PRINCESS Cruises is adding a host of new features to the 2,670-passenger Diamond Princess in a US$30 million refurbishment ahead of the cruise line’s second Japanese cruise season.
In order to ramp up the cruise ship’s appeal to Japanese passengers, the ship is building an 818m2 Japanese bath with both indoor and outdoor bathing areas.
Farriek Tawfik, South-east Asia director, Princess Cruises, said: “Because bathing is an important part of Japanese culture, we want to offer passengers an authentic experience onboard, complete with unparalleled ocean views.
“This is just one of the several additions we’re making to the ship to give passengers an appealing Japanese experience.”
Other additions include a sushi restaurant, enhanced shopping areas, a revitalised Horizon Court, additional staterooms and new interior furnishings and finishes. This will be topped up by fresh hull paint and exterior refurbishment with both contemporary and Asian-style touches.
Once Diamond Princess completes its drydock in Singapore, it will sail to and homeport in Yokohama for a season of Japan-based cruises beginning April 17. Destinations visited in these sailings include Taiwan, South Korea, Hokkaido, Russia and 15 Japanese ports.
The ship will also sail on a special 10-day voyage during Japan’s popular Golden Week holidays and call on Nagasaki, home to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries where Diamond Princess was built, to mark the ship’s 10th anniversary.
