Princess Cruises launches largest-ever Japan season and expanded Southeast Asia programme

International

New Asia sailings combine festival experiences, cultural highlights and longer itineraries across multiple countries

Princess Cruises has unveiled its most extensive Asia deployment to date, combining its 2027–2028 Southeast Asia programme with the 2028 Japan season. The season includes 96 departures on 61 itineraries visiting 55 destinations in nine countries. For the first time, two ships will homeport in Tokyo, offering travellers broader access to Japan and longer journeys across the region.

Jim Berra, Chief Commercial Officer at Princess Cruises, said: “This is the most immersive Japan season we’ve ever introduced and one that reflects how our guests want to experience the destination today. With Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess homeporting in Tokyo for the first time and sailings aligned with Japan’s major festivals and seasonal highlights, we are offering unprecedented access to the culture, cuisine and traditions that define the country.”

Two ships homeporting in Tokyo for the first time

The 2028 Japan season marks a milestone for the cruise line. Both Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will operate from Tokyo throughout the season, making access to the cruises easier for international travellers. The programme includes 85 departures on 52 itineraries lasting between seven and 29 days.

The itineraries visit all four of Japan’s main islands and include late-night stays in ports such as Aomori, Hakodate, Hiroshima, Kochi, Osaka and Tokushima. Cruises also provide access to 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Mount Fuji, Himeji Castle, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and the historic village of Shirakawago.

Several voyages are timed to coincide with seasonal highlights such as cherry blossom and autumn foliage, while extended sailings such as the 29-day “Grand Circle Japan” voyage visit up to 24 ports.

Festival sailings offer deeper cultural immersion

Many departures are scheduled to coincide with Japan’s best-known summer festivals, allowing guests to experience traditional celebrations ashore. These include the Aomori Nebuta Festival, the Hakodate Minato Festival, the Kochi Yosakoi Dance Festival and the Tokushima Awa Odori Festival. The programme also introduces visits linked to the Osaka Bon Odori Festival.

Beyond festivals, shore programmes focus on cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies, Kabuki performances, visits to Zen gardens and Shinto shrines, as well as explorations of major cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Sapporo.

Extended voyages across Southeast Asia

Complementing the Japan season, Princess Cruises is also offering a series of longer Southeast Asia itineraries operated by Diamond Princess. The programme includes 11 departures on nine itineraries lasting up to 28 days and connecting destinations across Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia.

These cruises visit 29 destinations in nine countries and include overnight stays in Laem Chabang for Bangkok as well as late departures from ports such as Hong Kong and Osaka. Shore excursions range from cultural landmarks such as the Giant Buddha and Batu Caves to historic sites including the Cu Chi Tunnels and Ayutthaya.

Guests will also experience the region’s natural landscapes and cuisine, from tropical beaches and rainforests to street food markets, cooking classes and regional specialities across Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and beyond.

Onboard experiences inspired by the destination

Passengers travelling on Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will also find destination-inspired experiences onboard. These include the Izumi Japanese Bath on Diamond Princess, one of the largest Japanese-style baths at sea, as well as speciality dining such as the Makoto Ocean restaurant featuring Edomae-style sushi created by Chef Makoto Okuwa.

Enrichment programmes, lectures and entertainment inspired by the destinations visited aim to deepen travellers’ understanding of the cultures encountered during the voyages.