By
Cherie Rowlands |
Carnival Corporation opened its first office in Tokyo, Japan on 27 June, ahead of its Princess Cruises brand beginning a homeport season from the new base.
Princess president and CEO Alan Buckelew, along with the line’s executive VP of sales, marketing and customer service Jan Swartz, attended the Carnival Japan ribbon-cutting ceremony that marks the company’s commitment to its East Asia cruise offering.
Buckelew said: “The grand opening of Carnival Japan’s new office is an important milestone in Princess’ expansion into the Japanese cruise market. Having a strong, dedicated team in Tokyo underscores our commitment to Japan homeport cruising and we’re excited to have such an experienced and passionate team in Tokyo supporting this new programme.”
The 2022-passenger Sun Princess starts her inaugural season on 27 April 2013 with a nine-day cruise for the national holiday, Golden Week. Calls are to include Yokohama, Nagasaki, South Korea, Hakata and the Dontaku Festival.
Guests can expect an onboard experience reflecting the new market, with Japanese-speaking crew members in key passenger-facing positions and series of expert lectures on history, culture and art. Spa treatments, shopping selections and dining menus will be tailored to Japanese preferences, including the addition of an a la carte sushi bar.
Carnival Japan is being led by board member Eiko Kijima, who said: “The early response to the new Japan cruise programme is enthusiastic and indications are that these itineraries have great appeal.”
Princess will be operating an 87-day programme of seven different itineraries for around 18,000 passengers, until July 2013.