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Princess Cruises schedules longer 2026 Japan seasonPrincess Cruises schedules longer 2026 Japan season

Princess Cruises will return to Japan in 2026 with a longer season, February through November, and 50 departures.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

September 20, 2024

2 Min Read
Diamond Princess will operate 50 departures of 38 unique Japan itinerariesPHOTO: PRINCESS CRUISES

The Japan-built Diamond Princess will operate this program, offering cruises of seven to 28 days on 35 unique itineraries. The ship will call at 38 destinations in three countries.

From spring cherry blossoms to winter landscapes

Princess President John Padgett noted the extended season lets travelers choose a cruise in the period they find most appealing — from spring cherry blossoms to summer festivals, autumn foliage or snowy winter landscapes.

Itineraries span legendary cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima and give access to temples and shrines like the Aomori’s Sannai-Maruyama ruins, Kochi Castle and Itsukushima Shrine, the most recognizable red torii.

Passengers can experience culture and traditions like baseball, Sumo wrestling, Kabuki theater and Zen gardens; natural wonders and landscapes with with cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji and Nagai Botanical Gardens in Osaka; festivals and Japan's celebrated cuisine.

Itinerary highlights

Among the itineraries are 10- and 11-day 'Spring Flowers' cruises in March and April to all four main islands, following the predicted blooming season as it moves from south to north. Nine- to 14-day 'Circle Japan' voyages call at ports including including Nagasaki, Kanazawa and Maizuru (for Kyoto).

Related:Princess Cruises extends 2025/26 Japan season

Nine-day 'Southern Islands' itineraries visit Ishigaki (Okinawa) in Japan, along with Keelung (for Taipei) and Hualien in Taiwan. Seven- to 11-day 'Japan Explorer' voyages highlight iconic destinations such as Shimizu (for Mount Fuji), Osaka (for Kyoto) and Hiroshima.

Longer voyages of 15 to 28 days allow for deeper exploration.

And 'More Ashore' late-night stays in six ports facilitate special shore experiences: Aomori (for Nebuta Festival), Hakodate (Minato Festival), Kochi (Yosaki Festival), Shimizu (for Mount Fuji) and Tokushima (Awa Odori Festival).

Southeast Asia cruises in January 2026

Before the Japan season, Diamond Princess will sail Southeast Asia in January 2026, with opportunities to explore Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand on 10- and 11-day sailings that can be combined for a 21-day 'Southeast Asia Grand Adventure with Halong Bay,' roundtrip Singapore.

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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