Princess Cruises Joins MSC and Costa, Now Expands Japan Cruise Season for 2027 with Two Ships from Tokyo: Here’s All You Need To Know

Princess Cruises has unveiled its most extensive cruise season in Japan for 2027. The company will base two Japanese-built sister ships—Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess—in Japan, making this the largest-ever Japan deployment for the cruise line. The new season will see Princess offering 78 departures across 50 itineraries, making it a significant expansion for the brand.

The Japan season, running from March to December 2027, is a landmark for Princess Cruises. This marks the first time the company has based two ships in Japan for a full season. The announcement comes ahead of the sales opening on 20 August 2025 for these exciting new voyages. Before the 2027 Japan season, the two ships will sail from Singapore on Southeast Asia itineraries from December 2026.

A Historic Milestone for Princess Cruises

During the reveal, Princess Cruises President Gus Antorcha explained that the 2027 season is more than just an expansion. As per him it is a homecoming because the brand has bonded with Japan more deeply over the years. He shared how offering unparalleled wonders like the breathtaking cherry blossoms, seven major festivals, and Japan’s cultural and natural treasures, added to his enthusiasm.

Overview of the 2027 Japan Deployment

The 2027 Japan cruise season will feature two ships—Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess. These ships, both built at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyard in Nagasaki, will carry a total of 2,670 guests each. Together, they will visit 45 destinations across six countries, showcasing the diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Japan.

This deployment features a total of 78 departures, with each ship scheduled for a 7 to 28 day sailing period. For those wishing to visit Japan’s cities and tranquil countryside, embarkation will be in the Tokyo region, making access easy. This season will also feature cruises dedicated to showcasing Japan’s breathtaking seasonal landscapes and lovely traditions.

Itinerary Highlights: A Journey through Japan’s Seasons

Princess Cruises has curated special itineraries that coincide with Japan’s most iconic experiences. Some of the highlighted routes include:

• Cherry Blossom Voyages (9–24 days): These cruises will run during the cherry blossom season, following the bloom from south to north across Japan’s four main islands. Guests will have the chance to witness this stunning natural phenomenon in various regions, making it a dream trip for nature enthusiasts.
• Festival Cruises (8–24 days): Celebrating Japan’s vibrant summer festivals, these voyages will allow passengers to experience festivals like the Aomori Nebuta, Tokushima Awa Odori, and Kochi Yosakoi. The cruises include late-night stays at festival venues to maximize immersion in these lively cultural celebrations.
• Circle and Grand Japan Voyages (9–28 days): These long journeys will take passengers on a full-circle tour of Japan, with stops at major cities like Osaka, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki. The itineraries are designed for those who want to see the diverse regions and rich history of Japan.
• Okinawa & Taiwan Itineraries (9–18 days): These sailings will explore the subtropical beauty of Okinawa and the cultural riches of Taipei and Hualien in Taiwan. It’s the perfect opportunity for travelers looking to experience both Japanese and Taiwanese cultures on a single voyage.
• Japan Explorer Cruises (9–13 days): These cruises will take passengers to iconic Japanese cities like Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji), Kobe (for Kyoto), and Kagoshima, offering immersive cultural experiences along the way.

Expanding Japanese Tourism Through Cruises

Princess Cruises’ decision to offer such an extensive season in Japan is a significant boost for the Japanese tourism industry. With Japan emerging as one of the most popular travel destinations, this cruise season will further promote the country’s rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes.

The cruises will attract tourists from around the world, especially from regions like North America and Europe, where Japan’s vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and scenic beauty are drawing growing interest.

This expansion will also create new opportunities for local communities, boosting regional economies and encouraging sustainable tourism practices.

What’s Next for Princess Cruises in Japan?

From the context you provided, Princess Cruises is shifting its focus toward Japan. In the year 2027, Princess Cruises is planning to initiate two ships to the Japanese market, due to the need for sustainable tourism in that area, and focus on sustainable tourism. Moreover, there is a need for voyagers to benefit from the tourism.

Conclusion

Princess Cruises’ 2027 deployment in Japan seems like it could be a real turning point for both the cruise line and tourism in Japan. It offers Japan a different approach to travel which is seldom available, and with broadened itineraries and the unparalleled cultural experiences it offers, Japan could be explored in ways which few travel options could offer. Access to cherry blossom viewings, Okinawa’s incredible summer festivals, and Japan’s stunning landscapes will be some of the cruises’ highlights.

As Princess Cruises embarks on this historic season, it is clear that Japan’s beauty and cultural heritage will continue to be a central focus of their offerings. Book your voyage starting 20 August 2025, and prepare to experience the best of Japan with Princess Cruises.

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