My (Very Honest) Review of DIAMOND PRINCESS in Japan
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- Опубліковано 2 лип 2024
- I sailed on Diamond Princess in Japan and this video gives you my VERY honest review of Diamond Princess. Is Diamond Princess a good ship and is Diamond Princess worth it? I answer these questions and more in my honest review. I give a review of Diamond Princess by reviewing the ship, the food on Diamond Princess, the ship's Entertainment, the Ports, and the Service onboard Diamond Princess. I review specialty dining venues Sterling Steakhouse and Sabatini's Italian Restaurant, in addition to the main buffet, main dining room, Kai Sushi, Princess Pizza, and much more! I also talk about Princess Cruises' Medallion and OceanNow food delivery.
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This Princess Cruise on Diamond Princess will take me to Aburatsu (Miyazaki), Japan; Busan, South Korea; and Nagasaki, Japan. This was my first time ever in Japan and my first time on Princess Cruises.
The Diamond Princess is part of the Gem class of cruise ships for Princess Cruises. Diamond Princess debuted in 2004 and was built by Mitsubishi in Nagasaki, Japan. Diamond Princess features several specialty dining venues, including Kai Sushi, Sterling Steakhouse, and Sabatini's Italian.
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#princesscruises #diamondprincess #cruisevlog
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00:00 Introduction
02:23 Ship Review
12:07 Food Review
18:07 Entertainment Review
21:48 Ports Review
24:36 Service Review
I love watching your content because you truly seem like a genuine man who just wants to share his love of cruising and culture with the world. It's a breath of fresh air with so many UA-camrs who are inauthentic and trying to be someone they are not. Can't wait to see the next Princess trip! Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess look absolutely beautiful.
Thank you very much, that feedback means a lot to me!
I have really been turned off by Princess lately from what I’ve been hearing about them. Our first cruise was with them to Alaska about 30 years ago. It was wonderful. We have mostly cruised with Oceania and Viking since then and have been very happy with them. My next cruise is on Viking from Buenos Aires to Santiago, Chile for 17 nights. I’m pretty sure I will like it. I cruised with HAL from Athens round trip in October. I was pleasantly surprised by them. We have just booked a trip with celebrity round trip from Boston next September. Looking forward to trying them. But Princess is not on my list due to the junk they have pulled recently.
This was amazing!!! Thank you so much for your in-depth overview! My husband and I are headed on this exact ship on two days. We typically only do Royal but this opportunity came up and we jumped on it - I’ve been nervous to try a new ship but after watching this I’m really excited - thank you, thank you! Loved hearing your experience!
Glad it was helpful!
Princess used to be very reliable, but since covid reviews have been all over the place. Nice to see you enjoyed it.
Good to know. I think a lot of lines are suffering from this right now.
Always appreciate your reviews. Really too enjoy your videos and the lack of drama...really, really appreciate that! As long as I can enjoy some good food, find a relaxing spot on deck, learn some great tidbits of local culture and history, and have a clean a quiet room for a good night's sleep, I am a happy cruiser! Looks like you really did have an amazing experience! Bruce and Otis
Thank you so much. Appreciate you watching and for the lovely comment.
Loved this one, Zach. I agree with your comments about the ship not feeling crowded - I've never cruised on this ship, but have found that other Princess ships do handle crowds REALLY well. I've been on both the older (Coral) and the newer (Regal) and they never feel busy - there's just so many spaces to go and relax with a drink that they never felt busy.
Coral's also got some really themed lounges, which sounds like a pretty similar vibe to what you had on here!
I am so happy with your review and score as I am going on my first Princess next year, now I am doubly looking forward to it x
Hope you enjoy it! Have a great time. :)
STEPS videos are always my fave 🇦🇺🙏 great honest insights again Zach!
Wonderful review ! Very well thought out.
This makes me want to try Princess more and more. Thanks for all your great content Zach 🤘🏻
You are so welcome!
Zach, your enthusiasm is infectious! Thanks for a great review. You just about had me sold on Celebrity before but now I'm thinking I might do Princess first (nope, I've never been on a cruise so the first one, when I decide which one, is going to be very special to me). Love your channel!! 🙂
Thank you so much! I'm really glad that you find my videos helpful. :)
Just found you ... am interested in cruising Japan, have never done a Princess cruise. Thanks for the honest comments, good video and excellent info. Am going to put this on my "to do" list.
I highly recommend Princess and a Japan cruise! Thank you.
I’m glad that you had an amazing cruise and that you enjoyed Japan! I’m looking forward to my first cruise to Japan in the Fall. It has 14 ports in Japan and it first travels through Canada and Alaska and then goes to Hawaii afterwards. 53 days! I’m excited and I hope that I have even half as much fun as you appear to have had!
Thanks for this review ! We are travelling on this ship in September Japan to Australia - cant wait!!
Have fun!
Thanks to your wonderful review, my family and I have booked a 10 night Japan cruise on the Diamond Princess! Your enthusiasm and sincerity really inspired us! Thank you!
Wow! Hope you enjoy it!
Great job on this video. You're enthusiasm is genuine and contagious. I'm still looking at a Princess British Isles cruise but may have to try Japan and Korea next. I also want to do Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Hong Kong etc. Today I'll settle for Panda Express. 😅
Highly recommend sailing in Asia. It’s going to be a new area of focus for me. But any Princess you can get on will be amazing I’m sure. Thanks for watching and enjoy Panda Express! 😂
Thanks for the review!
I just booked a 10 day on Diamond Princess for July 1.
Zach, I am so happy you had a wonderful time on Princess. I love Princess, even if there are a few naysayers. I have sailed since 1972 ..80 times on various cruise ships and cruise lines but my love is Princess. Thanks for your usual wonderful review🚢😊
Thanks for watching!
Brilliant review, thanks Zach. We have booked the "Grand Suite" for two weeks from Brisbane to New Zealand in 2025, can't wait!!!
Destination Cruises are the BEST! And Princess excels at them. I am Elite on Princess and have so many great memories.
Glad to see you enjoy princess and I agreed with almost all of your comments. I am a long time princess cruise or having been on 16 cruises with them. Just recently tried out royal Caribbean and it was nice but man did I miss princess.
Hi, Zach! My third Zach video today and my third comment. My first ever cruise was on Emerald Princess in Oct and I have Sapphire coming up in Alaska. After my first venture, i saw no reason to try another line (although the music walk on HAL sure tempts me). A few additions: The ossobucco in Sabatini's! The scallops appetizer at Crown Grill! The herring salad at the buffet! The International Cafe! The brilliant lay out of the rooms with so much storage (mine was interior). And want to second your praise of: the pizza! The medallion! The premiere package! The staff!
Wow, I caught your excitement! Your experience was exactly like ours, when we did Crown Princess in Alaska this year. It was a great itinerary, so we thought what the heck, we'd give Princess a try. Hadn't sailed on a Princess ship since 1994. We were blown away, ship was older like yours, but well maintained. Food, service and entertainment were excellent. We loved the medallion too! Waiting for the new Star Princess to sail, will definitely be booking her. Our first Princess cruise was on Star Princess in 1993. I guess it's always a good idea to step out of your comfort zone once in awhile, you never know what you'll experience. Happy sailing Zach!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed your recent cruise as well.
Sounds like I need to try a princess cruise now! Glad they have stuck to their roots and provided a great cruise and really nice onboard experience.
You really do! I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts. I can’t wait to go on another one with them and will prioritize them above other lines in booking future cruises.
We are going to the Diamond Princess in March 18 2024 for a 20 day cruise and then will stay for another 60 days in Japan on land thanks for your video
Have a great time! What an amazing trip you’ll have.
I'm glad you had such a great experience. I'm looking at taking a Japan cruise on Princess next year if I can make the price work.
So glad you enjoyed Princess! Star Princess was my first cruise 20 years ago, and our fav cruise lines now are Princess (classic, traditional, Medallion technology, and mini-suites!) and Celebrity (modern, contemporary, and stylish) - choice depends on itinerary! Happy sailing!⚓️🚢😊
Can't wait for the next Princess cruise!
I like your style of telling us about your cruise.
We paid $800 for Princess plus, which was 2 people for 7 days. Since it included tips, it was only $30 per day each more than the base fare plus tips.
Well, you influenced me to try celebrity (I've done three to see the Caribbean). Im doing European countries via cruise on MSC - just because it's cheap and local to me in UK. I'm planning to do a 7-10 day cruise and a 10-14 day land holiday to Asia in 2025, looks like you've influenced me to try Princess for my cruise in 2025. Thanks for a balanced review and the inspiration.
Another great Zach review! We are heading out on Celebrity Silhouette in NOV - I am certain that we will also feel that “classic cruise vibe”, too😄
Silhouette is our favorite Celebrity ship.
I wanna try Silhouette! She’s top of the list for Celebrity ships I want to try. Have a great time!
@@ljacobs357 Thank you for saying that. We grabbed this cruise because of the great price and are hopeful that it won’t have that ‘old dinosaur ship’ feel! LOL! Celebrity is always good - so I know it will be a wonderful time…
Thanks, very good and comprehensive review of the Diamond Princess. I haven't sailed Princess but I would defiantly give it a go after this review.
I think you would enjoy it.
I am going to be on this ship with my 92 year old dad and my sister in June. We will be on one of the longer cruises of 19 days. I was very apprehensive until watching your review. Now I am getting excited to experience everything on the ship and in Japan. Thank you.
Have fun! What a great adventure for you all to share together. I miss Japan.
Will you be embarking on 6/14/24 as well? See you there❤
I really appreciate your views on cruising Zach and take them to heart when deciding what's next. I'll be on my first Princess cruise in January in the Caribbean and will consider Japan for later in the year. The long flights are my thing to mentally and physically overcome. I don't drink alcohol, so have settled on the option of ordering soda ahead to the room rather than a drink package. The Internet for my cell phone is also available ala cart for $115, but I had to really dig to find that info. They love their premier packages! But for a non drinker, it's a huge waste of money. I'm excited about the comfy beds you talk about! As a fellow solo traveler, I appreciate your thoughts about being on your own too. Thanks again Zack and I look forward to your Japan excursion video.
Thank you so much!
Nothing against Zack but the constant, this ship is dated stuff just shows how warped cruise passengers have become. The room is fine. It looks like everything you need is there. The ship is a Grand Princess sister and it's a terrific ship. It's just 20 years old and ships should last 40-50 years so it's middle aged at best. There was a time people sailed on the QE2 or the Norway, old vintage ships and were absolutely fine that they didn't have the so-called latest modern decor. They've updated the tech, fine. But the spaces within are fine. I like that one of the pools has a glass roof.
He had some perks which are fine. I usually like to know of what the cruise is like for those in the least costly rooms and without the packages. There is more nickel and dime stuff going on and it's just tacky. Princess is premium but there's nothing premium about a sign saying upgrade before it is too late. Or charging for a different ice cream that should be included in the fare.
Food is variable. I don't think Celebrity's food is best anymore. Not in the MDRs anywy. Show entertainment looks terrific, especially bringing in local performers.
The ship is warm yet classic and has lots of colors in its public areas. Tons of lounges are not "old," it's a ship thing. Ships have lounges. Why? Because that's where you meet and mingle and dance. Of course ships should have lounges. The newer ships still have lounges it's just they have a lot more restaurants and other spaces in them too. But only the Edge ships from Celebrity don't have a good amount of regular ship lounges in them. On Oasis of the Seas there are about 6 lounges in them. And the new Princess class also has the same amount as well. I really wish the cruise lines would slow down newbuilds because it just makes for warped expectations that if the ship isn't new it's not the better experience and more mportantly, I think it compromises food and service but transferring the best crews to the newest ships. At least the Diamond Princess is getting good use in Japan and seems to be appreciated by their cruisers.
Princess is a solid line. I always think it is best to discover a line with a proven ship, not a new one. So, I'm glad this worked out.
Glad you enjoyed Princess - they are my most cruised line and I feel they hold true to traditional cruising, with a lot of unique itineraries and the enrichment/cultural focus. They also have the best space/passenger ratios I have experienced also. And agreed on the great value their packages have - my most recent cruise was on Carnival, and they wanted $65 a day just for drinks - no wifi or gratuities or any other perks. Princess Plus is cheaper from the get go plus all of the other added benefits.
I am now an avid fan of Princess. Still cannot get over what a great value everything was.
I might have to revisit Princess. That’s what my last 3-4 cruises were and Frankly, I’m bored with the ship layout, there’s not enough active activities, no one to dance with, terrible for solos. I showed up at a solo event and not even the crew knew it was going on!
I’m excited about cruising RC in April, then I want to try Celebrity and maybe Virgin.
If I found a cruise line with dance hosts I’d commit to it in perpetuity!
Good to hear Princess is my favorite as I cannot cruise now
Hi! We’re going to be cruising on the Diamond Princess for 14 nights out of Singapore, from the 20th of February 2024.
Can I ask please if you can recall if there are Type G power point safety sockets in the cabins on this ship (the type that are commonly used in many countries including Ireland, Malta, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Singapore and many African and Middle Eastern countries).
We certainly expect to find the USA type A socket and we’ll have adapters to fit them but Type G would be a lot easier and more convenient for us. Some of the Celebrity ships that we’ve cruised on have had Type G installed next to the original Type A.
Also, do you recall what the voltage is in the power points. Is it the usual USA standard 100v - 120v. Or is there also the 230v - 240v standard?
Thanks. Loved your review here 👍 and really looking forward to sailing on the Diamond Princess!
Was on the Diamond Princess as well in July 2019 from Yokohama (Tokyo), our 2nd cruise after being on the Costa Victoria from Mauritius. The Diamond Princess ship is probably one of the few especially designed for the Japanese market. It has an Onsen (Japanese hot bath) which as a none Japanese is an interesting experience to try. It did not have the medallion technology however at that time., which they obviously used the Covid down time to upgrade this. Food wise I would have expected more Japanese food seeing the biggest number of passengers are Japanese. However in the main dining room there seems not much Japanese food choices. Overall we enjoyed the cruise a lot, typical Japanese service attitude. The key here is to be open minded and expect something different then the typical Caribbean or Alaska cruise. way more international and we made a number of new Japanese friends on the ship.
Great review of the Diamond. She was the first Princess ship I sailed on in 2007, long before she was remodeled for her home port in Asia. She and her sister, the Sapphire, have been my favorite for many years. I have to say that you were very fortunate to get upgraded to a mini suite. The size of the room is wonderful, as well as the very outdated bath, but you would be verrry disappointed in the showers in the categories below mini! They are possibly the smallest of any cruise line. Comedians have always made jokes about the “friendly shower curtain” and rightfully so!😁
There have been many changes that I find disappointing, with the food selection and quality being the main thing, but I still love Princess.
I’m so happy you had such a great experience and hope you won’t be disappointed in the future!
One thing about the Plus and Premier packages that I find to be a big draw is the included gratuities. We have always gone with the Plus and it is possible that we have not quite gotten our money’s worth, but it is so worth the freedom to try things we might not normally try and not worry if we don’t like it. On a longer cruise, though, I would have to seriously compute if it would be worth it.
I look forward to your future, well balanced, reviews! Lois
I find the breakeven for Plus is averaging 3 drinks a day (after accounting for wifi and gratuities)- this varies if you drink the specialty coffees or get sodas, etc.
Thank you, Lois. Really appreciate your insight and thank you for watching.
Come to the Enchanted to the Caribbean. Amazing 10 day itineraries. Amazing 2 year old ship
Great review. What month did you cruise, and was the sea calm? Any rough weather days how did the ship feel
October. The seas were a mix. We definitely had some rough seas along the way.
Zach, If you love the tech on Princess here is a couple suggestions in the future on Princess. If your on the Discovery or Enchanted Princess put a bug in someone's ear that you're interested in experiencing 360! It will cost you, but the experience is worth every dollar of it. Also research some of what's coming on their newest ship coming out in February 2024; " The Sun Princess". Several UA-cam videos on it and it looks like it is going to be amazing!!
The Sapphire princess is the sister ship and shares almost all of the same design features including Japanese signage.
When did you take this trip and how were the stabilizers on the this ship? Did it rock much?
Loved this video. We are sailing April ‘24 on Diamond Princess in Japan. I told my daughter we may need to get a package. 😂. Did you get a e-sim for the ports etc? Any recommendations?
How exciting! I used my international phone plan in the ports. So yes I highly recommend an eSIM for those!
I'm going on a princess cruise in Japan in a few months. I will be in Japan few days before and plan on using my drone as per local laws. However, Princess says on the website that drones cannot be brought onboard as it's in their prohibited list of items. So, what option do I have? I obviously don't intend to fly on the ship but I can't just leave it anywhere.
Just a great review / video!!! QUESTION When you got to Busan, did Princess have shuttle service to the city center or to public transport?
They did offer some shuttle service for additional cost.
@@ZachtheTravelingMan ok thank you!
Thanks!
Thank you so much 😊
Would you tell the total cost of that cruise and how many days . Thanks
There are only 2 other cruise options in Yokohama.
One is MSC and the other is a 100% Japanese cruise line MS Asuka.
I've never been on a cruise. My first will be on NCL "Pride of America". I'm thinking the second "Diamond Princess" will be the next.
Have a great time! Pride of America is on my list too, as I'd love to sail Hawaii.
hey mate. just found your channel because thinking of travelling on this very ship towards the end of the year. Would this ship be good for a solo traveler? never solo traveled before and wanted an opinion from you! cheers.
Yes, absolutely
Do 15 Princess cruises. Then you will be Elite and get FREE, unlimited laundry and dry cleaning. I only bring carry-on, and do laundry every 2 or 3 days.
Where do you book this cruise?
Great review!!! Did anyone recognize you on the ship?
Thank you! Not this time. I usually get recognized more on Celebrity ships.
Were there children on board? We are Japanese USians and the US/European cruises seem way too hectic to me. Plus my kid doesn’t like pizza and chicken fingers, kids menu stuff. I like that the Princess has a more diverse menu
Thanks
Thank you so much! 😊
I been cruised for 20 years and about more than 100 cruises with most cruise lines. I cruised with the Princess before COVID and after COVID, after COVID all across all the POPULAR cruise lines INCLUDE PRINCESS everything seem to be LESS than before the COVID.
Japan is known for gracious people. Polite and no issues with being afraid of robbery.
I don't like sushi. Would this be an issue?
Did passengers dress more formally than in America?
Not liking sushi won’t be an issue at all. And no more or less formal dress than on Caribbean cruises from the US.
I really am looking for what to do In The ports. Try to do more of. Myself I’m tired of hearing complaints. I do t live in million dollar house and go cruising and complain because their just being mean. It’s never perfect. We all know that.
If this was your first cruise on Princess, how did you get a black Elite medallion?
They sometimes provide that to travel professionals on their first Princess cruise and extended it to me. I had no idea until a few days into the cruise.
MSC has the best pizza at sea !
BTW those medallions fit into anything an apple tag fits into...
Excellent point!
Have you tried Viking or Oceania?
Not yet but I hope to!
I would love for you to review them.
Disney Cruises definitely have the best shows on the Ocean, but they come at a price$$$.
When you gave them a 5, I knew you were very, very, please. Amen
Thank you 😊
Were you brave enough to try The Izumi?
No I missed it
The CEO of Princess came from Disney and help develop the magic band , so the medallion technology is the magic band technology
Oh, that's good to know. Thank you!
Yeah he's a techy guy also...lol
They had a little more difficulty getting the technology to work...something about satellites and moving cruise ships...I was on one of the first cruises when the technology was rolled out and the 1st and only time we got our cabin door to open, we were so excited...lol
Too bad you didn't go on a cruise before 2018 and compare after Covid. You should take Norwegian Jewell in Japan. Alots more ports in Japan.
We are going on cruise in March 2024 with Diamond princess and we are having 15 ports on 20 day cruise
I am currently on the Diamond Princess and can safely say that you are wrong on all fronts. This cruise is trash and I cannot wait to get off.
Japanese people are very punctual, so being in the theater early is completely normal.
can you believe this yokel went to Jay pan? That's probably how he says it. to have such a terrible channel and have the nerve to have merch.
I am not watching any more of your videos if you make us pay to watch it.
You don’t have to pay to watch my videos. A membership allows for early access but after a few days it’s available to everyone.