Princess has marked their return to Japan after the government announced it will allow international ships to operate in local waters.
The line has earmarked the Diamond Princess to homeport in Tokyo.
This will be the first time passengers embarking on the Diamond Princess will be able to experience MedallionClass, the wearable device that enables guests to use the technology to access many onboard services and amenities.
The Diamond Princess which was built in Japan will resume services from March 15 on a nine-day roundtrip sailing. She will call at 38 destinations in four countries. She will return, fresh from a refurbishment.
Princess Cruises President John Padgett said, “The reopening of Japanese ports to the international cruise industry is an important and welcome development that not only vastly expands the vacation opportunities available to guests but also helps to significantly strengthen the Japanese tourism economy.”
The Land of the Rising Sun was announced on November 23 after countries around the South Pacific and other Asian countries reopened.
The Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism said it had gotten feedback from infectious disease and crisis management specialists verifying that standards prepared with the appropriate ministries and agencies give a sound basis for cruising.
“Today (November 15), we want to inform you that each organisation has established criteria, and we have resumed accepting international cruises in Japan,” the minister said.
A total of three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be given to each crewmember, as agreed upon by the cruise lines. Additionally, they mandate that 95%+ passengers have had two or more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The cruise ships should be able to screen guests and isolate anyone who tests positive for the virus or shows symptoms.
