If Japan is on your mind, Princess Cruises has you covered. Now open for bookings, the brand’s 2027 March–December cruise season will see the line’s two Japanese-built sister ships sailing from Tokyo with 78 departures featuring 50 fascinating itineraries.
“This upcoming 2027 season is more than an expansion — it’s a homecoming,” said Gus Antorcha, president, Princess Cruises. “Our story in Japan has deepened over time and experience, and in 2027 we return promising unforgettable experiences, including the renowned Cherry Blossoms, seven spectacular festivals and journeys that immerse you in the awe and wonder of this destination.”
© Princess Cruises
Built in Japan at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyard in Nagasaki, the 2,670-guest Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will deliver guests to iconic locations including 21 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Among them are Mount Fuji (from Shimizu), Itsukushima Shrine & Hiroshima Peace Memorial (from Hiroshima), Ancient Kyoto Monuments (from Kobe or Osaka), and Jomon Prehistoric Sites (from Aomori or Hakodate).
Guests can choose from itineraries such as Cherry Blossom Voyages, taking in the blossom season across all four main islands; Okinawa & Taiwan journeys; Japan Explorer Cruises; Circle and Grand Japan Voyages; and culturally immersive Festival Cruises. In August, there’s the Aomori Nebuta Festival with music, floats and dancing; maritime celebrations during the Hakodate Minato Festival Aug. 3; candlelit lanterns, drumming and flute music at Akito Kanto Festival on Aug. 6; Tokushima Awa Odori Dance Festival on Aug. 13; and the spectacular Kumano Fireworks Festival on Aug. 17.
© Princess Cruises
Onboard, guests can savor regional Japanese culinary favorites like freshly prepared sushi, noodles, Japanese whiskeys, sake and shochu; settle in for the 400-year-old storytelling tradition of “rakugo;” and enjoy a karaoke evening with folkloric dancing. There’s also more time ashore, with 12 More Ashore late-night ports in destinations including Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakodate, Sakata and Halong Bay.
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