SANTA CLARITA, Calif.,
Feb. 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/
-- Princess Cruises, the top North American cruise line in
Japan, today announced its longest
Japan cruise season yet with an array of voyages from Tokyo and Kobe in 2018 that circumnavigate the country,
visiting top-rated cultural ports.
With Japanese maiden port calls to Ishinomaki, Iwakuni, Niigata,
Sakata, Toba and Yokkaichi, along with visits to South Korea, Taiwan, China, 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,
cruisetour itineraries will take travelers into the heart of
Japanese culture in Kyoto and
Tokyo, and include visits to
Togendai, Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A total of 63 voyages are open for sale on Japanese-built
Diamond Princess, ranging from four to 23 nights, with 38
destinations in seven countries. The 2018 season runs from April
through December 2018.
"We are honored to bring guests more departures and visits to
top-rated ports in 2018 than ever before," said Jan Swartz, president of Princess
Cruises. "Through local cultural entertainment and culinary
experiences to our purpose-made ship specific to Japan; our guests are sure to enjoy the most
of this storied country at sea with Princess."
2018 Japan program highlights include:
Festivals and Special Events
Three Spring Flowers voyages depart in April,
providing guests access to Japan's
largest Tulip Fair and some of Japan's top cherry blossom viewing sites, such
as Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa.
Guests enjoy the best of summer festival time in Japan as Princess Cruises offers five 8- to
19-day 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 the palms,
foreheads, shoulders or backs of the celebrants.
Six Fall Foliage voyages depart in early October and November,
bringing guests to regions of Japan that showcase the brilliant changing
colors of the Japanese maple and Ginkgo trees as summer makes way
for fall.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The 2018 Japan season
features access to 12 UNESCO World Cruise Heritage Sites, including
the historic temples and shrines of Kyoto and Nara, the majestic Mt. Fuji, and the
Peace Memorial in Hiroshima.
More Ashore
In 2018 Diamond Princess itineraries will
visit 12 ports with late night calls, featuring longer stays on
every call to Hakodate for breath-taking views of the city at night
– nationally known as one of Japan's top three night views.
Getaway Cruises
For a shorter journey, there are
five-night voyages throughout the season sailing roundtrip from
Tokyo, visiting Busan, South Korea and Yokkaichi, a new port
of call that provides access to the Ise Grand Shrine and is just a
stone's throw away from Matsusaka, known for the exquisite
Matsusaka Beef.
Japan Cruisetours
To further enhance the cruise line's
Japanese vacations, Princess Cruises offers two cruisetour options,
available with select cruises, to explore Kyoto and Tokyo. The Highlights of
Japan cruisetour includes the main
sights in Kyoto and Tokyo, sightseeing at Nijo-jo Castle, the
famed Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) and popular Japanese
gardens. After visiting central Tokyo, guests will visit Togendai, Lake Ashi
and Mt. Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Temples & Traditions of Japan cruisetour 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 can
roam Higashi Chaya, an iconic Geisha
district, as well as Nomura Samurai House. Guests have the
opportunity to participate in a Japanese Washi paper-making
demonstration as well as a sushi-making experience.
An experienced tour director and most meals are included on both
cruisetour options.
While Diamond Princess features the cruise line's signature
innovations, such as the 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:
- 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
- Extensive 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 are 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 agent, 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 with the experience of
exceptional customer service. As the world's largest international
premium cruise brand, Princess carries two million guests each year
to more than 360 destinations around the globe on more than 150
itineraries ranging in length from three to 114 days. The company
is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL;
NYSE:CUK).
Newsroom:
Additional media information is available at princess.com/news.
For further information contact:
Brea Burkholz, 661-753-1542,
bburkholz@princesscruises.com
Negin Kamali, 661-753-1539,
nkamali@princesscruises.com
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SOURCE Princess Cruises