Asia Africa and Middle East: Japan Explorer Cruise

Princess Cruises

From ancient temples and storied castles to bustling markets and breathtaking gardens, experience the best of Japan with Princess on a 10-day cruise departing from Tokyo (Yokohama) to nine destinations including Beppu, Kochi and Toba. Sail where ancient traditions and modernity coexist in harmony.

Included Extras

Executive Member Benefit

  • Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,250, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

Digital Costco Shop Card

  • Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card with every Princess Cruises® sailing†

Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Day 1 Port of Call Yokohama Departure 3:00p.m.

Overview

 
select to open Yokohama pictures - Opens a dialog

Yokohama is often called the Garden City, though its name means "City by the Bay." Its waterfront area provides a port to the rest of the world as well as beautiful beaches. The waterfront district has unique art galleries and boutiques and is one of the largest Chinatown areas in Japan. Yokohama is the home of Japan's Central Baseball League and Japan's first coffee shop. There is even an indoor beach with sand and water and waves! The second largest city in Japan, Yokohama is home to 3 million people and is a growing, innovative business center. Its large, accessible port has made it Japan's largest international trading center. It certainly maintains its own identity and does not fall into the shadow of Tokyo, a mere 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) from Tokyo.

Day 2 Cruising
Day 3 Port of Call Beppu Arrival 9:00a.m. Departure 5:00p.m.

Overview

 
select to open Beppu pictures - Opens a dialog

Beppu is the leading hot spring resort in Japan with as many as 104 public baths. In an excellent natural setting, 130,000 kiloliters of hot spring water (enough to fill 3,600 2-meter swimming pools) gushes out daily from approximately 2,700 sources scattered over an area of 50 square meters. Since earlier times, Beppu has flourished as a hot spring resort, and in 1950 it was designated as an international spa tourist cultural city. It boasts a large variety of hot springs according to their mineral contents including acid, sulfur, salt, iron, and alum. Beppu has nine out of 11 kinds of hot springs designated by the International Hot Spring Conference. Eight areas with especially large amounts of gushing water, namely Hamawaki, Beppu, Kankaiji, Horita, Myoban, Kannawa, Shibaseki, and Kamegawa, are called the "Eight Major Hot Springs Areas of Beppu", each featuring its characteristics as to the mineral contents and natural surroundings. They serve as places for hot spring treatment, recuperation, and recreation not only for tourists but also for residents.

Day 4 Port of Call Hiroshima Arrival 9:00a.m. Departure 6:00p.m.

Overview

 
select to open Hiroshima pictures - Opens a dialog

Hiroshima City facing Hiroshima Bay in the Seto Inland Sea is one of the most prominent cities in the Chugoku region, and a center of the administration and economy of Hiroshima. Six rivers flow through the city, so it is also called the "city of water." It was devastated by an atomic bomb in World War II. All structures vanished, but one miraculously remained standing. It is called the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome, and Hiroshima is internationally known as the city of peace. Hiroshima developed as a castle town after a feudal lord, Mori Terumoto, built Hiroshima Castle in the 16th century. Hiroshima Castle is also called Ri-jo, or Carp Castle because the exterior painted in black resembles a black carp. There are several must-see places, such as the Shukukei-en Garden, or a miniature scenery garden, so named because there is a miniature version of Lake Xiyu (West Lake) in Hangzhou in China and many other miniatures of scenic sights, and the old Mitaki-dera Temple built in 809. The red Taho-to Tower in the Mitaki-dera Temple was transferred from a shrine in Wakayama as a memorial tower for the victims of the atomic bomb attack. Hiroshima also offers gastronomical pleasure, including oysters the culture of which has been going on since 1673, and okonomi-yaki Hiroshima style, unique flour crepes fried with vegetables and noodles that are different at each restaurant.

Day 5 Port of Call Kanmon Strait Arrival 5:00a.m. Departure 7:00a.m.

Overview

 
select to open Kanmon Strait pictures - Opens a dialog

The Kanmon Strait is the stretch of water separating two of Japan's four main islands. On the Honshu side of the water is Shimonoseki and on the Kyushu side is Moji port, now part of Kitakyushu City. The Kanmon Strait can be traversed in a number of ways, the oldest of which is the ferry. There is also a bridge which carries an expressway. By far the most used method is the Kanmon Tunnel which carries the Shinkansen, trains, cars and even pedestrians.

Day 5 Port of Call Shimonoseki Arrival 9:00a.m. Departure 6:00p.m.

Overview

 
select to open Shimonoseki pictures - Opens a dialog

Shimonoseki City is located at the westernmost tip of Honshu, Japan's main island. It is 1100 kilometers west of Tokyo and about 80 kilometers east of Fukuoka. The Kodama, a type of bullet train, stops at Shinshimonoseki Station before it goes on to Kyushu through a tunnel under the Kanmon Strait. It takes about 30 minutes by bullet train from Shimonoseki to Fukuoka, which has the most convenient airport. The population is roughly two hundred sixty thousand, the largest in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The city center faces the Kanmon Strait, which separates Honshu and Kyushu islands. It boasts a scenic view across the water to the coast of northern Kyushu. The other two sides of the city are surrounded by sea. Shimonoseki is virtually the gateway to East Asia, and there is a daily ferry service to Pusan and a weekly ferry service to Qingdao. The coastline on the outer reaches of the city has many beaches and fishing communities. Landscapes, typical of Japan including mountains, valleys, ponds, rice fields, and hot springs, are easily accessible by public transport. The university is conveniently located in one of the main commercial districts. From the center of the city, it takes about 20 minutes by bus or train to reach the university. The bullet train station, Shin-Shimonoseki, is within 10 minutes of the university campus by taxi. Around the university, there are many shops, including big supermarkets, a general post office, banks, restaurants, etc.

Day 6 Port of Call Busan Arrival 7:00a.m. Departure 4:00p.m.

Overview

 
select to open Busan pictures - Opens a dialog

Busan/Pusan is Korea's second largest city. Tourists often come to this region to hike and to visit the Buddhist Temples located deep within the region's mountains. The Beomeosa Temple, founded in 678 AD, is perhaps one of the most frequented temples in the area and is always packed with worshipers and tourists. For art buffs, Busan offers several museums and historical buildings. If scenery is your thing, try visiting the Dongbaek Island, or bird watch at the Nakdong river estuary.

Day 7 Port of Call Nagasaki Arrival 7:00a.m. Departure 4:00p.m.

Overview

 
select to open Nagasaki pictures - Opens a dialog

Nagasaki is the capital and the largest city of Nagasaki Prefecture located at the south-western coast of Kyushu. Nagasaki lies at the head of a long bay that forms the best natural harbor on the southern Japanese home island of Kyushu. The main commercial and residential area of the city lies on a small plain near the end of the bay. Two rivers divided by a mountain spur form the two main valleys in which the city lies. The heavily built-up area of the city is confined by the terrain to less than 4 square miles out of a total of about 35 square miles in the city as a whole. The city was rebuilt after the war, albeit dramatically changed, as any city would be after such colossal damage. New temples were built and new churches as well, since the Christian presence never died out and even increased dramatically after the war. Some of the rubble was left as a memorial, such as a one-legged torii gate and a stone arch near ground zero. New structures were also raised as memorials, such as the Atomic Bomb Museum. Nagasaki remains first and foremost a port city, supporting a rich shipping industry and setting a strong example of perseverance and peace.

Day 8 Port of Call Miyazaki Arrival 8:00a.m. Departure 6:00p.m.

Overview

 
select to open Miyazaki pictures - Opens a dialog

The city was founded on April 1, 1924. On January 1, 2006, the towns of Tano, Sadowara, and Takaoka merged into the city. As of this merger but with 2003 population estimates, the city had an estimated population of 365,311 and a density of 612 persons per km². The total area is 596.68 km².

Day 9 Port of Call Kochi Arrival 7:00a.m. Departure 3:00p.m.

Overview

 
select to open Kochi pictures - Opens a dialog

Kochi Prefecture, on Japan’s Shikoku Island, is a largely rural area known for its mountains, rivers, and Pacific beaches. Capital Kochi City has one of Japan’s best-preserved feudal castles, Kochi-jo, established in the 1600s. The city's centuries-old Sunday market has hundreds of vendors selling food and other wares. Summer's Yosakoi Matsuri is a festival in which colorfully attired dance teams fill the streets.

Day 10 Port of Call Toba Arrival 7:00a.m. Departure 4:00p.m.

Overview

 
select to open Toba pictures - Opens a dialog

This is a small coastal city. It has become something of a tourist circus, and it is difficult to understand the attraction of Toba to the Japanese. It is a maritime port - Toba was the last place of refuge from storms for junks or boats sailing to Edo (Tokyo) from Mikawa (Okazaki) or Ise Bay (Nagoya). Sake from places like Kunizakari, and pottery from Tokoname, were transshipped via Toba. Old merchant's houses and the graves of seamen are common.These days Toba is best known as the home of Mikimoto and the cultured pearls, and as the gateway to the Ise Grand Shrines and the vastIse-Shimaa National Park. There are car ferries from Cape Irago on the Atsumi Peninsula in Aichi Prefecture, and JR and Kintetsu railroads run services to Toba.

Day 11 Port of Call Yokohama Arrival 6:30a.m.

Overview

 
select to open Yokohama pictures - Opens a dialog

Yokohama is often called the Garden City, though its name means "City by the Bay." Its waterfront area provides a port to the rest of the world as well as beautiful beaches. The waterfront district has unique art galleries and boutiques and is one of the largest Chinatown areas in Japan. Yokohama is the home of Japan's Central Baseball League and Japan's first coffee shop. There is even an indoor beach with sand and water and waves! The second largest city in Japan, Yokohama is home to 3 million people and is a growing, innovative business center. Its large, accessible port has made it Japan's largest international trading center. It certainly maintains its own identity and does not fall into the shadow of Tokyo, a mere 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) from Tokyo.

Onboard the Diamond Princess

Cruise FPO 6 select to open Diamond Princess pictures - Opens a dialog

Costco Member Reviews

Diamond Princess® is a luxury destination in itself. Take in the view from one of nearly 750 balcony staterooms. Indulge in a hot stone massage at the renowned Lotus Spa®, enjoy fine dining in a formal or relaxed atmosphere and make it a cruise to remember.

Onboard Activities

Activities & Services (included in cruise)

Movies

  • Card Room
  • Casino
  • Disco/Nightclub
  • Game Arcade
  • Movies Under the Stars®
  • Theater/Show Lounge
  • Beauty Salon
  • Fitness Center
  • Fitness Classes
  • Miniature Golf
  • Pool - Adults Only
  • Pool - Children's
  • Pool - Outdoor
  • Pool - Indoor
  • Pool - Indoor/Covered
  • Sports Facilities
  • Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
  • Art Gallery
  • Bars/Lounges
  • Library
  • Children's Indoor Play Area
  • Children's Outdoor Play Area
  • Educational Classes
  • Organized Age Specific Activities
  • Teen Center or Disco
  • Teen Programs
  • Business Center
  • Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
  • Elevators
  • Infirmary/Medical Center
  • Religious Services
  • Self-Service Laundromat
  • Wedding/Vow Renewal

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

Full-Service Spa

  • Full-Service Spa
  • Spa Services/Massage
  • Sauna/Steam Room
  • Educational Programs
  • Internet Center
  • Babysitting
  • Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service

Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the cruise line without notice. Staterooms designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Dining

Dining Room

Main Dining

International Dining Room: After final payment, through the MedallionClass® app, you may request your dining preference with Dine My Way℠. Customize your dining experiences nightly by choosing your seating time, dining companions and dietary needs.

Pacific Moon Dining Room: After final payment, through the MedallionClass® app, you may request your dining preference with Dine My Way℠. Customize your dining experiences nightly by choosing your seating time, dining companions and dietary needs.

Santa Fe Dining Room: After final payment, through the MedallionClass® app, you may request your dining preference with Dine My Way℠. Customize your dining experiences nightly by choosing your seating time, dining companions and dietary needs.

Savoy Dining Room: After final payment, through the MedallionClass® app, you may request your dining preference with Dine My Way℠. Customize your dining experiences nightly by choosing your seating time, dining companions and dietary needs.

Vivaldi Dining Room: After final payment, through the MedallionClass® app, you may request your dining preference with Dine My Way℠. Customize your dining experiences nightly by choosing your seating time, dining companions and dietary needs.

Sabatini's

Specialty Dining

Chef’s Table Experience: Taking dining to a new level, the Chef’s Table Experience includes pre-dinner cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the galley for you and a limited number of fellow guests. After your executive chef describes the specially designed menu for the night, participants are escorted to an intimate table for the main course, including pairing suggestions. This restaurant is available for an additional cost. Limited capacity, reservations required.

Kai Sushi: An exquisitely decorated traditional sushi bar, serving up sushi and sashimi expertly prepared before your eyes. Dine at the sushi bar or enjoy an elegant restaurant experience. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Sabatini's: An upscale authentic Italian dining experience in a remarkable eight-course meal. The menu features both local seafood specialties and other regional favorites. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Sterling Steakhouse℠: An upscale and more refined approach to the traditional steakhouse, this venue features some of the best, most tender cuts of beef, such as New York and porterhouse, plus a prime rib carving station. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Prego Pizzeria

Casual Dining

Chocolate Journeys℠: There are few foods that inspire as much passion as chocolate, and master chocolatier Norman Love has designed some of the most decadent, hand-crafted treats exclusively for Princess' Chocolate Journeys℠ program. Trained in France, and named the Inaugural Inductee into the Chocolatier Hall of Fame by Dessert Professional Magazine, Chef Love combined premium quality chocolate with unique flavors and artful designs to mastermind his exclusive creations found throughout the ship.

Crafted by Curtis Stone: In the Main Dining Room, savor fresh new cuisine designed by award-winning Chef Curtis Stone during every voyage. Personal reflections on the menu by Chef Stone elaborate on each "Crafted" selection, prepared with the most authentic ingredients. Be enticed by dishes featuring delicious meats and seafood, fresh produce and vibrant, bold flavors.

Horizon Court: 24-hour casual buffet dining.

La Patisserie: Casual sidewalk café-style setting for cappuccino, espresso and other coffee specialties, as well as fresh pastries throughout the day. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Prego Pizzeria: Poolside pizzeria serving fresh pizza by the slice.

Trident Grill: Follow your nose to the Trident Grill where the burgers are flipping and the hotdogs roasting, served with a variety of fixin’s and crisp fries. Veggie burgers, bratwurst and grilled chicken breast are also served and all are sure to hit the spot when you are relaxing out on deck.

Room Service: Call for room service delivery or order through OceanNow® in the Princess® MedallionClass® app at any time of the day or night. Guests with the latest Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages enjoy OceanNow® and room service delivery with no charge. Otherwise, a one-time access fee of US $ 14.99 per person per voyage will apply for OceanNow® delivery and a US $ 5 room service fee will apply for each order placed by stateroom phone. To order, guests can press the "Room Service" button on their stateroom phone, or order through OceanNow®.


Times, costs and other specifics are outside the control of Costco Travel. All information is at the sole discretion of the cruise line and is subject to change without notice. Dining time and table size preferences are submitted to the cruise line on a first-come, first-served request basis and are confirmed aboard ship. Questions, concerns and/or special needs regarding dining arrangements must be addressed with the maitre d' hotel aboard ship. Every effort is made to accommodate travelers' preferences; however, Costco Travel cannot guarantee dining arrangements. In specialty restaurants, space is limited and reservations are recommended. A cover charge and dress code may apply.

Staterooms

  • Interior (Category: IA)

    Category: IA
    Approximately 168 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

  • Interior (Category: IB)

    Category: IB
    Approximately 168 to 182 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

  • Interior (Category: IC)

    Category: IC
    Approximately 168 to 182 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

  • Interior (Category: ID)

    Category: ID
    Approximately 168 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

  • Interior (Category: IE)

    Category: IE
    Approximately 168 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

  • Interior (Category: IF)

    Category: IF
    Approximately 168 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Nicely-appointed staterooms feature a picture window, spacious closet and bathroom with shower.

  • Premium Oceanview (Category: O5)

    Category: O5
    Approximately 200 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a forward-facing cabin for memorable views.

  • Oceanview (Category: OC)

    Category: OC
    Approximately 194 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.

  • Oceanview (Category: OF)

    Category: OF
    Approximately 183 to 194 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.

  • Oceanview (obstructed view) (Category: OV)

    Category: OV
    Approximately 183 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.

  • Oceanview (obstructed view) (Category: OW)

    Category: OW
    Approximately 183 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.

  • Oceanview (obstructed view) (Category: OY)

    Category: OY
    Approximately 183 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.

  • Oceanview (obstructed view) (Category: OZ)

    Category: OZ
    Approximately 183 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.

Staterooms feature a private balcony, spacious walk-in closet, desk and bathroom with shower.

  • Premium Balcony (Category: B2)

    Category: B2
    Approximately 277 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

  • Premium Balcony (Category: B4)

    Category: B4
    Approximately 237 to 277 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides dramatic wake views from a rear-facing private balcony.

  • Balcony (Category: BA)

    Category: BA
    Approximately 237 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

  • Balcony (Category: BB)

    Category: BB
    Approximately 237 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

  • Balcony (Category: BC)

    Category: BC
    Approximately 237 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

  • Balcony (Category: BD)

    Category: BD
    Approximately 237 to 277 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

  • Balcony (Category: BE)

    Category: BE
    Approximately 237 to 277 sq. ft. including balcony, this stateroom provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

  • Balcony (Category: BF)

    Category: BF
    Approximately 237 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Features private balcony and sitting room, two TVs, walk-in closet and bathroom with tub and shower.

  • Premium Mini-Suite with Balcony (Category: M1)

    Category: M1
    Approximately 354 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious cabin provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.

  • Mini-Suite with Balcony (Category: MB)

    Category: MB
    Approximately 354 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious cabin provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.

  • Mini-Suite with Balcony (Category: MD)

    Category: MD
    Approximately 354 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious cabin provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.

  • Mini-Suite with Balcony (Category: ME)

    Category: ME
    Approximately 354 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious cabin provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.

  • Grand Suite with Balcony (Category: S1)

    Category: S1
    Approximately 1,329 sq. ft. including balcony, the Grand Suite features an expansive cabin and oversized aft-facing balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

  • Owner's Suite with Balcony (Category: S2)

    Category: S2
    Approximately 692 sq. ft. including balcony, the Owner's Suite features an expansive cabin and oversized aft-facing balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

  • Penthouse Suite with Balcony (Category: S3)

    Category: S3
    Approximately 525 to 572 sq. ft. including balcony, the Penthouse Suite features a spacious cabin and aft-facing balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

  • Penthouse Suite with Balcony (Category: S4)

    Category: S4
    Approximately 555 sq. ft. including balcony, the Penthouse Suite features a spacious cabin and separate seating area with a sofa bed. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

  • Premium Suite with Balcony (Category: S5)

    Category: S5
    Approximately 705 sq. ft. including balcony, the Premium Suite features a spacious cabin and separate seating area with a sofa bed. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

  • Vista Suite with Balcony (Category: S6)

    Category: S6
    Approximately 525 to 548 sq. ft. including balcony, the Vista Suite features a spacious cabin and aft-facing balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

  • Two-Bedroom Family Suite with Balcony (Category: S8)

    Category: S8
    Approximately 613 sq. ft. including balcony, the Two Bedroom Family Suite features 2 bedrooms to accommodate up to 6 passengers. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

Deck Plan

Cruise Ship
Sky Deck
Key to Symbols
SymbolDescription
Two-bedroom family suite (connecting staterooms with private balcony, accommodates up to six persons)Two-bedroom family suite (connecting staterooms with private balcony, accommodates up to six persons)
Will accommodate third personWill accommodate third person
Two lower beds not convertible to queen, shower onlyTwo lower beds not convertible to queen, shower only
Will accommodate a rollawayWill accommodate a rollaway
Will accommodate third and fourth personWill accommodate third and fourth person
Balcony access when in port onlyBalcony access when in port only
Connecting stateroomsConnecting staterooms
Fully accessible stateroom, roll-in shower onlyFully accessible stateroom, roll-in shower only

Ship Facts

Diamond Princess ship image
  • Ship Name: Diamond Princess
  • Year Built: 2004
  • Year Refurbished: 2014
  • Year Entered Present Fleet: 2004
  • Ship Class: Diamond
  • Maximum Capacity: 2,670
  • Number of Passenger Decks: 14
  • Number of Crew: 1,100
  • Officers' Nationality: British/Italian
  • Ocean-View without Balcony: 220
  • Ocean-View with Balcony: 522
  • Total Inside Staterooms: 377
  • Tonnage (GRT): 115,875
  • Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 2,670
  • Country of Registry: Bermuda
  • Total Staterooms: 1,337
  • Suites with Balcony: 216
  • Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International
Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the hotel, resort or cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the provider without notice. Hotels, resorts, ships or accommodations designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Costco Member Reviews

Available Dates & Prices

Departure Date

Inside Stateroom

Ocean View Stateroom

Balcony Stateroom

Suite Stateroom

Terms & Conditions

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

© Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.

    See Full Terms & Conditions- Opens a dialog
    Package ID: PCLDIAASI20260224