Diamond Princess

Diamond Princess is a 2004-built, roughly 2,670-guest Princess ship that has carved out a unique niche as the line's Japan-based vessel, sailing intensive itineraries around the country with a distinctly Japanese onboard flavor. Its single most distinctive feature is the Izumi Japanese Bath, an 8,800-square-foot onsen complex with indoor and outdoor bathing that no other cruise ship offers. The ship is widely remembered as the 2020 COVID quarantine vessel, but its current reputation rests on warm service and immersive Japanese cruising rather than that episode.

In practice, guests rave about the crew - friendly, attentive service is the most consistent praise - and about the food, particularly authentic Japanese dishes, fresh seafood, sushi and a beloved ramen station in the Horizon Court buffet. A 2026 refit added the Crown Grill steakhouse and an upgraded Kai Sushi by Makato, both well received, and OceanMedallion wearables streamline cabin access and order-anywhere service. The trade-off is age: cabins and decor feel dated, showers are notoriously compact with plastic curtains, air conditioning can be weak, and extended sea days sometimes feel light on programming. The lively three-deck Piazza atrium and Movies Under the Stars round out the entertainment.

Diamond Princess is best for travelers whose priority is Japan itself - a culturally rich, port-heavy sailing with onboard onsen, kaiseki-style dining and cultural classes - rather than the newest hardware or thrill features. Priced in Princess's mainstream-to-premium tier, it offers a more authentic Japan experience than a newer ship repositioned to the region, but cannot match the modern cabins and attractions of contemporary vessels. Standout experiences include the Izumi onsen, the Japanese cuisine, and the cultural programming from rakugo storytelling to yukata try-ons.