Princess Cruises has released its most expansive Asia deployment ever, bringing together its 2027 and 2028 Southeast Asia and 2028 Japan programme in a single, comprehensive reveal.
In total, the season features 96 departures across 61 itineraries visiting 55 destinations in nine countries, with now two ships homeporting in Japan, offering guests deeper cultural immersion, access to iconic festivals, and unforgettable journeys across some of the world’s most captivating destinations – on sale now.
“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 programme offers a depth, scale and authenticity that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the region.”
What’s New for 2027 and 2028
Expanded late-night stays aligned with major summer festivals across Japan
New festival inclusion: Osaka Bon Odori, with dedicated visits by both ships
Largest-Ever Japan Season with Two Ships Homeporting in Tokyo
The 2028 Japan season marks a major milestone for the cruise line, featuring 41 destinations in three countries. For the first time, both Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will homeport in Tokyo for the full season, offering more convenient access closer to the city center.
Japan season highlights include:
85 departures across 52 itineraries, ranging from 7-29 days
Two sister ships, the 2,706-guest Diamond Princess and 2,678 guest Sapphire Princess, both built in Japan
Sailings visiting all four main islands of Japan, following peak cherry blossom blooms from south to north
Six late-night stays in Aomori, Hakodate, Hiroshima, Kochi, Osaka (for Kyoto) and Tokushima
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), Shirakawago Historic Village (from Toyama)
Signature 29-day Grand Circle Japan voyages, including fall foliage sailings visiting up to 24 ports
Festival-Focused Voyages and Authentic Cultural Immersion
Designed to immerse guests in Japan’s rich traditions, sailings are timed to coincide with the country’s most celebrated seasonal events, many featuring late-night stays for optimal access. Festival experiences include:
Aomori Nebuta Festival
Hakodate Minato Festival
Kochi Yosakoi Dance Festival
Tokushima Awa Odori Festival
Osaka Bon Odori Festival
Kumano Fireworks Festival
Cultural experiences include:
Traditional tea ceremonies, Kabuki performances, Zen gardens and Shinto shrines
Iconic Destinations and Natural Beauty Across Japan
Itineraries highlight Japan’s dynamic mix of historic landmarks, modern cities and breathtaking landscapes. Featured destinations and experiences:
Cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto (via Osaka), Hiroshima and Sapporo
Landmarks such as Himeji-jo Castle, Kochi Castle, Sannai-Maruyama ruins and Mt. Fuji (from Shimizu)
Scenic regions including Aomori, the Oga Peninsula and Lake Towada
Seasonal sailings aligned with cherry blossom and fall foliage periods, mountain landscapes and coastal vistas
Culinary Journeys Showcasing Regional Flavors
Guests can savor Japan’s world-renowned cuisine both onboard and ashore, with a focus on regional specialties and authentic dining experiences. Food highlights include:
Fresh seafood markets in Shimizu and local specialties like Aomori apples
Iconic dishes such as sushi, ramen, tempura and wagyu
Cultural dining experiences in izakayas, tea houses and sake breweries
Onboard both ships, Chef Makoto Okuwa’s Edomae-style sushi at the cruise line’s acclaimed Makoto Ocean specialty restaurant
Curated Southeast Asia Voyages Connecting Multiple Regions Complementing the Japan season, Princess Cruises’ Southeast Asia program offers a curated collection of longer, destination-rich itineraries operated by Diamond Princess, connecting Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia program highlights include:
11 departures across 9 itineraries
Voyages designed as longer-duration sailings up to 28 days connecting multiple regions
AloJapan.com