Princess Cruises Readies for Full Japan Season in 2023, Exclusive Princess MedallionClass Service comes to Japan

Safe Resumption of Cruising in Japanese Ports Allows Cruises and Cruisetours to Sail as Published

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Dec. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the recent decision by the Japanese government to allow the return of international cruise ships to the country, Princess Cruises has announced it will begin homeport sailing in Japan starting March 15, 2023, giving guests in the region the opportunity to enjoy the effortless, personalized Princess MedallionClass experience for the first time.

"The reopening of Japanese ports to the international cruise industry is an important and welcome development that not only vastly expands the vacation opportunities available to guests but also helps to significantly strengthen the Japanese tourism economy," said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. "In addition, we know Japanese guests will appreciate the unmatched Princess MedallionClass experience offering unmatched personalization and hassle-free service.

Japanese-built Diamond Princess returns to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of sailing from Tokyo (Yokohama) and Kobe starting March 15 with a nine-day sailing roundtrip from Tokyo. The ship - designed exclusively with the destination in mind –will call to 38 destinations in four countries on 43 unique itineraries and 57 departures, ranging from 5- to 19-days. Key reasons to experience Japan with Princess in 2023 include:

• Temples, Shrines, Castles – Guests delight in the abundance of stunning temples and shrines, like the magnificent 16^th century Osaka Castle or Seiryu-ji Temple, home of Japan's largest bronze seated Buddha.
• Festivals – Opportunities to experience seven festivals, including Japan's world-famous Kyoto Gion Festival, featuring massive, hand-crafted "Yama" and "Hoko" floats that are constructed every year without the use of nails, or watch a display of 10,000 fireworks during the Kumano Fireworks Festival.
• Vibrant Cities & Landscapes – Astounding cities where the 21^st century coexists with the spirit of ancient Japan thrive, such as shopping in Tokyo's Ginza district, trying local delicacies at nearby restaurants or exploring the Imperial Palace plaza. With access to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, guests can marvel at Mt. Fuji, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
• Spring Flowers, Gardens and Onsens – Travelers soak in spring flowers all over Japan during spring, whether it's visiting a classic Japanese garden, seeing hundreds of sakura (cherry blossoms) while picnicking, enjoying the meditative atmosphere of tranquil parks or soaking in the healing benefits of a geothermal "onsen" natural hot spring bath.

For those travelers with more time to explore Japan, Princess offers 13- or 14-day Highlights of Japan cruisetours, featuring a multiple-night land tour combined with the cruise, for more time on land to experience the wonders of both Tokyo and Kyoto.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at http://www.princess.com/.

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is the world's leading international premium cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 15 modern cruise ships, carrying millions of guests each year to 330 destinations around the globe, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. A team of professional destination experts have curated 170 itineraries, ranging in length from three to 111 days and Princess Cruises is continuously recognized as "Best Cruise Line for Itineraries."  In 2017 Princess Cruises, with parent company Carnival Corporation, introduced MedallionClass Vacations enabled by the Medallion device, the vacation industry's most advanced wearable device, provided free to each guest sailing on a MedallionClass ship. The award-winning innovation offers the fastest way to an effortless personalized vacation, giving guests more time to do the things they love most. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).      

SOURCE Princess Cruises