The Diamond Princess cruise, r/trip Tokyo, nine nights, Okinawa, and 3 ports in Taiwan was very 'interesting'. First, 2000 passengers were Japanese or other Asians, only approx. 500 English speaking passengers onboard. The cruises from Japan on Diamond are geared for Japanese. All messages in English and Japanese. The staff/crew/officers are typical Princess, however, food, entertainment, and stores onboard geared for Japanese. No port lectures, no comics, only a few shows in English (Princess Theater). Shore excursions are 'separated out' for English speakers. Furthermore, dining room is further segregated, so you don't sit with anyone who doesn't speak English (ie: breakfast, lunch, and tea service served in International Dining Room). No personal choice dining. Either 5:30pm or 7:45 pm, assigned to table so they remain your dining mates throughout the cruise. We were fortunate to have two other couples who were fun, and well traveled. Otherwise it is Horizon court for dinner, or specialty dining to avoid the assigned dining room!

Service was excellent, however, a few of the staff and wait service told us they were often frustrated by lack of communication with the Japanese. And they missed speaking English!

So be prepared for a different kind of cruise. This is the opportunity to try Japanese breakfasts (special menu - items change everyday); make your own Sushi in Horizon Court, and try the Japanese Dinner. Please note the breakfast in dining room never changes for English food. Also, not as much selection in Horizon Court, because an entire area is the sushi area. Read more