The scenic island nation of Japan continues to be a sizzling vacation spot for vacationers who’re impressed by structure, native delicacies and pure landscapes, and this development is anticipated to increase into 2026. At this time, Princess Cruises – acknowledged because the main North American cruise line in Japan – launched its 2026 Japan cruise season, providing probably the most immersive and genuine experiences for the culturally curious traveler who desires to plan forward.
The two,670-guest Diamond Princess, inbuilt Japan and designed for this nice vacation spot, returns to supply an extended season, from February by November 2026, with 50 departures ranging in size from seven to twenty-eight days, on 35 distinctive itineraries visiting 38 locations in three international locations.
Regardless of the itinerary, Diamond Princess friends will absorb legendary cities from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima; temples and shrines just like the Aomori’s Sannai-Maruyama ruins, Kochi Fort and Itsukushima Shrine, probably the most recognizable crimson torii; arts, tradition and custom from baseball, Sumo wrestling, Kabuki theater and Zen gardens; pure wonders and landscapes with the celebrated cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji and Nagai Botanical Gardens in Osaka; to vivacious festivals, sake, seafood and celebrated delicacies.
“Solely on Princess are you able to develop into immersed into Japan’s wealthy tradition, historic traditions and unimaginable magnificence whereas having fun with a unique onboard fusion of jap and western cultures,” mentioned John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “The prolonged 2026 season lets friends select a cruise within the season they discover most interesting – from spring cherry blossoms, to summer season festivals, autumn foliage or snowy, wintery landscapes.”
2026 Itinerary Highlights
The season presents alternatives to view the famed Spring Flowers, expertise the epic Fall Foliage, and revel in 5 prime festivals, together with the Aomori Nebuta Pageant and the Kumano Fireworks Pageant. Itinerary highlights embrace:
- 10- and 11-day Spring Flowers cruises in March and April to all 4 major islands, following the anticipated blooming season because it strikes from south to north.
- 9- to 14-day Circle Japan Voyages circumnavigate the island of Japan, with stops together with Nagasaki, Kanazawa and Maizuru (for Kyoto).
- 9-day Southern Islands itineraries name to Okinawa, Ishigaki in Japan, together with Taipei (Keelung) and Hualien on the island of Taiwan.
- 7- to 11-day Japan Explorer voyages go to a number of the nation’s most iconic locations, akin to Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji), Osaka (for Kyoto) and Hiroshima.
- Longer voyages from 15 to twenty-eight days, permitting for a deeper exploration of the area.
- Extra Ashore late-night stays in six ports together with Aomori (for Nebuta Pageant), Hakodate (for Minato Pageant), Kochi (for Yosaki Pageant), Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji) and Tokushima (for Awa Odori Pageant).
Southeast Asia Grand Adventures
Earlier than Diamond Princess arrives for the Japan season, the ship sails to unique places in southeast Asia, with alternatives to discover Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand in January 2026, together with:
- 10-day Vietnam with Halong Bay crusing roundtrip from Singapore and visiting Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, Nha Trang, Halong Bay/Hanoi with scenic cruising and Da Nang.
- 11-day Malaysia & Thailand from Singapore with stops in Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Phuket, Penang, Ko Samui and Bangkok.
These two itineraries might be mixed for an unforgettable 21-day Southeast Asia Grand Journey with Halong Bay, roundtrip from Singapore.
Onboard Diamond Princess
Constructed by Mitsubishi in Nagasaki, Diamond Princess options uniquely designed, Japanese-inspired experiences together with an Izumi Tub modeled after a conventional onsen, regional dishes from the Noodle Bar or freshly ready sushi at Kai Sushi, tremendous Japanese whiskeys, sake and shochu, 400-year-old conventional “rakugo” storytelling, karaoke-filled evenings and folkloric dancers showcasing the humanities.
The Princess Expertise
Regardless of the cruise, Princess delivers a premium trip with the road’s award-winning, signature Princess MedallionClass expertise which presents unparalleled service and personalization. Visitors reserving can benefit from inclusive packages like Princess Plus and Princess Premier (with new limitless choices!) which add well-liked facilities like WiFi, drinks, specialty eating, desserts, health lessons, crew appreciation and extra at a fair higher financial savings of up 65% when the inclusive package deal facilities are bought individually.
Further details about Princess Cruises is on the market by an expert journey advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com.