Princess Cruises has announced that its 2018 Japan programme will be its largest yet, offering more departures and ports than ever before. In total over 60 voyages will be available, ranging from four to 23 nights and sailing between April and December.

Guests can cruise solely around Japan, or combine it with other countries including South Korea, Taiwan, Russia and Vietnam.

Sailings from Japan have become increasingly popular amongst Princess Cruises' UK guests, with Asia now the second most visited destination for the line.

The programme will go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday February 22.

Highlights of the 2018 programme include:

• 'More Ashore' night calls in 12 ports, allowing guests to enjoy more time on shore with departures from 9pm or later
  · 'Highlights of Japan cruisetour' available on ten voyages at an extra cost, providing guests with the opportunity to experience the main sights in Kyoto or Tokyo before or after their cruise
  · Seven voyages inside of school summer holiday dates
  · Twelve UNESCO World Cruise Heritage sites to explore such as the historic monuments of Ancient Kyoto
  · Cruises that coincide with the Nebuta festival (departing July 27) and Kumano fireworks (departing August 15)
  · A Spring Flowers cruise (departing April 13) for the April cherry blossom season

For the Japan Explorer voyage with Kumano fireworks, prices start from £979pp for seven nights sailing roundtrip from Tokyo, departing August 15, 2018.

Prices start from £879pp for the seven-night Spring Flowers voyage, sailing roundtrip from Tokyo and departing April 13, 2018.

The season also includes six maiden ports of call and two new autumn sailings. The new voyages, named Fall Foliage, will take place during Japan's peak autumn season. The itinerary includes calls to regions famous for their changing autumn colours, including Kyoto (Osaka) and Momijidani Park in Iwakuni. Prices start from £999pp for the eight-night voyage, departing October 8, 2018.

Guests will sail on the 2,700-guest Diamond Princess. The ship is unique in the Princess fleet as it is tailored to offer Japanese experiences. The dining rooms serve a wide range of authentic cuisine, including sushi, and the ship boasts the largest Japanese bath of its kind at sea - a traditional onsen that's both indoors and outdoors. 'Rakugo' storytelling performances and origami classes are also offered onboard.

For more information or to book visit www.princess.com/holiday, call 0843 374 2402 or speak to your local travel agent.

(See attached file: Diamond Princess in Kagoshima, Japan.jpg)
ENDS

Notes to editor
More images available on request

New ports of call:
Ishinomaki
Iwakuni
Niigata
Sakata
Toba
Yokkaichi

About Princess Cruises:
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 18 modern cruise ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided with the experience of exceptional customer service. As the world's largest international premium cruise brand, Princess carries two million guests each year to more than 360 destinations around the globe on more than 150 itineraries ranging in length from three to 114 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Newsroom:
Additional media information is available at princess.com/news

For further information contact:
Charlotte Humphrey – 023 8065 6754 / charlotte.humphrey@princesscruises.co.uk