Princess Cruises Unveils Extended 2026 Japan Season

The Diamond Princess at sunset
Cruise Industry Asia
By
Updated Published

Princess Cruises has revealed its 2026 Japan cruise schedule, featuring the Diamond Princess for an extended season running from February to November, according to a recent press release.

The vessel which accommodates 2,670 passengers, will offer 50 sailings across 35 different itineraries, ranging from seven to 28 days. The cruises will visit 38 destinations across three countries.

Passengers aboard the Diamond Princess will have the chance to visit iconic Japanese cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Among the notable attractions are the Sannai-Maruyama ruins in Aomori, Kochi Castle, and the famous Itsukushima Shrine.

Guests can fully immerse themselves in Japan's rich culture with unique experiences like baseball games, sumo wrestling matches, Kabuki theater performances, and peaceful Zen gardens. The itineraries also focus on Japan’s breathtaking landscapes, showcasing highlights such as cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji, and Osaka’s Nagai Botanical Gardens.

“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,” stated John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. He also noted that the extended 2026 season allows guests to “choose a cruise in the season they find most appealing – from spring cherry blossoms to summer festivals, autumn foliage or snowy, wintery landscapes.”

The 2026 season will feature special opportunities, including Spring Flowers Cruises and participation in local festivals like the Aomori Nebuta Festival and Kumano Fireworks Festival.

Some key highlights include:

  • Spring Flowers Cruises: These 10 and 11-day cruises take place in March and April, following the blooming season across Japan’s four main islands.
  • Circle Japan Voyages: Nineto 14-day cruises that circle the country, visiting places like Nagasaki, Kanazawa, and Maizuru (near Kyoto).
  • Southern Islands Itineraries: Nine-day voyages to Okinawa and Ishigaki in Japan, as well as Taipei (Keelung) and Hualien in Taiwan.
  • Japan Explorer Voyages: Seven to 11-night cruises with stops in destinations like Shimizu (for Mount Fuji), Osaka (for Kyoto), and Hiroshima.
  • Extended Voyages: These longer trips, lasting between 15 and 28 days, offer a deeper exploration of the region.
  • More Ashore Late-Night Stays: Extended stays in six ports, such as Aomori (for the Nebuta Festival), Hakodate (for the Minato Festival), and Kochi (for the Yosaki Festival), allowing for richer experiences.

Before the Japan cruise season, the Diamond Princess will sail to Southeast Asia, providing travelers the chance to explore Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand in January 2026. These itineraries include:

  • 10-day Vietnam with Halong Bay: A roundtrip cruise from Singapore, stopping in Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Halong Bay/Hanoi, and Da Nang.
  • 11-day Malaysia and Thailand: Departing from Singapore, this cruise will visit Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Phuket, Penang, Ko Samui, and Bangkok.

Guests can also combine these two itineraries into a 21-day Southeast Asia Grand Adventure, which includes a stop in Halong Bay, with all departures roundtrip from Singapore.