Japan cruises 2028

Why Japan is the standout cruise destination for 2028

Japan sits at the top of the 2028 cruises wish list for good reason. Few destinations offer this concentration of culture, scenery and port variety from a single ship — you can step ashore into ancient temples, bullet-train cities and quiet fishing harbours within the same voyage. Sailings range from short coastal runs to grand 50-night transpacific crossings, with a median length of around 13 nights that suits most Australian holiday allowances. If you’ve been considering Japan as a cruise destination, 2028 is a well-stocked year to do it.

Where do Japan cruises sail in 2028?

Japan itself is the dominant region by a clear margin, and it is where the majority of 2028 departures are concentrated. Most itineraries focus on Japan’s own ports — a mix of major gateways and smaller stops that rarely appear on any other cruise region’s map. Beyond Japan, the wider East Asia region features prominently, with sailings that weave in neighbouring countries and seas. A smaller number of itineraries cross the Pacific — worthwhile if you want to combine a transatlantic-scale voyage with Japan at one end — and a handful reach into China.

Japan

Purely Japanese itineraries are the heart of the 2028 programme of sailings. Ports range from the country’s two main cruise gateways — Tokyo and nearby Yokohama — to smaller regional stops that let you reach parts of the country most visitors miss on a standard city break. Round-trip sailings mean you board and disembark in the same port, which simplifies your travel plan considerably. One-way sailings — a significant share of what is on offer — let you see more of the coastline without retracing your steps; a domestic flight connects the two ends of the trip neatly.

East Asia

The East Asia sailings extend the itinerary beyond Japan’s borders, taking in ports across the broader region. These voyages suit travellers who want Japan as the centrepiece but welcome additional stops that round out the cultural picture. Hong Kong features as both a joining and a leaving point for several of these routes, and Shanghai does the same — both cities are easy to reach from Australia by direct flight, which makes them convenient places to begin or end a journey. Our team can add pre- or post-cruise hotel nights in either city to your booking.

Transpacific

For those who want the voyage to be the journey as much as the destination, transpacific sailings connect Japan to the wider Pacific — some reaching as far as Vancouver in 2028. These are longer sailings, and they suit travellers who have the time and want a true ocean crossing rather than a port-hopping itinerary. They also present a practical option for anyone who would rather arrive in Japan by sea than fly in.

Which ports do Japan cruises depart from?

The great majority of 2028 Japan sailings depart from Japanese ports. Tokyo (including nearby Yokohama) is the dominant embarkation point — if you are joining a round-trip sailing, it is likely to begin and end there. Yokohama operates as Tokyo’s cruise terminal and is just a short train ride from the city centre, so an extra night in Tokyo before embarkation is easy to arrange and we can book it as part of your package.

Beyond Japan, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore each appear as departure or arrival points. These are typically the endpoints of one-way itineraries — you might fly into Singapore and disembark in Tokyo, or vice versa. A domestic or short international flight connects the two ends. We book both the outbound and return legs, so you are not left arranging a return journey separately.

Osaka, Keelung (Taipei), Incheon and Seoul also feature as ports of call and occasionally as embarkation points on select sailings — useful to know if you are planning to start or end your trip in one of those cities.

Are most Japan 2028 cruises round trip or one way?

The mix is close to even, though round trips have a modest lead among the sailings sampled. A round-trip Japan sailing means you begin and end at the same port — Tokyo or Yokohama in most cases — which keeps flights simple: one outbound, one return, same city. A one-way sailing is a different kind of trip: you board in one port and disembark in another, see more of the region without retracing your route, and then connect home from wherever the ship drops you. Either way, we put the whole journey on one booking — flights, hotels and transfers included.

Which cruise lines sail to Japan in 2028?

Princess Cruises leads the 2028 Japan programme, with more sailings than any other line and two ships — Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess — dedicated to the region. Celebrity Cruises brings Celebrity Solstice to Japan, a ship that completed a major revitalisation in 2026. Luxury specialists are particularly well represented: Silversea, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Azamara each have a meaningful presence, as do Oceania Cruises, Explora Journeys and Viking Cruises. The 2028 roster is a strong one for travellers who want a premium or luxury experience in Japan specifically — the luxury end of the market is better served here than on many other routes.

If you’ve been following the Princess 2027–2028 season launch, Japan features prominently, and the two Princess ships assigned to the region give you a genuine choice of ship and itinerary style within the same fleet.

Ships to consider for Japan in 2028

Every ship below is confirmed in the 2028 Japan programme. Each has something that makes it worth considering beyond the itinerary itself.

Diamond Princess — Princess Cruises

Diamond Princess is the ship most closely associated with Japan in the Princess fleet. Its Izumi Japanese Bath — described as the largest onsen at sea — brings steam rooms, saunas and hot tubs inspired by traditional Japanese bathing culture right onto the ship, so the cultural experience doesn’t end when you leave the dock. Specialty dining covers Japan, Italy and Brazil, including Chef Makoto Okuwa’s acclaimed Makoto Ocean restaurant. For evenings, Skywalkers Nightclub sits 15 decks up with panoramic sea views and a dance floor few ships can match.

Cabin grades on Diamond Princess run from compact to genuinely spacious:

• Inside cabin IA — 15.6 m², sleeps up to 4, positioned on middle decks for a quieter ride and easy lift access
• Premium Ocean-view cabin O5 — 18.3 m², sleeps up to 4, panoramic window with a wide forward sea view
• Balcony cabin B2 — 25.7 m², sleeps up to 4, private balcony with direct access to sea air
• Grand Suite S1 — 123.5 m², sleeps up to 4, the largest suite aboard with a separate living area

See the full layout on the Diamond Princess cabins and deck plans page.

Sapphire Princess — Princess Cruises

Sapphire Princess completed a refit in 2025 and homeports in Fremantle for the 2027–28 season — which means Western Australian travellers can join a Princess sailing without a flight to the embarkation port at all, and those coming from elsewhere in Australia face a short domestic hop rather than a long-haul connection. Post-refit additions include the Crown Grill steakhouse and Makoto Ocean Sushi by Chef Makoto Okuwa. The ship also runs MedallionClass with OceanNow® delivery, which lets you order food, drinks and services via a wearable Medallion device — no app needed. See the Sapphire Princess cabins and deck plans for full grade detail.

Sapphire Princess cabin grades:

• Inside cabin IA — 15.6 m², sleeps up to 4, middle-deck position for quieter conditions and good stability
• Premium Sea-view cabin O5 — 18.3 m², sleeps up to 4, large panoramic window with an unobstructed bow view
• Balcony cabin B2 — 25.7 m², sleeps up to 4, private balcony with outdoor seating
• Grand Suite S1 — 123.5 m², sleeps up to 4, over twice the space of the Penthouse suites, with a separate living room and dining area

You can also browse Princess Cruises from Fremantle in 2028 or Princess Cruises from Sydney in 2028 if you want to see what else is sailing from your nearest port.

Seabourn Encore — Seabourn

Seabourn Encore takes a very different approach to Japan: small-ship luxury, with elegant dining included in the fare and an atmosphere closer to a five-star boutique hotel than a mainstream cruise ship. The design is deliberately understated, which suits travellers who want comfort and seclusion rather than a resort-scale experience. The Grand Wintergarden Suite GR — at approximately 115 m², the largest suite aboard, with a private hot tub — is the standout cabin grade for those who want the full Seabourn experience. Check the Seabourn Encore cabins and deck plans for the full range of suites.

Azamara Pursuit — Azamara Cruises

Azamara Pursuit is built around port time rather than sea days. The ship regularly overnights in port as standard, and stays late so passengers can genuinely explore a city in the evening — something larger ships with tight turnaround schedules rarely offer. For a destination like Japan, where evening culture is as important as the daytime, that matters. The fare includes complimentary AzAmazing Evenings — exclusive private cultural events ashore — as well as access to the Prime C and Aqualina specialty restaurants. With just 777 guests aboard, the experience is boutique-scale throughout. See the Azamara Pursuit cabins and deck plans page for cabin grades and layouts.

Celebrity Solstice — Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Solstice completed a significant revitalisation in 2026. New dining venues added in the refit include Fine Cut Steakhouse, Trattoria Rossa for handmade pasta, and a redesigned Chef’s Table by Daniel Boulud. The ship’s accommodation tiers give you a meaningful choice: The Retreat suite sanctuary comes with exclusive lounge and sundeck access, private dining at Luminae, and dedicated personal service, while AquaClass wellness cabins include access to the Blu restaurant and the Persian Garden spa facilities. The Celebrity Solstice cabins and deck plans page shows every grade in detail. Celebrity Solstice also sails from Sydney — see Celebrity Edge 2028/2029 cruises from Sydney if a Sydney departure suits you better.

Seven Seas Splendor — Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises positions Seven Seas Splendor as its most inclusive ship — fares cover accommodation, dining across all venues, drinks, Wi-Fi and shore excursions in one price, so the cost of your Japan cruise is largely settled before you board. Cabins are suite-only, and the ship carries fewer guests than most ocean vessels of comparable length, which keeps the atmosphere genuinely spacious. The Seven Seas Splendor cabins and deck plans page covers the full suite range.

What do Princess Cruises fares include?

Princess Cruises offers Japan sailings across several fare tiers, so it is worth knowing what each covers before you compare prices.

Princess Standard is the base cruise fare. It covers the sailing itself; dining packages, beverages, Wi-Fi and crew appreciation are available to add on separately.

Princess Plus includes 4 casual dining meals per voyage, beverages up to A$15 each (with a daily limit of 15 drinks), MedallionNet® Max Wi-Fi, pre-paid crew appreciation, unlimited digital photographs plus 3 prints, and reserved theatre seating. For most travellers, Plus is meaningfully better value than Standard once you factor in what you would otherwise spend on board.

Our team can talk you through which tier suits your style of travel — call our Australian cruise experts, seven days a week before you book.

What do Celebrity Cruises fares include?

Celebrity Cruises sells Japan sailings across 3 fare approaches:

• Cruise-only (best-rate) — the lowest base fare, with dining packages, drinks and Wi-Fi added to taste
• Best-value — a classic drinks package and basic Wi-Fi included in one price, which suits most travellers who want simplicity without the full premium tier
• The Retreat — premium drinks, premium Wi-Fi, suite accommodation, exclusive lounge and sundeck access, private dining and dedicated personal service, all included

What does Silversea include in its fares?

Silversea takes a straightforwardly all-inclusive approach. Every fare on a Classic voyage covers butler-serviced suites, all dining, unlimited wines and spirits, onboard gratuities and Wi-Fi. The enhanced All-Inclusive Plus fare adds a Shore Excursion Credit (based on voyage length and region) and a fully refundable deposit — useful if your travel dates are not yet locked in. Shore excursions and extended land experiences are optional extras on the standard tier.

Are there any deals on Japan 2028 sailings?

Discounts are available on a portion of the Japan 2028 sailings, measured against the price previously listed for that cabin grade on that sailing. Reductions of around 7% are typical on those sailings that are discounted, though a small number of departures carry reductions up to 40% — that maximum applies to a single departure rather than the programme as a whole. Fare types such as early-booking savings and last-minute offers also appear across cruise lines; our team can tell you what is currently live for the sailing you are considering.

Make it a complete holiday

For nearly all Japan sailings, the voyage itself is the centrepiece of a longer trip. You fly to Japan (or Hong Kong, Shanghai or Singapore), board, cruise, and fly home from wherever the ship ends up. Each of those moving parts — flights, pre-cruise hotel, transfers, post-cruise nights — can be booked as a single Cruise1st Package, so nothing is left loose.

Our team can add flights from any Australian city, hotels before or after the cruise, transfers between airport and port, tours ashore and travel insurance. You deal with one booking, one point of contact and one itinerary document. Call our Australian cruise experts, seven days a week to put it together.

If you are planning ahead across the wider 2028 season, it is also worth looking at what is available for all 2028 cruises — Japan sits within a strong year for Asia-Pacific departures, and our team can compare Japan with neighbouring regions if you are still weighing your options.

Not sure about 2028? Here are some alternatives

If 2028 doesn’t work for your schedule, Japan has been a strong year for cruising in 2027 too — browse Japan cruises in 2027 to see what is still available in the neighbouring year. For those open to other 2028 departures from Australian ports, Princess Cruises around Australia in 2028 and Crown Princess 2028 sailings are both worth a look. Or, if a Pacific crossing appeals, Vancouver to Alaska cruises in 2028 pair well with a Japan sailing as a two-leg Pacific itinerary.

For 2028 departures closer to home, New Year cruises for 2028, cruises from Brisbane in January 2028, cruises from Brisbane in March 2028 and 2028 cruises from Melbourne round out the domestic picture.

Princess fans planning beyond Japan can also explore Princess Cruises from Brisbane in 2027, Princess Cruises from Fremantle in 2027, Princess Cruises to Tasmania in 2027 and Coral Princess Australia 2027 cruises for further options in the fleet.

Where a discount is shown, it is a reduction from the price previously listed for that cabin grade on that sailing, not a comparison between cabin grades or against a brochure rate. Discounts and prices shown are not kept up to date: the reduction available now may be smaller, or may have ended, and prices may have changed.