Princess Cruises has announced its largest deployment in Japan to date, with the 2027 season set to feature two Japanese-built sister ships, Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess. Both vessels will operate from the Tokyo region throughout the season, which runs from March to December 2027. The new program includes 78 departures across 50 different itineraries, with voyages lasting between seven and 28 days.
Gus Antorcha, President of Princess Cruises, said, “This upcoming 2027 season is more than an expansion – it’s a homecoming. 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.”
The deployment features cruises to 45 destinations across six countries. Itinerary highlights include Cherry Blossom Voyages following the blooming season through Japan’s main islands; Festival Cruises allowing guests to participate in major summer events such as Aomori Nebuta and Tokushima Awa Odori; Circle and Grand Japan Voyages circumnavigating key cities like Osaka and Hiroshima; Okinawa & Taiwan Itineraries; and Explorer Cruises visiting sites like Mt. Fuji from Shimizu.
Guests can experience late-night stays during seven traditional Japanese festivals: Aomori Nebuta Festival on August 2 and August 7; Hakodate Minato Festival on August 3; Akita Kanto Festival on August 6; Yamagata Hanagasa Festival on August 7 (from Sakata); Kochi Yosakoi Dance Festival on August 12; Tokushima Awa Odori Dance Festival on August 13; and Kumano Fireworks Festival on August 17.
The cruise line will offer extended port visits at twelve locations for more time ashore in places such as Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakodate, Sakata, and Halong Bay. Passengers will have opportunities to visit up to twenty-one UNESCO World Heritage Sites during their trips. Notable sites include Mount Fuji (accessible from Shimizu), Itsukushima Shrine & Hiroshima Peace Memorial (from Hiroshima), Ancient Kyoto Monuments (from Kobe or Osaka), and Jomon Prehistoric Sites (from Aomori or Hakodate).
Scenic sailings are also planned past landmarks such as Mount Fuji in Shimizu Bay, Kanmon Straits, Japan Inland Sea, and Sakurajima Volcano near Kagoshima Bay.
Onboard experiences will reflect Japanese culture through regional cuisine—including noodles and sushi—Japanese beverages like whiskey, sake, shochu, traditional storytelling performances called rakugo, karaoke evenings, and folkloric dance shows.
Customers who book by August 27, 2025 are eligible for Captain’s Circle Savings of up to $200 per stateroom.
Additional information is available via travel advisors or at www.princess.com.
