Princess Extends Japan Season for 2026

Princess Cruises revealed its plans for the 2026 Japan cruise season, featuring the Diamond Princess, which will offer an extended schedule running from February to November, as stated in a press release.
The 2,670-passenger vessel will operate 50 sailings across 35 distinct itineraries, ranging from seven to 28 days, with visits to 38 destinations across three countries.
Passengers on the Diamond Princess will have the chance to explore notable Japanese cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Key highlights include the Sannai-Maruyama ruins in Aomori, Kochi Castle, and the Itsukushima Shrine. Additionally, guests will be able to immerse themselves in Japan’s cultural offerings, such as baseball, Sumo wrestling, Kabuki theater, and Zen gardens. The itineraries will also showcase Japan’s scenic beauty, including cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji, and the Nagai Botanical Gardens in Osaka.

John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises, noted that only Princess Cruises offers travelers the chance to deeply engage with Japan’s rich cultural heritage, ancient traditions, and stunning landscapes, while also enjoying a unique onboard fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. Padgett also emphasized, “The extended 2026 season lets guests 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 includes opportunities for travelers to witness spring flowers and take part in festivals like the Aomori Nebuta Festival and the Kumano Fireworks Festival. Key itinerary highlights include:

• • Spring Flowers Cruises: 10- and 11-day cruises in March and April that follow the blooming season across Japan’s four main islands.
  • Circle Japan Voyages: Nine- to 14-day sailings around Japan, with stops in Nagasaki, Kanazawa, and Maizuru (for Kyoto).
  • Southern Islands Itineraries: Nine-day voyages to Okinawa, Ishigaki, and destinations in Taiwan, such as Taipei and Hualien.
  • Japan Explorer Voyages: Seven- to 11-night trips to key spots like Shimizu (for Mount Fuji), Osaka (for Kyoto), and Hiroshima.
  • Extended Voyages: 15- to 28-day sailings for more extensive exploration of the region.
  • More Ashore Late-Night Stays: Extended port stays in Aomori (for the Nebuta Festival), Hakodate (for the Minato Festival), Kochi (for the Yosaki Festival), Shimizu (for Mount Fuji), and Tokushima (for the Awa Odori Festival).
  • Before commencing the Japan season, the Diamond Princess is set to travel through Southeast Asia in January 2026. The itinerary options include:
  • A 10-day Vietnam with Halong Bay roundtrip from Singapore, visiting destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Halong Bay/Hanoi, and Da Nang.
  • An 11-day Malaysia and Thailand journey departing from Singapore, featuring stops in Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Phuket, Penang, Ko Samui, and Bangkok.

Additionally, travelers can combine both itineraries for a 21-day Southeast Asia Grand Adventure, also departing from Singapore.