Princess Cruises has unveiled details of its bigger ever season of sailings in Japan.

The cruise line’s 2018 Japan programme will feature a record number of departures, with a total of 60 voyages scheduled between April and December. Cruises will range from four to 23 nights.

The season will include six maiden ports-of-call and two new autumn sailings. The new eight-night voyages, named “Fall Foliage”, depart in October 2018 and include calls to Japanese regions famous for their changing autumn colours, including Kyoto and Iwakuni.

Other highlights of Princess’ 2018 Japan programme include night-time calls in 12 ports, seven cruises in school summer holidays, voyages that coincide with the Nebuta festival and Kumano fireworks festival, and a cruise to coincide with the cherry blossom season.

Princess will also offer a pre- or post-cruise “Highlights of Japan” tour, which will be available on 10 voyages at an extra cost, providing guests with the opportunity to visit Kyoto or Tokyo before or after their cruise.
Passengers will be able to cruise around Japan, or combine the country with other countries including South Korea, Taiwan, Russia and Vietnam. The 2018 cruises went on sale on 22 February 2017.

All Japanese itineraries will be operated by the 2,700-passenger Diamond Princess cruise ship, which is tailored to the Japanese market with facilities including a sushi restaurant, a large onsen area and onboard origami classes.

The 2018 season marks the second consecutive record-breaking year for Princess Cruises in Japan, following the 39 departures scheduled for 2017.