Princess Cruises Unveils Largest-Ever Japan 2028 Season and Expanded Southeast Asia Program

New sailings feature immersive cultural experiences, festival access, and extended voyages across Asia.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:09pm

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A conceptual illustration in the Art Deco Monumentalist style, featuring sweeping geometric forms and gradients evoking the grand scale and romance of travel across Asia.Princess Cruises' expanded Asia program promises immersive cultural journeys and unforgettable voyages across the region's most captivating destinations.Fort Lauderdale Today

Princess Cruises has announced its most expansive Asia deployment ever, bringing together its 2027 and 2028 Southeast Asia and 2028 Japan program. The season features 96 departures across 61 itineraries visiting 55 destinations in nine countries, with two ships homeporting in Japan for the first time, offering guests deeper cultural immersion, access to iconic festivals, and unforgettable journeys across some of the world's most captivating destinations.

Why it matters

This major expansion of Princess Cruises' Asia offerings reflects growing demand for immersive travel experiences that connect travelers to local culture, cuisine, and traditions. By homeporting two ships in Japan and aligning sailings with the country's most celebrated festivals, the cruise line is delivering unprecedented access to the heart of Japanese culture. Paired with longer, destination-rich Southeast Asia voyages, this program offers a depth, scale and authenticity that stands out in the region.

The details

The 2028 Japan season marks a milestone for Princess Cruises, featuring 85 departures across 52 itineraries, with both the Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess homeporting in Tokyo. Sailings will visit all four main islands of Japan, following peak cherry blossom blooms from south to north, and include late-night stays timed to major summer festivals like the Osaka Bon Odori. Guests will also have access to 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and can enjoy immersive cultural experiences like traditional tea ceremonies and Kabuki performances. In Southeast Asia, the cruise line is offering 11 departures across 9 itineraries, with longer voyages up to 28 days connecting multiple regions and countries.

  • The 2028 Japan season will run from April through October 2028.
  • The Southeast Asia program will operate from November 2027 through April 2028.

The players

Princess Cruises

An American cruise line and subsidiary of Carnival Corporation, known for its iconic "Love Boat" brand and offering cruises to destinations around the world.

Jim Berra

The Chief Commercial Officer of Princess Cruises, who discussed the cruise line's expanded Asia offerings.

Diamond Princess

A 2,706-guest cruise ship that will homeport in Tokyo for the 2028 Japan season, one of two Princess Cruises ships doing so.

Sapphire Princess

A 2,678-guest cruise ship that will also homeport in Tokyo for the 2028 Japan season, alongside the Diamond Princess.

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What they’re saying

“This is the most immersive Japan season we've ever introduced and one that reflects how our guests want to experience the destination today.”

— Jim Berra, Chief Commercial Officer, Princess Cruises

What’s next

Voyages for the 2027-2028 Asia season are now on sale, with various booking incentives available.

The takeaway

Princess Cruises' expanded Asia program, featuring deeper cultural immersion in Japan and longer, multi-country sailings in Southeast Asia, demonstrates the cruise line's commitment to delivering unforgettable destination experiences that cater to growing traveler demand for authentic, immersive travel.