Princess Cruises, a brand of Carnival Corporation, has announced its most extensive Japan season to date. In 2027, two ships will set sail on a total of 78 sailings from the Tokyo region. 50 itineraries are planned, ranging in length from seven to 28 days.
“The upcoming 2027 season is more than an expansion – it’s a return,” said Gus Antorcha, President of Princess Cruises. “Our history in Japan has deepened over time and through our experiences. Returning in 2027, we promise unforgettable experiences, including the famous cherry blossoms, seven spectacular festivals and voyages that will immerse you in the awe and fascination of this destination.” Passengers can book from August 20, 2025 for the March to December 2027 season.
The two sister ships are the “Diamond Princess” and the “Sapphire Princess”, both of which were built in Nagasaki, Japan, by Mitsubishi Industries and entered service in 2004. The total cost amounted to 900 million dollars. The ships, each 290 meters long, offer space for 2,670 passengers and were among the largest cruise ships in the world at the time – this title currently belongs to the “Icon” class of the Royal Caribbean shipping company, built at the Finnish shipyard Meyer Turku.
The “Diamond Princess” was last in the news this May, when its captain Michele Bartolomei died unexpectedly on board. It was reported to be an “unexpected medical emergency”. Bartolomei had worked for the company for almost 30 years.
In 2020, the ship was quarantined off Japan for several weeks due to an outbreak of Covid-19. Over 700 people had contracted the virus. According to reports, there were between seven and fourteen deaths among older passengers that were attributed to infection.
