SINGAPORE, 20 April 2026: Princess Cruises releases its most expansive Asia deployment ever, bringing together its 2027 and 2028 Southeast Asia and 2028 Japan programmes in a single, comprehensive presentation.
The season will feature 96 departures across 61 itineraries visiting 55 destinations in nine countries, with two ships homeporting in Japan.
What’s New in 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. For the first time, both Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will homeport in Tokyo for the full season.
Japan season highlights
- 85 departures across 52 itineraries, ranging from seven to 29 days.
- Two sister ships, the 2,706-guest Diamond Princess and 2,678-guest Sapphire Princess.
- 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.
Featured destinations
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.
Southeast Asia programme
Complementing the Japan season, Princess Cruises’ Southeast Asia programme offers a collection of longer, destination-rich itineraries operated by Diamond Princess, connecting Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia.
- Voyages are designed as longer-duration sailings up to 28 days, connecting multiple regions.
- Round-trip Singapore sailings and Japan–Singapore repositioning cruises.
- Visits 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)
(Source: Princess Cruises)
