In the summer of 2022, Princess Cruises will have homeports in Yokohama (Tokyo) and Kobe for its itineraries spanning from the tropical islands of southern Okinawa to the northernmost island of Hokkaido. Great discoveries await guests in Japan, from its rich history, culture, and cuisine to the natural wonders of this great nation, where ancient traditions and modernity coexist in harmony.
Now on sale, the Diamond Princess offers 35 sailings during the May-September 2022 season, with 31 destinations, four countries, and 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Cruises range in length from 5 to 19 days.
The main reasons to experience Japan with Princess Cruises include:
- Easy and accessible: Princess Cruises offers English-speaking guides and shore excursions so guests can enjoy stunning locations and local culture, combined with the comforts of the ship when they return to their cruise ship each evening. Diamond Princess guests enjoy the best of both worlds, from delicious regional dishes to family-style meals, and can relax knowing they'll be sailing to a new destination every night and only have to pack and unpack once. Mundomar Cruises, General Agent for Spain and Portugal and Preferred Agent in Mexico, will, as usual, announce which departures will have assistance in Spanish for the convenience of Spanish, Portuguese, and Mexican guests.
- Temples, Shrines and Palaces: Guests will enjoy the variety of stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites with temples and shrines such as the historic monuments of ancient Kyoto, the Buddhist monuments of the Horyu-ji area and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial.
- Festivals: With nine different opportunities to visit local festivals, guests can experience various world-famous Japanese festivals, such as the Kyoto Gion Festival with its enormous, handcrafted "Yama" and "Hoko" floats, built each year without the use of nails, or witness a display of 10,000 fireworks during the Kumano Fireworks Festival. Other featured festivals include those in Osaka: the Tenjin Festival, the Aomori Nebuta Festival, the Akita Kanto Festival, the Kochi Yosakoi Dance Festival, and the Tokushima Awa Dance Festival.
- Vibrant cities: It will be easy to immerse yourself in the cultures of these stunning cities where the 21st century coexists with the spirit of ancient Japan. In Tokyo, guests can shop in the Ginza district or explore the Imperial Palace Plaza. The 2022 season features the first port of call at Hitachinaka, for visiting the shrines and temples of Nikko. Ten ports offer additional overnight stays ashore, including Akita, Aomori, Kochi, Osaka, and Tokushima during the Summer Festival.
- Natural wonders, gardens, and onsens: Serenity abounds at Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa, one of Japan's three great gardens. Guests can enjoy a traditional tea ceremony with views of Mount Fuji or soak in the relaxing atmosphere and the health benefits of an onsen (hot spring bath).
Built in Japan, the Diamond Princess offers a cruise experience deeply connected to local Japanese culture. Guests can savor authentic Japanese cuisine at Kai Sushi, enjoy a traditional bath in Izumi, the largest Japanese bathhouse at sea, and experience folklore shows and typical regional entertainment. And in 2022, the ship will feature the exclusive Princess MedallionClass technology experience, providing guests with an incredible experience through highly personalized service and contactless interactive entertainment. Among the enhancements, guests will enjoy expedited boarding, à la carte dining, beverage, retail, and service; keyless stateroom entry; contactless payment; a family and friend locator; anywhere betting; interactive games; and live movies/TV, along with the best Wi-Fi at sea powered by MedallionNet technology.
