Diamond Princess Onboard Experience: What to Expect

Fancy a cruise with delicious food, dazzling entertainment, relaxing sea days and a rather unexpected Japanese twist? Meet The Diamond Princess onboard experience.

The Diamond Princess onboard experience brings together classic cruise ship comforts and distinctive Japanese-inspired experiences, making life onboard about much more than getting from one destination to the next.

Whether you’re dreaming of lazy afternoons by the pool, evenings filled with entertainment or sampling something delicious at sea, there’s plenty to discover. So, let’s take a look at what you can expect onboard Diamond Princess, without requiring you to pack your entire wardrobe just yet.

Getting to Know Diamond Princess

Diamond Princess is designed to make the journey just as enjoyable as the destinations. From welcoming public spaces to restaurants, lounges and entertainment venues, there’s plenty to explore between port calls.

One of the ship’s distinctive features is its Japanese influence. You’ll find Kai Sushi for Japanese-inspired dining and the Izumi Japanese Bath, a traditional-style bathing experience that’s a particularly unusual feature of the ship.

And don’t worry if your ideal holiday involves doing absolutely nothing. There are also plenty of opportunities to unwind, find a comfortable seat and watch the ocean do its thing.

Want to explore the ship before you book? Take a look at our dedicated Diamond Princess cruise ship page for more details and available cruise options.

Dining on Diamond Princess: Come Hungry

Cruise holidays and good food go together rather well. Fortunately, Diamond Princess offers a variety of dining experiences, from relaxed bites to meals that deserve a little more time and attention.

Kai Sushi: A Japanese-Inspired Treat

With its Japanese influence, Diamond Princess gives guests the opportunity to enjoy Japanese-inspired dining at Kai Sushi.

It’s a great option if you fancy trying something different while sailing between destinations. And if sushi is already your thing, you probably didn’t need much convincing.

Check the current onboard dining information for menus, opening times and any additional charges.

Main Dining Rooms and Buffet Favourites

Sometimes you want a leisurely meal. Other times, you want food now, preferably before you’ve finished explaining how hungry you are.

Diamond Princess offers main dining rooms alongside buffet dining at World Fresh Marketplace. Menus and dining arrangements can vary, but you’ll have options for different tastes and occasions.

For something more casual, Prego Pizzeria serves pizza by the slice, while Trident Grill offers familiar poolside favourites.

Speciality Dining

Fancy making an evening feel a little more special? Diamond Princess also offers speciality dining experiences, including Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and other venues featured in the ship’s dining programme.

These can be worth considering for a celebration, a romantic evening or simply because you’ve decided that your holiday is an excellent excuse to eat something delicious.

Remember to check which dining options are included in your cruise fare and which carry an additional charge.

Entertainment: Your Sea Days Sorted

Sea days are a brilliant opportunity to enjoy the ship without watching the clock or rushing towards the next excursion.

Diamond Princess offers a mix of live entertainment, music, performances and activities, so you can make your days as busy or as relaxed as you like.

The Piazza: A Hub of Activity

The Piazza is a lively central space inspired by European squares. It’s a place to wander, watch the activity around you and soak up the atmosphere.

With street performers and nearby venues, it’s ideal for those moments when you fancy a little entertainment without committing to a full evening show.

Shows at the Princess Theatre

The Diamond Princess onboard experience shows are stunning. If you enjoy a proper night out, the Princess Theatre hosts production shows and other performances.

It’s a chance to get dressed up, settle into your seat and enjoy an evening of entertainment. No need to book a taxi home afterwards, either. Your cabin is already sorted.

Check the onboard programme for the shows and performance times available during your sailing.

Movies Under the Stars

Fancy a film with a sea breeze? Movies Under the Stars brings outdoor cinema to the pool deck, offering a relaxed way to spend an evening.

Grab a comfortable lounger, settle in and enjoy a film beneath the night sky. It’s rather more exciting than arguing over what to watch at home, although we can’t guarantee everyone will agree on the popcorn.

Relaxation, Pools and the Famous Japanese Bath

Not every holiday needs to be packed with activities. Sometimes the entire itinerary can be summed up as eat, relax, repeat.

Diamond Princess has several options for guests looking to slow things down.

Pools and Hot Tubs

The ship features pool areas, hot tubs and sunbathing spaces, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy time outdoors.

Whether you prefer a refreshing dip, a good book or a sun lounger with your name written all over it, you can build some proper downtime into your cruise.

The Izumi Japanese Bath

One of Diamond Princess’s most distinctive features is the Izumi Japanese Bath, which offers a traditional Japanese-inspired bathing experience.

The facilities include separate bathing areas for men and women, alongside sauna and steam room facilities. There are also outdoor bathing features with ocean views.

It’s a particularly interesting option if you enjoy wellness experiences and want to try something a little different from the usual cruise ship spa routine.

Check the latest onboard information for access arrangements, opening times and any additional charges.

Lotus Spa and Fitness

If relaxation means a massage rather than a nap beside the pool, the Lotus Spa offers treatments designed to help you unwind.

There is also a fitness centre for guests who want to keep up their exercise routine while travelling.

Of course, walking around a cruise ship in search of your next meal counts as a surprising number of steps. We’re not saying it replaces the gym, but every little helps.

What Are the Cabins Like?

Your cabin is your own little base at sea, whether you’re using it to recharge between adventures or simply to enjoy a peaceful moment.

Diamond Princess offers a selection of accommodation categories, including interior cabins, oceanview cabins, balcony cabins and suites.

• Interior cabins: A practical option if you want a comfortable place to sleep and get ready while keeping an eye on your budget.
• Oceanview cabins: Offer natural light and a view of the sea.
• Balcony cabins: Give you private outdoor space to enjoy the fresh air and passing scenery.
• Suites: Provide additional space and enhanced amenities, depending on the category.

A balcony can be lovely for a quiet morning coffee, especially when the scenery is doing something spectacular. But don’t feel you have to upgrade to enjoy your cruise. The right choice depends on your budget and how you plan to spend your time onboard.

Always check the exact cabin category, facilities and inclusions before booking.

Where Can You Sail on Diamond Princess?

The destinations available depend on the ship’s published schedule and your chosen departure date.

Diamond Princess is particularly associated with Asian itineraries, including cruises around Japan and nearby destinations. The official Princess Cruises schedule features sailings such as Japan Explorer itineraries and voyages visiting Kyushu and Korea.

These itineraries can be appealing if you’re interested in discovering different cultures, exploring historic cities, sampling local food and experiencing destinations that offer something a little different from the usual beach holiday.

The beauty of a cruise is that you can visit multiple ports while keeping the same cabin throughout your trip. No repeatedly packing your suitcase, checking out of hotels or trying to remember which room you left your phone charger in.

Before booking, check the individual itinerary, departure port, port calls and time spent ashore.

Is Diamond Princess Right for You?

Diamond Princess could be a great option if you enjoy a traditional cruise ship experience with a distinctive Japanese influence.

It may appeal to travellers who:

• Enjoy having a choice of dining venues and cuisines.
• Like live entertainment, theatre shows and music.
• Want access to pools, hot tubs and spa facilities.
• Are interested in Japanese-inspired experiences, including the Izumi Japanese Bath.
• Want to explore destinations such as Japan and other parts of Asia, depending on the itinerary.
• Appreciate having the option to relax onboard between days exploring ashore.

As with any cruise, the best fit depends on your priorities. Think about the itinerary, sailing length, cabin type and onboard facilities before deciding.

You can explore more about the Diamond Princess onboard experience on our Diamond Princess page, or compare other vessels and itineraries through our Princess Cruises deals.

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Diamond Princess Cruise

A little planning can help you make the most of your time onboard without turning your holiday into a military operation.

1. Check the itinerary first. The ports of call and time spent ashore can make a big difference to your overall experience.

2. Explore the dining options. Find out which restaurants are included in your fare and whether any speciality venues require an additional payment.

3. Look at the entertainment programme. If there’s a show or activity you particularly want to experience, check the onboard schedule and booking arrangements.

4. Consider your cabin carefully. Compare the cost of interior, oceanview and balcony accommodation against the benefits you’ll actually use.

5. Leave room for spontaneity. Make time for the experiences you don’t need to book in advance. Sometimes the best holiday moments happen when you haven’t planned a thing.

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