Diamond Princess Visits Singapore Before Setting Sail on 14-Day Voyage

Princess Cruises’ Japanese-built ship, the Diamond Princess, which recently completed an US$30 million dry-dock refurbishment, called at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore on Wednesday.

Designed to appeal to Japanese guests and those keen to experience a Japanese-themed voyage, the Diamond Princess features a distinct Japanese flavor as a result of the refurbishment.

Japanese-inspired facilities and enhancements include an extensive 8,800-square-foot bath and garden complex offering one of the largest Japanese bath experiences at sea, as well as a new specialty restaurant, Kai Sushi Bar, which serves Japanese-infused cuisine.

Guests can also immerse themselves in the wonders of Japan and the Far East through enriching onboard programs and cultural entertainment such as traditional storytelling, authentic tea-sampling ceremonies, ikebana flower arrangement, as well as presentations by local experts on engaging subjects, including samurai history.

“The ideal way to explore Japan is by sea and Princess Cruises offers travelers unmatched options for discovering its many jewels. We are very excited to celebrate our third year of Japan-based sailings, bringing guests to the shores of this fascinating country onboard the Japanese-themed Diamond Princess,” said Farriek Tawfik, Director of Southeast Asia, Princess Cruises.

The ship set sail from the Marina Bay Cruise Centre on a 14-day voyage that will call at Ho Chi Minh (Phu My, Vietnam), Taipei (Keelung, Taiwan), and Osaka (Japan). She will also stop in Hong Kong for two days.

Following this trip, the Diamond Princess will homeport in Yokohama from 29 April to 6 September 2015 for a season of sailings to destinations in Russia, Taiwan, South Korea, in addition to 14 ports across the Japanese archipelago and the Shiretoko Peninsula on the island of Hokkaido.

The Diamond Princess, which carries up to 2,706 guests and 1,000 crew, will be deployed again for Princess Cruises’ 2016 Japan homeporting season, featuring two new ports-of-call to Miyazaki and the castle ruins of Yatushiro, in addition to the current range of sailings.