Key points of this page
- Cruise fares typically range from around 10,000 to 20,000 yen per night for foreign ships (inside cabins), and 50,000 yen or more per night for Japanese ships (both per person, based on double occupancy).
- Foreign ships charge additional fees such as port taxes, gratuities, and drinks on board, in addition to the fare. Japanese ships include meals and service charges, and gratuities are not required.
- You can find better deals on cruises if you depart on weekdays outside of long weekends, travel in January, February, or June, take advantage of last-minute sales, or choose shorter cruises.
Last confirmed: September 29, 2026 (Prices are subject to change, so please be sure to check the latest price when making a reservation.)
What is included and not included in the cruise fare
A cruise is a package deal that includes "hotel + meals + transportation + entertainment." The key is to compare not only the price per night, but also what is included.
| item | Foreign ships (e.g., MSC, Costa, Princess) | Japanese ships (e.g., Asuka II & III, Mitsui Ocean) |
|---|---|---|
| Guest rooms and transportation | Included | Included |
| Dining | Restaurant buffets are included at no extra charge. Additional charges apply for other restaurants. | Included (excluding some paid stores) |
| Shows and onboard facilities | Most are included (some attractions and spas are subject to an additional charge). | Most services are included (spa and other services are extra). |
| drink | Many drinks other than water and coffee are charged separately (drink packages are available). | It depends on the ship (Mitsui Ocean Cruises includes many drinks). |
| Port taxes and other taxes | Often additional items are needed. | Often included in the price |
| Onboard tips | Often, an additional fee of around 10-20 dollars per night is required. | Unnecessary |
| Port of call sightseeing | Additional charge (free if you explore on your own) | Additional charges apply (some boats offer free sightseeing). |
In addition, cruises departing from Japan are subject to an international tourist tax (3,000 yen per person per trip, which will be increased from 1,000 yen from July 1, 2026), and you should also consider the costs of onboard Wi-Fi, transportation to ports of call, and travel insurance.
Estimated prices by boat type
This is an estimate based on the most affordable room type, per person or based on double occupancy. Prices can vary significantly depending on the season, room type, and sales.
| type | Estimated price per night | Main ships |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign ships / Casual | Around 10,000 yen and up | MSC Bellissima、Costa Serena、Spectrum of the Seas |
| Foreign ships/Premium | Around 15,000 yen and up | Diamond Princess、Celebrity Millennium、Westerdam |
| Japanese ships | Around 50,000 yen and up | Asuka III、Asuka II、Mitsui Ocean Fuji、Mitsui Ocean Sakura |
| Foreign ships / Luxury ships / Exploration ships | On par with or better than Japanese ships | Silver Moon、Seaborn Encore、National Geographic Resolution |
Examples of actual fares (departing in Autumn 2026)
- Costa Serena: A round-the-Japan cruise departing from Yokohama and returning to Tokyo (departing October 7, 2026, 11 nights/12 days) starts from 179,900 yen (inside cabin). Port charges of 26,470 yen and onboard gratuities of 176 US dollars are not included.
- Diamond Princess: 10-day cruises departing from and returning to Yokohama (e.g., departing October 1, 2026) start from 169,000 yen. During sales, prices can sometimes be as low as 119,700 yen.
- MSC Bellissima: A special price of 18,900 yen and up was offered for a 4-day cruise departing on October 4, 2026 (sale price).
- Mitsui Ocean Sakura: Weekend cruise departing from Yokohama and arriving in Kobe (departing October 2, 2026, 3 days) from 162,000 yen.
- Mitsui Ocean Fuji: Taiwan cruise departing from and returning to Naha (departing October 1, 2026, 7 days) from 412,000 yen.
Since the included charges (port taxes, tips, drinks, etc.) differ between foreign and Japanese ships, be sure to compare not only the simple price but also any additional costs.
Best time to buy / Best time to buy
| Periods when prices tend to be high | Golden Week, Obon, New Year's holidays, autumn holidays, summer vacation period |
|---|---|
| A relatively inexpensive time | January-February (excluding the New Year's holiday period), June, weekday departures after long weekends, September (please note that port of call may change due to typhoon season). |
| Shipping that is likely to be a good deal | Weekday departures, one-way cruises (ship routes that change at the beginning and end of the season), last-minute sales. |
Tips for taking a cheap cruise
- Book early: Early booking discounts are available, and it becomes easier to choose popular rooms. For flights during summer holidays and long weekends, it's best to book more than six months in advance.
- Check out last-minute deals: Special prices may be available to fill vacancies. This is suitable for those with flexible dates.
- Choose an inside cabin: Inside cabins without windows are the most affordable. They are recommended for those who plan to spend most of their time on board or at ports of call when not sleeping.
- Take advantage of the third and fourth person fares: Some ships offer discounted fares for the third and subsequent passengers in the same cabin. Be sure to check this if you're traveling with family.
- Pay attention to price revisions for solo travelers: Campaigns sometimes come out that reduce the additional charge for single occupancy (e.g., revision of single occupancy rates on Asuka III).
- Compare prices while factoring in additional costs: Foreign ships can cost several thousand yen more per night when port taxes, tips, and drinks are added.
Recommended ways to ride for working adults with limited time off
- Short cruises of 2-4 nights: You can take one by adding 1-2 days of paid leave to a weekend. They are also suitable for those trying a cruise for the first time.
- Shifting your holiday schedule slightly: Combining weekdays before or after Golden Week or Obon (summer holiday) can help reduce both costs and crowds.
- Domestic cruises only:Mitsui Ocean SakuraThese are mainly domestic cruises lasting 1 to 3 nights, and a passport is not required.
- Plane + Cruise: With cruises departing from Naha or Hakata, you can fly to the embarkation point and visit Okinawa, Taiwan, and South Korea in a short itinerary.
The characteristics of each ship areList of cruise ships coming to JapanSo, how do you spend your time at port?Port of Call GuideIt is introduced there.
FAQ
Q1How much does a cruise cost per night?
For casual or premium foreign cruise ships, an inside cabin typically costs around 10,000 to 20,000 yen per night (sometimes even cheaper during sales). Japanese cruise ships, including meals and service charges, typically cost 50,000 yen or more per night. Be sure to check for additional costs such as port taxes and tips.
Q2What is included in the cruise fare?
This package includes your cabin, meals on board (restaurants and buffets at no extra charge), onboard entertainment such as shows, and transportation to ports of call. On foreign ships, port taxes, gratuities, drinks, paid restaurants, and shore excursions are often charged separately.
Q3When is the cheapest time to go on a cruise?
Prices are high during long holidays such as Golden Week, Obon, and New Year's, while January-February (excluding New Year's), June, and weekday departures after long holidays tend to be relatively cheaper. You can also sometimes find last-minute sales or inexpensive one-way cruises (routes tailored to ship travel).
Q4How much is the tip on a foreign ship?
Tipping varies by cruise line, but a rough estimate is around $10-20 per person per night. For example, a Costa Serena 11-night cruise in October 2026 lists a gratuity of $176 per person. Tipping is not required on Japanese cruise lines (such as Asuka II, Asuka III, and Mitsui Ocean Fuji).
Q5Can I go on a cruise even if I have limited time off?
Yes, you can. There are more and more short cruises of 2 to 4 nights, and you can find dates that fit if you add 1 or 2 days of paid leave to a weekend. Mitsui Ocean Sakura mainly offers domestic cruises of 1 to 3 nights, and you don't need a passport.
Source/Reference Information
- Bigger Travel Service (Costa Cruises' sales agent in Japan) "Costa Serena Yokohama-Tokyo Japan Round-the-World Cruise"
- Viewt "Diamond Princess 2026"
- Viewt "MSC Bellissima" Special Feature
- Mitsui Ocean Cruises "Cruise Schedule and Fares"
- NYK Cruises: "Announcement Regarding New Single-Person Travel Fare Settings for Asuka III"
- Japan Tourism Agency: "Regarding the Increase in the International Tourist Tax Rate" (PDF)
The prices shown are examples of those listed on each company's website as of September 29, 2026. Prices and conditions are subject to change, so please be sure to check the latest information when making a reservation.