Scheduled for a complete program in the Asian country, the Princess Cruises’ vessel is departing on a repositioning voyage to Yokohama – a port near Tokyo.
The 25-night Pacific Crossing itinerary sails from the West Coast and includes visits to ports in Hawaii, the Pacific and Asia.
Starting on March 15, the Diamond Princess is set to offer a series of five- to 19-day cruises to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
In addition to Yokohama, the program also includes departures from Kobe and features a total of 38 destinations in three countries, as well as 43 unique itineraries and 57 departures.
Ports of call include Sakata, Naha, Nagasaki, Otaru, Hakodate, Nagasaki, Ishigaki, Cheju, Busan, Keelung and more.
Upon completing its program in Japan, the Diamond Princess is set to reposition to Southeast Asia for a winter season visiting Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and others.
Built-in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki, the Diamond Princess originally entered service in March 2004.
According to Princess, the 113,000-ton vessel was designed to cruise to Japanese ports and offers the Princess MedallionClass experience, which allows guests to personalize their cruises with a “touchless and effortless” service.
The ship’s Movies Under The Stars screen was also updated, receiving new surround sound digital audio, while the main pool deck LED lighting received enhancements for a more vibrant and colourful entertainment experience.
Further general refurbishments include upgraded digital audio systems for the Princess Theater, Explorers Lounge and Club Fusion, as well as new furnishings in the Horizon Court buffet area, and more.
With the COVID-19 pandemic now in the past, Cruise Industry Newslooked into the trends and the highlights that are set to headline the cruise industry in 2023.
The vessels will expand the fleet of 20 operators, including major brands such as Carnival and MSC Cruises, as well as niche cruise lines including American Cruise Line and Swan Hellenic.
Virgin will be the brand adding the most ships, with the Resilient Lady and the Brilliant Lady scheduled to enter service during the year.
Start-Ups
More start-ups are entering the market in 2023 while other new brands are also expanding their fleet.
With details still to be confirmed, the new luxury cruise line plans to launch operations early in the year.
First China-Built Large Ship
The first large cruise ship built in China is going to enter service in late 2023. Currently, in the final stages of construction in Shanghai, the still-unnamed vessel is set to offer year-round cruising in Asia for Adora Cruises.
With a design similar to the one used by Carnival’s Vista-Class ships, the 135,000-ton ship will have a capacity for 5,000 guests, as well as custom-designed features and public areas.
The MSC Group is debuting a new cruise line in 2023 with Explora Journeys. As part of its expansion, the new brand will offer a luxury experience, with a fleet of purpose-built ships.
The 922-guest ship will debut in Northern Europe, before offering itineraries in North America, the Caribbean, South America and the West Coast.
Japan Reopening
One of the most important markets in Asia, Japan is set to welcome international cruising back in early 2023.
Cruise Lines returning to the country include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Silversea, which are set to offer full seasons in the region starting in March.
Secondhand Market
With several ships looking for new operators, the secondhand market is set to continue warm in 2023.
Vessels like Fred. Olsen’s Braemar, the Astoria, the Pacific Venus and the Birka Stockholm are currently on the market. Meanwhile, Carnival Corporation said it would sell three more ships, including two Costa ships, on this year-end and fourth-quarter earnings call in December.
Other ships potently looking for new owners include the Seajets fleet, which currently includes five ships and remains laid up in Greece, and the former AIDAvita, which remains laid up in Estonia.
Vessels formerly operated by Genting, such as the Explorer Dream, are also present in limbo.
Expedition Market
The expedition market will welcome five new vessels in 2023 as vessels are set to enter service for various brands, including Swan Hellenic, Scenic and Oceanwide according to the orderbook.
Seabourn is also continuing its expansion into the niche with the addition of the Seabourn Pursuit, its second purpose-built exploration ship.
Concluding SunStone’s Infinity class of ships, the Ocean Albatros is also scheduled to debut during the year.
Disney Expansion
Disney Cruise Line is growing its operations in 2023. With the new Disney Wish sailing its first full year, the brand is set to add a new homeport in North America and also debut in Australia and New Zealand.
A few days before that, however, Disney is also arriving in Australia and New Zealand for the first time, with the Disney Wonder offering a local program that includes itineraries sailing from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland.
HAL will deploy Westerdam to Japan early next year off the back of a stint in Australia and New Zealand; the ship will start its Asia season on 3rd February after a January dry dock in Singapore.
Japan lifted its curbs on cruising last month. Westerdam will sail roundtrip from Yokohama or Singapore, or between the two destinations.
Cruises range from 11 to 14 days and can be combined to create non-repeating Collectors’ Voyages. Across five itineraries, guests will be able to visit Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia, with overnight calls in Singapore, Kobe, Osaka and Phuket.
The season will conclude with a 14-day North Pacific Crossing from Yokohama to Seattle departing on 24th April when Westerdam redeploys for its Alaska season.
“We’re grateful for the work that the Japanese authorities have done to allow for a return to cruising,” said HAL president Gus Antorcha.
“Holland America Line’s guests love longer voyages to unique parts of the world, and we’ll be sailing to some incredible locations as our season in Japan and the rest of Asia begins.”
HAL will provide details of any specific health protocols for each departure in advance via its voyage lookup tool.
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