Diamond Princess will cruise to more destinations than ever before during her Japan sailing season next year, visiting 41 destinations across seven countries, Princess Cruises announced recently. The ship will make maiden calls to Gamagori, Himeji, Matsuyama, Niigata, Miyako and Takamatsu in Japan. “Japan is a country rich in history, culture and cuisine so it’s not surprising that it’s a destination that is on the top of many Australian’s wish-lists,’’ said Stuart Allison, vice president Princess Cruises Australia and New Zealand. “Australian demand for Japan is booming, the fastest growing destination over the paste five years with 175 per cent growth in visits since 2011 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, reaching a record high over the past 12 months. “With itineraries ranging from eight to 32 nights, our 2019 Japan program presents a variety of ways for guests to experience the abundance of natural beauty, local entertainment and historical sites that the land of the rising sun has to offer.’’
The March to November 2019 season will feature 40 itineraries including cruises to Japan’s cherry blossom season, popular summer festivals like the Aomori Nebuta Festival, the Kochi Yosakoi Dance Festival, Akita Kanto Festival and Kumano Grand Fireworks Festival. Diamond Princess will also cruise to Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido during the fall foliage season in October. Fares for a 16-night roundtrip cruise from Tokyo (Yokohama) departing on March 26 start from $3769 per person twin share. For more information visit www.princess.com
