The Diamond Princess is going back to Japan. Again. Maybe it's just time to make this a permanent posting, or as permanent as anything can be in the world of cruise ships.
Consider the history.
A decade ago last month, the Diamond Princess emerged from a shipyard for her maiden voyage. A fire would have delayed hear arrival but a sister ship, the Sapphire Princess, was under construction so, out-fitted with her sister's hull, the Diamond floated out on time.
The shipyard was in Nagaski and it was the first ship built in Japan by Princess Cruises.
The cruise line just announced that the Diamond Princess is returning in 2015 to sail 
from two home ports, Tokyo and Kobe, the third season Princess has had ships cruising to Korea, Taiwan, Russia and other Japanese ports.
Last week, the ship began its 2014 season following an extensive refurbishment ($30 million) to make it more…well, Japanese. More sushi, more sake, culturally appointed furnishings and classic Japanese bathing experiences similar to "the popular on-sen experience for which Japan is well-known."
In other words, the ship has been tailored to attract its demographic and, at the same time, is making a commitment to Japanese cruisers.
All it needs now is a name change:
"Daiyamondo Purinsesu"
Go ahead, take a guess at the translation.
Today at Phil Reimer's portsandbows.com: The latest in cruise news
Carnival Ecstasy
4 nights
May 12, 2014
Miami (return): Key West, Cozumel
Inside: $149
Cost per day: $37
www.carnival.com