Trip Report-Diamond Princess Grand Japan July 17~August 3, 2015

I have posted the link to my blog of this back-to-back 17-day cruise on the Princess board. To those who might not have visited the Princess board, if you are interested, here is the start of this amazing trip. Would gladly answer any questions.

Thanks for sharing.

Keith

Thanks for sharing.

 

Keith

You are most welcome! Thanks for reading.:)

I discovered that Princess had cruises for Japan, but they were in the summer and I was warned by people that had been to Japan, that it was very hot in Japan in summer. We will see how that worked out.

We will be on Millennium 25 October. Cruise is mostly in Japan, but also goes to China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Can't wait to go.

I discovered that Princess had cruises for Japan, but they were in the summer and I was warned by people that had been to Japan, that it was very hot in Japan in summer. We will see how that worked out.

 

We will be on Millennium 25 October. Cruise is mostly in Japan, but also goes to China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

 

Can't wait to go.

You are right! That is the only drawback for the Princess Japan cruises. It was hot and humid everywhere we went except the ports in Hokkaido. October would definitely be cooler. Have a wonderful cruise! You will be visiting many interesting ports!

We were on the 26 July to 3 August leg of this cruise and loved it. First trip to Japan for 2 of our group. It was great to see the enjoyment of first time visitors to this lovely country, with such humble welcoming people. We also did 10 days of travel via bullet train after the cruise.

We were on the 26 July to 3 August leg of this cruise and loved it. First trip to Japan for 2 of our group. It was great to see the enjoyment of first time visitors to this lovely country, with such humble welcoming people. We also did 10 days of travel via bullet train after the cruise.

Wasn't that a great cruise, Tara Jane?! Sorry we didn't get to meet. I missed the CC Meet and Greet on that leg. Do you have reviews or pictures to share?

I have posted the link to my blog of this back-to-back 17-day cruise on the Princess board. To those who might not have visited the Princess board, if you are interested, here is the start of this amazing trip. Would gladly answer any questions.

Thank you for posting this. We are thinking of doing this in September 2016. Were you able to organize independent tours in the ports? Did most people organize independent tours or take the ship tours? Or just wander?

By the way, how far away are the docks? Did you need shuttle or other service to get anywhere?

ROCruiser,

Sorry I only just saw your post now. Yes we do have lots of photos however my computer skills are basically non existent.

No idea how I could upload and as to a blog........ I cant even get skype to work on my computer................ ok yes I am an old granny, thats my excuse.!!!

Thank you for posting this. We are thinking of doing this in September 2016. Were you able to organize independent tours in the ports? Did most people organize independent tours or take the ship tours? Or just wander?

By the way, how far away are the docks? Did you need shuttle or other service to get anywhere?

Hi, larana!

I found that the ports in Japan are very easy to do on your own. Unless there are faraway places that you want to visit, most ports have either complimentary shuttles to the city centers or public transportation (buses/trams) close by. We did all ports on our own and enjoyed walking around based on our interests and time. My FIL has walking difficulties so we tried to limit the distance we travel each time but I thought we covered most ports quite well.

The farthest we traveled away from port was taking the little train from Maizuru to Amanohashidate and it turned out to be one of our favorite trips.

We also took the train from Aomori to Hirosaki, with a little confusion but we got there in one piece.

They provide detail maps and assistance at each port and the volunteers are very helpful.

Let me know if you have further questions. :)

ROCruiser,

Sorry I only just saw your post now. Yes we do have lots of photos however my computer skills are basically non existent.

No idea how I could upload and as to a blog........ I cant even get skype to work on my computer................ ok yes I am an old granny, thats my excuse.!!!

Tara Jane, no problem. I know what you mean about computer skills. I just started exploring this blog thing after retirement. I know I am not doing it completely the correct way but it's kind of fun. Planning before trips helps me get excited and blogging afterwards helps me to remember the fun we had. :D

Agreed, we also prefer to do out own thing in ports. I have been to Japan many times so don't find getting around difficult as the people are so friendly and helpful. On our day in Maizuru my sister and her friend went on a ships tour and hubby and I just wandered around the small town. Found a lovely little function organised by the local tourism group. We were given a display of music instruments, local school children served us at tea ceremony, we were able to dress in japanese yukata (summer kimino) taught the art of flower arrangement and paper folding. We purchased a yukata for our grandaughter here and have photos of streets with not a person in them, very rare for Japan. We wandered all the back streets and spent time "talking" well more like smiling and sign language with the locals. Cities are interesting and exciting but give me the small little towns of Japan and I am in Japanese heaven.

First trip to Japan for hubby who was blown away by the people and how clean and organised the country is. Ask for directions and you arent given directions you are escorted with a lovely smile to wherever you want to go.