Diamond Princess
Reviewed by: Tina Wheelock, Cruise Express
Sailed: ex Yokohama, Japan
Date: October 2023
Cruise line and ship: Princess – Diamond Princess
Size of ship: 116,000 tonnes
Passenger capacity: 2,670
Year built: 2004
Last refurbished: 2022
Currency onboard: USD
Language onboard: As the is EX Yokohama there was an English and Japanese Cruise Director and all announcements were in both languages.
PRE-CRUISE DEPARTURE
Arrival: I flew into Haneda, one of the 2 main airports in Tokyo. The other airport is Narita. Of the 2 airports, Haneda is the most convenient to the centre of Tokyo, only a 20 minutes train journey. You can purchase a “Suica” rail ticket ( similar to Opalcard) and this can be topped up. The train system is initially daunting but after the initial experience, you will notice the system is very well explained at each station.
There is also a direct train service to Yokohama City. A wonderfully vibrant city. The 2nd largest outside Tokyo. I would recommend a 1 or 2 night pre-cruise.
TOKYO AND SURROUNDS
Shinjuku in the heart of Tokyo. The busiest train station in the world with up to 3 million people passing through every day.
Sake Study and Lunch pairing
Nighttime in the Golden Gai area of Tokyo
Take Yen as cards and not accepted in many places and English is not as fluent in most parts of Japan
Busan – Centre of Town and the Cultural Village of Gamecheon is worth pre-booking as a shore tour
CRUISE EXPERIENCE
Embarkation
The Cruise port is in the Centre of town which makes for a very smooth Embarkation and Disembarkation Process. As mentioned it is also a short train ride to the Cruise port from Haneda and as we cruised with Princess we booked a return transfer to the airport. Just $44 and only about 44 minutes to Haneda. It was a very seamless process and I would highly recommend.
Cabin
Premium Balcony – Caribe Deck Cabin C331 on the Starboard side.
The spacious 237 to 277-square-foot Premium Balcony stateroom is appointed with the same amenities as our Balcony stateroom. Select staterooms feature a large balcony of 88 square feet and/or have a rear-facing balcony from which to enjoy dramatic wake views. Some staterooms also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.
Balcony with sliding glass door, two large sun chairs and a small round table.
PUBLIC AREAS
Dining
Main dining – Al a carte Savoy and Vivald
Buffet Restaurant Horizon Court – Deck 14
Prego Pizza and Trident Grill – Deck 14 poolside. Serviing Pizza’s, Chips . Burgers, Hot Dogs.
Swirls – Free ice cream all-day
plus you can order fresh Juices and Premium desserts ( Which are included in the Plus package)
Theatre
Princess Theatre Deck 6 and 7
Activities
Fitness Centre, Beauty Salon, Lotus Spa Pool Steam room and Sauna are all on Deck 15 Forward
Movies under the Stars – Deck 14
Kids Club -Deck 14
Izumi Spa – Deck 15: Additonal Fee ($25 for 1.5hrs) You can access private outdoor Spa and Sun Lounges, Sauna, Spa and outdoor showers.
The Sanctuary -Deck 16: An outdoor area for an additional fee
Bars
Good Spirits Deck 5
Wheelhouse Bar/Explorers Lounger /Crooners Bar and Club Fusion -Deck 7
Mermaid’s Tail Bar – At the Main Pool Area Deck 14
Outrigger Bar – overlooking the Horizon Terrace at the aft of the ship. Lovely for a pre-dinner drink.
Calypso Bar – Deck 14 indoor pool -Calypso
Tradewinds Bar – Deck 15
Speciality Dining (additional cost)
Kai Sushi
Sabatinis
Sterling Steakhouse
Outrigger Bar – overlooking the Horizon Terrace at the aft of the ship. Lovely for a pre-dinner drink.
Plus package – Example of a Premium Dessert ( This is why you need the Fitness Classes)
POINTS OF DIFFERENCE
Izumi Japanese Spa
Izumi, modelled after a traditional Japanese bath or “onsen” features indoor and outdoor Japanese bathing experiences, including steam rooms, saunas, and hot tubs with spectacular ocean views. Exclusively on Diamond Princess®, it is the largest Japanese bath of its kind at sea and offers guests a chance to experience a little of a popular Japanese pastime. Men and women have separate facilities, except for one outdoor hot tub where suits are required.
Medallion App
Was an excellent tool once onboard the ship.
You can connect with friends onboard.
Location Facilities
Book shore tours and experience onboard
Order food and drinks to your location on the ship without having to move from your seats
Check you account
Check daily activities
Review Port guides
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