Categories: Cruise News

Diamond Princess emerges from refurbishment ahead of Japan season

Princess Cruises’ 2,670-guest ship, Diamond Princess, has received a multi-million pound two-week refit that enhanced her entertainment capabilities and upgraded the spa and gym.

The refurbishment was undertaken ahead of Diamond Princess’ 2019/2020 Japan cruise season, which will include the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Izumi Bath is the largest open-air Japanese bath and garden complex at sea

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Among the upgrades to the ship are an improved digital audio surround sound system on the top-deck ‘Movies Under The Stars’ outdoor cinema screen, and audio enhancements in the Princess Theatre, Explorers Lounge and Club Fusion where live productions shows and guest entertainers perform.

The fitness centre also received new equipment, and the spa was upgraded with new treatment rooms. Smaller changes were also made around the ship, such as replaced carpets and TVs in the casino, and new furnishings in the Horizon Court Buffet.

In addition, six new beverage menus have been introduced in various venues throughout the ship including The Sanctuary, Lido deck bars, Wheelhouse Bar, Crooners and Explorers Lounge.

Diamond Princess was refurbished ahead of her Asian cruise season. The ship will cruise roundtrip from Tokyo and Kobe, sailing to 50 destinations in 11 countries.

The voyages will take guests to sites renowned for features and events such as spring flowers, summer festivals and fall foliage, Princess Cruises said in a statement.

These changes made to the ship came on the heels of other recent renovations, such as the installation of Princess luxury beds in every stateroom, and an expanded wine list in the main dining room.

Diamond Princess

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The Princess luxury bed was created exclusively for Princess Cruises in collaboration with Dr. Michael Breus, a board-certified sleep expert and WebMD consultant.  It features fine linens, enhanced mattress support and a king-size deluxe pillow available with feathers or an anti-allergy microfiber option.

The new main dining room wine list, meanwhile, has doubled the previous options on offer to comprise over 140 choices. A range of bottles have been introduced from across the world including France, Italy, Australia, South America and the USA and include several wines that are biodynamic, organic or vegan.

Diamond Princess is tailored for Japan cruising and gives guests the chance to enjoy local experiences on-board, such as the Izumi Bath – the largest open-air Japanese bath and garden complex at sea – a sushi restaurant and traditional Japanese entertainment.

The refit was completed in Singapore and continues Princess’ ‘Come Back New Promise’ campaign, with US $425-million being invested across the line’s fleet of 17 ships.

Shaun Ebelthite

Founder and editor of Cruise Arabia & Africa. I try to create the best news and information specifically for cruise passengers taking cruises to and from Dubai (where I live) and South Africa (where I was born). You can contact me at shaun(at)cruisearabiaonline.com.

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