Full bloomed cherry blossoms in Hirosaki park

[Princess Cruises] – Princess Cruises announced its longest Japan cruise season yet with an array of voyages from Tokyo and Kobe in 2017 that circumnavigate the country, visiting the top-rated cultural ports. With 39 departures, carrying 75,000 guests, the upcoming season offers a 27 percent increase over 2016.

With maiden port calls to Tsuruga, Japan, gateway to Tojinbo Cliffs and Eiheiji Temple, along with visits to South Korea, Taiwan, Russia, Hong Kong and Vietnam, the voyages are designed to offer opportunities to explore the wonders of UNESCO World Heritage sites and to participate in some of Japan’s largest and most celebrated cultural festivals and special events. In addition, two Land and Sea Vacation packages will take travelers into the heart of Japanese culture in Kyoto, Tokyo and the UNESCO creative city of Kanazawa.

A total of 39 voyages are open for sale on Japanese-built Diamond Princess, ranging from five to 17 nights, with 31 destinations in six countries. The 2017 season runs from April through November 2017. More details can be found at princess.com.

“We’ve been recognized as the top cruise line in Asia offering the best itineraries and our 2017 Japan voyages more than live up to this accolade, offering our longest season yet,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “We visit the top-rated ports, provide local cultural entertainment and culinary experiences onboard and offer bi-lingual service to make it easy and memorable for our guests to explore all that Japan offers.”

2017 Japan program highlights include:

New Extended Fall Season
The new extended season includes a special nine-night Circle Japan cruise departing on October 17, 2017, visiting Northern Japan during the beautiful fall foliage time, including port calls in Aomori and Toyama (Fushiki).

Festivals and Special Events
A new Spring Floral Festivals voyage departs April 20, 2017, visiting some of the best flower festivals during the very popular cherry blossom season. This cruise includes stops in Akita for the Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival, Aormori for the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival and Toyama (Fushiki) for the Tonami Tulip Festival.

Guests enjoy the best of festival time in Japan as Princess Cruises offers eight-17 night voyages visiting the Aomori Nebuta and Akita Kanto festivals, with late night stays in both cities to allow for even more exploration of these incredible events. The Aomori Nebuta Festival features Nebuta float figures, music and many vibrant dancers. The Akita Kanto features a procession of 200 bamboo poles with lanterns weighing over 100 pounds all carried on palms, foreheads, shoulders or backs of the celebrants.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The 2017 Japan season features 10 UNESCO World Cruise Heritage Sites. All of the cruise line’s Hokkaido Island voyages feature scenic cruising of the UNESCO World Site, Shiretoko Peninsula, one of the richest integrated ecosystems in the world and named one of the “Cruise Wonders of the World by Condé Nast Traveler magazine, including a late night stay in Hakodate, home to the Mt. Hakodate cable car with breathtaking views of the city at night.

Getaway Cruises
For a shorter journey, there are five-night voyages on July 21, September 13 and September 26, 2017, sailing roundtrip from Tokyo (Yokohama), visiting Busan, South Korea and either Nagasaki, Kagoshima or Shimizu, known for spectacular views of the iconic Mt. Fiji. In addition, there is a five-night cruise sailing departing June 30, between Kobe and Tokyo (Yokohama) visiting Busan, Nagasaki and a special scenic cruise of Hasmina Island (Gunkanjima) known for its stark landscape from Hollywood motion pictures.

Land and Sea Vacations
To further enhance the cruise line’s Japanese vacations, Princess Cruises offers two multi-day land tour package options, available for add-on with most cruises, to explore Kyoto and Tokyo. The Highlights of Japan cruisetour includes the main sights in Kyoto and Tokyo. This tours includes sightseeing at Nijo Castle, the famed Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), and popular Japanese gardens. Tokyo tours explore this fascinating city before heading out to UNESCO World Heritage sites Mt. Fuji, Togendai and Lake Ashi.

The new Temples & Traditions of Japan land and sea vacation package is an extended version of the Highlights of Japan with two additional nights in the UNESCO creative city of Kanazawa. This area is rich with Japanese culture and tradition where guests experience Higashi Chaya, the Geisha district of Japan, as well as Nomura Samurai House. Guests have the opportunity to receive a Japanese Washi paper making demonstration as well as a sushi making experience.

Most meals and an experienced tour director are included on both Land and Sea Vacation packages.

While Diamond Princess features the cruise line’s signature innovations including its popular Movies Under the Stars poolside theater and The Sanctuary, an exclusive top-deck retreat, it also offers many unique features designed to enhance the Japanese cultural experience onboard including:

Traditional Izumi Japanese Bath – the largest of its kind at sea and modeled after the popular Japanese onsen experience
Kai Sushi restaurant – boasting made-to-order sushi and a full selection of Japanese sake
Noodle stations – serving up a rotating selection of ramen, soba and udon noodles
Tamagoyaki – a traditional Japanese omelet available daily for breakfast
Unique Japanese entertainment offerings such as “rakugo” storytelling performances and origami classes
Unparalleled luxury brand duty-free shopping

In addition, dining room menus offer a wide variety of international cuisine including Japanese options on all menus and onboard collateral items and stateroom information is available in both English and Japanese.

Diamond Princess was built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki, Japan – the first of two Princess ships built in Japan.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel consultant, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at princess.com.

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 in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess carries 1.7 million guests each year to destinations around the globe ranging in length from three to 114 days.