Princess Cruises has announced its full Japan programme, from May 2021 to April 2022, will be available to book from December 19, 2019.

Throughout the year, the 2,670-guest Diamond Princess will sail roundtrip from Tokyo and Kobe on 48 itineraries visiting 44 destinations in four countries, with voyages ranging in length from four-19 nights.

Highlights of the programme include:

·        Visits to 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites including Mt. Fuji, ancient Kyoto, the shrines and temples of Nikko, Buddhist monuments of the Horyu-ji area and the Hiroshima peace memorial
·        Eight festivals across six voyages including the introduction of the Osaka Danjiri festival on a 'Japan Explorer' sailing and the return of the popular Northern Japan cruise with Nebuta festival
·        The renowned cherry blossoms on five Spring Flowers voyages and the fall foliage on a number of itineraries including Shikoku, Kyushu and 'Sea of Japan' sailings
·        Five maiden ports of call – Ube, Hitachinaka (for Nikko), Shimoneseki, Omaezaki and Jeju
·        More time ashore with late night departures of 9pm or later in nine ports – Akita, Aomori, Busan, Hakodate, Hong Kong, Kobe, Kochi, Osaka, Tokushima and Wakayama
·        29 new Local Connections shore excursions in 19 ports, offering guests authentic local experiences including food and beverage, arts, culture and history
·        'Highlights of Japan' cruisetour available on select voyages at an extra cost, providing guests with the opportunity to experience the main sights in Kyoto and Tokyo before or after their cruise

Diamond Princess is tailored for Japan cruising and offers a wide range of authentic onboard experiences including sushi dining, folkloric performances and origami classes. The ship boasts the largest Izumi Japanese bath of its kind at sea - a traditional onsen that's both indoors and outdoors.

The voyages include:

·        A 9-night Shikoku Spring Flowers cruise sailing roundtrip from Tokyo, calling at Toba, Kochi, Matsuyama, Busan, Sasebo and Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji). Departs March 24, 2021 with prices from £1334pp cruise only or £1649 inclusive of onboard savings package*.
·        A 10-night Circle Japan with Nebuta and Summer festivals cruise sailing roundtrip from Tokyo, calling at Akita (for Kanto festival), Aomori (for Nebuta festival), Busan, Kanmon Straits (scenic cruising), Kochi (for Yosakoi festival) and Tokushima (for Awa Odori festival). Departs August 4, 2021 with prices from £1679pp cruise only or £2029pp inclusive of onboard savings package*.
·        A 9-night Kyushu Fall Foliage cruise sailing roundtrip from Tokyo, calling at Beppu, Miyazaki (Abaratsu), Nagasaki, Hakata (Fukuoka), Busan and Kagoshima. Departs December 5, 2021 with prices from £1264pp cruise only or £1579pp inclusive of onboard savings package*.

Tony Roberts, Princess Cruises' vice president UK and Europe, said: “Whether looking to view colourful spring flowers or fall foliage, witness famous festivals and fireworks or cross off bucket list destinations with a visit to one of ten UNESCO World Heritage sites, guests sailing Japan with Princess will be spoilt for choice.

“As well as a host of cruises offering authentic onboard experiences, those looking to explore further and head off the beaten path can combine their sailing with a land holiday and fully immerse themselves in the captivating culture of this unique region.”

*As previously announced, from December 20 to March 2, guests can choose to add the simplified onboard savings package for £35 per person per day. The package covers premium drinks, unlimited WiFi and gratuities - which is worth over £70 for guests who pay for these items in advance of their cruise, or onboard.

For more information or to book visit www.princess.com, speak to your local travel agent or call 0344 338 8663.

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Notes to Editors:

Further images available on request

Fare price based on two people sharing an inside stateroom

Fares inclusive of onboard savings package are based on two people sharing an inside stateroom – accommodation, all main meals, entertainment, premium drinks, WiFi and discretionary gratuities are included.

The onboard savings package is subject to change at any time. The package covers premium drinks, WiFi and discretionary gratuities. Restrictions apply. For full T&Cs please refer to princess.com.

Guests must order the onboard savings package if booking together in the same stateroom.

About Princess Cruises

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global premium cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 18 modern cruise ships, carrying two million guests each year on 170 itineraries to more than 380 destinations around the globe, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England and World Cruises. Itineraries range in length from three to 111 days.

In 2017 Princess Cruises, with parent company Carnival Corporation, introduced MedallionClass cruises enabled by the Ocean Medallion - the cruises industry's most advanced wearable device, provided free to each guest sailing on a MedallionClass ship. The award-winning innovation offers the fastest way to a hassle-free, personalised cruise, giving guests more opportunity to enjoy their time onboard. Ocean Medallion will be activated on five ships by the end of 2019. An activation plan will continue across the global fleet in 2020 and beyond.  

Two new Royal-class ships are currently under construction - Enchanted Princess, scheduled for delivery in June 2020, followed by Discovery Princess in November 2021. Princess recently announced that two new (LNG) ships which will be the largest ships in the Princess fleet, accommodating approximately 4,300 guests with expected delivery in 2023 and 2025.  Princess now has five ships arriving over the next six years between 2019 & 2025. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).