Princess Cruises expands Makoto Ocean restaurant to Diamond and Sapphire Princess

Princess Cruises has announced the expansion of its Makoto Ocean specialty sushi restaurant to Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess, with openings planned for autumn 2025. 

The concept, led by sushi master Chef Makoto Okuwa, was first introduced aboard Sun Princess in 2024 and is set to debut on Star Princess in October 2025 before joining the two Diamond-class ships.

Guests sailing itineraries to Antarctica, Southeast Asia, and Japan will be able to experience Chef Okuwa’s contemporary interpretation of Edomae-style sushi, a tradition originating in 1820s Tokyo that combines vinegared rice with fresh, locally sourced fish. 

Drawing on more than 25 years of culinary experience, Okuwa blends classical technique with modern presentation, offering dishes such as truffle salmon, snow crab temaki, and toro tartare. The menu will also feature handcrafted cocktails, including the Genmai Negroni and Kodai No Hana.

“The expansion of Makoto Ocean is exceptionally meaningful as we bring a guest favourite to those sailing to other regions around the world,” said Sami Kohen, Vice President of Food and Beverage, Princess Cruises. “Makoto Ocean reflects the elegance and authenticity of Japanese cuisine our guests will enjoy across Japan.”

Chef Okuwa, whose restaurants span Miami Beach, Washington, D.C., Vail, São Paulo, Madrid, and Panama City, has appeared on Iron Chef America and been recognised by the James Beard Foundation. 

“It’s a true honour to bring Makoto Ocean to Diamond and Sapphire Princess as they sail through the waters of my homeland and beyond,” he said. “Sharing the spirit, tradition, and flavours of Japan with Princess guests is a deeply personal and meaningful opportunity for me.”

Makoto Ocean will replace the former Kai Sushi on Diamond Princess and open as a new venue on Sapphire Princess. 

Located on Deck 7 aboard both ships, the 80-seat, smart-casual restaurant will carry a surcharge of US$60 per person, or be included for guests with the Princess Premier Package. 

The expansion reflects Princess Cruises’ ongoing focus on enhancing its culinary offering, which includes a range of speciality dining venues across its fleet, from French bistros and Italian trattorias to steakhouses and chef-led tasting menus, designed to provide diverse, high-quality dining experiences at sea.