Princess Cruises unveils 2023 Japan programme

Princess Cruises has launched its 2023 Japan cruises season with 43 itineraries, ranging from five- to 19 nights.

The 2,670-capacity Diamond Princess is returning for the summer and autumn of 2023, marking its 10th anniversary of sailing from Tokyo and Kobe.

The luxury liner boasts a tranquil Izumi – the largest Japanese bath of its kind at sea.

The ship is offering 57 departures and will call at 38 destinations, including the southern tropical islands of Okinawa and the northmost island of Hokkaido.

Highlights of the cruise programme include the opportunity to experience seven festivals, such as Japan’s world-famous Kyoto Gion Festival, featuring hand-crafted floats.

Travellers can see spring flowers during spring cruises, where they will get the chance to visit a classic Japanese garden; see cherry blossoms while picnicking; and soak in a geothermal onsen, a natural hot spring bath.

The programme also features eight ‘more ashore’ late-night stays in ports, including Akita, Aomori, Hakodate and Osaka (for Kyoto).

Princess also offer 13- to 14-night Japan Cruisetours, which combines a land tour with a cruise for a more in-depth experience. Land destinations include Tokyo, Kyoto and Yokohama.

A seven-night Kyushu & Korea voyage start from £879 per person, sailing roundtrip from Tokyo (Yokohama) and calling at Nagasaki, Jeju, Kagoshima, and Omaezaki, departing September 8, 2023.