Princess scores its first full-ship Japanese world-cruise charterPrincess scores its first full-ship Japanese world-cruise charter

'Princess Cruises has pioneered the development of the Japanese cruise market since opening its office here in 2013 and this ambitious project represents the culmination of years of strong steady growth and dedication to developing this high potential market,' said Trey Hickey, svp international sales, at the announcement in Tokyo with JTB president and CEO Hiroyuki Takahashi.

'It also represents the single largest commercial retail transaction in Japanese cruise ship industry history,' Hickey added.

The 77,000gt Sun Princess will sail a 99-night cruise departing Yokohama in 2019, circumnavigating the globe on a voyage dedicated to Japanese travelers. The itinerary includes more than 30 ports, transits of the Suez and Panama canals, Dubai, New York and, very unusual for a world cruise, a full northbound Alaska segment.

Sun Princess will feature a fully dedicated Japanese restaurant on the voyage and more than 50 Japanese-speaking crew.