If Japan is on your travel list, Princess Cruises has expanded its presence with an extensive 2027 season now open for booking. The line’s two Japanese-built sister ships will be based in Tokyo from March through December, offering 78 departures across 50 unique itineraries designed to showcase Japan’s cultural and natural highlights.
“This upcoming 2027 season is more than an expansion — it’s a homecoming,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Princess Cruises. “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.”
© Princess Cruises
Constructed at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Nagasaki shipyard, the Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess each accommodate about 2,670 guests and will visit iconic destinations across Japan, including 21 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Highlights of the port calls include views of Mount Fuji from Shimizu, the Itsukushima Shrine and Hiroshima Peace Memorial from Hiroshima, the ancient monuments of Kyoto accessible from Kobe or Osaka, and the Jomon Prehistoric Sites reachable from ports such as Aomori and Hakodate.
Itineraries are varied to suit different interests and seasons: Cherry Blossom Voyages that follow the bloom across the four main islands; Okinawa and Taiwan cruises; Japan Explorer routes; Circle and Grand Japan Voyages for longer, in-depth exploration; and Festival Cruises timed to coincide with regional celebrations. August sailings, for example, align with a number of vibrant local festivals: the Aomori Nebuta Festival with its illuminated floats, the maritime Hakodate Minato Festival on Aug. 3, the Akita Kanto Festival’s candlelit lantern processions and traditional music on Aug. 6, Tokushima’s Awa Odori dance festival on Aug. 13, and the dramatic Kumano Fireworks Festival on Aug. 17.
© Princess Cruises
Onboard experiences emphasize Japanese regional cuisine and culture. Guests can enjoy freshly prepared sushi, regional noodle dishes, and tastings of Japanese whiskey, sake and shochu. Cultural programming includes the traditional 400-year-old storytelling art of rakugo, folkloric dance performances, and lively karaoke evenings that celebrate local music and customs. The cruises also offer increased time ashore with “More Ashore” late-night port calls in destinations such as Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakodate, Sakata and Halong Bay, allowing passengers to explore evening attractions, dine locally and take part in festival activities.
With a mix of short and extended voyages, festival-focused sailings and seasonal journeys timed for cherry blossoms, Princess Cruises’ 2027 Japan program aims to provide both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers with immersive experiences across the country’s major islands and cultural sites.