Another cruise line to expand in Japan

Add Compagnie du Ponant to the list of cruise lines offering more sailings in Japan.

The France-based small ship operator says it will offer several eight-night voyages around the country in early 2015 on the 264-passenger L'Austral.

The sailings include a Best of Japan itinerary between Osaka and Maizuru that features stops in the Japanese ports of Hiroshima, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, among others.

A single Traditional Japan itinerary from Tiajin, China to Osaka features calls at such lesser-visited Japanese ports as Hakata, Iwakuni and Uno Ko.

The trips are timed to take place during Japan's popular cherry blossom festival season, marking the first time one of the line's ships has visited the country during the period.

Fares for the Traditional Japan sailing start at $3,320 per person including drinks and gratuities. Fares for the Best of Japan voyages start at $3,830.

Ponant is joining lines such as Princess Cruises that have been expanding offerings in Japan.

Still relatively unknown in North America, Ponant long has catered to a global audience, including Americans, with bilingual voyages on several small ships. Announcements are both in French and English. The company is known for offering high-end, yacht-like experiences in regions as far flung as the Russian Far East and Antarctica.

For a look at a Ponant ship, click through the carousel below.