Discover Why a Cruise to Japan Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List

What You'll Learn in This Guide

Dreaming of exploring Japan in comfort and style? This guide will show you why a cruise is the ultimate way to experience Japan’s culture and scenery, what to expect onboard StarDream Cruises’ luxurious vessels, available packages and pricing, how to book at the best value, and the top shore excursions that bring Japan’s most iconic destinations to life.

Japan is a land where ancient traditions meet modern wonders. From serene temples and bustling cityscapes to pristine coastlines and vibrant festivals, every corner of the country is unforgettable. And there’s no better way to experience it all than aboard a StarDream Cruises voyage.

Why Cruise is the Ultimate Way to Explore Japanese Culture and Scenery

Cruise tourism in Japan is booming as well. In 2024, 1.44 million international cruise passengers visited Japan, a remarkable 121% increase from the previous year. With over 2,000 cruise ship calls expected in 2025, there’s never been a better time to embark on a cruise ship to Japan and experience the country like never before.

A cruise lets you unpack once and wake up in a new city every day. With departures from Keelung (Taiwan) and Hong Kong, and itineraries ranging from 2-night weekend escapes to 5-night extended journeys, StarDream Cruises makes discovering Japan easy, flexible, and immersive for both Malaysian and international travelers.

Japan Cruise Experience – What to Expect Onboard

Sailing with StarDream Cruises, home to the iconic Star Cruises and Dream Cruises brands is a journey where luxury, comfort, and entertainment come together effortlessly. For Japan itineraries, two flagship vessels are designed to elevate every moment at sea:

• Star Navigator: 75,338 tons | 13 decks | 926 staterooms | Capacity: 1,854 guests
• Star Voyager: 77,441 tons | 15 decks | 972 staterooms | Capacity: 1,944 guests

Both ships feature modern, spacious designs with thoughtfully curated amenities and premium service to create an unforgettable cruise experience.

Notably, the Star Voyager will be temporarily redeployed from Port Klang between 19 December 2025 and 2 February 2026, offering short 3- and 4-night cruises to Penang, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), and Pulau Bintan. This redeployment gives travelers more flexibility for short regional getaways while highlighting StarDream’s growing presence across Southeast Asia.

While Genting Dream is not part of the Japan itineraries, it remains the flagship for Malaysian departures, showcasing StarDream’s resort-style amenities, world-class dining, and entertainment for families, couples, and groups—highlighting the brand’s dedication to luxury cruising across the region.

Whether you’re sailing on Star Navigator, Star Voyager, or any ship under the StarDream Cruises family, luxury comes standard. Onboard, guests can enjoy:

Resort-style Amenities
 

• Star Navigator features the Roman-themed Parthenon Pool with Caesar’s Slide, hot tubs, a live music stage, and the ESC Experience Lab for immersive virtual reality.
• Star Voyager offers multiple pools, thrilling water slides, an Adventure Park with a rock wall, zipline, and “Walk the Plank” challenge, alongside the Symphony Spa & Wellness Complex for ultimate relaxation.
• Genting Dream: While not deployed for Japan cruises, it serves as the flagship for Malaysian departures, offering resort-style pools, a water park, fitness centres, and wellness treatments—showcasing StarDream’s signature luxury across its fleet.
• Every ship blends leisure, entertainment, and wellness to ensure your cruise is as relaxing or action-packed as you desire.

Dining Options
 

StarDream Cruises turns every meal into a journey of its own. Guests can indulge in:

• Star Navigator: Seafood Grill, Hot Pot, Dream Dining Room (Western, Indian, and Arabic cuisines), Mozzarella Ristorante & Pizzeria, Umi Uma, and Blue Lagoon.
• Star Voyager: The Lido (with halal-friendly options), Sophia Restaurant, North Star Dining Room, Palace Restaurant, Gelateria, Pool Bar, Red Tail Café, Ocean Bar, and Palm Court.
• Genting Dream: Known for its world-class dining, including specialty restaurants, international buffets, and halal-certified options at The Lido, demonstrating StarDream’s commitment to catering for diverse tastes across the fleet.

From casual bites to fine dining, every meal is designed to delight, whether you’re enjoying a scenic sunrise breakfast or a gourmet evening feast.

Exclusive Private Package
   

For those seeking ultra-luxury, The Palace offers a “ship-within-a-ship” enclave featuring:

• Private suites with panoramic views
• Exclusive pool, restaurant, and lounge
• VIP butler service
• Priority boarding and check-in privileges

Star Navigator’s Palace stands out as the largest in the StarDream fleet, offering unparalleled space and comfort. 

Family-friendly Offerings

Families are at the heart of the StarDream experience:

• Little Dreamers Club with workshops, themed parties, and fun activities for kids
• Star Voyager-exclusive Kids Water Park and The Vibe Check designed for teens

Various Facilities
 

No matter which ship you sail on, StarDream Cruises offers an endless array of activities:

• Full-service casinos and duty-free boutiques
• Fitness centres, jogging tracks, and recreational sports
• Spa and wellness complexes for ultimate relaxation
• Live performances, themed parties, and interactive experiences

Every vessel: Star Navigator, Star Voyager, and Genting Dream, combines luxury, entertainment, and wellness to ensure a cruise that caters to every taste and preference.

Japan Cruise Packages and Price Guide

StarDream Cruises offers a range of Japan cruise packages tailored to different travel styles and budgets. Popular ports of call include:

Ishigaki • Naha (Okinawa) • Miyakojima • Kumamoto • Kagoshima • Nagasaki • Osaka • Kochi

Packages range from 2-night weekend getaways to 5-night multi-destination itineraries, with pricing based on:

• Seasonality.
• Cabin type (Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, Palace Suites).
• Optional add-ons such as shore excursions and fine dining.

These curated experiences ensure travelers enjoy flexibility, personalization, and maximum value on every journey.

How to Book Your Japan Cruise and Find the Best Price

Booking your StarDream Japan cruise is easy and seamless:

1. Visit the StarDream Cruises official website
2. Select your destination, travel dates, cabin, and number of guests
3. Choose from curated shore excursions and optional upgrades
4. Complete payment and receive your e-ticket instantly via email

Pro Tip: Take advantage of StarDream’s Best Price Guarantee, early-bird promotions, and the Member Rewards Program for exclusive Japan cruise deals and additional savings.

Top Shore Excursions and Things to Do in Japan

Set foot ashore and let Japan’s wonders unfold. Each port is a gateway to culture, adventure, and culinary delights. Whether you’re chasing pristine beaches, historic streets, or mouthwatering local cuisine, every stop promises memories to treasure.

Japan’s ports are buzzing with activity, and cruise travelers have plenty of choices. According to Nippon.com, Hakata welcomed 204 cruise ship calls in 2024, making it the busiest port in Japan. Naha (Okinawa) followed with 175 calls, Nagasaki saw 160 arrivals, and Ishigaki welcomed 120 visitors, highlighting these destinations as must-visit hotspots for international travelers.

Each of these stops offers something uniquely memorable:

• Naha (Okinawa) captivates with its turquoise beaches and vibrant Shuri Castle
• Nagasaki enchants visitors with its fusion of Japanese and European history. 
• Ishigaki, excites travelers to indulge in snorkeling, island-hopping, and some of Japan’s clearest waters. 
• Hakata delights food lovers with its world-famous tonkotsu ramen and lively shopping streets.

For travelers seeking convenience and curated experiences, StarDream Cruises offers guided shore excursions at every port. From UNESCO heritage tours to local culinary adventures, these itineraries ensure you make the most of each destination, stress-free and fully immersive.

Why Choose StarDream Cruises for Your Japan Trip
 

Backed by over 30 years of seafaring excellence, StarDream Cruises, together with Star Cruises and Dream Cruises, continues to redefine Asian cruising with the promise: “We Know Asia Best.”

With Star Navigator and Star Voyager leading the fleet, StarDream Cruises offers unmatched luxury, thoughtfully designed itineraries, and a reputation built on trust and exceptional service. Highlights include:

• The ultimate in premium cruising with The Palace experience
• World-class dining and entertainment options
• Flexible itineraries covering Japan’s most sought-after destinations
• A commitment to safety, comfort, and personalized guest experiences

2025 is the year to experience Japan like never before. With record-breaking arrivals and growing cruise demand, now is the perfect time to book your Japan cruise package and embark on an unforgettable adventure with StarDream Cruises.

Reference

1. Business Insider. Cruises are booming in Japan. 2025. Available at: https://www.businessinsider.com/cruises-are-booming-in-japan-2025-3
2. Nippon.com. Recovery of Cruise Ship Industry Continues as International Visitors Arriving in Japan Quadruple in 2024. 2025. Available at: https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h02335/ 

This article was written by: Mr Ong Hsieh Lien

Mr. Ong Hsieh Lien has extensive experience in the cruise industry, having led communications, brand launches, and maiden voyages across Asia. His background provides valuable insight into the regional cruise landscape and the evolving trends shaping today’s cruise experiences.