Princess to offer land packages with Japan cruises

Princess Cruises said it will offer pre- and post-cruise land tours for 2016 Japan cruises on the Diamond Princess.

When Princess launched cruises from Japanese home ports in 2013, they were designed for Japanese travelers, but they have proved popular with North Americans.

The new multi-day land packages explore the departure cities Kyoto and Tokyo. The Kyoto tours will include sightseeing at Nijo Castle, the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), and popular Japanese gardens, Princess said. In Tokyo, there will be city tours as well as visits to Mt. Fuji, Togendai and Lake Ashi.

The 2016 season will again run from April through October and feature four- to 20-day cruises, including circumnavigations of Japan, two new ports of call on the island of Kyushu, along with visits to Korea, Taiwan and Russia.

Although the cruises have found an international audience, Diamond Princess remains customized for Japanese guests. The ship features a traditional Izumi Japanese bath, a restaurant with made-to-order sushi and a large selection of sake, a traditional Japanese breakfast omelet, noodle stations and unique Japanese entertainment offerings such as “rakugo” storytelling performances and origami classes.

Sales for the 2016 Japan cruises open April 16.