Princess Cruises has announced its most expansive Asia deployment to date, combining its 2027 and 2028 Southeast Asia programme with its 2028 Japan season in a single release. The season will feature 96 departures across 61 itineraries, covering 55 destinations in nine countries, with voyages now open for booking.
A key highlight of the programme is the cruise line’s largest-ever Japan season, with both Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess homeporting in Tokyo for the first time. The deployment includes 85 departures across 52 itineraries ranging from seven to 29 days, offering access to 41 destinations across Japan and neighbouring regions.
Jim Berra, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer, said, “This is the most immersive Japan season we’ve ever introduced and one that reflects how our guests want to experience the destination today. With Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess homeporting in Tokyo for the first time, late-night stays timed to Japan’s most celebrated summer festivals, and sailings that visit all four main islands during cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons, we’re delivering unprecedented access to the culture, cuisine and traditions that define Japan. Paired with longer, destination-rich Southeast Asia voyages that connect multiple countries in a single journey, this program offers a depth, scale and authenticity that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the region.”
The Japan itineraries are designed around key cultural events, including the Aomori Nebuta Festival, Kochi Yosakoi Dance Festival, Tokushima Awa Odori Festival and the Osaka Bon Odori Festival, with several late-night calls enabling extended participation. The sailings also provide access to 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Mount Fuji, Himeji Castle and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial.
Complementing the Japan programme, Princess Cruises has also introduced an expanded Southeast Asia offering, featuring 11 departures across nine itineraries. These longer voyages, ranging up to 28 days, will connect multiple regions including Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia, with roundtrip sailings from Singapore and repositioning cruises between Japan and Singapore.
The Southeast Asia itineraries will cover 29 destinations across nine countries, with highlights including overnight stays in Laem Chabang (for Bangkok) and late-night calls in Hong Kong and Osaka. Guests will experience a blend of cultural landmarks, historic sites and natural attractions, including visits to the Mekong Delta, Batu Caves, and the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Culinary experiences form a key component of the programme, with opportunities to explore regional cuisines both onshore and onboard. Guests can enjoy local dishes such as sushi, ramen, Pad Thai, Banh Mi and Nasi Lemak, alongside curated dining experiences including Chef Makoto Okuwa’s Edomae-style sushi at the Makoto Ocean specialty restaurant onboard.
Onboard experiences will also reflect regional influences, with features such as the Izumi Japanese Bath on Diamond Princess, enrichment programmes and destination-inspired entertainment enhancing the overall journey.
The programme also includes seasonal and holiday sailings, including a 14-day Southeast Asia festive voyage, offering a blend of cultural exploration and warm-weather celebrations.
