DIAMOND PRINCESS
The "Japan Specialist." Built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, this ship offers a uniquely authentic cultural experience found nowhere else in the fleet.
- Guests
- 2,670
- Tonnage
- 115,875
- Launch
- 2004
- Crew
- 1,100
The Prodigy Verdict
East Meets West.
Diamond Princess is unique in the Princess fleet. Because it was constructed in Nagasaki, it retains structural and aesthetic details tailored to the Japanese market. The standout feature is the Izumi Japanese Bath, the largest of its kind at sea, offering indoor/outdoor bathing experiences. The ship sails almost exclusively in Japan and Southeast Asia. The atmosphere is noticeably quieter and more polite than Caribbean-based ships, with bilingual announcements and menus. It is the gold standard for cruising the region.
- Cultural Immersion: The ship feels like a destination itself, with local cuisine and customs integrated.
- Bath Lovers: The Izumi Bath is a legitimate therapeutic experience, not just a gimmick.
- Sushi Fans: Kai Sushi is superior here due to local sourcing in Japanese ports.
- Hardware Age: While well-maintained, the cabin decor and bathroom layouts are from an older generation.
- Voltage: Outlets are US standard, but some areas may reflect Japanese 100v standards (slower charging).
- Language: Announcements are made in English and Japanese, which can make the PA system active.
Unique Features
Unlike the rest of the fleet, Diamond Princess features facilities specifically designed for the Japanese market.
Izumi Japanese Bath
An 8,800 sq ft bathhouse modeled after a traditional Onsen. Features indoor tubs, steam rooms, and outdoor hydrotherapy pools with ocean views.
Kai Sushi
A dedicated sushi restaurant on Deck 7. Unlike other ships, the chefs here source local fish from Japanese ports during the voyage.
Movies Under Stars
Princess pioneered the poolside screen. On Diamond, blankets and popcorn are provided, often showing Japanese cinema alongside Hollywood hits.
The Sanctuary
The adults-only retreat forward. On this ship, it is particularly serene, offering a quiet escape from the busy ports of call.
Club Fusion
A hybrid lounge and nightclub. It hosts ballroom dancing, game shows, and karaoke, which is wildly popular on these itineraries.
Grand Casino
While gambling isn't the primary focus in Japan, the casino remains active when in international waters, featuring standard slots and tables.
Dining & Provisions
The menus are adapted to the region, featuring more fish, rice, and miso options in the buffet and main dining rooms.
Kai Sushi
Authentic Sushi Bar
The star culinary attraction. Fresh sashimi, nigiri, and sake flights. Highly recommended to book this for at least one lunch or dinner.
Main Dining
5 Venues
Five dining rooms (International, Pacific Moon, Santa Fe, Savoy, Vivaldi) serve a mix of Western classics and regional Japanese dishes.
Sterling Steakhouse
American Grill
A classic American steakhouse experience. Premium cuts of beef (NY Strip, Ribeye) and seafood. A hearty break from lighter local fare.
Sabatini's
Italian Trattoria
Princess' signature Italian restaurant. Features handmade pastas and authentic courses in a refined, Tuscan-inspired setting.
Prego Pizzeria
Poolside
Serves fresh, thin-crust pizza by the slice on the pool deck. A reliable, high-quality quick lunch option.
Horizon Court
Buffet
The buffet features a dedicated Asian station for breakfast (congee, fish, pickles) and lunch/dinner (noodles, stir-fry).
Where It Sails
Diamond Princess is permanently deployed in the region, offering the most extensive Japan program of any major line.
- Circle Japan (8-14 Nights)
- Japan & South Korea
- Southeast Asia (Singapore/Taiwan)
The itineraries are port-intensive. Many overnight stays are offered in key cities like Osaka or Kobe to allow for evening exploration.
Check Availability
See current pricing for Diamond Princess sailings.
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Cost Reality
Pricing is often higher than Caribbean cruises due to the destination, but the value is excellent compared to land-based travel in Japan.
- Main Dining & Buffet
- Movies Under the Stars
- Production Shows
- Basic MedallionService
- Izumi Bath ($)
- Kai Sushi & Specialty Dining
- Shore Excursions (Essential)
- Alcohol & Wi-Fi
The "Princess Plus" package is highly recommended here, as it covers Wi-Fi (crucial for translation apps ashore) and drinks, offering significant savings.
The Vibe Check
Is this ship for you? It is refined, quiet, and deeply focused on the destination.
Respectful and orderly. You won't find wild pool parties. Instead, expect enrichment lectures about Japanese history and quiet appreciation of the scenery.
A mix of Western tourists and local Japanese guests. This creates a wonderful cultural exchange onboard, with guests adhering to local customs (like removing shoes in the bath).
Ready to explore? Check pricing below.
Cabin Recon
Cabins are standard for the Gem Class—comfortable but traditional.
Standard Balcony
Offers a decent amount of space and a private outdoor area to watch the dramatic coastlines of Japan. Note that showers are compact.
Mini-Suite
Adds a sitting area and, crucially, a bathtub. After a long day of walking in port, a soak in your own tub is a major luxury.
Vista Suite
Located aft, these suites offer panoramic wake views and plenty of space. Includes priority embarkation and other suite perks.