Built at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Nagasaki shipyard, Diamond Princess is a foreign-flag ship built in Japan. Its know-how for Japanese guests has been refined through large baths, Japanese menu options, and Japanese-speaking staff, making it comfortable even for travelers uneasy about foreign cruises. In 2026, it will be based in Yokohama from February through November, offering Japan’s largest season for the line with 35 itineraries of 7 to 28 nights. After November, it will move to Singapore and sail Southeast Asia. For travelers trying a foreign cruise from Japan, it is an ideal starting point.
Japan departuresAdult-orientedFirst-time cruise friendlySenior-friendly
Current position (external site)View on VesselFinder (IMO 9228198)External site. Position information has not been checked by Cruise Pitta.
Japanese language support and practical onboard information
A guide to public baths, Japanese food and language support, payment in yen, smoking, dress codes and power outlets, based on available official and other sources. Details may vary by itinerary and season. Check the official website for current information.
Line-wide details: They are scheduled according to cruise length, at roughly 1 for every 4 to 6 nights. Short cruises of 1 to 4 days have none; typically there is 1 for 5 to 6 days and about 2 for 7 to 13 days.
Official: confirmed by the cruise line or another official source / Secondary source: confirmed by other sources / Estimated: inferred by Cruise Pitta / Not stated: no information found in official sources
At a glance
Kids club: YesAdults-only areas: YesCasino: YesTheater and shows: YesSpa: YesCinema: YesAccessible cabins: YesJapanese support rating (editorial) 5/5Five-point rating of the scope of Japanese-language services
What is included and what costs extra
Included in the fare / extra
Meals (main restaurants)Included
AlcoholExtra charge
GratuitiesExtra charge
Wi‑FiExtra charge
Specialty diningExtra charge
Shore excursionsExtra charge
The base fare (Princess Standard) includes meals such as main dining and buffet only. Princess Plus ($65 per person per day) adds a beverage package (up to $15 per drink), one-device Wi-Fi, included gratuities, and casual dining benefits. Princess Premier ($100 per person per day) further adds four-device Wi-Fi, unlimited specialty restaurant dining, free photos, priority access, and other benefits (the plan is shared across the company, and no Diamond Princess-specific price difference could be confirmed).
Onboard costs (original currency)
Extra chargeDrinks (one beer)$7-$7.50 (+18% service charge)
Extra chargeSoft drinks and waterSoft drinks $3–$4 (+18% service charge) / Water $3–$4 (+18% service charge)
Extra chargeDrink packagePrincess Plus ($65/person/day) includes drinks up to $15 per drink, including beer, wine, cocktails, soft drinks, and similar beverages, plus Wi-Fi for 1 device and gratuities. Princess Premier ($100/person/day) adds a $20 limit, unlimited specialty restaurant dining, Wi-Fi for 4 devices, and more (fleet-wide plan).
Extra chargeWi‑FiAround $175 for about 7 nights when purchased on its own.
Extra chargeGratuities (automatic service charge)$18/day for standard cabins; $19/day for mini-suites, Club Class, and Reserve; $20/day for suites
Extra chargeSpa (60 minutes)$149+ (50-minute Swedish Massage as a guide; an explicit price for a standalone 60-minute menu could not be confirmed individually)
Extra chargeLaundrySelf-service coin laundry (about $2-$3 each for washing and drying). Professional cleaning and pressing cost extra. Captain's Circle Elite members receive some services free.
Shore excursionsShore excursions (shore excursions) are charged separately depending on the content and port. On cruises departing from Japan, Japanese-speaking guide optional tours can also be purchased onboard or in advance on the website.
Prices are shown in the onboard currency; no currency conversion is applied.
Boarding, atmosphere, and links
Boarding and logistics
Japan departures: Yes
Home ports: Yokohama (a major year-round home port)
Departure ports: Yokohama, Kobe (port of embarkation and disembarkation for some cruises)
Atmosphere and guests
All ages
A sister ship in the Grand class (Gem/Diamond class), built in Nagasaki (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries) in 2004. The 2019 refurbishment renewed the beds, Washlet toilets, spa and casino, but the interiors themselves keep a solid, classic 2000s design. Its biggest features are the scenic public bath "Izumi no Yu," exclusively for cruises departing from and arriving in Japan, and fully bilingual (English/Japanese) onboard information, menus and entertainment. It also has 5 distinctive main dining rooms (a mix of fixed seating, reservation-required and walk-in), Japanese menus and Japanese culture events (yukata try-ons, origami, rakugo and more), and is designed to be approachable even for Japanese first-time cruisers.
During seasons sailing from and back to Yokohama, Japanese passengers make up the majority, with ages ranging from seniors to families. The convenience of boarding with only a passport also attracts many first-time cruisers. On Asian repositioning segments, passengers from Europe, North America, and other Asian countries are also mixed.
In June 2017, a Silverstream air-lubrication system was retrofitted to the hull. At design speed, the system's fuel-consumption and CO2 improvements of more than 5% were verified by Lloyd's Register. Propulsion uses diesel-electric and pod propulsion (Azipod). The 2019 refit focused on guest areas such as cabins, the spa, and casino, without a fundamental propulsion-system upgrade or conversion to LNG.
Ship character
Families
3
Adults
4
Luxury
3
First-time cruisers
5
Entertainment
3
Dining
4
Great for
• Easy boarding from Japan
• Travelers needing Japanese-language support
• Cruises without relying on English
Less suited to
• Travelers seeking the newest facilities
• Travelers expecting large-scale attractions
Cruise stories and videos on external sites
5 links
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The ship's largest and least expensive category (IA-IF, about 158-182 square feet). There is no window or balcony, but basic amenities such as a bathroom with shower, refrigerator, flat-screen TV, and digital safe are shared with other categories. The 2019 refurbishment introduced Princess Luxury Beds and bidets in all cabins. Some of the 27 wheelchair-accessible cabins, including those on Emerald Deck, are in this category. No dedicated solo cabin could be confirmed.
Size
14.7–16.9 m²(158–182 ft²)
Occupancy and beds
2-4 peoplePrincess Luxury Bed (queen-size/twin-size available). Some cabins accommodate 3–4 guests with an added upper berth.
A category with fixed picture windows that cannot open and no balcony (about 158-182 square feet). Some cabins qualify as obstructed view because lifeboats or other equipment block the view. Equipment levels are almost the same as inside cabins; the main difference is the presence of windows.
Size
14.7–16.9 m²(158–182 ft²)
Occupancy and beds
2-4 peoplePrincess Luxury Bed (queen-size/twin-size available).
The ship's largest category by number of cabins (standard cabins about 214-222 square feet plus 34-52 square feet of balcony space; higher-tier Deluxe Balconies are slightly larger). Bathrooms with bathtubs distinguish this category from inside and oceanview cabins. Connecting-cabin availability could not be individually confirmed.
Size
19.9–25.7 m²(214–277 ft²)
Occupancy and beds
2-4 peoplePrincess Luxury Bed (queen-size/twin-size available).
A mini-suite category of about 354 square feet including the balcony (M1/MB/MD/ME). It has a living area and bathtub, offering a higher level of space than balcony staterooms. Some Reserve Collection Junior Suites include Reserve Collection benefits, while the unmarked Junior Suites do not.
Size
32.9 m²(354 ft²)
Occupancy and beds
2-4 peoplePrincess Luxury Bed (queen-size/twin-size available) plus a sofa bed in the living area.
Vista / Premium / Penthouse / Owner's / Grand / Family Suite
The suite breakdown comprises 27 cabins across 4 types: Vista Suites (about 329 square feet plus a 166-square-foot balcony), Premium Suites (about 304 plus 169), Penthouse Suites (about 381 plus 155), and Owner's Suites (about 411 plus 180); plus one Grand Suite (S1, about 613 square feet) and 2 Family Suites (S8, about 335 square feet, connecting). All include Reserve Collection benefits, with more extensive services such as dedicated butlers in higher categories.
Size
31.1–75.5 m²(335–813 ft²)
Occupancy and beds
3–6 guests (family suites accommodate up to 6; grand suites generally accommodate 3–4)King/queen bed (convertible to twins). Higher-level suites have a separate living area.
The ship's largest and least expensive category (IA-IF, about 158-182 square feet). There is no window or balcony, but basic amenities such as a bathroom with shower, refrigerator, flat-screen TV, and digital safe are shared with other categories. The 2019 refurbishment introduced Princess Luxury Beds and bidets in all cabins. Some of the 27 wheelchair-accessible cabins, including those on Emerald Deck, are in this category. No dedicated solo cabin could be confirmed.
379 cabins
14.7–16.9 m²(158–182 ft²)
2-4 people
Princess Luxury Bed (queen-size/twin-size available). Some cabins accommodate 3–4 guests with an added upper berth.
A category with fixed picture windows that cannot open and no balcony (about 158-182 square feet). Some cabins qualify as obstructed view because lifeboats or other equipment block the view. Equipment levels are almost the same as inside cabins; the main difference is the presence of windows.
236 cabins
14.7–16.9 m²(158–182 ft²)
2-4 people
Princess Luxury Bed (queen-size/twin-size available).
The ship's largest category by number of cabins (standard cabins about 214-222 square feet plus 34-52 square feet of balcony space; higher-tier Deluxe Balconies are slightly larger). Bathrooms with bathtubs distinguish this category from inside and oceanview cabins. Connecting-cabin availability could not be individually confirmed.
522 cabins
19.9–25.7 m²(214–277 ft²)
2-4 people
Princess Luxury Bed (queen-size/twin-size available).
A mini-suite category of about 354 square feet including the balcony (M1/MB/MD/ME). It has a living area and bathtub, offering a higher level of space than balcony staterooms. Some Reserve Collection Junior Suites include Reserve Collection benefits, while the unmarked Junior Suites do not.
186 cabins
32.9 m²(354 ft²)
2-4 people
Princess Luxury Bed (queen-size/twin-size available) plus a sofa bed in the living area.
Vista / Premium / Penthouse / Owner's / Grand / Family Suite
The suite breakdown comprises 27 cabins across 4 types: Vista Suites (about 329 square feet plus a 166-square-foot balcony), Premium Suites (about 304 plus 169), Penthouse Suites (about 381 plus 155), and Owner's Suites (about 411 plus 180); plus one Grand Suite (S1, about 613 square feet) and 2 Family Suites (S8, about 335 square feet, connecting). All include Reserve Collection benefits, with more extensive services such as dedicated butlers in higher categories.
30 cabins
31.1–75.5 m²(335–813 ft²)
3–6 guests (family suites accommodate up to 6; grand suites generally accommodate 3–4)
King/queen bed (convertible to twins). Higher-level suites have a separate living area.
Approximate figures from official and reliable sources. Cabins vary by ship, category, and sailing.Links generally lead to official pages; some have not been verified.
Families, adults-only areas, and practical information
Children and families
• Youth Center & Teen Lounge — An age-based facility for children and teens on the Sun Deck. It offers programs free of charge. No dedicated nursery for infants and toddlers could be confirmed.
Adults-only areas
• Izumi no Yu Japanese Bath — The world's only panoramic public bath, located at the stern of Deck 15 and available only on cruises departing from and returning to Japan (ages 18 and over). Indoor baths named Itosugi-no-Yu and Iwa-no-Yu are located on the port and starboard sides and alternate between men and women daily. Facilities include dry and mist saunas, a cascading bath, and multiple shower booths. Outdoors, there is a unisex spa pool and footbath. Open 6:00-22:00; reception is generally available 6:00-20:30. Reservations are made on the day of use, after boarding; advance online reservations are not available.
• Casino — A casino on the Fiesta Deck. Entry is restricted to guests aged 21 and over, and it operates only in international waters.
• The Sanctuary — An outdoor relaxation deck with entry restricted to guests aged 18 and over. It has dedicated lounge chairs and private cabanas, with flavor-infused water, drinks, and light snacks served by dedicated staff.
• Aft Pool (Terrace Pool) — A pool at the stern side of Deck 12. It is known for views of the wake and is used mainly by adults.
Practical information (line-wide)
Onboard currency
USD
Gratuities
Charged automatically to your onboard account for each day under the name "Crew Appreciation." Prepayment is also possible. Guests on Standard fares are charged automatically every day, but the amount can be adjusted at Guest Services (it cannot be abolished, but you can ask to increase or reduce it). If you have purchased the Princess Plus or Princess Premier package, this Crew Appreciation is included in the package price and is not billed separately. Also, from March 2026 the service charge on food and beverage purchases was raised from 18% to 20%.
Payment
Cashless onboard
Medical facilities
Doctors and nurses are on board 24 hours a day, but the doctors are independent contractors and consultations are charged. As a guide, a consultation during regular hours is said to cost around $100, after-hours visits more ($165 or so), and cabin visits more still (about $205) in some cases. Travel insurance cannot be used directly on board; the charge is first billed to your onboard account, and after disembarking you submit the receipt to your own insurer to claim a refund.
Bringing items onboard
Each passenger aged 21 or over (the legal drinking age) may bring only 1 bottle (750 ml) of wine or champagne on board, and no corkage fee is charged for drinking it in your cabin. Bringing beer and spirits is prohibited, and they are confiscated if found. A corkage fee of $20 per bottle applies for additional bottles brought on board or for bottles opened in public areas such as restaurants, regardless of the number of bottles. Alcohol purchased at ports of call or in duty-free shops is held by the ship until the day of disembarkation.
Mobile and connectivity
With "Cellular at Sea," which uses satellite communication (via Wireless Maritime Services), regular mobile phone use is possible at sea if your carrier has a roaming agreement. However, maritime roaming tends to be expensive at about $2 to $6 per MB, so it is advisable to check in advance whether your carrier offers a package for sea cruises. If you subscribe to MedallionNet Wi-Fi, you can use data-based calling apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio and Wi-Fi calling, and going through Wi-Fi is a realistic alternative if you want to keep communication costs down.
Japanese support
Staff PartialMenus PartialAnnouncements Partial
Dining
Included Included in the fare (no extra charge)
International Dining RoomInternational (fixed seating)
A fixed-seating main dining room on Deck 6, where guests enjoy a rotation menu at the same time and table each evening in a traditional style. The five main dining rooms share a four-course dinner menu, with one dedicated specialty dish in each room.
Hours: Breakfast: 7:30-9:30 (sea days) / 7:00-9:00 (port days); dinner has two seatings, early and late (between 17:00 and 22:00).
An interior on Deck 5 distinguished by a mural of a woman playing an instrument. It serves the shared dinner menu of the International Dining Room on a walk-in basis.
Hours: Dinner 17:00-21:00 (walk-in, no reservation required)
Savoy Dining RoomInternational (walk-in seating)
A chic mahogany-style interior on Deck 5. The atmosphere evokes upscale restaurants in New York and London, and it serves the shared dinner menu.
Flexible dining on Deck 6 requiring advance reservations through the Princess Cruises app. In addition to the shared menu of the other main dining rooms, it serves room-specific specialty dishes.
Hours: Dinner 17:00-22:00 (reservation required through the app in 20-minute increments)
Santa Fe Dining RoomInternational (Southwestern-style, reservations, flexible dining)
Flexible dining on Deck 6 with a Southwestern (United States) themed interior. Reservations are made through the app, as with Pacific Moon.
Hours: Dinner 17:00-22:00 (reservation required through the app in 20-minute increments)
World Fresh MarketplaceInternational buffet
A complimentary buffet on Deck 14 with multiple stations, including a carving station, salad bar, international dishes, and desserts.
Hours: Available all day from continental breakfast 5:00-6:00 through dinner 17:30-22:00
International CaféLight fare, specialty coffee, and pastries
Light snacks (sandwiches, soup, salad, pastries, and more) are included in the fare, but specialty coffee costs extra without a beverage package.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Swirls Ice Cream Bar / Coffee and ConesSoft-serve ice cream and coffee
A dessert stand serving complimentary soft-serve ice cream. Premium coffee drinks may cost extra.
Hours: 11:00-21:00, approximate
Trident GrillAmerican casual (burgers and hot dogs)
Complimentary counter-service snacks on the pool deck.
A complimentary restaurant exclusively for guests eligible for the Reserve Collection in Suites and Mini-Suites.
Hours: Breakfast and dinner (specific hours cannot be confirmed)
Traditional Afternoon TeaLight snacks and tea
Complimentary afternoon tea served in the main dining room.
Hours: 15:30-16:30 (daily)
Extra charge Specialty dining (prices in the onboard currency)
Alfredo's PizzeriaA la carte is free. Only the 3-course set menu of appetizer, main, and dessert costs $14.99 (plus gratuity). No additional charge for Princess Plus or Premier members.
Naples-style pizza• 11:00-21:00, approximate
A pizzeria on Deck 7. Individual pizzas, pasta, and calzones are available a la carte and included in the fare; only the three-course set menu costs extra.
Neapolitan pizza (a la carte)
Three-course set: appetizer, main course, and dessert$14.99
Deck 7. An Edo-style sushi and sashimi restaurant supervised by sushi chef Makoto Okuwa. It opened in January 2026 after being renamed and refreshed from Kai Sushi ahead of the Japan homeport season (the concept had previously launched on ships including Sun Princess). Japanese sake-based cocktails are also served.
In-room dining (balcony seating)• Breakfast and dinner (reservation required)
A special plan for enjoying breakfast or dinner on your stateroom balcony with dedicated service. It is often used for anniversaries and similar occasions.
Izumi no Yu: The world's only large public bath with a panoramic view, available only on cruises departing from or arriving in Japan (a full-scale Japanese-style large bath at sea)A unique dining system combining fixed seating, reservations, and walk-ins across five main dining rooms (International, Vivaldi, Savoy, Pacific Moon, and Santa Fe).Hearts and Minds Wedding Chapel: Weddings at sea conducted by the captainThe stern viewing balcony of Skywalkers Nightclub, about 38 m wideTwo bilingual (Japanese/English) cruise directors; announcements, menus, signage, and some entertainment are fully bilingual.Japanese cultural experience programs such as yukata try-ons, origami, rakugo, and Japanese festival dances, plus Japanese-food breakfast and dinner menus (Princess Japan Favorites)
Izumi no Yu Japanese BathExtra charge
SpaAdults only: Yes$25 (1 session) / $75 (5 sessions) / $129.99 (cruise-wide use, based on 9 nights and 10 days; price as of 2023).
The world's only panoramic public bath, located at the stern of Deck 15 and available only on cruises departing from and returning to Japan (ages 18 and over). Indoor baths named Itosugi-no-Yu and Iwa-no-Yu are located on the port and starboard sides and alternate between men and women daily. Facilities include dry and mist saunas, a cascading bath, and multiple shower booths. Outdoors, there is a unisex spa pool and footbath. Open 6:00-22:00; reception is generally available 6:00-20:30. Reservations are made on the day of use, after boarding; advance online reservations are not available.
Spa50-minute massage $149+; thermal suite day pass $20 / 1-week pass $99.
A spa facility on Deck 15 with Asian-inspired interiors, including shoji-style fittings and lotus-flower carpets. It offers massages, facials, and a hair salon, plus a thermal suite with a steam room, Rasul room, and two types of sauna, as well as an adults-only lap pool and two jacuzzis.
The largest theater onboard, spanning the Promenade Deck and Fiesta Deck. Original production shows, comedians, singers, and others perform free of charge.
A panoramic nightclub on Decks 17-18. By day, it serves as an observation lounge with panoramic ocean views; at night, it becomes a disco and nightclub. Stargazing from the approximately 38m (125-foot) balcony extending from the stern is also a highlight.
OtherAdults only: YesHalf day about $20-$80; cabanas cost extra.
An outdoor relaxation deck with entry restricted to guests aged 18 and over. It has dedicated lounge chairs and private cabanas, with flavor-infused water, drinks, and light snacks served by dedicated staff.
An outdoor theater using the large LED screen above the pool deck. Movies, concert footage, sports broadcasts, and other programming are shown with free popcorn, cookies and milk, and blanket service.
An age-based facility for children and teens on the Sun Deck. It offers programs free of charge. No dedicated nursery for infants and toddlers could be confirmed.
An interfaith wedding chapel on Deck 6. At-sea weddings and vow renewal ceremonies conducted by the captain are offered as paid packages, a facility characteristic of Grand-class ships.
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