Princess Cruises Unveils Largest-Ever Japan 2028 Summer Season

Princess Cruises released its most expansive Asia deployment ever, bringing together its 2027 and 2028 Southeast Asia and 2028 Japan program 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 program 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.

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)
29-day Grand Circle Japan voyages, including fall foliage sailings visiting up to 24 ports

Festival-Focused Voyages and Authentic Cultural Immersion

The sailings are timed to coincide with the Japan’s seasonal events, many featuring late-night stays. 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

Destinations and Natural Beauty Across Japan

Itineraries highlight Japan’s historic landmarks, modern cities and 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)
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

Guests can savor Japan’s 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
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 Makoto Ocean specialty restaurant

Southeast Asia Voyages Connecting Multiple Regions

The Southeast Asia program highlights include:

11 departures across 9 itineraries
Voyages designed as longer-duration sailings up to 28 days connecting multiple regions
Roundtrip Singapore sailings and Japan-Singapore repositioning cruises
Visits to 29 destinations across nine countries
Overnight stay in Laem Chabang (for Bangkok) and late-night calls in Hong Kong and Osaka
Access to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Singapore Botanic Gardens and Iriomote Island (from Ishigaki)

Cultural, Historical and Local Experiences

Southeast Asia itineraries offer access to the region’s landmarks and traditions. Experiences include:

Cultural sites such as the Giant Buddha (Lantau Island), Batu Caves, Sri Mariamman Temple and the Emerald Buddha
Historic landmarks including Cu Chi Tunnels, Ayutthaya and Nagasaki Peace Park
Local experiences like Mekong Delta sampan rides and Bangkok tuk-tuk tours

Tropical Landscapes, Beaches and Natural Wonders

Guests will discover some of the region’s natural environments, from UNESCO sites to beaches. Natural highlights include:

Visits to James Bond Island in Phuket
Beaches such as Chaweng Beach in Ko Samui
Rainforests, botanical gardens and vibrant marine life

Culinary and Market Experiences

The region’s food scene offers endless opportunities for discovery. Culinary highlights include:

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
Visits to markets including Temple Street Night Market and Bangkok floating markets

Seasonal Sailings and Holiday Voyages

The program also includes special seasonal departures designed for holiday travel.

14-day Southeast Asia holiday voyage visiting destinations including Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City
A warm-weather festive escape combining cultural exploration with seasonal celebrations

Onboard Experiences

Guests sailing aboard Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will enjoy unique features inspired by the region, including the Izumi Japanese Bath (Diamond Princess only), as well as specialty dining venues such as Makoto Ocean. Enrichment programming such as lectures and entertainment traditional to the destinations complement the local culture ashore.

2027-28 voyages are now on sale with up to $800 in instant savings, a free room upgrade, and up to $200 bonus savings per stateroom for Captain’s Circle members. For more information, visit www.princess.com.

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