Princess Cruises unveils largest ever 2028 Japanese summer season and expanded Southeast Asia program | News
Princess Cruises is launching its most extensive deployment in Asia ever, bringing together its 2027 and 2028 Southeast Asia and 2028 Japan programs in one comprehensive unveiling. In total, the season offers 96 sailings across 61 itineraries to 55 destinations in nine countries, with two ships now homeported in Japan, offering guests deeper cultural immersion, access to iconic festivals and unforgettable journeys around some of the world’s most captivating destinations – on sale now.
“This is the most immersive Japan season we have ever introduced and one that reflects how our guests want to experience the destination today,” said Jim Berra, Chief Commercial Officer of Princess Cruises. “With Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess in Tokyo for the first time, late nights during Japan’s most celebrated summer festivals, and sailings visiting all four main islands during the cherry blossom and fall seasons, we offer unprecedented access to the culture, cuisine and traditions that define Japan. Combined with longer, destination-rich voyages to Southeast Asia that connect multiple countries in one trip, this program offers a depth, scale and authenticity that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the region.”
What’s new for 2027 and 2028
Extensive late-night stays in line with major summer festivals across Japan
New festival recording: Osaka Bon Odori, with special visits from both ships
Biggest Japan season ever with two ships homeported in Tokyo
The 2028 season in Japan marks a major milestone for the cruise line, with 41 destinations in three countries. For the first time, both Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will be homeported in Tokyo for the full season, providing easier access closer to the city center.
Highlights of the Japanese season include:
85 departures spread over 52 routes, ranging from 7-29 days
Two sister ships, the Diamond Princess with 2,706 guests and the Sapphire Princess with 2,678 guests, both built in Japan
Sailings visiting all four of Japan’s main islands, following the cherry blossom peak from south to north
Six late nights in Aomori, Hakodate, Hiroshima, Kochi, Osaka (for Kyoto) and Tokushima
Admission to 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Mount Fuji (from Shimizu), Himeji-jo Castle (from Osaka), Hiroshima Peace Monument and Sado Island Gold Mines (from Niigata), Shirakawago Historic Village (from Toyama)
Signature 29-day Grand Circle Japan voyages, including autumn sailings, visiting up to 24 ports
Festival-focused travel 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 with overnight 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 throughout Japan
Itineraries highlight Japan’s dynamic mix of historic monuments, modern cities and breathtaking landscapes. Featured destinations and experiences:
Cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto (via Osaka), Hiroshima and Sapporo
Sights such as Himeji-jo Castle, Kochi Castle, Sannai-Maruyama Ruins and Mount Fuji (from Shimizu)
Scenic regions including Aomori, the Oga Peninsula and Lake Towada
Seasonal sailings tailored to periods of cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, mountain landscapes and coastal vistas
Culinary journeys with regional flavors
Guests can enjoy world-famous Japanese cuisine both on board and ashore, with an emphasis on regional specialties and authentic dining experiences. Food highlights include:
Fresh fish markets in Shimizu and local specialties such as Aomori apples
Iconic dishes such as sushi, ramen, tempura and wagyu
Cultural dining experiences at izakayas, teahouses 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 Itineraries 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. Highlights of the Southeast Asia program include:
11 departures spread over 9 routes
Trips designed as longer sailings of up to 28 days connecting multiple regions
Cruises to Singapore and repositioning cruises between Japan and Singapore
Visits to 29 destinations in nine countries
Overnight stay in Laem Chabang (before Bangkok) and night calls in Hong Kong and Osaka
Admission to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Iriomote Island (from Ishigaki)
Rich cultural, historical and local experiences
Southeast Asia itineraries provide immersive access to the region’s most iconic sights and traditions. Experiences include:
Cultural attractions such as the Giant Buddha (Lantau Island), Batu Caves, Sri Mariamman Temple and the Emerald Buddha
Historical sites including the Cu Chi Tunnels, Ayutthaya and Nagasaki Peace Park
Local experiences such as sampan rides in the Mekong Delta and tuk tuk tours in Bangkok
Tropical landscapes, beaches and natural wonders
Guests will discover some of the region’s most stunning natural environments, from UNESCO sites to idyllic beaches. Natural highlights include:
Visits to James Bond Island in Phuket
Beaches such as Chaweng Beach on Ko Samui
Rainforests, botanical gardens and vibrant marine life
Vibrant culinary and market experiences
The region’s dynamic food culture 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 iconic markets including Temple Street Night Market and Bangkok’s floating markets
Seasonal sailings and holiday trips
The program also includes special seasonal sailings especially for leisure travel.
14-day holiday trip to Southeast Asia, visiting destinations such as Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City
A festive warm-weather escape, combining cultural exploration with seasonal celebrations
Distinctive experiences on board
Guests sailing aboard Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will enjoy unique amenities inspired by the region, including the Izumi Japanese Bath (Diamond Princess only), the largest of its kind at sea, as well as specialty dining options such as Makoto Ocean, which provide an authentic extension of the onboard destination experience. Enriching programs such as lectures and entertainment traditional to the destinations complement the local culture on shore.
Book a cruise now
2027-2028 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.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting princess.com.
