Local Connections Shore Excursion Program
Provides Guests Authentic Immersion Opportunities
Princess Cruises, the world’s fastest growing international premium cruise line, announced its remaining 2021 Japan sailings, offering guests an authentic immersion in the deep history, captivating culture and signature cuisines of the region. Rounding out the 2021 season, Diamond Princess sails on the cruise line’s longest Japan season yet from March 2021 through December 2021, providing more opportunities than ever to see the beauty of spring flowers and participate in exciting festivals.
“The 2021 Japan season gives guests the opportunity to travel to extraordinary, intriguing destinations all around this beautiful island nation,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises’ President. “From our expertly curated itineraries to our exclusive Local Connections shore excursions program, we provide our guests with a convenient and meaningful way to connect to the local culture.”
On sale 18 December, 2019, Japan guests can choose from 48 itineraries, ranging in length from four to 19 days, visiting four countries and 44 destinations, including:
- Spring Flowers Cruises
- Festival Cruises
- Fall Foliage Cruises
- Circle Hokkaido Cruises
- Japan Explorer Cruises
- Southern Islands Cruises
- Hong Kong, Taiwan & Vietnam Cruises
Departure ports include Tokyo (Yokohama) and Kobe.
What’s New for 2021
The upcoming 2021 season offers opportunities to visit more local festivals than ever before with eight festivals across six voyages, including the introduction of the Osaka Danjiri Festival on a Japan Explorer cruise and the return of the popular Northern Japan with Nebuta Festival. Guests can also enjoy five Spring Flowers cruise options with hand-crafted itineraries, moving from south to north according to the predicted blooming season. Guests can also witness the changing colours of the Japanese maple and gingko trees, with cruises sailing from north to south according to the predicted autumn foliage season.
Plus, Diamond Princess will visit five new ports this season: Ube, Hitachinaka (for Nikko), Shimonoseki, Omaezaki and Jeju.
Legendary Sites
The 2021 cruises give guests the opportunity to visit 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include:
- Mount Fuji
- Ancient Kyoto
- Buddhist monuments in the Horyu-ji area
- Shrines and temples of Nikko
- Historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Cultural Immersion
Tranquil temple gardens, beautiful landscapes, sumptuous Japanese flavours both ashore and onboard connect guests to local daily life. With a new Local Connections shore excursion program in Japan designed to provide guests the most personal, meaningful, authentic and exclusive experiences ashore by offering them a first-hand glimpse into the local food, beverage, arts and culture scene with 29 new tours in 19 Japanese ports.
The cruise line’s More Ashore program offers late-night stays in Akita, Aomori, Busan, Hakodate, Hong Kong, Kobe, Kochi, Osaka, Tokushima and Wakayama.
Highlights of Japan Cruisetour
Guests looking to spend more time in Tokyo and Kyoto can add five days on land exploring more of the country’s contrast of ancient traditions and modern technology before the start of their cruise for a Highlights of Japan Cruisetour. Guests can enjoy sightseeing at Nijo Castle and the famed Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) or immerse themselves in the history of Nara with the Great Buddha of Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine while en route to the bullet train for Tokyo. After experiencing central Tokyo, explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mt. Fuji with stunning views from Togendai and Lake Ashi.
Diamond Princess
Built in Japan at Mitsubishi Shipyard in Nagasaki, the 2,706-guest Diamond Princess includes distinctly Japanese offerings, including authentic sushi served at Kai Sushi, the largest Japanese-style open-air bath at sea, folkloric shows and regional entertainment.
Captain’s Circle Savings and Early Booking Deposit
Princess past guests are eligible for a special promotion when they book early. The special promotion consists of a $50 – $200/person discount off the public fare, based on itinerary. This can be combined with launch and group promotions. These discounts do not apply to third or fourth berth guests. Additionally, a reduced deposit is available for Captain Circle guests when they book early. Offer is good through April 30, 2020.
Oceans of Offers – Princess Cruises’ Best Sale Ever
The Oceans of Offers sale runs through to 12 March, 2020. This is Princess Cruises’ best sale ever as for the first time guests are being offered fares that include drinks and Wi-Fi when they book a cruise or cruisetour.
Passengers can unlock the best ever onboard savings by securing the Best Value*, a packaged fare that also includes access to the Premier Beverage Package and Wi-Fi for the first 2 guests in the stateroom.
Fares for a 9-night roundtrip cruise of Japan sailing from Yokohama onboard Diamond Princess departing 2 April 2021 start from $2,949 AUD per person, twin share. This offer is available to residents of Australia or New Zealand.
*Subject to availability, conditions apply. More details are available by contacting a professional Travel Agent, Cruise Holiday Planner, calling 13 24 88 or by visiting the company’s website at princess.com.
SOURCE: Princess Cruises
