Princess Cruises has informed guests booked on a 2024 Japan cruise that their sailings have been cancelled, leaving few options for distraught travelers. The trip was part of a series of cruises ranging from 5 to 19 days, but those affected have now been sailing.
Japan Voyage Nixed on Queen of Diamonds
Travelers booked a 19-day “Southern Islands & Sea of Japan” cruise Queen of Diamonds due to depart in 2024, he was told that Princess Cruises would instead lease the ship to an unnamed group.
The line issued a stop notice to passengers on the May 16, 2024, return trip from Tokyo (Yokohama).
The notice said that guests who made reservations will receive the full amount paid within 10 to 15 business days. Refunds will be made to the original payment method.
There is a way to rebook on the next cruise, however, if guests are willing and able to change their travel plans. Princess Cruises encouraged guests to consider an alternative, 18-day Southern Islands & Sea of Japan, similar itinerary as well. Queen of Diamonds and a return trip from Tokyo, departing on June 22, 2024. Guests wishing to rebook for a June date are asked to contact the cruise line or their travel advisor.
The June 22 voyage does not include four ports scheduled for the banned voyage, including Aomori, Sakata, Toyama, and Sakaiminato, all in Japan. Two new ports are on the way, however – Kagoshima and Akita.
The announcement also sweetened the deal with a financial incentive, offering guests who rebook for any 2024 Japan or Singapore voyage a $50 stateroom credit, with a credit toward the first two guests who book, for reservations by August 31, 2023.
“We sincerely apologize for any disappointment this may cause and look forward to welcoming you on another Princess cruise,” he said. the notice said.
Port calls on the long, now-discontinued voyage included well-known destinations, such as Sakata, Ishigaki, and Nagasaki, Japan; Busan, South Korea; and Hualien and Keelung, Taiwan, among others.
All cruise lines occasionally cancel their itineraries in favor of full-ship charters. Although it may seem unfair to travelers whose travel plans have been disrupted, such cancellations are made months in advance, giving them plenty of time to reschedule.
In May 2023, for example, Norwegian Cruise Line canceled almost all of them The spirit of Norway‘s Alaska cruises in 2024. Initially, the line did not give a reason for the cancellation, but a month later they revealed that the ship will be. written for a Taiwanese tour company for cruises in Asia.
Sailing was part of his return to Japan
Princess Cruises returned to Japan at the end of 2023 for the first time since the industrial shutdown. The line announced in December 2022 that it would send it to Japan after the government decided to allow international shipping to return to its ports.
Sailing introduced both a spring and summer 2024 cruise list 2,670 passengers boarded Queen of Diamondswhich started working in 2004.
Some of the ship’s summer cruises will feature local festivals, offering guests a late-night stay in port for events including the Aomori Nebuta Festival, Kochi Yosakoi Dance Festival, and Kumano Fireworks Festival, all taking place in August 2024.
Japanese Visitors Are Informed About Medallion Services
Japanese tourists are on the rise Queen of Diamonds in 2023 they have their first experience using the Princess Medallion technology. Quarter Medallions are wearable devices that enable contactless boarding, keyless entry, finding other guests on the train, making restaurant reservations, ordering food and drinks, and accessing other train services.
The technology, available by downloading the Medallion app, was was launched by Princess Cruises in 2017 but it was not used Queen of Diamonds during the Japanese naval plague.
A total of 115,875 tons Queen of Diamonds is a Grand-class cruise ship that offers eight staterooms and several unique restaurants, including Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, Sterling Steakhouse, Kai Sushi, Chef’s Table Experience, and Ultimate Balcony Dining. It has five large dining rooms and 12 bars, and much more that travelers of all ages will enjoy.
