Cruising Norwegian in Japan question

[nillis]

Hi all

 

Long time lurker (and beneficiary of all the amazing advice shared on here!), first time poster.

 

My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon. We have always wanted to do a Japan visit and cruise and are looking at this for our honeymoon in 2025.

 

Right now we are torn between a 12 night southeast Asia & Japan tour on the Diamond Princess and a 11 night Japan and Korea cruise on the Norwegian Sun (both November 2025).

 

My fiance and I have cruised Norwegian and loved it. I have also cruised Princess and loved it. Price-wise there is not much of a difference. Looking at the ships they both look sort of similar (Diamond has a bit more bells and whistles) and the two itineraries in question look great.

 

So, with all that in mind, one thing we really like about Diamond is the focus on Japanese food and culture (whilst still being quite a traditional cruise). Looking online most I can see about Norwegian is not in Japan/Asia and I wondered does NCL adjust its food and entertainment/events accordingly to reflect the area they are sailing?

 

Thanks in advance for any views! 

[astera]

If the prices are similar check to see whether the NCL one includes the FAS (Free at Sea) package.

 

This gives you a solid drinks package, 2 meals at speciality restaurants + some other bonuses (cheaper excursions, some included internet time) and is a game-changer compared to having to purchase a (drinks) package on Princess.

 

I have been on the Diamond Princess on a 19-night cruise and it's a nice ship, albeit a bit on the boring side (especially as a Royal Caribbean regular). It's the only Princess ship I've been on. I have also been on the Norwegian Espace and frankly I was hugely impressed (will probably ditch Royal Caribbean to sail more on Norwegian). It was also my only time on NCL. So my main worry is what the Norwegian Sun is like being a smaller ship. If that suits you fine then Norwegian all the way...

[nillis]

11 minutes ago, astera said:

If the prices are similar check to see whether the NCL one includes the FAS (Free at Sea) package.

 

This gives you a solid drinks package, 2 meals at speciality restaurants + some other bonuses (cheaper excursions, some included internet time) and is a game-changer compared to having to purchase a (drinks) package on Princess.

 

I have been on the Diamond Princess on a 19-night cruise and it's a nice ship, albeit a bit on the boring side (especially as a Royal Caribbean regular). It's the only Princess ship I've been on. I have also been on the Norwegian Espace and frankly I was hugely impressed (will probably ditch Royal Caribbean to sail more on Norwegian). It was also my only time on NCL. So my main worry is what the Norwegian Sun is like being a smaller ship. If that suits you fine then Norwegian all the way...

Thank you - that is very helpful. We are probably more into the 'boring' side of cruising so either ship would suit us - but agree NCL Escape is lovely (we were on it in 2018).

 

The free at sea package is a must. 

 

I think the point we are wondering is the Diamond Princess very much markets itself as having a big Japanese passenger base and catering for this (which appeals to us) and we are curious if Norwegian does similiar in Asia?

 

Our NCL cruises have been in the Caribbean sailing out of NYC so understandably were very 'stereotypical' (but lovely) for want of a better word. 

[zqvol]

Look at the ports. I suspect that you will get more Japan on the NCL cruise. 

[Anoynmous Phoenix]

I did Incheon-Tokyo last year; an excellent cruise; however it wasn't on the Sun.

 

Did you consider one, 4 day longer, on the Spirit, also in November, going from Tokyo to Taipei that also visited Korea?

[nillis]

34 minutes ago, zqvol said:

Look at the ports. I suspect that you will get more Japan on the NCL cruise. 

Thanks - I think you are right in that the NCL cruise spends more time in Japan. I suppose I am more wondering about the onboard experience.

[nillis]

27 minutes ago, Anoynmous Phoenix said:

I did Incheon-Tokyo last year; an excellent cruise; however it wasn't on the Sun.

 

Did you consider one, 4 day longer, on the Spirit, also in November, going from Tokyo to Taipei that also visited Korea?

thanks - that cruise sounds amazing - I'm so glad you enjoyed.

 

The cruise you suggested sounds fantastic but unfortunately it would be too long away from work (sad I know)!

[julig22]

I was on the Jewel from Japan to Alaska in April. I don't recall anything special about dining (wasn't looking), there is an Asian restaurant on the ship. But NCL does not typically alter their menus by itinerary, they are standardized across the fleet. Not saying the head chef wouldn't choose some itinerary-specific meals though. And most provisioning for the ship is actually done through Miami as opposed to utilizing local markets.

Entertainment in our case was not aimed toward the local culture - other than showing "Crazy Rich Asians" one night in the theater LOL. But again, our trip was a transpacific and leaving Asia. I have been on NCL ships that did have some regional entertainment. NCL tends to offer generic entertainment - meaning that you won't find an english-speaking comedian on a cruise where many of the passengers do not speak english as their first language. Besides the language barrier, many jokes jus don't cross to other cultures.

At one time, the Spirit was intended for the Asian market - with Asian decor. But it was renovated several years ago, completely redecorated.

Personally, I would choose based on the itinerary.

[astera]

2 hours ago, nillis said:

Thank you - that is very helpful. We are probably more into the 'boring' side of cruising so either ship would suit us - but agree NCL Escape is lovely (we were on it in 2018).

 

The free at sea package is a must. 

 

I think the point we are wondering is the Diamond Princess very much markets itself as having a big Japanese passenger base and catering for this (which appeals to us) and we are curious if Norwegian does similiar in Asia?

 

Princess really made me miss Royal Caribbean due to a flat atmosphere on board, no decent live music entertainment, etc. It was the Diamond Princess I was on and it was purely due to the itinerary - a relocation cruise from Sydney to Singapore which was exactly what I needed.

 

I just got off the Norwegian Escape earlier this month and I must admit it was the best cruise ever, especially with regards to the ship itself. They are now my new favo(u)rite cruise operator. 🙂

 

My parents were also on the Diamond Princess during a cruise involving Japan, but I cannot remember whether the main restaurants made any menu changes to accommodate Japanese cruisers. But I do recall them mentioning that the sushi/Japanese restaurant had a major staff change prior to sailing to Japan to ensure that this restaurant would meet Japanese cruisers' highest standards.

[nillis]

13 hours ago, julig22 said:

I was on the Jewel from Japan to Alaska in April. I don't recall anything special about dining (wasn't looking), there is an Asian restaurant on the ship. But NCL does not typically alter their menus by itinerary, they are standardized across the fleet. Not saying the head chef wouldn't choose some itinerary-specific meals though. And most provisioning for the ship is actually done through Miami as opposed to utilizing local markets.

Entertainment in our case was not aimed toward the local culture - other than showing "Crazy Rich Asians" one night in the theater LOL. But again, our trip was a transpacific and leaving Asia. I have been on NCL ships that did have some regional entertainment. NCL tends to offer generic entertainment - meaning that you won't find an english-speaking comedian on a cruise where many of the passengers do not speak english as their first language. Besides the language barrier, many jokes jus don't cross to other cultures.

At one time, the Spirit was intended for the Asian market - with Asian decor. But it was renovated several years ago, completely redecorated.

Personally, I would choose based on the itinerary.

Thank you - all of this is really helpful to know. I had no idea how provisioning worked!

[hoops71]

In March of this year, my wife and I were on the Tokyo to Seoul(Incheon) itinerary on the Jewel.  I believe it was 10 or 11 days.  It was an amazing cruise with most of the stops in Japan including an overnight in Kobe(Kyoto).  Each stop had its own amazing cultural or historical significance from Nagoya, Nagasaki, Okinawa, Kyoto and of course Tokyo itself.  We flew in two days early on NCL air.  I know alot of people want to give a bad rap on hear, but our flights were great and amazingly cheap.  We fly out of DFW and save over two thousand dollars.

 

That being said, I don't recall any specific changes to dining based on our destinations or the cruise passenger make up.   As an estimate, I would say the breakdown of the demographics were roughly as follows:  30% Japanese, 20% Chinese, 20% Australian 10% European and 10% American.  These are very rough estimates of course.  Plus I spend most of my sea time in the casino or the humidor.  So that may just be the demographics there!  But I did not see any special menus based on the clientele.  There was the wide range of tastes that NCL normally gives.

 

It was an amazing experience, and currently in our top two cruises of all time (Iceland/Ireland was other).  I know you guys will have a great time, whichever line you choose.  Just book it soon.  Prices are going up.  And agents are standing by to take your call!!!

[nillis]

3 hours ago, hoops71 said:

In March of this year, my wife and I were on the Tokyo to Seoul(Incheon) itinerary on the Jewel.  I believe it was 10 or 11 days.  It was an amazing cruise with most of the stops in Japan including an overnight in Kobe(Kyoto).  Each stop had its own amazing cultural or historical significance from Nagoya, Nagasaki, Okinawa, Kyoto and of course Tokyo itself.  We flew in two days early on NCL air.  I know alot of people want to give a bad rap on hear, but our flights were great and amazingly cheap.  We fly out of DFW and save over two thousand dollars.

 

That being said, I don't recall any specific changes to dining based on our destinations or the cruise passenger make up.   As an estimate, I would say the breakdown of the demographics were roughly as follows:  30% Japanese, 20% Chinese, 20% Australian 10% European and 10% American.  These are very rough estimates of course.  Plus I spend most of my sea time in the casino or the humidor.  So that may just be the demographics there!  But I did not see any special menus based on the clientele.  There was the wide range of tastes that NCL normally gives.

 

It was an amazing experience, and currently in our top two cruises of all time (Iceland/Ireland was other).  I know you guys will have a great time, whichever line you choose.  Just book it soon.  Prices are going up.  And agents are standing by to take your call!!!

this is so helpful thanks - your itinerary sounds like the exact one we are looking a on NCL (or very close).

 

Interesting to hear about the onboard style. I suppose on such a Japan focused cruise you will get lots of opportunity to enjoy Japanese food and culture which is a big draw.

 

Our big hesitancy is the DIamond Princess cruise goes to more ports outside of Japan (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore). Unsure if would run ourselves ragged trying to pack in as much as possible on those port days vs feeling like you have more time to really explore on a Japan-focused cruise. The only other 'wobble' we have is the Diamond cruise has 5 sea days vs 2 so more time to relax!

 

In fairness its a good problem to have!

[dexddd]

While we had a great trip to Baltics 2012 on Sun, I'd struggle to sail again unless something like ports move the needle.  Spirit in Japan would do no question.

 

If you do go, I'd look at the minis, now maybe clubs as they are great on that ship.

[yakcruiser]

I did a 17- day Vancouver to Tokyo followed by a 10-day Tokyo to Taipei in May on the Spirit. I did not notice any food or cultural differences onboard but there will be so many opportunities to experience on shore. I would recommend a cruise that overnights in Kobe or Osaka. There is so much to see.

[VanIslBC]

52 minutes ago, yakcruiser said:

I did a 17- day Vancouver to Tokyo followed by a 10-day Tokyo to Taipei in May on the Spirit. I did not notice any food or cultural differences onboard but there will be so many opportunities to experience on shore. I would recommend a cruise that overnights in Kobe or Osaka. There is so much to see.

I have just booked the 17 day Vancouver to Tokyo Oct 17 - Nov 3/25 on Norwegian Sun... I am looking for a board for that but there does not seem to be one... I am not sure I am entering the correct search information... does anyone have any ideas? thanks for any help.

[yakcruiser]

3 hours ago, VanIslBC said:

I have just booked the 17 day Vancouver to Tokyo Oct 17 - Nov 3/25 on Norwegian Sun... I am looking for a board for that but there does not seem to be one... I am not sure I am entering the correct search information... does anyone have any ideas? thanks for any help.

I just looked for the roll call for your trip and it seems nobody has started one yet.

Edited July 15 by yakcruiser