Princess announces largest Japan and Southeast Asian season for 2027 and 2028

Photo of author
By Bernadette Chua
Content Director,
Princess ships in Japan
In Short:

For the first time ever, both Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will homeport in Tokyo for the full season.

  • Princess has announced a huge Asian season which covers departures from Japan and Southeast Asian nations.
  • The sailings feature 96 departures across 61 itineraries visiting destination in nine countries.
  • For the first time ever, both Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will homeport in Tokyo for the full season.

Princess Cruises has revealed its most expansive Asia deployment ever, for the 2027 and 2028 Southeast Asia season, as well as 2028 Japan sailings

The sailings feature 96 departures across 61 itineraries visiting 55 destinations in nine countries.

“Australia is a key source market for our Japan program, with strong and growing demand from travellers seeking culturally rich, immersive experiences. Looking ahead to 2028, we expect that momentum to continue, particularly as interest in visiting regional Japan grows,” said Matthew Rutherford, Vice President Asia Pacific, Princess Cruises.

“Princess Cruises remains the largest international cruise line operating in Japan, offering the widest range of itineraries and access to more than 50 unique ports. We’re uniquely positioned as the only international cruise line sailing in Japan year-round, reflecting both our long-standing commitment to the destination and the strength of our local partnerships. Combined with deep destination expertise and programs like Local Connections, we’re able to deliver immersive, culturally rich experiences that go well beyond the expected.”

“Japan is a cornerstone of our long-term growth strategy in Asia-Pacific, offering a combination of strong demand, global appeal and depth of experience.”

“With more than 50 ports of call to choose from across a diverse archipelago, Japan offers incredible variety. It’s a destination that rewards curiosity, and that depth will continue to drive its appeal as we move toward 2028.”

“Japan can be complex to navigate beyond the major hubs, and cruising helps remove those barriers, making it easier to explore the country and less-visited ports with confidence. Unlocking regional Japan also brings economic benefit, encourages cultural exchange and gives local residents a chance to showcase their traditions and festivals to a global audience.”

“Japan delivers the depth and cultural richness of long-haul destinations like Europe, but with far greater proximity for Australian travellers. Combined with cruising, it becomes a seamless way to explore.”

The Princess Japan season

In 2028, Princess will have its largest-ever Japan season that will feature 41 destinations in three countries. It’s the first time both Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will homeport from Tokyo for the full season.

The two ships will offer 52 itineraries with 85 departures. Cruises will range from seven to 29 days.

The season will include six late-night stays in Aomori, Hakodate, Hiroshima, Kochi, Osaka (for Kyoto), and Tokushima.

Itineraries will offer access to 19 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Mount Fuji (from Shimizu), Himeji-jo Castle (from Osaka), Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Sado Island Gold Mines (from Niigata), and Shirakawago Historic Village (from Toyama).

Some of the sailings will also be timed to coincide with some of Japan’s most well-known seasonal festivals, including the Aomori Nebuta Festival, Hakodate Minato Festival, Kochi Yosakoi Dance Festival, Osaka Bon Odori Festival, and Kumano Fireworks Festival, among others.

The longest option will be the 29-day Grand Circle Japa voyages visiting up to 24 ports.

Guests will be able to enjoy the width and breadth of Japan’s regional flavours, both onboard and ashore, with highlights that include fresh seafood markets in Shimizu, cultural dining experiences in tea houses and sake breweries, and Chef Makoto Okuwa’s Edomae-style sushi at the onboard Makoto Ocean specialty restaurant.

Mount Fuji in Japan

Princess’ Southeast Asian itineraries

Princess’s Southeast Asian program will feature Diamond Princess itineraries that connect Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia. In total, Diamond Princess will sail 11 departures across nine itineraries of up to 28 days, visiting 29 destinations across nine countries.

Options include round-trip Singapore sailings and Japan-Singapore repositioning cruises.

Highlights include an overnight stay in Laem Chabang (for Bangkok), late-night calls in Hong Kong and Osaka, and access to UNESCO World Heritage sites including Singapore Botanic Gardens and Iriomote Island (from Ishigaki).

Other experiences include visiting cultural sites such as the Giant Buddha (Lantau Island), Batu Caves, Sri Mariamman Temple, and the Emerald Buddha. Historic landmarks visited include Cu Chi Tunnels, Ayutthaya, and Nagasaki Peace Park.

Guests can also choose to visit some of the region’s most stunning natural environments such as Bond Island in Phuket, beaches such as Chaweng Beach in Ko Samui, and more.

Southeast Asian cuisine also features on these sailings from option cooking class tours in Thailand and Vietnam to street food experiences in Hanoi, Hong Kong, and Bangkok to onboard regional dishes such as Pad Thai, Banh Mi, and Nasi Lemak.

Related Posts