Princess Cruises unveiled its most expansive Asia program ever, announcing its 2027 and 2028 Southeast Asia program along with its 2028 Japan program. The season will feature two ships homeporting in Japan, offering 96 departures across 61 itineraries visiting 55 destinations in nine countries.
“This is the most immersive Japan season we’ve ever introduced and one that reflects how our guests want to experience the destination today,” said Jim Berra, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer. “With Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess homeporting in Tokyo for the first time, late‑night stays timed to Japan’s most celebrated summer festivals, and sailings that visit all four main islands during cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons, we’re delivering unprecedented access to the culture, cuisine and traditions that define Japan. Paired with longer, destination‑rich Southeast Asia voyages that connect multiple countries in a single journey, this program offers a depth, scale and authenticity that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the region.”
The 2028 Japan season will be the largest season ever marking a major milestone for the cruise line. For the first time both Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will homeport in Tokyo for the full season sailing to 41 destinations in three countries, and offering extended late-night stays during major summer festivals across Japan.
Highlights of the 2028 Japan season include:
- 85 departures across 52 itineraries ranging from seven to 29 days
- Six late night stays in Aomori, Hakodate, Hiroshima, Kochi, Osaka, and Tokushima
- Visits to Japan’s four main islands
- Access to 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Sailings timed to coincide with well-known seasonal festivals including the Aomori Nebuta Festival, Hakodate Minato Festival, Kochi Yosakoi Dance Festival, Tokushina Awa Odori Festival, Osaka Bon Odori Festival, and Kumano Fireworks Festival
- 29-day Grand Circle Japan voyages visiting up to 24 ports
All of the sailings will give guests the opportunity to experience the culture and cuisine of Japan including traditional tea ceremonies, Kabuki performances, fresh seafood markets, sake breweries, Zen gardens and Shinto shrines. Both ships will offer Chef Makoto Okuwa’s Edomae-style sushi at the cruise line’s specialty restaurant Makoto Ocean.
Highlights of the Southeast Asia season aboard Diamond Princess include:
- 11 departures across 9 itineraries to 29 destinations across 9 countries
- Both roundtrip Singapore sailings and Japan-Singapore repositioning cruises will be offered
- Late night stays in Hong Kong and Osaka as well as an overnight call in Laem Chabang (Bangkok)
- Access to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Singapore Botanic Gardens and Iriomote Island
- Visits to iconic landmarks and traditions such as the Giant Buddha and the Emerald Buddha, as well as the Cu Chi Tunnels, Nagasaki Peace Park and more
- Visits to stunning natural environments like Chaweng Beach, rainforests, botanical gardens and James Bond Island in Phuket
Guests who wish to experience the culinary traditions of the region will enjoy cooking classes in Thailand and Vietnam, street food experiences in Hanoi, Hong Kong and Bangkok, as well as the iconic Temple Street Night Market and Bangkok floating markets. On board, guests can enjoy regional dishes like Pad Thai, Banh Mi and Nasi Lemak.
These voyages are open for booking now and include up to $800 in instant savings, a free room upgrade and up to $200 bonus saving for Captain’s Circle members.