Diamond Princess
October 28, 2028

Tolanaro (Fort Dauphin), Madagascar, offers docking at Tolanaro Port. Travelers explore Nahampoana Reserve and Libanona Beach. Excursions include lemur-watching at Berenty Reserve. Local markets sell zebu curry. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures rainforests and Indian Ocean vistas. Dining onboard includes romazava, a Malagasy favorite. Souvenirs, like raffia crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Tsitongambarika history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance reserve walks. Tolanaro’s natural allure offers a vibrant Malagasy stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of unique wildlife and scenic beaches, making Tolanaro an engaging destination for exploration.

Hitachinaka, Japan, has docking at Hitachinaka Port. Travelers explore Hitachi Seaside Park’s seasonal flower fields. Excursions visit Oarai’s marine tower for coastal views. Local markets sell natto. The peak season, April to May, brings vibrant blooms. Photography captures flower fields and Pacific shores. Dining onboard includes katsu curry, a Japanese favorite. Souvenirs, like floral crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Ibaraki’s history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Comfortable shoes enhance park walks. Hitachinaka’s floral beauty offers a serene Japanese stop, blending natural splendor with coastal charm.

Hakodate, Japan, has docking at Hakodate Port. Travelers explore Goryokaku Fortress’ star-shaped design. Excursions visit Onuma Park’s scenic lakes. Local markets sell fresh squid. The peak season, April to June, brings mild weather. Photography captures night views from Mount Hakodate. Dining onboard includes kaisen don, a seafood bowl. Souvenirs, like glass crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Hokkaido’s history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Comfortable shoes enhance fortress tours. Hakodate’s historic charm and scenic beauty offer a serene Japanese stop, blending culture with natural splendor.

Akita, Japan, accommodates cruise ships at its Northern Port terminal, 5 kilometers from downtown, with shuttles or taxis providing 15-minute transfers. The facility includes restrooms, a cafe, and tourist information. Travelers access the Akita City Museum of Art, showcasing Tadao Ando's architecture with a reflecting pool and works by Tsuguharu Foujita. Senshu Park, adjacent to the station, features the Akita Hachiman Shrine from 1694 and cherry blossoms in April. Kakunodate, 1 hour by train, explores preserved samurai residences with black lacquer walls and gardens. Lake Tazawa, 45 minutes west, offers boat rides on Japan's deepest crater lake, surrounded by beech forests. Local markets sell kiritanpo (rice sticks) and sake tastings. Peak visits October to April; trains cost 500-1000 yen. Dining includes inaniwa udon noodles at harbor eateries. Souvenirs feature Akita dog figurines.

Niigata, Honshu, Japan, offers docking at Niigata Port. Travelers explore the Northern Culture Museum and Sado Island’s gold mines. Excursions visit Yahiko Shrine’s scenic trails. Local markets sell koshihikari rice. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for sightseeing. Photography captures traditional estates and Sea of Japan views. Dining onboard includes hegisoba, a Niigata noodle dish. Souvenirs, like sake bottles, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Niigata’s rice history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance shrine walks. Niigata’s cultural and coastal charm offers a serene Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and culinary traditions, making Niigata an engaging destination for exploring Japan’s Honshu heritage.

Kanazawa, Japan, has docking at Kanazawa Port. Travelers explore Kenrokuen Garden’s serene landscapes. Excursions visit Higashi Chaya’s geisha district. Local markets sell kaga yuzen silk. The peak season, March to May, brings cherry blossoms. Photography captures gardens and traditional teahouses. Dining onboard includes kaga ryori, a local cuisine. Souvenirs, like gold leaf crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover samurai history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Comfortable shoes enhance garden walks. Kanazawa’s cultural elegance offers a refined Japanese stop, blending heritage with scenic beauty.

Sakaiminato, Japan, offers docking at Sakaiminato Port. Travelers explore Mizuki Shigeru’s yokai museum and Tottori Sand Dunes. Excursions visit Matsue Castle. Local markets sell kani sushi. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures manga art and Sea of Japan vistas. Dining onboard includes dashi broth, a Japanese favorite. Souvenirs, like yokai crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Tottori history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance dune walks. Sakaiminato’s quirky charm offers a vibrant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural museums, scenic dunes, and coastal heritage, making Sakaiminato an engaging destination for exploration.

Busan, South Korea, in the southeast, sits on the Korea Strait, facing the Sea of Japan. The port is near Jagalchi Fish Market, where fresh seafood is sold daily. Haeundae Beach offers urban waterfront access, while Beomeosa Temple, in the forested hills, provides cultural history. The Gamcheon Culture Village, with colorful houses, draws visitors for its art and narrow alleys. Busan’s port history as a trading hub is evident in its maritime museum. The nearby Nakdong River Estuary is a birdwatching site, and the city’s coastal cliffs offer walking trails with ocean views.

Nagasaki, Japan, offers docking at Nagasaki Port. Travelers explore the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum. Excursions visit Glover Garden’s colonial mansions. Local markets sell champon noodles. The peak season, March to May, brings cherry blossoms and mild weather. Photography captures historic sites and Dejima Island views. Dining onboard includes sara udon, a Nagasaki dish. Souvenirs, like castella cakes, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Nagasaki’s WWII history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance park walks. Nagasaki’s blend of history and resilience offers a poignant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of somber memorials, colonial heritage, and scenic harbors, making Nagasaki an engaging destination for exploring Japan’s cultural and historical depth on Kyushu Island.

Miyazaki, Japan, provides docking at Miyazaki Port. Travelers explore Aoshima Island’s “Devil’s Washboard” rock formations and Miyazaki-jingu Shrine. Excursions visit Udo Shrine’s cliffside caves. Local markets sell chicken nanban. The peak season, March to May, brings mild weather and cherry blossoms. Photography captures coastal geology and Shinto shrines. Dining onboard includes katsu curry, a Japanese favorite. Souvenirs, like obi sashes, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Kyushu’s history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance shrine and coastal walks. Miyazaki’s blend of natural beauty and spiritual sites offers a serene Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of unique geological formations, Shinto heritage, and coastal charm, making Miyazaki a delightful destination for exploring Japan’s cultural and natural treasures in Kyushu.

Kochi, Japan, has docking at Kochi Port. Travelers explore Kochi Castle’s samurai history. Excursions visit Katsurahama Beach and Ryugado Cave. Local markets sell bonito flakes. The peak season, March to May, brings mild weather. Photography captures castle views and Pacific shores. Dining onboard includes katsuo tataki, a local seared tuna. Souvenirs, like yosakoi crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Shikoku’s history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Comfortable shoes enhance castle tours. Kochi’s coastal heritage offers a serene Japanese stop, blending samurai history with scenic beauty.

Wakayama, Japan, offers docking at Wakayama Port. Travelers explore Wakayama Castle and Kimiidera Temple. Excursions visit Koyasan’s monasteries. Local markets sell umeboshi. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures feudal castles and Seto Inland Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes kishumen, a Japanese favorite. Souvenirs, like lacquerware, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Kii Peninsula history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance temple walks. Wakayama’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic coasts, making Wakayama an engaging destination for exploring Japan’s Kansai region.

Shimizu, Japan, offers docking at Shimizu Port. Travelers explore Mount Fuji viewpoints and Nihondaira’s tea gardens. Excursions visit Shizuoka’s Toro Ruins. Local markets sell wasabi. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Fuji’s slopes and Suruga Bay vistas. Dining onboard includes unagi, a Japanese favorite. Souvenirs, like tea crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Shizuoka history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance garden walks. Shimizu’s scenic charm offers a vibrant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making Shimizu an engaging destination for exploring Japan’s Fuji region.

Returning to Tokyo — see Day 1 above for port info.

Miyako, Japan, offers docking at Hirara Port. Travelers explore Sunayama Beach’s coral sands and Irabu Bridge’s scenic views. Excursions snorkel Yabiji Reef, Japan’s largest coral system. Local markets sell otori liquor. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for beach activities. Photography captures turquoise waters and limestone arches. Dining onboard includes soki soba, an Okinawan noodle dish. Souvenirs, like shisa statues, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Ryukyu culture. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while snorkeling gear enhances reef exploration. Miyako’s tropical paradise offers a vibrant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a blend of pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and Okinawan traditions, making Miyako an ideal destination for relaxation and cultural exploration in Japan’s southern islands.

Aomori, Japan, docks at Aomori Port, 2 kilometers from downtown, with shuttles or taxis for 10-minute transfers. The city, population 280,000, features the Nebuta Museum, showcasing colorful floats from the August Nebuta Festival. Travelers visit Sannai-Maruyama, a 5-minute drive, for Jomon-era village reconstructions from 3900 BC. Hirosaki Castle, 45 minutes by train, offers cherry blossoms in April. Local markets sell apples and sake. Excursions to Lake Towada, 90 minutes south, include boat rides through volcanic scenery. Peak season April to October; taxis 800-1200 JPY. Dining features scallop miso soup at harbor cafes. Souvenirs include kokeshi dolls.

Sakata, Japan, offers docking at Sakata Port. Travelers explore Sankyo Warehouses and Hiyoriyama Park’s shrines. Excursions visit Dewa Sanzan’s sacred mountains. Local markets sell tamagoyaki. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures historic rice warehouses and Yamagata vistas. Dining onboard includes kiritanpo, a Japanese favorite. Souvenirs, like washi paper, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Tohoku history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance shrine walks. Sakata’s historic charm offers a vibrant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural landmarks, scenic mountains, and coastal heritage, making Sakata an engaging destination for exploring Japan’s Tohoku region.

Tsuruga, Fukui, Japan, offers docking at Tsuruga Port. Travelers explore Kehi Shrine and Nihonkai Fish Market. Excursions visit Tojinbo Cliffs. Local markets sell kani miso. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Shinto gates and Japan Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes echizen soba, a Japanese favorite. Souvenirs, like lacquerware, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Fukui history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance shrine walks. Tsuruga’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of spiritual sites and scenic coasts, making Tsuruga an engaging destination for exploring Japan’s Hokuriku region.

Seogwipo, Jeju Island, South Korea, offers docking at Seogwipo Port. Travelers explore Cheonjiyeon Waterfall and Jeju Folk Village. Excursions visit Hallasan’s hiking trails. Local markets sell tangerines. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for island tours. Photography captures volcanic landscapes and East China Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes haemul pajeon, a Korean favorite. Souvenirs, like lava crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Jeju history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance hikes. Seogwipo’s natural charm offers a vibrant Korean stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic waterfalls and cultural heritage, making Seogwipo an engaging destination for exploration.

Yatsushiro, Kyushu, Japan, offers docking at Yatsushiro Port. Travelers explore Yatsushiro Castle and Shohinken Garden. Excursions visit Kumamoto Castle. Local markets sell karashi renkon. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures feudal ruins and Ariake Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes tonkotsu ramen, a Japanese favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Kyushu history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance castle walks. Yatsushiro’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic coasts, making Yatsushiro an engaging destination for exploring Japan’s Kyushu region.

Kagoshima, Japan, has docking at Kagoshima Port. Travelers explore Sakurajima volcano’s active trails. Excursions visit Sengan-en Garden’s historic grounds. Local markets sell shochu. The peak season, March to May, brings cherry blossoms. Photography captures volcanic landscapes and coastal vistas. Dining onboard includes kurobuta pork, a Kagoshima specialty. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Kyushu’s history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Sturdy shoes enhance volcano hikes. Kagoshima’s volcanic beauty offers a dynamic Japanese stop, blending nature with cultural heritage.

Beppu, Japan, docks at Beppu Port, 3 kilometers from downtown, with shuttles for 10-minute rides. The city, population 120,000, features the Hells of Beppu, geothermal hot springs for viewing. Travelers relax at Kannawa Onsen, 15 minutes east. Excursions to Mount Tsurumi, 20 minutes north, offer cable car rides. Local markets sell yuzu products. Peak season April to October; taxis 800-1200 JPY. Dining includes toriten (chicken tempura) at onsen cafes. Souvenirs feature bamboo crafts.

Osaka, Japan, provides docking at Osaka Port. Travelers explore Osaka Castle and Dotonbori’s vibrant food scene. Excursions visit Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji Temple. Local markets sell takoyaki. The peak season, March to May, brings cherry blossoms and mild weather. Photography captures samurai castles and neon-lit canals. Dining onboard includes okonomiyaki, an Osaka favorite. Souvenirs, like tenugui cloths, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Kansai history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Osaka’s dynamic urban culture offers a vibrant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks, culinary delights, and modern energy, making Osaka an engaging destination for exploring Japan’s Kansai region and cultural heritage.

Tokushima, Japan, offers docking at Tokushima Port. Travelers explore Naruto Whirlpools and Awa Odori Museum. Excursions visit Ryozenji Temple. Local markets sell sudachi. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures tidal swirls and Seto Inland Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes soba, a Japanese favorite. Souvenirs, like indigo crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Shikoku history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance temple walks. Tokushima’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural phenomena and traditional heritage, making Tokushima an engaging destination for exploration.

Omaezaki, Japan, offers docking at Omaezaki Port. Travelers explore Omaezaki Lighthouse and local tea plantations. Excursions visit Shizuoka’s Mount Fuji viewpoints. Local markets sell wasabi. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Pacific shores and tea fields. Dining onboard includes unagi, a Japanese eel dish. Souvenirs, like tea sets, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Shizuoka’s tea history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance plantation walks. Omaezaki’s coastal and agricultural charm offers a serene Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic lighthouses, tea culture, and Mount Fuji views, making Omaezaki an engaging destination for exploring Japan’s Shizuoka region and natural beauty.

Returning to Tokyo — see Day 1 above for port info.