Princess Cruises Announces Record-Breaking Asia Expansion for 2027-2028

• Double the Presence: For the first time, sister ships Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will homeport in Tokyo for the entire 2028 season.

• Festival Focus: The new programme features late-night stays specifically timed to Japan’s most iconic summer festivals, including the newly added Osaka Bon Odori.

• Southeast Asian Odysseys: A curated 2027-2028 programme on Diamond Princess will connect nine countries across longer, destination-rich voyages.

Princess Cruises is clearly feeling the love for the Far East. The cruise line has just pulled the covers off its most expansive Asia deployment ever, combining a massive 2027-2028 Southeast Asia programme with a record-breaking 2028 Japan season.

This isn't just a minor update; it is a massive 96-departure rollout covering 55 destinations in nine countries. With two ships now calling Tokyo home for the first time, Princess Cruises is effectively doubling down on the "Land of the Rising Sun."

Double the Majesty in Tokyo: A 2028 Milestone

In a historic first for the line, both Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will homeport in Tokyo (Yokohama) for the full 2028 season.

It is a poetic "homecoming" for these two vessels, as both were originally built in Japan and designed specifically with the region's preferences in mind.

The Power of Two: Diamond and Sapphire

By basing both sister ships in the capital, Princess Cruises is offering unprecedented access to the city’s heart while simplifying logistics for international travellers.

• 85 Departures: A huge variety of itineraries ranging from 7 to 29 days.

• Built for Japan: The 2,706-guest Diamond Princess and 2,678-guest Sapphire Princess are the perfect size to navigate the region’s most interesting ports while offering grand-ship amenities.

Accessing All Four Main Islands

These new itineraries are designed to be as comprehensive as possible. Sailings are timed to follow the peak Cherry Blossom blooms from South to North in the spring and to capture the fiery, golden hues of the Fall Foliage season.

Guests can explore the diverse landscapes of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku in a single, elegant journey.

The Heartbeat of Japanese Culture: Festivals and UNESCO Sites

One of the most exciting elements of the new announcement is the "festival-focused" itineraries. Princess Cruises has recognised that to truly see Japan, you have to see it in celebration.

Immersive Summer Festivals

Both ships will feature late-night stays in ports like Aomori, Kochi, and Tokushima, allowing guests to stay ashore for the electric atmosphere of Japan's major summer events.

• New for 2028: The inclusion of the Osaka Bon Odori festival.

• Returning Favourites: The Aomori Nebuta Festival, the Hakodate Minato Festival, and the spectacular Kumano Fireworks Festival.

• Authentic Shore Experiences: Beyond the festivals, guests can engage in traditional tea ceremonies, witness Kabuki performances, and find serenity in Zen gardens.

A Journey Through History: 19 UNESCO Sites

For history buffs, the 2028 season is a goldmine. The itineraries provide access to 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Highlights include:

• Mount Fuji: Viewed from the port of Shimizu.

• Himeji-jo Castle: Accessible from Osaka.

• Sado Island Gold Mines: A fascinating new addition from the port of Niigata.

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial: A moving testament to world history.

Expansive Southeast Asian Odysseys

While Japan takes centre stage for 2028, the 2027–2028 Southeast Asia programme on Diamond Princess offers a more tropical, long-haul appeal.

These voyages are designed to be "connectors," linking the high-tech hubs of Japan and Korea with the emerald landscapes of the South.

Longer Voyages and Deep Connections

Princess Cruises is leaning into "slow travel" with itineraries up to 28 days long.

• Multi-Country Journeys: Connect Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong in a single voyage.

• Overnight in Bangkok: An overnight stay in Laem Chabang (for Bangkok) provides the luxury of time to explore the temples, street food, and neon-lit markets of the Thai capital.

• Repositioning Cruises: Unique routes between Japan and Singapore offer a chance to see the transition between East and Southeast Asian cultures.

Tropical Landscapes and Culinary Markets

From the limestone karsts of James Bond Island in Phuket to the white sands of Ko Samui, the programme leans heavily into the region's diverse ecology.

Guests can take part in cooking classes in Vietnam, explore the Batu Caves in Malaysia, or ride a sampan through the Mekong Delta.

Authentic Onboard Living

Because Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess were born in Japan, they offer features you won't find anywhere else in the fleet, ensuring the destination follows you back on board.

The Izumi Japanese Bath

Exclusive to Diamond Princess, the Izumi Japanese Bath is the largest of its kind at sea. It offers an authentic "Onsen" style experience, allowing guests to soak in indoor and outdoor baths while the Japanese coastline glides by.

World-Class Sushi at Makoto Ocean

Culinary enthusiasts can enjoy Edomae-style sushi at Makoto Ocean, a speciality restaurant by the acclaimed Chef Makoto Okuwa.

This sits alongside regional specialities served throughout the ship, from fresh local seafood to Aomori apples and Wagyu beef.

With 61 itineraries visiting nine countries, Princess Cruises is setting a new benchmark for authenticity and scale in Asia.

Whether you’re drawn to the high-energy festivals of a Japanese summer or the serene, tropical horizons of Singapore and Vietnam, the 2027-2028 season offers a depth of exploration that makes the Far East feel more accessible than ever.