We were on the first cruise after dry dock April 2 from Singapore to Yokohama. From the OP review it is obvious that several things changed for the cruise out of Yokohama. Kai Sushi was empty on our cruise perhaps because many were not trusting a supply of really fresh fish. Sushi was on the menu for one night in the dining room and was obviously not fresh and awful; not a good advertisement for Kai Sushi. There also was nothing done to entice people to try Kai Sushi with any displays or "samples".
We were told when the ship is in Australia the Japanese bathhouse will be used as the thermal suite for $25 per day.
Although warned to not take the first cruise after a dry dock we did because of the itinerary. When we were onboard there weren't many if any Japanese although Passenger Services had many Japanese American "trainees". Americans, Canadians, Australians, British, and New Zealanders made up the bulk of the population. We had an excellent Port Lecturer who also spoke Japanese so I am surprised she was not kept on for subsequent cruises.
It was obvious to me, on our cruise, that there was a preoccupation with "getting the ship, physically ready for the Japanese". So much so that I felt that no one really cared that much about the the cruise experience for those onboard, with the exception of the dining room staff in Pacific Moon and the entertainment. CD was better than what the OP has described. We also had great entertainment; probably the best Princess singers and dancers. In Hong Kong and Kobe local entertainment was brought onboard which was great.
We, as many, missed not having an International Cafe. There is definitely a great deal of wasted space on deck five and would have taken pressure off of the buffet area which was always crowded and understaffed. Sterling Steakhouse, I agree was not up to the standard of the Crown Grill although the menu was tweaked. I would have thought that a Japanese Steakhouse could have replaced Sterling and would have been a draw.
Our experience was definitely one of transition for the staff and passengers. Obviously when the ship reached Yokohama, toilets were replaced; the Japanese Bathhouse was finished and Kai Sushi functional.
Our TV was finally programmed for on demand two days before the end of our cruise. The high end boutiques were empty on our cruise; Calypso Cove was always busy.
Toilets were replaced - what do you mean? the toilets were replaced!!!!Don't tell me they have squat toilets on the ship now!!!??!? We are going on Diamond for 3 btob cruises from 18 Sept. After reading yours and other comments I am wondering what we are in for. We were on Diamond in April 2012 Singapore to Vancouver and went to Nagasaki and Sapporo on that. We loved that cruise. Lorell in Melbourne, Australia.
Diamond Princess - Japan Season - REVIEW
in Princess Cruises
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Toilets were replaced - what do you mean? the toilets were replaced!!!!Don't tell me they have squat toilets on the ship now!!!??!? We are going on Diamond for 3 btob cruises from 18 Sept. After reading yours and other comments I am wondering what we are in for. We were on Diamond in April 2012 Singapore to Vancouver and went to Nagasaki and Sapporo on that. We loved that cruise. Lorell in Melbourne, Australia.