Diamond Princess

Diamond Princess is a cruise ship built in Japan for Princess Cruises. Mitsubishi built her in Nagasaki. For the 2026 Japan season, Princess listed a capacity of 2,670 guests. The ship combines itineraries to Japanese ports with Southeast Asian routes and Japan-inspired onboard offerings.

Routes and cruise durations

The Japan program announced for 2026 ran from February to November and included sailings of seven to 28 days. Princess planned 50 departures on 35 different itineraries, visiting 38 destinations in three countries. For an overview of Japan’s cruise ports and regions, see our country guide. The 10- and 11-day spring cherry blossom cruises in March and April called at all four of Japan’s main islands. Nine- to 14-day round-trip cruises around Japan included Nagasaki, Kanazawa and Maizuru, the gateway to Kyoto. The nine-day southern island itineraries linked Okinawa and Ishigaki with Keelung and Hualien in Taiwan. Longer cruises in the program ranged from 15 to 28 days; other departures focused on autumn foliage. Some itineraries included late stays in six ports, including Aomori, Hakodate, Kochi, Shimizu and Tokushima. These stays were intended to allow more time ashore, for example during regional festivals. For help planning your arrival, see our information on the Tokyo cruise port and the Port of Yokohama.

Before the Japan season, a 10-day Vietnam cruise and an 11-day Malaysia and Thailand cruise from Singapore were also announced for January 2026. The Vietnam cruise called at Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Halong and Da Nang, among other destinations. The Malaysia and Thailand cruise included Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Phuket, Penang, Ko Samui and Bangkok. The two cruises could be combined into a 21-day round trip from and to Singapore. For 2027, Princess announced a Japan season featuring Diamond Princess and her sister ship Sapphire Princess: together, they were scheduled to make 78 departures on 50 itineraries ranging from seven to 28 days. The two ships’ joint season was set to run from March to December 2027, with departures from the Tokyo area.

The ship and life on board

For the Japan season, Princess highlighted the Izumi Bath, designed in the style of a traditional Japanese onsen. The regional theme was also reflected in sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes, as well as offerings such as sake, shochu, karaoke and traditional rakugo storytelling.

In January 2026, Princess added two specialty restaurants to its dining lineup. Makoto Ocean serves Edomae sushi based on a concept by chef Makoto Okuwa; dishes mentioned included truffle salmon, snow crab temaki and toro tartare. Crown Grill, a steakhouse serving aged beef, chops and seafood, opened in the former Savoy Dining Room space. Princess listed the price for both restaurants as $55 per person; guests with the Princess Premier package could dine there without paying an additional restaurant charge. The stated restaurant price and package benefit reflect the announcement made in January 2026.