Princess Cruises is gearing up for its most ambitious Japan program yet, with two Japanese-built sister ships set to sail from the Tokyo region for an extended March–December 2027 season.
The 2,670-passenger Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess (both built in Nagasaki) will operate 78 departures across 50 itineraries, visiting 45 ports in six countries. It’s the first time Princess has deployed two homegrown ships to Japan for a full season, which goes on sale on 20 August 2025.
Princess Cruises President Gus Antorcha called the 2027 line-up a “homecoming” for the brand.
“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,” he said.
From flowers to fireworks
With itineraries ranging from week-long sailings to 28-day grand voyages, highlights include cherry blossom voyages tracking the blooms from south to north across all four main Japanese islands, festival cruises timed for summer celebrations and ‘Circle Japan’ itineraries calling at ports like Osaka, Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Passengers can also explore Okinawa and Taiwan, or opt for Japan ‘Explorer Cruises’ to places like Shimizu for Mount Fuji and Kobe for Kyoto.
Festival enthusiasts can uncover seven events, including the Aomori Nebuta Festival with its towering illuminated floats, Tokushima’s centuries-old Awa Odori Dance Festival and the Kumano Fireworks Festival, with over 10,000 bursts lighting the night sky.
A dozen “More Ashore” ports, from Osaka to Halong Bay, will keep guests out after dark, while the itineraries also offer access to 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Itsukushima Shrine and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial.
Scenic sailings include cruising the Kanmon Straits, viewing Sakurajima Volcano from Kagoshima Bay and gliding past Mount Fuji from Shimizu.
After a day in port, guests can return to Japanese-inspired experiences on board. Think freshly made sushi and regional noodle dishes, Japanese whiskey tastings, rakugo storytelling and evenings of karaoke.
According to the cruise line, travellers booking by 27 August 2025 can enjoy Captain’s Circle savings of up to AU$300 per stateroom.
More Makoto
It’s also just been revealed that both Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will feature the Makoto Ocean specialty sushi restaurant from spring 2027.
Led by Chef Makoto Okuwa, known for blending traditional Edomae-style techniques with contemporary presentation, the venue first launched on Sun Princess in 2024 and will debut on Star Princess later in 2025.
For more info on Princess Cruises, visit princess.com.
