The cruise is April 19 – 29, 2026. Destination CLEs
12 CLE hours total (3 of which are ethics) Destination CLEs
This is a combined travel + CLE experience (Eduvacation℠).
- Closest Major Airport: Tokyo International Airport (Haneda – HND)
- Airport transfers are not included. However, we will book your transfers upon request for an additional fee.
- Passport must be valid for up to a minimum of 6 months past your trip dates.
- 1 blank page required per entry stamp.
- You cannot travel on a passport you have previously declared lost or stolen, even if you find it later.
Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.
IMPORTANT: We recommend that travelers take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.
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Strongly recommended to cover trip cancellation, medical emergencies, flight delays, etc.
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Destination CLEs will offer a travel insurance plan or you may waive this option at your own risk.
- Go to 👉 https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp/
- Create an account (email + password)
- Enter:
- Passport details
- Flight info (arrival airport = Haneda / HND)
- Address in Japan (hotel name + city is fine)
- Complete:
- Immigration (Disembarkation Card)
- Customs Declaration
- When finished, you’ll see QR codes:
- One for Immigration
- One for Customs
📸 Screenshot both QR codes and save them to your phone
If you have any questions before or during your trip, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. I’m here to make your experience smooth and enjoyable.
For your safety and peace of mind, I also recommend leaving my contact information, along with your travel itinerary, with a trusted family member or friend at home. This ensures that someone can reach you—or me—if needed while you’re away.
Mary DeSpain 907-231-2111
If you need emergency services while in Japan, please see the following:
- Ambulance & Fire – Dial 119.
- Police – Dial 110.
This cruise involves moderate physical activity, with most days offering a balance of relaxed sightseeing and optional shore excursions. Guests should feel comfortable walking at a leisurely to steady pace on uneven surfaces such as piers, historic streets, gardens, and steps, and being on their feet for portions of the day. Shore excursions in ports like Nagasaki, Jeju Island, Hakodate, Muroran, and Aomori vary in activity level and may include walking, standing, or light inclines, while sea days provide opportunities to enjoy onboard venues that require some walking around the ship. All activities are optional, and guests are always free to rest or choose experiences that match their comfort level, making this itinerary well suited for travelers who enjoy cultural discovery, scenic exploration, and a rewarding cruise experience at their own pace.
On Diamond Princess, you’ll enjoy comfortable, well-appointed accommodations ranging from cozy interior staterooms to spacious balcony rooms, mini-suites, and luxurious suites with private balconies and enhanced amenities, all designed to feel like a relaxing home at sea with quality bedding, private bathrooms, and thoughtful touches of service. Dining options aboard are plentiful and varied, from elegant main dining rooms with flexible seating to casual buffet choices, specialty venues like Italian trattoria and sushi bars, poolside grills, pizzeria and ice cream bars, plus 24-hour room service, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate. During your voyage, you can unwind or stay active with an array of onboard amenities and entertainment—including multiple swimming pools and hot tubs, a full-service Lotus Spa and fitness center, sports courts and putting greens, enrichment classes and lectures, live theater productions, lounges and bars, a casino, boutique shops, and the popular Movies Under the Stars outdoor theater. Whether you seek relaxation, recreation, culinary delights or lively nightlife, Diamond Princess offers a rich resort-style cruising experience for every type of traveler.
Contact Mary DeSpain at 907-231-2111 for pre/post hotel arrangements.
- Very low violent crime
- Pickpocketing and scams are rare
- Safe to walk at night, even in big cities
- Lost items are often returned (seriously)
- No vaccinations are required.
- Day 1 Embark from Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan
- Yokohama Port Address: 1-1-4 Kaigan-Dori, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0002, Japan
- Day 2 CLEs at Sea
- Day 3 Nagasaki, Japan
- Day 4 Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea
- Day 5 Day of Leisure at Sea
- Day 6 CLEs at Sea
- Day 7 Hakodate, Japan
- Day 8 Muroran, Japan
- Day 9 Aomori, Japan
- Day 10 CLEs at Sea
- Day 11 Disembark in Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan
Destination CLEs requires advance notification of food allergies and dietary restrictions to properly prepare for your trip.
Helpful PACKING LIST
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Spring weather is generally mild and comfortable, with daytime temperatures typically around 55–70°F (13–21°C)
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Northern ports (Hakodate, Muroran, Aomori) can feel cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings
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Southern ports (such as Nagasaki) are usually slightly warmer
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Expect changing conditions, including cool sea breezes and the possibility of light rain
What to Pack
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Layered clothing (breathable tops, long pants, sweaters or fleece) to adjust throughout the day
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A lightweight jacket or water-resistant coat
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Comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven surfaces and extended sightseeing
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Compact umbrella or packable rain jacket
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Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for sunny days
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A light scarf or extra layer for cooler evenings or time on open decks
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Smart-casual attire for onboard dining and evening activities
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Optional: dressier outfit if you plan to attend formal or specialty dining events
While onboard, casual attire is recommended, including for CLE sessions. Princess Cruise Lines typically designates two to three evenings as formal or dressy nights for dinner. Participation is optional; however, hats and shorts are not permitted in the dining room on those evenings.
It is highly recommended that you order the local currency from your local bank prior to departure. Converting up to $1,000 USD to have with you is fine but it’s up to you. You may also use the ATM at the airport. You’ll use this for tipping and for purchases at ports. The cruise line is strictly no cash.
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Currency Name: Japanese Yen (JPY) | Symbol: ¥
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Exchange Rate: Varies; check current rates before travel.
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Cash: Many small shops, local restaurants, and rural areas prefer cash. Carry small bills (¥1,000–¥5,000) for transportation, entry fees, and vending machines.
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ATMs: Widely available at 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, post offices, and banks. Most accept international debit and credit cards.
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Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted in hotels, cruise terminals, department stores, and larger restaurants. Always have cash as backup.
- Currency Exchange: Available at airports, banks, hotels, or authorized exchange counters. ATMs often offer the best rates.
Each guest can connect one device per person with unlimited internet packages available for the full cruise.
Wi‑Fi is available throughout the ship via Princess MedallionNet®, including staterooms and public areas.
Smartphones can be used in airplane mode on Wi‑Fi for messaging and internet calls, avoiding high roaming fees. Regular cellular service at sea is possible but expensive, so it’s best to rely on Wi‑Fi.
Stateroom phones are available for ship-to-shore calls but are billed by the minute.
Check with your phone service provider about your plans international calling capability.
Japan is a country that values politeness, respect, and attention to social norms, so being mindful of local customs will enhance your experience. Greetings are typically done with a bow rather than a handshake, and using polite language, especially when interacting with staff or elders, is appreciated. Shoes are often removed before entering homes, temples, traditional inns, and some restaurants—look for cues or provided slippers. Quiet, orderly behavior is expected in public spaces, on transportation, and in queues. Photography is usually allowed in public areas, but always ask permission before taking pictures in temples or of individuals. When visiting shrines or temples, show respect by following rituals such as washing hands at the entrance and avoiding loud talking. Tipping is not customary and can even be considered inappropriate; excellent service is included in the price. Finally, many Japanese people take cleanliness and environmental responsibility seriously, so be sure to dispose of trash properly or carry it with you if bins are not available. Being aware of these customs will help you navigate daily life in Japan comfortably and respectfully while enjoying an authentic cultural experience.
