Princess Cruises perfects the experience of visiting a country with endless flavors, colors, and culture.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 75 – December 2025
On the horizon of long-haul tourism and cultural and culinary exploration, Princess Cruises presents a unique voyage that combines the majesty of the sea with the ancient splendor of Japan and South Korea. The company has been offering itineraries in Asia, and specifically in Japan, for over 10 years, making your choice feel absolutely perfect.
On board the Diamond Princess, you embark on a journey that goes beyond a typical cruise; it is an invitation to immerse yourself in the traditions, landscapes, and flavors of the Far East with the comfort and elegance that only a prestigious cruise line can offer.
This is a Grand-class cruise ship owned by Princess Cruises. It began operations in March 2004 and primarily cruises in Asia during the Northern Hemisphere summer and Australia during the Southern Hemisphere summer. The Diamond Princess and its sister ship, the Sapphire Princess, were built in Nagasaki, Japan, by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with the Diamond being the first Princess ship built in a Japanese shipyard. For this reason, it was considered more than just a vessel; it was a haven where Japanese tradition intertwined with modernity and contemporary sophistication, featuring spacious areas, tastefully decorated with details that evoked local culture, and offering guests a warm and refined atmosphere.
At 20 years old and following its last refurbishment in 2019, the Diamond Princess may no longer be the most cutting-edge ship in the fleet, but it has plenty of character and a welcoming atmosphere. This is thanks to public spaces decorated in pleasant tones, classic wooden furniture, warm lighting, and attractive details in polished brass and marble. It also boasts four swimming pools, each on its own deck, and unlike the company's newer ships, it features a continuous outdoor promenade that encircles decks 7 and 8.
Shortly after the Diamond Princess departed Yokohama, I went aboard to watch the sunset. Although I've learned over the years that no two sunsets at sea are ever the same, I was captivated gazing at the horizon and watching in amazement as what at first appeared to be a formation of hazy clouds gradually revealed Mount Fuji, with the intense orange sun descending near its summit. I couldn't have asked for a more momentous experience to begin my first cruise from Japan, a country currently enjoying a record-breaking year for tourism.
Mundomar Cruises offers packages for some departures throughout the year that include flights, a pre-cruise program, Spanish-speaking tour guides, and a program of optional excursions in Spanish
For the next eight days, I thoroughly enjoyed every port of call, every excursion, and every moment on board. Like newer ships, the Diamond features a covered Sanctuary overlooking the bow, and the Lotus Spa, with a relaxation room and a thermal area that can be used before and after treatments.
If I had to choose my favorite moment of the day on board, it would undoubtedly be my sunset cocktail in front of the giant LED screen at Movies Under The Stars, whether watching concerts or films—a true delight. But another essential element of the Princess experience must be highlighted: the cruise line's Medallion technology. With its convenient mobile app, you can order food and drinks anywhere, in addition to accessing other essential services. And then there are the automatic sensors you always have with you that unlock your cabin door before you've even reached it. You wear your Medallion around your neck or on a wristband; you don't need anything else to enter and exit the ship and move around it—no cards required.
Some spaces retain a classic charm, such as the Skywalkers Nightclub, which rises above the stern with its starry ceiling and fluted columns; the Santa Fe dining room, with adobe elements; and the Wheelhouse Bar, decorated with nautical memorabilia from Princess's former parent company, P&O Cruises.
The Grand Plaza atrium, which spans three decks, and much of the ship's art have a distinctly Japanese influence. Over 60% of the passengers on this cruise were Japanese, enjoying their holidays exploring their homeland. Furthermore, the Diamond Princess features unique Japanese-themed spaces, such as the Izumi Japanese baths on deck 16 aft and the specialty restaurant Kai Sushi, which is now also available on the newer Sun Princess and Star Princess ships. Culinary-wise, another popular restaurant is the Italian specialty restaurant Sabatini's Trattoria.
The Diamond made stops in Kagoshima (near the southern tip of Japan's southernmost main island, Kyushu), also in Busan, South Korea, Nagasaki, Kochi, Wakayama, Kumano and Shimizu, and disembarking in Yokohama, with time still to spend a pleasant day in Tokyo.
Princess offers excellent excursions, including visits to the Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima; serene Buddhist and Shinto temples, including the Daibutsu (the tallest bronze Buddha in Japan) in Aomori; and even an authentic 16th-century samurai district in Akita. Visiting South Korea on the same trip is a luxury in itself. One of the highlights in lively Busan was visiting the fish market and the enormous street market where visitors can find all sorts of goods, from cosmetics and hats to Korean ginseng. Although we had another goal besides shopping: to eat. To eat local food, to eat well. And I can attest that we succeeded. Every break or free time was a true adventure in search of the best stall and the best bite, whether street food, a bar, or a restaurant. A true explosion of flavors and an experience we'll definitely repeat.
Another noteworthy aspect of the itinerary was having two full but interspersed days of sailing, which allowed for rest between days of long excursions and enjoyment of the ship, the pool, or the “dolce far niente”.
Japan in Depth: When the Journey Begins Before Boarding
. The itinerary doesn't always start when you step aboard. Sometimes, especially on long-haul trips, extending the journey with land-based experiences before and after the cruise adds significant value. When travelers delve into Japan, every visit provides even more context. Our trip was a package that combined land-based stays, luxury hotels, the bullet train, and, of course, the cruise, designed to offer a coherent and in-depth understanding of the country, always accompanied by professionals from Mundomar Cruises.
Before the Diamond Princess set sail from Yokohama, we had already visited some of Japan's most iconic locations, gaining an insider's understanding of its history, spirituality, and daily life.
The journey began in Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital and cultural heart of the country
After a very long flight and transfer from Osaka airport to our hotel, our trip began in Kyoto, the former imperial capital and cultural heart of Japan. For two days, we explored essential sites such as the 10th-century Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, which we enjoyed without the crowds and whose verdant beauty was truly enveloping. Later, we visited the Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its thousands of red torii gates climbing the mountain. A stop at Nishiki Market is highly recommended; it's a non-stop experience browsing food stalls in a bustling but incredibly pleasant atmosphere. A stroll through Gion, the historic geisha district, allowed us to appreciate the enduring presence of traditions in contemporary Japanese life.
The next day, the route continued to Nara, with its large park teeming with deer so tame you couldn't shake them off, and the Todai-ji temple, home to the Great Buddha, before arriving in Osaka, where the contrast was immediate. The cityscape, Osaka Castle, and the lively Dotonbori street showcased the country's more modern and laid-back side. The entire tour was accompanied by explanations in Spanish, key to understanding Japanese architecture, religion, and social organization.
A complete program in Spanish by land and sea.
Travelling by cruise ship through Asia is one of the most comfortable and comprehensive ways to discover fascinating destinations, although the truth is that many people feel intimidated or simply lazy about venturing to the Far East and having to plan the entire trip in detail, not to mention the language barrier. Surprisingly, little English is spoken in Japan.
In Spain, Princess Cruises is exclusively represented by Mundomar Cruceros, who manage the company's cruises to Japan for Spanish passengers and select package tours throughout the year that include flights, a pre-cruise program, Spanish-speaking tour guides, and a carefully designed program of optional excursions. A key added value is that all tours are conducted with an official Spanish-speaking guide, a rarity in this region and especially appreciated by Spanish-speaking travelers. This program allows for in-depth exploration of historic cities, iconic natural landscapes, and key sites of contemporary history, without language barriers and with cultural explanations tailored to a Spanish audience. Mundomar's tour guides accompany passengers throughout the entire trip, from the airport and hotels to excursions and onboard services, answering questions and ensuring that everything is coordinated for the best possible experience.
Tokyo: Tradition and Innovation Before the Sea.
The bullet train journey between Osaka and Tokyo marked one of the most symbolic moments of the trip, reflecting Japan's technological and efficient nature. In the capital, visits included the Tsukiji Market, Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, the Shibuya Crossing (photographed to death), and exterior views of the Imperial Palace. Having every afternoon free to explore the cities is an essential part of immersing yourself in Tokyo, a surprising city with a vibrant and safe nightlife.
The excursion to Kamakura, with its Great Buddha and historic temples, served as a perfect transition between medieval Japan and the start of the maritime experience. From there, the group traveled to the port of Yokohama to board the Diamond Princess, now with a solid cultural foundation that would transform each subsequent port of call into more than just a simple visit.
Our first stop in Japan took us to Shimizu, where the experience began with the Nihon Daira cable car, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Mount Fuji. The excursion continued to the 400-year-old Kunozan Toshogu Shrine and concluded on the Mihono Matsubara coast, a protected landscape with over 30,000 pine trees along the shore.
In Wakayama, the tour included the Kishu Toshogu Shrine, founded in 1621 and dedicated to Tokugawa Ieasu, a prominent shogun of the Edo period. Wakayama Castle, built in 1585, is notable for its curved walls. Finally, the lively Kuroshio Ichiba Market, famous for its tuna-cutting demonstrations, was a must-see. Wandering through the market and sampling some of its offerings was a truly memorable experience. The detailed explanation of the Edo period and Japanese defensive architecture was one of the highlights. Japan cannot be understood without knowing its history.
The stopover in Kochi combined nature and culture. We visited Katsurahama Beach, the historic Kochi Castle, its adjacent museum, and Hirome Market, the local gastronomic epicenter, with restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, from traditional Japanese to international.
The cruise's only stop outside Japan took it to Busan, South Korea. The tour included the spectacular Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, the colorful Gamcheon Cultural Village, the Gwangbok-ro shopping district, BIFF Plaza, and the famous Jagalchi Fish Market. We finished the visit with a meal at a Korean barbecue restaurant—a great choice.
In Nagasaki, the excursion had a distinctly historical and reflective character, with visits to the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Museum, and the Mount Inasa observation deck, which offers one of the most famous views in Japan. Walking through this city is deeply moving; no one leaves it unmoved.
The trip concluded in Kagoshima, a ferry ride to the volcanic island of Sakurajima, a visit to the Arimura Lava Observatory, the elegant Senganen garden and the lively Tenmonkan district, a symbol of local life.
These excursions proved that true luxury on a cruise isn't just the destination, but understanding it. Having professional Spanish-speaking guides, organized transfers, and included entrance fees allowed us to enjoy the experience with peace of mind, cultural depth, and complete comfort.
We returned home with the firm intention of coming back.
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