Princess Cruises has unveiled its most extensive Asia rollout to date, bringing together its Southeast Asia programs for 2027 and 2028, along with its 2028 Japan season, in a single comprehensive announcement. In total, the season includes 96 sailings on 61 itineraries visiting 55 destinations in nine countries, with two ships based in Japan, offering guests deeper cultural immersion, access to iconic festivals, and unforgettable journeys to some of the world's most fascinating destinations.
New features for 2027 and 2028 include extended overnight stops coinciding with major summer festivals in Japan, including a new festival: Osaka Bon Odori, with dedicated visits from both ships.
The 2028 Japan season marks a significant milestone for the cruise line, with 41 destinations in three countries. For the first time, Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will be based in Tokyo for the entire season, offering more convenient and closer access to the city center.
Highlights:
- 85 departures on 52 itineraries, from 7 to 29 days
- Two sister ships: Diamond Princess (2,706 passengers) and Sapphire Princess (2,678 passengers), both built in Japan
- Itineraries that travel across the four main islands of Japan, following the cherry blossom season from south to north
- Six overnight stops in Aomori, Hakodate, Hiroshima, Kochi, Osaka (for Kyoto) and Tokushima
- Access to 19 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Mount Fuji (from Shimizu), Himeji Castle, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, the Sado Island Gold Mines, and the historic village of Shirakawago
- 29-day “Grand Circle Japan” flagship voyages, including autumn itineraries with up to 24 ports
The itineraries are designed to coincide with key seasonal events in Japan, many with overnight stays for a better experience, and include the following festivals: Aomori Nebuta Festival, Hakodate Minato Festival, Kochi Yosakoi Dance Festival, Tokushima Awa Odori Festival, Osaka Bon Odori Festival, and Kumano Fireworks Festival; plus traditional tea ceremonies, Kabuki theater, Zen gardens, and Shinto shrines.
The itineraries combine history, modernity and spectacular scenery, including cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Sapporo; monuments such as Himeji Castle, Kochi Castle, the Sannai-Maruyama ruins and Mount Fuji; scenic regions such as Aomori, the Oga Peninsula and Lake Towada; and seasonal departures during cherry blossom and autumn foliage.
Guests can enjoy renowned Japanese cuisine both on board and ashore, visiting the fresh seafood markets in Shimizu and sampling local produce like Aomori apples, savoring iconic dishes such as sushi, ramen, tempura, and wagyu beef, and experiencing culinary delights at izakayas, tea houses, and sake breweries. On board, enjoy Edomae-style sushi by Chef Makoto Okuwa at the Makoto Ocean restaurant.
Complementing Japan, the Southeast Asia program offers longer and more destination-rich itineraries operated by Diamond Princess.
Highlights:
- 11 departures on 9 itineraries
- Trips of up to 28 days connecting multiple regions
- Round-trip cruises from Singapore and repositioning between Japan and Singapore
- 29 destinations in nine countries
- Overnight stopovers in Laem Chabang (Bangkok) and late stopovers in Hong Kong and Osaka
- Access to UNESCO sites such as the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Iriomote Island
Cultural and historical experiences
- Iconic landmarks such as the Big Buddha, the Batu Caves, and historic temples
- Historical sites such as the Cu Chi Tunnels, Ayutthaya, and Nagasaki Peace Park
- Local experiences such as sampan rides through the Mekong Delta and tuk-tuk tours of Bangkok
- Visits to James Bond Island in Phuket
- Beaches like Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui
- Tropical rainforests, botanical gardens, and rich marine life
- Cooking classes in Thailand and Vietnam
- Regional dishes such as Pad Thai, Banh Mi and Nasi Lemak
- Street food experiences in Hanoi, Hong Kong and Bangkok
- Iconic markets such as Temple Street Night Market and Bangkok's floating markets
Passengers on Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will enjoy unique, regionally inspired amenities, such as the Izumi Japanese bath (only on Diamond Princess), the largest of its kind at sea, as well as specialty restaurants like Makoto Ocean. Cultural programs, lectures, and entertainment round out the experience.
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
