sign. We explored Namba, tried street food, and rode the Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel. Osaka at night is bright, loud, and full of energy, and it quickly became one of our favorite cities in Japan.

Universal Studios Japan Day

The second day was Universal Studios Japan — and it was absolutely worth it. After hours of walking, rides, and excitement, we did something very “us.”

We ate dinner at Saizeriya. It ended up being one of our favorite meals in Japan — simple Italian-style comfort food, generous portions, and incredibly cheap. Moments like that remind us budget travel isn’t about missing out… it’s about discovering unexpected favorites.

Life on Board During the Pacific Crossing: The Heart of the Journey

After Osaka, the real adventure began. Days and days of ocean.

No land.
No schedules to follow.
Just ship life.

And surprisingly… we were never bored. We built a routine:

Our days were simple:

• Slow mornings with coffee and ocean views

• Walking the decks while watching endless blue

• Reading, resting, and enjoying quiet moments

• Evenings filled with sunsets over the Pacific

• shows

• meeting point with new friends at Sorrento Pizza

• late-night pizza

Sea days are often overlooked, but on this cruise, they were the highlight. Every day at sea felt like a new adventure. From lounging at the pool deck enjoying sun-soaked afternoons to indulging in delicious dining options, there was never a dull moment. The onboard entertainment, including shows, live music, and trivia nights, kept our spirits high. Each day brought opportunities to make new friends and unforgettable experiences.

But what made this cruise unforgettable wasn’t the activities. It was the people. We met other travelers from different countries and slowly formed a little group. By the middle of the crossing, we were eating dinners together and planning daily activities like we had known each other for years. Some of those friendships still continue today.

Our Favorite Activity: SeaPlex

One of the most fun memories happened at SeaPlex, the indoor activity space on the ship. We got into bumper cars with our new friends and, for a while, completely forgot we were adults crossing the Pacific Ocean. We laughed like teenagers. Those small, silly moments are what we remember most, not luxury, not formal dinners, but joy.

Crossing the Pacific Ocean

The majority of this cruise was spent at sea, and that’s where the real transformation happened. The long sea days changed our sense of time. You wake up, see only water, spend the day slowly, watch the sunset, and repeat. It’s peaceful in a way modern life rarely is. No errands. No rush. No notifications. Just the rhythm of the ocean. Cruising isn’t only transportation. It’s a pause button.

Arriving in Los Angeles After 17 Nights at Sea

Seventeen nights after boarding in Japan, land finally appeared again, the coast of California. It felt surreal. We had left Asia weeks earlier, and now we were waking up in the United States without ever stepping on a plane. Seventeen nights at sea change your rhythm. You don’t arrive tired. You arrive calm. Arriving in Los Angeles didn’t feel like an ending, it felt like a quiet return. Docking in Los Angeles marked the transition back to land, but the mindset we gained during the crossing stayed with us.

We walked off the ship with mixed emotions: excited to arrive… and sad to leave.

Is a Transpacific Cruise Worth It?

For travelers who value:

• Slow travel

• Comfort over speed

• Unique experiences

• Time to disconnect

A transpacific cruise from Japan to the United States is absolutely worth it. When you consider that accommodation, meals, entertainment, and transportation are included, this type of cruise can also be surprisingly budget-friendly. This journey reminded us why we travel the way we do.

Not to rush. Not to collect destinations. But to experience time differently.

A 17-night cruise from Yokohama to Los Angeles isn’t just about crossing an ocean, it’s about learning how to slow down while doing it. Sometimes, the dream isn’t where you’re going. It’s how you choose to get there.

Why We Love Cruises

A cruise lets you travel slowly across the world while still feeling at home. You unpack once, you meet people, and the journey becomes just as important as the destinations. Reflecting on our 17-night journey with Royal Caribbean, we realized how much there was to discover at sea. With the lush landscapes of Japan fading into ocean waves, we made memories that would last a lifetime.

For us, this wasn’t just transportation from Japan to the U.S. It became one of the most meaningful travel experiences we’ve ever had. Because at the end of the trip, we didn’t just come back with photos. We came back with stories, routines we shared, sunsets we watched together and friendships that lasted beyond the ocean. we believe slow travel creates the deepest memories, and this cruise proved it. And that’s why we keep cruising.

 So, if you’ve been thinking about a transpacific adventure, jump on board, there’s no better way to experience the open waters!

Minowa Inari-jinja Shrine

Myokei-ji Temple

Glico running man sign

Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel

Dotonbori area

The World's first oval ferris wheel.