The cruise line's fourth season features Diamond Princess departing from Kobe and Tokyo to new ports including UNESCO World Heritage sites and festivals.
Princess Cruises Carnival Corporation & plc announced today that its Princess Cruises brand, the leading North American cruise line in Japan, will offer a series of circumnavigations of the country in 2016, departing from Tokyo and Kobe. These voyages will visit world-class ports of call, including two new ports on the island of Kyushu, as well as stops in Korea, Taiwan, and Russia. The voyages are designed to offer the opportunity to explore the wonders of UNESCO World Heritage sites and participate in some of Japan’s largest and most famous cultural festivals and special events. In addition, the new land and sea vacation packages will immerse travelers in Japanese culture with visits to Kyoto and Tokyo.
The variety of voyages offered on Diamond Princess, ranging from 4 to 20 nights, includes destinations throughout Japan and the Japan Circle; northern Japan with voyages to Hokkaido Island, including a visit to Korsakov, Russia; and southern Japan with voyages to Kyushu Island featuring never-before-visited ports of call in the beautiful southern beach port of Miyazaki and the famous ruins of Yatsushiro Castle. Voyages to Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands are also available. The "Greater Japan" program, ranging from 14 to 20 nights, offers the greatest variety of ports and experiences, while the four- and five-night getaway cruises offer a taste of some of Japan's must-see destinations.
Princess Cruises' 2016 Japan season runs from April to October, making it the only full season offered by a North American cruise line in Japan. Bookings for the new itineraries will be open to the public starting April 16, 2015. More information at cruises-princess.com
“Japan has a rich historical tradition and a deep respect for its historical sites, sacred temples, and natural wonders throughout its island chain. The ideal way to explore this fascinating country is by sea, and Princess offers travelers unparalleled options to discover many of its gems,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “We visit world-class ports, offering cultural and culinary entertainment, local onboard experiences, and bilingual service to make everything Japan has to offer easier and more memorable for our guests. We have been recognized as Asia’s leading cruise line with the best itineraries, and our 2016 voyages live up to this distinction.”.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Princess Cruises' new itineraries will take guests to a wide variety of culturally significant sites, including some of the world's greatest attractions, such as the 7th-century Bulguska Temple in the Korean capital of Gyeongju and ancient historic towns in central Japan. All Hokkaido Island cruises will feature the Shiretoko Peninsula, one of the world's richest ecosystems and one of the few places where visitors can observe various species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, among many others.
Parties and Special Events
Spectacular summer festivals and fireworks displays are highlights on many summer cruises with 7- to 11-night itineraries. These excursions include late-night embarkations so guests can participate in vibrant processions and illuminations, as well as parades of giant floats, dance festivals, and an exceptional fireworks show. The cruise also features the famous Toyohashi Fire Festival in Nagoya and Kagoshima's spectacular summer fireworks display with an active volcano as a backdrop.
Guests staying on July 25 and August 4 will experience the Nebuta Festival, Japan's most extravagant display featuring brightly colored floats, musicians, and dancers. Trips on August 15 and 24 and September 9 will include some of the largest and most spectacular fireworks festivals in Japan.
Holidays on Land and Sea
To further enhance your Japan vacation, Princess Cruises will offer multi-day shore excursion packages, available as add-ons to most cruises, focusing on exploring Kyoto and Tokyo. Kyoto excursions will include visits to Nijo Castle, the famous Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), and popular Japanese gardens. Tokyo excursions will allow you to explore this fascinating city before heading out to Mount Fuji, Togendai, and Lake Ashi.
Diamond Princess features cruise line innovations, including its popular Under the Stars movie theater, poolside entertainment, and the Shrine, an exclusive upper-deck retreat. It also offers many unique features designed to enhance the Japanese cultural experience onboard, including:
• The traditional Japanese Izumi Bath – the largest of its kind at sea and the model for the renowned onsen experience
• Kai Sushi Restaurant – with the best sushi and a full selection of Japanese sake
• Chinese noodle stations – serving a rotating selection of ramen, soba, and udon noodles
• Tamagoyaki – a traditional Japanese omelet available daily for breakfast
• Unique entertainment offerings such as “rakugo” storytelling performances and origami classes
• Unrivaled luxury brand duty-free shops
In addition, the dining room menus offer a wide variety of international cuisine, including Japanese options. All menus and onboard warranty information are available in English and Japanese
