Diamond Princess Guide: Cabins, Dining, Japan Cruises & Tips

Diamond Princess Overview

Diamond Princess entered service in 2004 and is one of Princess Cruises' destination-focused ships. At approximately 115,875 gross tons, the ship carries about 2,700 guests and combines traditional Princess features with several experiences designed specifically for its strong presence in the Japan cruise market.

Travelers interested in learning more about the cruise line can explore our Princess Cruises Guide. Princess is known for destination-focused itineraries, attentive service, dining, and a generally relaxed onboard atmosphere.

Diamond Princess is especially notable for its Japan deployment. Princess offers itineraries that combine Japanese ports with destinations such as Busan, South Korea, making the ship particularly relevant for travelers who want to explore Japan by sea.

Travelers deciding whether to prioritize the ship or itinerary may also benefit from our Cruise Ship vs Itinerary Guide.

What Makes Diamond Princess Unique?

Diamond Princess differs from many Princess ships because several onboard experiences reflect its long-running Japan program. The standout example is the Izumi Japanese Bath, a large Japanese-style bathing and relaxation complex that Princess describes as the largest of its kind at sea.

The ship also features familiar Princess experiences including Movies Under the Stars, the Piazza, Princess Theater, Lotus Spa & Fitness Center, pools and hot tubs, and a range of lounges and entertainment spaces.

For travelers choosing between premium cruise brands, our Celebrity vs Princess Comparison provides another way to compare the overall onboard experience.

Cabins & Suites on Diamond Princess

Diamond Princess has 1,337 guest cabins, with accommodations ranging from interior and oceanview rooms to balcony staterooms, mini-suites, and suites. More than 700 cabins include balconies, giving travelers a substantial selection of private outdoor accommodations.

A balcony can be especially appealing on destination-heavy itineraries where scenic arrivals, departures, and coastal cruising are an important part of the trip. Travelers who expect to spend most of their time exploring ports may instead find value in an interior or oceanview cabin.

Travelers considering an upgrade should review our Cruise Balcony Cabin Guide.

Before selecting a cabin, compare room categories using the Inside vs Oceanview vs Balcony vs Suite Guide and the Best Cabin Location Guide.

Dining on Diamond Princess

Diamond Princess offers a mix of included dining, casual venues, and specialty restaurants. The ship's dining program has continued to evolve, including the addition of new specialty options for its 2026 Japan season.

Travelers interested in understanding complimentary and specialty dining before sailing may also find our Cruise Dining Guide helpful.

Dining options on Diamond Princess include:

• Main Dining Rooms
• Horizon Court buffet
• Sabatini's Italian Trattoria
• Crown Grill
• Makoto Ocean
• Churrascaria Brazilian Grill
• La Patisserie
• Chef's Table Experience
• Crab Shack on select occasions

Travelers considering bundled cruise packages should compare the Princess Plus Package and Princess Premier Package before booking.

Understanding what is and is not included can also help with budgeting. Review our Cruise Pricing Guide for additional planning tips.

Entertainment & Activities

Diamond Princess emphasizes traditional cruise entertainment, relaxation, and destination enrichment rather than the high-thrill attractions found on some newer mega-ships.

The Piazza serves as a central gathering place with entertainment and activity throughout the day, while Princess Theater hosts production shows and visiting performers. Movies Under the Stars provides outdoor films, concerts, and sporting events on the pool deck.

Additional onboard experiences include:

• Izumi Japanese Bath
• Princess Theater productions
• Movies Under the Stars
• Live music and lounges
• Casino gaming
• Lotus Spa & Fitness Center
• Freshwater pools and hot tubs
• Sports court and putting course

Travelers comparing onboard experiences across cruise lines may also enjoy our Cruise Entertainment Guide.

Diamond Princess Itineraries

Diamond Princess is strongly associated with Japan and offers a variety of itineraries from Tokyo-area ports. Current programs include cruises visiting regions such as Kyushu, central Japan, and other parts of the Japanese archipelago, frequently paired with a call in South Korea.

Depending on the sailing, ports can include destinations such as Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Kochi, Osaka, Shimizu for Mount Fuji, Hakodate, and Busan. Longer combinations can provide an extensive way to explore multiple regions without repeatedly changing hotels.

Because deployments change by season and year, travelers should confirm the exact itinerary and port sequence for their sailing before making independent transportation or excursion arrangements.

Who Should Cruise on Diamond Princess?

Diamond Princess is particularly well suited to travelers who place destination and itinerary ahead of high-energy ship attractions. Its Japan-focused deployment makes it an appealing option for cruisers who want to see several cities and regions while returning to the same accommodations each night.

Couples and mature travelers may appreciate the ship's more traditional Princess atmosphere, dining choices, spa facilities, and emphasis on sightseeing. Travelers researching romantic cruise options may also enjoy our Best Cruise Lines for Couples Guide.

Travelers who prefer large waterparks, extensive thrill rides, or the newest mega-ship attractions may find Diamond Princess less focused on those experiences. The ship's strengths are instead its itinerary, Japanese touches, dining, entertainment, and traditional cruise atmosphere.

Additional comparisons for mature travelers are available in our Best Cruise Lines for Seniors Guide.

Best Tips for Sailing on Diamond Princess

• Choose your cabin with the itinerary in mind. A balcony can add value on scenic sailings, while an interior cabin may make sense for a port-intensive trip.
• Look closely at port times before planning independent excursions, particularly on itineraries with many consecutive port days.
• Compare Princess Plus and Princess Premier against what you would realistically spend on drinks, Wi-Fi, dining, and other included benefits.
• If specialty dining matters to you, check current availability for venues such as Crown Grill, Sabatini's, and Makoto Ocean and reserve early when appropriate.
• Review the Cruise Embarkation Guide before departure for a smoother boarding experience.
• Use the Cruise Packing List and adapt it to the season and destinations on your Japan itinerary.