About a third of people on the cruise travel alone. We will match people up in twin-share cabins when available – saving you the single supplement. You won’t be left alone; the Travelrite tour manager will be there to guide you. There will be group activities almost every day.
The Diamond Princess is a premium quality cruise ship with every convenience and comfort built in. It is one of the largest, most innovative ships, featuring state-of-the art amenities and an abundance of balcony staterooms. There are eight restaurants and cafés (featuring “anytime dining”), four pools, nine whirlpool spas, and a range of bars and lounges. There is plenty of space to relax on this big ship with a small ship feel, as it is so spacious. There are poolside tables where you can dine and a huge selection of choices including traditional fine dining, 24 hour room service, a delicious Pizzeria, sumptuous buffet selections and the specialty restaurant – Trattoria Sabatini. Enjoy Broadway-style productions in the evenings, the scholarship at sea lectures during the day, or just relax in your luxurious stateroom. A voyage on the Diamond Princess is an experience to be savoured and remembered!
Murray Olds has been a long time sports journalist, specialising in his coverage of the Olympic Games, at 2GB. He is looking forward greatly to this magnificent journey. Murray is great fun, and looks forward to having a terrific time with tour members on this fabulous cruise.
Murray is back on radio on 2GB! After nearly a decade with 2UE, and having hosted a range of programs including the Fishing Show, Pet Show and Healthy Living, Murray can speak with some authority – and a lot of humour – on just about any topic you want to discuss! Murray Wilton is now back with his long-time friend and colleague Murray Olds on 2GB as ‘The Two Murrays’. Murray looks forward to meeting you aboard the Regal Princess.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Thursday, 11 September 2025: Departure
Today we depart on our overnight flights to Osaka.
DAY 2 Friday, 12 September 2025: Hiroshima, Japan
We arrive in Osaka and take the train to Hiroshima, the site where the first atomic bomb was exploded and helped bring the end to WWII in the Pacific in August 1945. We are met by our private coach and transferred to the hotel for check-in.
DAY 3 Saturday, 13 September 2025: Hiroshima
On our sightseeing tour today, we visit the Peace Memorial Park to visit the Museum and see the Genbaku Dome, the surviving portion of a structure that crumbled in the explosion. Other prominent sites include Shukkei-en, a formal Chinese-style garden, and Hiroshima Castle, a fortress surrounded by a moat and a park.
DAY 4 Sunday, 14 September 2025: Kyoto, Japan
In the morning, we take the short ferry ride and visit the Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima, best known for its “floating” torii gate and Japanese gardens. We then travel by train to Kyoto, and on arrival, we visit the Philosopher’s Path, a pleasant stone path through the northern part of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district that follows a canal, lined by hundreds of cherry trees (cherry trees bloom in April).
DAY 5 Monday, 15 September 2025: Kyoto
Today our sightseeing tour of Kyoto commences at Kinkakuji, better known as the Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will, it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. We then visit the Ryoanji Temple, the site of Japan’s most famous rock garden. Originally an aristocrat’s villa during the Heian Period, the site was converted into a Zen temple in 1450 and belongs to the Myoshinji School of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. Later we visit Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district made famous from the novel and film Memoirs of a Geisha. It is filled with shops, restaurants, and ochaya (teahouses), where geisha and maiko (geisha apprentices) entertain.
DAY 6 Tuesday, 16 September 2025: Kyoto
Today we will visit Ginkakuji, consisting of the famous Silver Pavilion and Nanzenji Temple, whose spacious grounds are located at the base of Kyoto’s forested Higashiyama Mountains, and is one of the most important Zen temples in all of Japan. In 1482, shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa built his retirement villa on the grounds of today’s temple, modeling it after Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), his grandfather’s retirement villa. The villa was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimasa’s death in 1490. After visiting Ginkakuji, we travel to Nanzenji. Later we visit the Imperial Palace, which was the residence of the Imperial family until the capital was moved to Tokyo in 1869. Within the Imperial Palace grounds, which are enclosed by a roofed earthen wall, are the Seiryo-den (Palace Hall) and the Kogosho (Minor Palace) – reminiscent of the dynastic age.
DAY 7 Wednesday, 17 September 2025: Kyoto
This morning we visit the spectacular Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Walk through the ethereal bamboo grove and enjoy the ambiance. The afternoon is free to relax or explore Kyoto independently.
DAY 8 Thursday, 18 September 2025: Tokyo, Japan
This morning we are transferred to the railway station for our exciting “Bullet train ride” on the famous Shinkansen train to Tokyo traveling up to 270 km/h. On the way, we pass Mt. Fuji, and if the weather is good, we will see it. Upon arrival, we have an orientation tour of the city and see the famous fish market and the Asakusa district, well-known as a region of old Tokyo. We see the Asakusa Kannon Temple, a Buddhist temple also known as “Sensoji.” The temple was built in 645 A.D with the finest Japanese architecture. Later we are transferred to our hotel.
DAY 9 Friday, 19 September 2025: Tokyo
This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Tokyo. We visit the famous Ginza shopping district, renowned as the most expensive real estate in the world. We then visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens, which is part of the Royal residence, and a superb example of traditional Japanese landscape design. Our last stop will be at the Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken; the shrine is a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings.
DAY 10 Saturday, 20 September 2025: Embark Diamond Princess
The morning is free for individual sightseeing and shopping. At midday we are transferred to the port of Yokohama to board Diamond Princess. Make sure you’re up on deck as Diamond Princess slips her moorings and we start our cruise around Japan.
DAY 11 Sunday, 21 September 2025: At Sea
Our first day at sea to explore the fabulous facilities of this magnificent ship. This afternoon, join the Two Murrays for a talk about their life in the media.
DAY 12 Monday, 22 September 2025: Akita, Japan
Our sightseeing tour begins with a visit to the mesmerizing Lake Tazawa. Formed eons ago by a volcanic explosion, the sapphire blue lake is Japan’s deepest at 423 metres. The picture-perfect setting of tree-covered mountains is reflected in the water, giving the lake a mythical atmosphere. We explore Akita’s deep culture and rich history with a visit to Kakunodate Samurai District, untouched since its founding in 1620. Learn about these historic warriors of the Edo Period as you stroll along wide streets, step inside beautifully preserved samurai homes, and glimpse into the lives of these wealthy families.
DAY 13 Tuesday, 23 September 2025: Toyama, Japan
Located in the heart of coastal Japan, Toyama is a gateway to the world-famous Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in the Northern Japan Alps. The Tateyama mountains of 3,000m and the Toyama Bay of 1,000m deep makes for 4,000m of height difference, helping to grow agriculture with the pure mountain waters and fresh seafood. On our sightseeing tour today, we travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site “Gokayama.” This village comprises thatched roofed houses known as the gassho-style (the roof is in an upside-down V-shape like the arms in prayer pose) and the residents still carry on with their original lifestyles. Later, head to Tonami Tulip Gallery where tulips bloom all year round. Take a step into this Wonderland with various colors of idyllic little tulip fairies surrounding.
DAY 14 Wednesday, 24 September 2025: Tsuruga, Japan
We arrive in the port city of Tsuruga this morning. Tsuruga is surrounded by mountain ranges on three sides and opens to the Sea of Japan, renowned for its natural beauty, its coastline scenery with white-sand beaches and pine forests. Its city centre boasts historic landmarks, shrines, a bustling seafood marketplace, and a charming population of bronze statuettes, characters from artist Leiji Matsumoto’s anime comic books that were erected in celebration of the city’s 100th anniversary. We will visit Kehi-no-Matsubara pine grove, one of the largest pine forests in Japan, see the impressive torii gate that greets visitors to the Kehi-jingu Shrine, Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse, Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum, and Nihonkai Sakana-machi Fish Market.
DAY 15 Thursday, 25 September 2025 Sakaiminato, Japan
Nestled between the sea and the sky, Sakaiminato is surrounded by water,
with the Sea of Japan to the west, Lake Nakaumi to the west and Sakai Channel
to the north. We begin our sightseeing tour at the Adachi Museum of Art,
which displays a variety of Japanese paintings, ceramics and art through the
ages. The surrounding gardens are considered the most beautiful in Japan.
We continue on to the 500-year-old Matsue Castle built by Yoshiharu Horio,
founder of Matsue city, and tour the extensive grounds. We return to the
ship via Mizuki Shigeru Road, devoted to statues of ghouls and goblins that
appear in local author Shigeru Mizuki’s beloved ghost stories and cartoons.
DAY 16 Friday, 26 September 2025 Busan, South Korea
We call into the port of Busan, South Korea where we have a sightseeing tour
and visit the ancient Silla capital, Gyeong-Ju, a place UNESCO designated as
one of the world’s top 10 historic sites. We explore the royal tombs at Tumuli
Park and then experience the serenity of an 8th-century Bulguksa Temple.
DAY 17 Saturday, 27 September 2025 Nagasaki, Japan
Today we arrive in the city of Nagasaki. Best known as the site of the second
nuclear attack on Japan during WWII, we have a sightseeing tour of the city.
We see the Peace Memorial Park, located near Ground Zero, the centre of the
blast, which is home to a beautiful memorial fountain and the 9 metre-high
Statue of Peace. We will also see other parts of the city that was for 200 years
Japan’s port to the outside world. This afternoon we will walk to the nearby
Glover Gardens, where we see early European settlers’ houses surrounded by
attractive gardens. Group members can explore at their own pace.
DAY 18 Sunday, 28 September 2025 At Sea
Our last day at sea to explore the fabulous facilities of this magnificent ship.
This afternoon join the Two Murrays for a fun game of Trivia.
DAY 19 Monday, 29 September 2025 Disembark/Departure
This morning we arrive back into Yokohama and disembark the ship. We travel
to Tokyo and visit the famous Tokyo Tower. Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, the
Tokyo Tower stands at 333m tall is the second tallest structure in Japan. Late
afternoon we are transferred to the airport for our flights back to Australia.
DAY 20 Tuesday, 30 September 2025 Arrive Australia
Tour members arrive in Australia and arrangements conclude.
| Cabin | Cabin Category | Deck | Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ID | Inside | 9,10,11 | $ 9990 | $ 12590 |
| IC | Inside | 5,8,12,14 | $ 10190 | $ 12790 |
| IB | Inside | 9,10,11,12 | $ 10290 | $ 12890 |
| OW | Oceanview Obstructed | 8 | $ 10590 | $ 13190 |
| OC | Oceanview | 5,6 | $ 10890 | $ 13890 |
| BC | Balcony | 12,14 | $ 11890 | $ 15590 |
| BB | Balcony | 11,12 | $ 11990 | $ 15890 |
| MD | Suite | 9 | $ 12690 | $ 17290 |
| MB | Suite | 9 | $ 12990 | $ 17790 |
| S5 | Suite | 10,11,12 | $ 16290 | $ 24490 |
| S4 | Suite | 10 | $ 16990 | $ 25690 |
| Included gratuities | $ 227 | $ 227 | ||
| Included port & handling charges and cruise taxes | $ 209 | $ 209 | ||
| Included air taxes as at 31 October 2024 | $ 225 | $ 225 | ||
You can stay longer in the Japan for minimal additional cost. Please contact 1800 630 343 for more information
All cabins are subject to cabin availability. Please call 1800 630 343 for fares and information on other cabin categories.
Touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this tour without the need of assistance from others.
TOUR OPERATOR:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the
tour organiser. Diamond Princess is operated by Princess Cruises Cruise Lines
and the Diamond Princess fly/cruise arrangements are subject to the terms
and conditions and general information detailed in the Princess Cruises Cruise
Lines 2025 brochure/website. All passengers must complete and sign a Travelrite
International booking form.
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT:
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 per passenger
should be sent with a completed Travelrite International booking form that lists
your requested cabin category. As soon as the booking is confirmed, (usually
within 24 hours), a cruise confirmation advice will be posted to the client. The
confirmation advice will contain all details. The passenger must also complete the
Diamond Princess online check in. Final payments are due to be paid to Travelrite
International 90 days prior to the commencement of the Diamond Princess fly/
cruise. A 1.5% administration fee will be added to payments made by credit card.
Cancellation Charges:Number of days before departure.
| Days prior to Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| Over 90 days | Loss of deposit |
| 90 or less | 100% of full fare |
| Non appearance/no written notice | 100% of full fare |
REFUNDS:
The cruise is based on arrangements which do not allow for any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals or other services not utilised after the tour has commenced.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
All passengers will require a valid passport with at least
six months validity. If not an Australian passport holder check with Travelrite
International for visa requirements.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Adequate travel insurance is highly recommended to cover cruise members for the consequences of unforeseen events during the cruise and for cancellation fees which could result from events such as illness, accident, death etc.
BAGGAGE:
Passengers qualify for a 23kg free baggage allowance on flights to join or return from the cruise.
MINIMUM TOUR NUMBERS:
The fly/cruise arrangements have been made on the basis of a minimum number of passengers travelling. In the event that less than the required number of passengers have confirmed their booking 90 days from the date of departure, Travelrite International reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of monies paid, or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified fare.
TOUR PARTICIPATION:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd is the tour organiser.
Travelrite International Pty Ltd, its agents, officers, affiliates, and/ or suppliers
of services pursuant to, or in connection with these fly/ cruises, shall act
only as agents in making arrangements for hotels, transportation, including
transportation by ship, restaurants, or any other service and do not assume
any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay
to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel,
carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in fly/
cruises, or by act of God. Further, no responsibilities are accepted for any
damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery breakdown,
quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes
beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense,
omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. Baggage is at
owners’ risk throughout the fly/cruise. The passage contract between the carriers
concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers
and the purchasers of this fly/cruise and/or the passengers. The right is reserved
to withdraw any fly/cruise and/or make such changes in the fly/cruises as may
be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper
carrying out of the fly/cruise. This contract shall be construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be
undertaken in the State of Victoria. Attention is also directed to the terms and
conditions of the Diamond Princess fly/cruise passage contract with Princess
Cruises Cruise Line, detailed on the Princess Cruises Cruise Line website. If you
do not have details of these terms please contact Travelrite International and we
will send them to you.
DELAYS AND UNFORESEEN EVENTS:
You engage Travelrite International to
book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite International
acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts between you and the
various providers of accommodation, transportation and other services that
comprise the tour. Travelrite International may without reference to you provide
or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide
or make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite International
reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary,
repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in
circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason.
You appoint Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose. You agree
to pay Travelrite International any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite
International in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite International
advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk
that any such good or service may become required.
HOW TO BOOK:
Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending
it with a non-refundable deposit of $900 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road
Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Phone: (03) 8803 6868
Email: sales@travelrite.com.au
www.travelrite.com.au
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been marketing throughout Australia for over 35 years and operating in Victoria for more than 40 years. It has a fully licensed (ATAS No. 10538) office at Balwyn which is accredited with IATA. As such they directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of Australian Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.
“Had a great time. Well organised. Ship crew were fantastic. Tour Manager did a great job. Guides were good, and we had a very friendly group.”
“Tour Host was very personable, great lectures. Top class guides made all the difference.”
