Princess Cruises announces release of its 2026 cruise season

Princess Cruises announces release of its 2026 cruise season
Edited by Travel Weekly


Princess Cruises has released its 2026 Japan cruise season that offers the most immersive and authentic experiences.

The 2,670-guest Diamond Princess, built in Japan and designed for this great destination, returns to offer a longer season, from February through November 2026, with 50 departures ranging in length from seven to 28 days, on 35 unique itineraries visiting 38 destinations in three countries.

No matter the itinerary, Princess Cruises takes guests to iconic cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. All while taking in shrines and temples like the Aomori’s Sannai-Maruyama ruins, Kochi Castle, and Itsukushima Shrine. They will experience the regions arts, culture, tradition from baseball, sumo wrestling, Kabuki theatre and Zen gardens. Natural wonders such as the celebrated cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji, and the Nagai Botanical Gardens in Osaka also await travellers.

“Only on Princess can you become immersed into Japan’s rich culture, ancient traditions and incredible beauty while enjoying a completely unique onboard fusion of eastern and western cultures,” Princess Cruises president, John Padgett, said.

“The extended 2026 season lets guests choose a cruise in the season they find most appealing – from spring cherry blossoms, to summer festivals, autumn foliage or snowy, wintery landscapes.”

2026 itinerary highlights

The new season offers opportunities to view the famed Spring Flowers, experience the Fall Foliage, and enjoy five top festivals, including the Aomori Nebuta Festival and the Kumano Fireworks Festival.

  • 10- and 11-day Spring Flowers cruises in March and April to all four main islands, following the predicted blooming season as it moves from south to north.
  • 9- to 14-day Circle Japan Voyages that circumnavigates the island, with stops including Nagasaki, Kanazawa, and Maizuru (for Kyoto).
  • 9-day Southern Islands itineraries call to Okinawa, Ishigaki in Japan, along with Taipei (Keelung) and Hualien on the island of Taiwan.
  • 7- to 11-day Japan Explorer voyages visit some of the country’s most iconic destinations, such as Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji), Osaka (for Kyoto) and Hiroshima.
  • Longer voyages from 15 to 28 days, allowing for a deeper exploration of the region.
  • More Ashore late-night stays in six ports including Aomori (for Nebuta Festival), Hakodate (for Minato Festival), Kochi (for Yosaki Festival), Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji) and Tokushima (for Awa Odori Festival).

Southeast Asia Grand Adventures

The Diamond Princess set sails to exotic locations in southeast Asia, with opportunities to explore Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand, before arriving for the Japan season.

  • 10-day Vietnam with Halong Bay sailing roundtrip from Singapore and visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Halong Bay/Hanoi with scenic cruising and Da Nang.
  • 11-day Malaysia & Thailand from Singapore with stops in Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Phuket, Penang, Ko Samui and Bangkok.

The two itineraries can be combined for a 21-day Southeast Asia Grand Adventure with Halong Bay, roundtrip from Singapore adventure.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

princess cruises

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