Princess Cruises cruises off Japan

The American shipping company Princess Cruises is entering its fifth Japan-Asia season with even more departures and new routes.

A total of 63 cruises are available on the Diamond Princess between April and December. The ship, which can accommodate 2,670 passengers, not only calls at six new ports in the Land of Dawn from Tokyo and Kobe. South Korea, Taiwan, China, Russia, Hong Kong and Vietnam are also on the itinerary. A total of 38 destinations in seven different nations will be visited. Highlights on land include no fewer than twelve UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the historic temples and shrines in Kyoto and Nara or the 3,776-metre-high volcanic cone of Mount Fuji. The cruises, which last between four and 23 days, also offer insights into Japanese horticulture or present current festivals and events. For example, three spring cruises lead to the famous cherry blossom gardens in Kanazawa. The colorful summer festivals Nebuta in Aomori and Kanto in Akita are also visited. In both cities, particularly long mooring times in the harbor allow for an extensive visit to the festivities. The popular sea+land round trips are also a must. Two trips take in the sights around Tokyo and Kyoto. www.princesscruises.at


Text: Jörg Bertram

Photo: Princess Cruises