On Nov. 1, Shizuoka-based Nihon Kaiyo Kanko began operating Hakata Bay cruises from the Marinoa City shopping complex in Nishi-ku. The 19-ton Youmin Tomato has a capacity of 90 and will make seven trips a day during peak times. A company official said, “Passengers can enjoy the Fukuoka skyline from the water, which is something you can’t see every day. We want to spread the word about how fun cruises can be.” The cruise ship boards at the Nishi Fukuoka Marina, located next to Marinoa City, and each cruise lasts 35 minutes. Regular rates are ¥1,200 for adults and ¥600 for children. Cruises will run daily except Tuesdays. Nihon Kaiyo Kanko was selected by Marinoa as the cruise operator given its track record running the Nakagawa Water Bus, a vessel connecting Tenjin Chuo Park to Hakata Wharf, since March 2011. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 11/5
