Princess Cruises will be traveling into the heart of Japanese culture in 2016. The top North American cruise line in Japan will offer an array of Japan voyages to circumnavigate the country, visiting top-rated ports of call.

“Japan is steeped in tradition and lore, with ancient sites, hallowed temples and natural wonders throughout the island chain, said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “The ideal way to explore this fascinating country is by sea and Princess offers travelers unmatched options for discovering its many jewels.”

The variety of voyages offered on Diamond Princess, ranging from four to 20 nights, include the whole of Japan on Circle Japan voyages; northern Japan on Circle Hokkaido Island voyages, with a visit to Korsakov, Russia; and southern Japan on Kyushu Island voyages featuring maiden ports of call in the beautiful southern beach port of Miyazaki and the famous castle ruins of Yatushiro, and voyages to Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands.

Grand Japan voyages ranging from 14- to 20- nights offer the greatest variety of ports and experiences; while four- and five-night getaway cruises provide a sampling of some of Japan’s not-to-be-missed destination highlights.

Spectacular summer festivals and fireworks displays are the highlight of many summer cruises ranging from seven- to 11-night itineraries.  These sailings include late evening departures from ports to allow guests time to participate in vividly colored lantern processionals, parades of giant floats, dance festivals and spectacular fireworks displays like the famous Toyohashi Fire Festival in Nagoya and the Kagoshima Summer Night Fireworks with an active volcano as the backdrop.

Guests on 2016’s July 25 and Au. 4 voyages will experience the Nebuta Festival, Japan’s most extravagant display of brilliantly-colored floats, musicians and dancers.  Sailings on Aug. 15, 24 and Sept. 9 of 2016 feature some of Japan’s largest and most spectacular fireworks festivals. 

Princess Cruises will offer onboard Japanese cultural experiences on the Diamond Princess as well, including:

• Traditional Izumi Japanese Bath – the largest of its kind at sea and modeled after the popular Japanese onsen experience.
• Kai Sushi restaurant – boasting made-to-order sushi and a full selection of Japanese sake
• Noodle stations – serving up a rotating selection of ramen, soba and udon noodles.
• Tamagoyaki – a traditional Japanese omelet available daily for breakfast.
• Japanese entertainment offerings such as “rakugo” storytelling performances and origami classes.
• 
 Luxury brand duty-free shopping.

 In addition, dining room menus offer a wide variety of international cuisine including Japanese options on all menus. Stateroom information is available in both English and Japanese.

Story by Jackie Sheckler Finch. Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises.