AST and WAR both have you head east as well.
I think our reason for taking a smuggler's ship was more of who we are as the Warrior of Light and less "this is the only way to do it." I mean, if it were so difficult to get to Kugane, then East Aldenard Trading likely wouldn't be a thing. And they've been there seemingly longer. Just like the various bugyo from the east have been allowed to come to Eorzea every new year.
I think our reason for taking a smuggler's ship was more of who we are as the Warrior of Light and less "this is the only way to do it." I mean, if it were so difficult to get to Kugane, then East Aldenard Trading likely wouldn't be a thing. And they've been there seemingly longer. Just like the various bugyo from the east have been allowed to come to Eorzea every new year.