We are fond of Japan, and all things Japanese, so it's a natural for us to celebrate that Princess is making a serious attempt to helping our world be even smaller by cruising in a 
country that is largely ignored by cruise lines.
Even if the cruises are designed more for Japanese travelers.
Our affection is multi-faceted. We once won a trip for two to Tokyo because we called a radio station at the right time. In Italy, we were having lunch in a Naples cafe and struck up a conversation with a young artist from Yokohama — he became our friend (Yoshihiro Tanamachi, but we call him "Hero") and his talent is prominent on the walls of our home. And we liked everything (except maybe a little cool weather) about visiting Japan, starting with the people, who went out of their way to be helpful.
If you're not sold on Japan by now, you should be.
Obviously, Princess Cruises is.
The people at Princess have been evaluating this market for many years, and the result is that nine cruises will depart from Japan in 2013, using seven itineraries. It's not that this is a first for cruising in that market. Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas has eight cruises out of Yokohama in 2012, and Holland America will send the Volendam there to sail four times next year, relieving the Zaandam. And deluxe lines like Crystal occasionally show up in Yokohama or Kobe.
But this is a big deal for Princess…in fact, the biggest incursion for any of the lines in the Carnival family, which is the largest in the world. And until the market response to this 87-day program is measured, the Corporation will hold off committing more ships and itineraries, but it has established Carnival Japan to sell the brand.
The ship for 2013, April through August, is the Sun Princess, and the cruises are designed specifically for Japanese passengers…lots of sushi, Japanese-speaking crew members, art, culture, history, spa and shopping — all tailored to the local preferences. The ship holds 2,022 passengers for each of the nine cruises and Princess is expecting to carry 18,000 passengers next year.
In other words, a virtual sellout.
The itineraries focus on events like the national holiday Golden Week, other annual festivals and ports with natural hot springs. All nine sailings either begin or end in Yokohama.
Hmm, wonder if Hero knows about this?
Norwegian Jewel
14 nights
May 1, 2012
Miami, Cartagena, Panama Canal, Puntarenas, Huatulco, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Los Angeles
Inside: $899
Cost per day: $64
www. ncl.com