Two ships, 78 departures, 50 itineraries: a historic season of immersive exploration.
In an unprecedented move, Princess has announced its most ambitious deployment in Japan for 2027, which will feature two sister ships built in Japan – Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess – sailing from the Tokyo region throughout the season.
The new program, which will go on sale on August 20, 2025, includes 78 departures with 50 unique itineraries, on voyages ranging from 7 to 28 days. According to the cruise line, this will be its most comprehensive season ever in Japan.
“This season is not just an expansion: it’s a homecoming,” said Gus Antorcha, President of Princess. “Our history in Japan has been forged over time and through experience, and in 2027 we will return to offer unforgettable experiences: from cherry blossoms to the country’s most iconic festivals.”
The highlights of the 2027 season:
- Two sister ships built in Japan: Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess, with a capacity of 2,670 passengers each, built at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyards in Nagasaki.
- 45 cruise destinations in 6 different countries.
- 78 departures and 50 unique itineraries from Tokyo.
Highlights of the itineraries:
- Cherry Blossom Cruises (9–24 days): Designed to follow the cherry blossom season from south to north, passing through Japan's four main islands.
- Festival Cruises (8–24 days): Celebrate Japan's most vibrant summer festivals, such as Aomori Nebuta, Tokushima Awa Odori and Kochi Yosakoi, with longer stopovers.
- Grand Cruises and Tours of Japan (9–28 days): Circular sailing around the country, with stops in Osaka, Hiroshima, Nagasaki and other iconic destinations.
- Okinawa and Taiwan Itineraries (9–19 days): Explore the subtropical beauty of Okinawa and the cultural richness of Taipei and Hualien.
- Japan Explorer Cruises (9–13 days): Discover iconic cities such as Shimizu (to see Mount Fuji), Kobe (to visit Kyoto) and Kagoshima.
Exclusive festival experiences:
Passengers can enjoy seven spectacular festivals, with overnight stays in port to experience them to the fullest:
- Aomori Nebuta Festival (August 2 and 7): Parade of huge illuminated floats, traditional music and energetic dancers.
- Hakodate Minato Festival (August 3): Maritime celebration with a historical parade and spectacular floats.
- Akita Kanto Festival (August 6): Jugglers balancing tall bamboo poles with lit lanterns, accompanied by festive flutes and drums.
- Yamagata Hanagasa Festival (from Sakata) (August 7): A colorful spectacle with 10,000 local dancers to the rhythm of taiko drums.
- Kochi Yosakoi Dance Festival (August 12): One of Japan's largest festivals, featuring vibrant dance troupes and audience participation.
- Awa Odori Dance Festival in Tokushima (August 13): An event with centuries of history, famous for the joyful "Fool's Dance" that spreads throughout the city.
- Kumano Fireworks Festival (August 17): A dazzling display of more than 10,000 fireworks over the sea.
More time ashore.
With 12 ports of call where stopovers will be longer, passengers will enjoy extended evenings and nights in vibrant destinations such as Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakodate, Sakata and Halong Bay.
Cultural Enrichment and World Heritage Sites
Princess cruise passengers will be able to visit 21 sites declared World Heritage by UNESCO, including:
- Mount Fuji (from Shimizu)
- Itsukushima Shrine and Hiroshima Peace Memorial (from Hiroshima)
- Historical monuments of ancient Kyoto (from Kobe or Osaka)
- Jomon prehistoric sites (from Aomori or Hakodate)
Scenic cruises:
Enjoy iconic views from the sea, including:
- Sailing in front of Mount Fuji, in Shimizu Bay
- Cruise through the Kanmon Strait and the Inland Sea of Japan
- View of the Sakurajima volcano from Kagoshima Bay
Legendary cities and cultural gems:
Experience the contrasts of Japan: from the electric streets of Tokyo's Ginza district, to Kyoto's Zen gardens, Shimizu's fish markets, or the deep emotional charge of Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park.
Japanese details on board:
After exploring on land, passengers on the Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess can continue to immerse themselves in Japanese culture with experiences such as:
- Regional dishes, including noodles and freshly prepared sushi
- Local drinks such as Japanese whisky, sake, and shochu
- The narrative tradition of rakugo, with more than 400 years of history
- Folkloric shows and Japanese-style karaoke nights
Additional information about Princess is available at www.cruceros-princess.com or through its General Agent in Spain and Portugal, Mundomar Cruceros.
