Princess Cruises Boosts Japan Itineraries in 2027

Two sister ships set to operate concurrently

Kim Bergström   - 2 min read

Princess Cruises has announced its 2027 Japan cruise season, which will be the largest in the company's history. For the first time, two sister ships—Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess—will operate concurrently in Japan. Both ships were built in Japan and will serve routes that depart from and arrive in Tokyo and Yokohama.

The newly introduced Sapphire Princess will be homeported in Tokyo and will offer 41 departures between March and November 2027, visiting 35 cities across Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The lineup includes themed itineraries focused on cherry blossom season, summer festivals, and regional culture.

Among the seasonal highlights are cruises tied to iconic events like the Nebuta and Awa Odori festivals, as well as a rendezvous cruise featuring both ships during the Kumano Fireworks Festival. For travelers seeking shorter trips, the Sapphire Princess will also offer three weekend departures on 8-day itineraries.

To support local economies, the cruise plans include routes that tour multiple Japanese ports and highlight a variety of regional attractions. Ticket sales open to the public on August 29th, 2025, with early sales and various discounts available starting from August 26th.

Princess Cruises will offer several discount programs, including a Double Launch Commemorative Discount, Super Early Bird, Early Bird, and special rates for third and fourth guests. Please note that discount eligibility depends on booking date, rate plan, and cabin type.

Both ships will operate as Medallion Class vessels, allowing guests to use wearable devices for check-in, onboard navigation, and dining delivery. Guests will also have access to high-speed Wi-Fi through Medallion Net and can choose from package plans such as Princess Plus and Princess Premier, which include meals, room service, and internet at reduced rates.

Getting there

For more information, please visit the Princess Cruises website.

Kim Bergström

Kim Bergström @kim.b

Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here.  🍵🌼🌸