Today, in preparation for Princess Cruise’s Diamond Princess’ second sailing season in Japan, the ship began a three week drydock at the Sembawang shipyard in Singapore. During the extensive $30 million drydock, the Diamond Princess will receive a number of new amenities designed for the Japanese market as well as a refresh to many of the ship’s public areas.
The most prominent amenity that will be added during the drydock is a 8,800-square-foot bath and garden complex. The new bath complex will include indoor and outdoor bathing areas to provide a choice of bath styles for the ship’s primarily Japanese guests. Many of the designs and accents in the complex will create a setting similar to the popular-onsen experience. The complex will also feature an open air hydro-therapy pool, an outdoor relaxation area, saunas and baths with wide ocean views, a mist sauna, and The Stone Bath, featuring an Utaseyu.
“Because bathing is an important part of the Japanese culture, we want to offer passengers an authentic experience onboard, complete with unparalleled ocean views.” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “This is just one of several additions we’re making to the ship to give passengers an appealing Japanese experience.”
In addition to the new bath complex, the Diamond Princess will also receive a new expanded sushi restaurant, offering guests both a sit down table experience and a sushi bar. The Diamond Princess’ boutiques will also be upgraded and feature new merchandise tailored for the Japanese market. The ship’s Horizon Court will be reconfigured, expanded, and redecorated. Sabatini’s, the line’s Italian speciality restaurant, will also be redecorated. Other minor additions will include the addition of 14 new staterooms, a sports court, a reconfigured photo gallery, a remodeled casino, and a wedding chapel.
The Diamond Princess will reenter service with Princess on April 17th, homeporting in Tokyo, Japan for a season of sailings throughout northern Asia.
Princess Cruises will be offering an inside look at the transformation of the Diamond Princess during her drydock. Photo updates of her transformation can be viewed by clicking here.
