This month marks a significant milestone for the Diamond Princess, a jewel in the crown of Princess Cruises, as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Constructed by the renowned Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyard in Japan, this magnificent cruise ship was officially handed over to Princess Cruises on February 26, 2004, setting a new standard in luxury cruise experiences.
The Diamond Princess began its journey with a grand christening ceremony at Mitsubishi’s facility, where Yoshiko Tsukuda, the spouse of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ president Kazuo Tsukuda, had the honor of being the ship’s godmother. Following this prestigious event, the Diamond Princess embarked on its maiden voyage to the United States, marking the beginning of an illustrious inaugural season.
The ship’s first journey was a seven-night cruise to the picturesque Mexican Riviera, departing from Los Angeles. This voyage offered guests an unforgettable experience with three days of serene cruising across the Pacific Ocean and stops at the vibrant ports of Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta. As the largest cruise ship on the West Coast at that time, the Diamond Princess offered weekly departures from California before relocating to Seattle in May for its summer season.
From its new homeport in Washington, the Diamond Princess delighted guests with seven-night cruises to the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska and Canada. The ship’s itineraries featured stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Victoria, along with scenic cruising through the majestic Tracy Arm Fjord.
In early 2020, the Diamond Princess garnered international attention due to a COVID-19 outbreak onboard. The ship was quarantined in Japan for several weeks, ensuring the safety of its crew and passengers during this unprecedented health crisis.
Following a comprehensive drydock refurbishment in Singapore earlier this year, the Diamond Princess is now set to continue its voyages in the Asia-Pacific region through December. Presently, the ship offers 14-night itineraries to Southeast Asia, with plans to reposition to Japan in March for a series of domestic cruises departing from Yokohama. In September, the Diamond Princess will journey to Australia, featuring itineraries that include New Zealand, Tasmania, and the South Pacific islands.
A refined version of Princess Cruises’ Grand Class, the Diamond Princess introduced a new design ethos to the fleet. Its sister ship, the Sapphire Princess, followed, both ships bringing innovative features to the cruising world, including an expanded variety of dining options and entertainment venues. Today, the 113,000-ton Diamond Princess stands as a “luxury destination in itself,” offering guests exceptional delights such as Asian specialty restaurants, a state-of-the-art theater, and a dazzling atrium, further cementing its legacy in the cruising industry.
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