Princess Cruises Unveils Record-Breaking Japan Season for 2027

ByJoe Miragliotta

Princess Cruises is preparing for a landmark return to Japan in 2027, announcing its most expansive season ever in the region. With 78 total departures across 50 unique itineraries, the 2027 program marks the cruise line’s most robust deployment in Japan to date.

Princess Cruises Unveils Record-Breaking Japan Season for 2027

Sailing from the Tokyo region from March through December, the season will be served by two Japanese-built sister ships — Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess — both constructed at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki. This will be the first time the two ships sail side-by-side in their country of origin for an entire season.

Unprecedented Scope and Itinerary Diversity

Guests will have the opportunity to visit 45 destinations across six countries on cruises ranging from 7 to 28 days. Highlights include:

  • Cherry Blossom Voyages (9–24 days): Timed to follow the bloom from south to north across all four of Japan’s main islands.
  • Festival Cruises (8–24 days): Feature seven of Japan’s most celebrated summer festivals, each with late-night port stays.
  • Circle and Grand Japan Voyages (9–28 days): Circumnavigate the country with calls in Osaka, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and more.
  • Okinawa & Taiwan Itineraries (9–18 days): Explore subtropical islands and the cultural richness of Taipei and Hualien.
  • Japan Explorer Cruises (9–13 days): Visit iconic cities such as Shimizu (gateway to Mt. Fuji), Kobe (for Kyoto), and Kagoshima.

Seven Festivals, One Season

A standout feature of the season is the integration of seven major Japanese festivals, including:

Each cruise aligned with these events offers extended port times, allowing guests to fully engage with Japan’s rich cultural traditions.

Cultural Immersion Onboard and Ashore

Princess Cruises is enhancing the guest experience with immersive shore excursions and extended time in 12 “More Ashore” ports, including Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakodate, Sakata, and Halong Bay.

Cruisers will also have access to 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as:

  • Mount Fuji (from Shimizu)
  • Itsukushima Shrine and Hiroshima Peace Memorial (from Hiroshima)
  • Ancient Kyoto Monuments (from Kobe or Osaka)
  • Jomon Prehistoric Sites (from Aomori or Hakodate)

Scenic sailings include passages through Shimizu Bay, the Kanmon Straits, the Japan Inland Sea, and views of Sakurajima Volcano from Kagoshima Bay.

Japanese Hospitality at Sea

Back onboard, both ships will offer an array of Japanese-inspired experiences, including:

  • Regional cuisine with freshly prepared sushi and noodles
  • Japanese whiskeys, sake, and shochu
  • Traditional rakugo storytelling
  • Karaoke nights and folkloric dance performances

Booking Details

The 2027 Japan season opens for sale on August 20, 2025, with Captain’s Circle members eligible for savings of up to $200 per stateroom if booked by August 27, 2025.

“This upcoming 2027 season is more than an expansion — it’s a homecoming,” said Princess Cruises President Gus Antorcha. “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.”

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