5 Reasons To Go Cruising in Japan in 2018

"Mother Nature smiled on Japan, blessing it with some of the world’s most magnificent vistas", trumpets Forbes; a place where you should "prepare your senses and your imagination to be both constantly challenged and constantly delighted".

This weekend, Dreamlines launched all the itineraries for cruises to Japan departing in 2018, so we thought it was the perfect time to explain our top five reasons to explore the "land of the rising sun" from the comfort of a deluxe ocean liner with the award-winning Princess Cruises.

1. The on-board onsen-inspired bath-house.

Just because you're on a cruise ship doesn't mean you can't experience the Japanese culture.  The Diamond Princess features an onsen-inspired Izumi Japanese Bath; with outdoor and indoor bathing areas surrounded by panoramic views of the ocean, this is the the largest onsen-style bath at sea and is designed to offer the serenity of a classic Japanese spa. Click here to see the Izumi Japanese Bath.

2. You can still enjoy the cherry blossoms.

Visitors flock from around the world - with good reason - to admire the dazzling colours of Japan's spring flowers and autumn foliage; the downside being a twice-yearly hike in hotel prices and a surge in tourist crowds. Princess Cruises offer a number of excursion-packed itineraries that will allow you to experience the best of the floral displays -- and then escape back to the peace of your cabin.

3. It's an easy way to explore some of Japan's cultural and historic highlights.

Forget bumpy coach tours -- a cruise gives you the opportunity to discover Japan's culture and history in comfort. The 2018 Japan season features 18 different cruise itineraries and each of these cruises visit a number of UNESCO World Cruise Heritage Sites across the region.

A number of the cruise line’s voyages include visits to Hokkaido Island. These feature scenic cruising of the UNESCO World Site, Shiretoko Peninsula -- one of the richest integrated ecosystems in the world, it is named one of the “Cruise Wonders of the World” by Condé Nast Traveler magazine -- and a late night stay in Hakodate, home to the Mt. Hakodate cable car which offers breathtaking views of the city at night.

Guests on this 17-night Highlights of Japan Cruise & Tour and this 15-night Circle Japan with Nebuta and Festivals voyage will visit the Aomori Nebuta and Akita Kanto festivals, with late-night stays in both cities to allow for even more exploration of these incredible events. The Aomori Nebuta Festival features Nebuta float figures, music and many vibrant dancers. The Akita Kanto features a procession of 200 bamboo poles with lanterns weighing over 100 pounds all carried on palms, foreheads, shoulders or backs of the celebrants. The Highlights of Japan Cruise & Tour also includes a 5-day pre-cruise tour visiting Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo with a number of local experiences included including meals, sightseeing tours and a visit to Mount Fuji.

4. The on-board sushi is great -- but your fussy partner will also be happy.

If, like most of us here at Travelzoo, your dining options dictate many of your holiday choices, then a cruise stands you in good stead. For those keen to sample the authentic Japanese culinary experience, Kai Sushi restaurant on the Diamond Princess serves made-to-order sushi, freshly prepared sashimi and a wide range of Japanese sake; alternatively you could pop into one of the on-board noodle stations to tuck into a steaming bowl of ramen, soba or udon noodles. If your tastes are more inclined to the Australian or European palate, you can easily find options on board -- no need to spend hours hunting through streets on foot for something to suit your needs.

5. It's now more affordable.

Well, we are a deals website, after all. So we were enthusiastic to learn that Dreamlines, which has just launched details of its Japan cruises for 2018, is making it easier and more affordable to book one of these holidays by offering a 50% deposit payment plan.

Promoted by CruiseAway by Dreamlines: Check out the CruiseAway website for more information, insider tips and deals, including just-launched sailings to Japan on the Diamond Princess in 2018. Princess Cruises was named Best Cruise Line for Service Excellence in the 2015 Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards.