High demand for Japan will lead to a flurry of new Asian cruise products over the next two years.
U.S.-focused cruise lines are allocating more inventory to the region, extending seasons and introducing new ports and itineraries. Destinations across Asia are welcoming more cruises, but many of the expanded services are Japan-centric.
“There is unquenchable demand in Japan right now,” said Jess Peterson, director of destination experiences and itinerary planning at Windstar Cruises. Windstar Cruises, like other cruise lines, has also increased its Japanese offerings. “We had to add departures much earlier than expected due to a lack of inventory to sell.”
The surge in visits to Japan began before the pandemic and has continued to increase since. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) reported 36.9 million overseas visitors in 2024, an increase of more than 15% from the 2019 record. And this year, 2024 is already approaching.
If anything, cruise lines are playing catch-up.
Azamara CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler said the company will launch its first fall sailing to Japan in 2026, complementing its usual spring cruises.
“We were selling out and we knew if we stayed longer it would be a success,” Ritzenthaler said.
Sapphire Princess (pictured) and Diamond Princess are scheduled to sail to Asia in 2027. Photo credit: Princess Cruises
Oceania has likewise added sailings to Japan in the fourth quarter of 2027, after previously only sailing during the spring cherry blossom season.
“Japan has been a particularly popular and popular travel destination,” said Nathan Hickman, Chief Commercial Officer, Oceania.
Princess Cruises will add a second ship to the region in 2027, calling it the line’s “most extensive Japan season ever” with 78 departures, and in 2027 National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions will offer more departures on its 16-day Japan itinerary, citing increased demand.
Mitsui Ocean Cruises, a Japan-based brand, is also targeting U.S. travelers with cruises around the islands.
Is this your first cruiser in Japan?
Amy Thomasson, an Indiana-based Travelmation advisor who specializes in travel to Japan, said Japan’s overall popularity gives cruise companies an opportunity to capture American travelers who are deciding where to go before deciding how to travel.
But she said it won’t be easy for them to capture the cruiser for the first time.
“They have to fly 5,000 to 6,000 miles and then go on a cruise, which will be a new feeling for them as well,” she said.
However, some cruise lines are looking to enter that market.
“Japan’s current popularity makes it an attractive entry point for first-time cruisers, while seasoned travelers are excited to experience Japan aboard Princess,” said Jim Berra, Chief Commercial Officer, Princess Cruises.
Japan may drive much of the region’s cruise capacity growth, but it is not the only Asian country expected to operate more ships in the coming years.
Disney Cruise Line’s upcoming ship, Disney Adventure, will be homeported in Singapore. Holland America Line highlighted South Korea, Vietnam and the Philippines as “contributing to increased demand.”
Azamara’s Asian demand spans the region, Ritzenthaler said.
Explora Journeys is scheduled to sail to Asia for the first time in 2027 on its third vessel, Explora III. Justin Poulsen, head of cruise line planning, destination experiences and ground handling, said Japan’s appeal “has not defined our approach to managing itineraries across Asia.”
“We are inspired by Asian culture, traditions and landscapes,” he said.
Johanna Jainchill contributed to this report.
