Cruise & Cruise Line

Princess Cruises Unveils 2026 Japan Season

Image: Diamond Princess (Photo Credit: Princess Cruises)
Image: Diamond Princess (Photo Credit: Princess Cruises)
Sarah Kuta
by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 12:30 PM ET, Thu September 19, 2024

Princess Cruises will offer more than 50 departures in Japan in 2026.

From February through November, the 2,670-guest Diamond Princess will sail around the scenic island nation, with cruises ranging from seven to 28 days. Princess will offer 35 unique itineraries that visit destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima.

The ship was built in Nagasaki by Mitsubishi and features unique, Japanese-inspired experiences, including an Izumi Bath, a noodle bar, a sushi restaurant called Kai Sushi and more. Guests will also be able to sip Japanese whiskeys, sake and shochu, and participate in the 400-year-old tradition of "rakugo" storytelling.

"Only on Princess can you become immersed into Japan's rich culture, ancient traditions and incredible beauty while enjoying a completely unique onboard fusion of eastern and western cultures," says John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. "The extended 2026 season lets guests choose a cruise in the season they find most appealing—from spring cherry blossoms, to summer festivals, autumn foliage or snowy, wintry landscapes."

Here’s a snapshot of some of the itineraries:

  • 10- and 11-day “Spring Flowers” cruises in March and April
  • 9- to 14-day “Circle Japan” voyages that circumnavigate the island
  • 9-day “Southern Islands” trips that call at Okinawa, Ishigaki in Japan, plus Taipei (Keelung) and Hualien on the island of Taiwan
  • 7- to 11-day “Japan Explorer” cruises that visit destinations like Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji), Osaka (for Kyoto) and Hiroshima
  • 15- to 28-day voyages that allow for deeper exploration

Before the vessel arrives in Japan, it will also offer two cruises exploring Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand in January 2026. The 10-day Vietnam with Halong Bay sailing can be combined with the 11-day Malaysia & Thailand cruise to create a 21-day “Southeast Asia Grand Adventure” trip.


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Sarah Kuta

Sarah Kuta

Sarah Kuta is a writer and editor based in Longmont, Colorado. Her work has appeared in Travel+Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, AFAR, Food&Wine, Smithsonian magazine, National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Robb Report, the Toronto Star, the Denver Post and many other publications. Sarah has a degree in journalism from Northwestern University. She can be reached at [email protected]  You can follow her on social media https://www.instagram.com/kutasarah/ and https://twitter.com/SarahKuta

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