Princess Cruises has unveiled its most expansive Asia deployment ever for 2027–2028, combining a record‑breaking Japan 2028 summer season with an enriched Southeast Asia program across 2027–2028. Across both regions, the line will operate 96 departures on 61 itineraries, visiting 55 destinations in nine countries, with two ships homeporting in Tokyo for the first time.
Largest-Ever Japan 2028 Season
The 2028 Japan season marks a major milestone for Princess, with Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess both homeporting in Tokyo for the full summer—bringing guests closer to the city centre and offering unprecedented choice. Season highlights include:
- 85 departures across 52 itineraries, from 7 to 29 days.
- Visits to 41 destinations in three countries, covering all four main islands of Japan.
- Six late‑night stays in ports such as Aomori, Hakodate, Hiroshima, Kochi, Osaka (for Kyoto) and Tokushima for deeper evening exploration.
- Access to 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Mount Fuji (from Shimizu), Himeji‑jo Castle (from Osaka), the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Sado Island Gold Mines (from Niigata) and Shirakawago Historic Village (from Toyama).
- Signature 29‑day Grand Circle Japan voyages, including departures timed for cherry blossom and autumn foliage, visiting up to 24 ports in a single sailing.
Festival-Focused Voyages & Cultural Immersion
Many Japan itineraries are timed around major summer and seasonal festivals, with late‑night or overnight calls to let guests experience the atmosphere after dark. Featured events include:
- Aomori Nebuta Festival
- Hakodate Minato Festival
- Kochi Yosakoi Dance Festival
- Tokushima Awa Odori Festival
- Osaka Bon Odori Festival (a new inclusion, visited by both ships)
- Kumano Fireworks Festival
On shore and onboard, guests can dive deeper into Japanese culture through traditional tea ceremonies, Kabuki‑inspired performances, visits to Zen gardens and Shinto shrines, plus shore excursions that focus on local crafts, markets and neighbourhoods.
Food plays a starring role, with opportunities to sample regional specialties—from fresh seafood and sushi to ramen, tempura, wagyu and Aomori apples—both ashore and onboard. On Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess, the Makoto Ocean specialty restaurant showcases chef Makoto Okuwa’s Edomae‑style sushi, extending the Japanese culinary experience at sea.
Iconic Cities, Scenic Regions & Seasonal Sailings
Princess’ Japan itineraries are built to showcase the country’s blend of historic landmarks, contemporary cities and natural beauty. Guests can expect:
- Time in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto (via Osaka), Hiroshima and Sapporo.
- Visits to castles and heritage sites like Himeji‑jo Castle, Kochi Castle, Sannai‑Maruyama ruins and Mt. Fuji viewpoints.
- Scenic cruising and port calls across Aomori, the Oga Peninsula, Lake Towada and coastal regions that are especially striking during sakura and kōyō season.
With a mix of shorter and longer sailings, guests can choose focused Japan‑only itineraries or more expansive journeys that connect Japan with other parts of Asia.
Curated Southeast Asia Voyages For 2027–2028
Complementing the Japan program, Princess has also detailed a Southeast Asia deployment for 2027–2028, operated by Diamond Princess and designed as longer, destination‑rich voyages that link multiple regions. Highlights include:
- 11 departures across nine itineraries, with sailings up to 28 days.
- Roundtrip cruises from Singapore plus repositioning voyages between Japan and Singapore.
- 29 destinations across nine countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Japan.
- An overnight stay in Laem Chabang (for Bangkok) and late‑night calls in Hong Kong and Osaka, providing more time ashore.
- Access to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Singapore Botanic Gardens and Iriomote Island (from Ishigaki).
Shore experiences span temples and historic sites (Ayutthaya, Emerald Buddha, Batu Caves, Nagasaki Peace Park, Cu Chi Tunnels), tropical landscapes (James Bond Island in Phuket, Ko Samui beaches, rainforests and marine parks) and local life (Bangkok tuk‑tuk rides, Mekong Delta sampan trips, night markets and floating markets).
Food‑focused excursions and onboard activities highlight regional dishes such as Pad Thai, Banh Mi and Nasi Lemak, plus cooking classes, street food tours and market visits in cities like Bangkok, Hanoi and Hong Kong.
Ships & Onboard Experiences
Guests sailing the Asia program will cruise on Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess, both Japan‑built sister ships that incorporate unique regional features. On Diamond Princess, the Izumi Japanese Bath—the largest of its kind at sea—offers a traditional onsen‑inspired experience, while both ships feature specialty dining and enrichment tailored to the destinations, from Makoto Ocean sushi to cultural lectures and themed entertainment.
How To Book Princess Japan & Southeast Asia Cruises
The 2027–2028 Japan and Southeast Asia voyages are on sale now, with launch offers including up to US$800 in instant savings, free room upgrades and up to US$200 bonus savings per stateroom for Captain’s Circle members.
Browse the itineraries and pricing, or book directly, at https://www.princess.com and via the Asia and Japan destination pages:
- Japan cruises: https://www.princess.com/en-au/cruise-destinations/japan-cruises
- Asia cruises: https://www.princess.com/en-au/cruise-destinations/asia-cruises
Alternatively, contact your trusted professional travel advisor.
