Cruise Report

 Mozambican performers as Peace Boat docked in Maputo

Peace Boat docked in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, on January 7, 2017. That evening, a lively event was held onboard to showcase Mozambican culture to participants. The performances included an array of traditional music, dancing and clothing, which were met with rapturous applause from the audience. Singer Linito and the Manghunuta Girls also treated participants to several Marabenta songs – the genre of music which symbolized the Mozambican liberation movement during the nineteen sixties and seventies. 

 Coming of Age celebrations at sea

On 13 January 13, 2017, Peace Boat celebrated Coming of Age day, a traditional Japanese festival which celebrates young people’s entry into adulthood. In Japan, adulthood is generally considered to begin from age 20. Ishida Pisari, Shimoda Sachi and Higuchi Ibuki – all turning 20 in 2017 – were lucky enough to celebrate the special occasion onboard Peace Boat as it sailed across the Atlantic Ocean. They all agreed it was an unforgettable experience.

 Peace Boat’s Summer Festival

As Peace Boat approached Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, everyone celebrated the warm weather at the onboard summer festival. Events included an arm wrestling competition, a yukata (summer kimono) contest, a kakigori (shaved-ice) eating race, and a haunted house. The festivities continued into the night with a mikoshi(portable shrine) parade, followed by several traditional Japanese summer dances, such as bon odori and awa odori. “I was thrilled to be one of the winners in the yukata contest – I only had two days to learn my dance but I’m so glad I did it!” commented Umeno Megumi, a Peace Boat participant.