Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (January 26, 2026) — The U.S.-based cruise operator Princess Cruises has introduced two new specialty dining venues aboard its Diamond Princess ship, expanding its onboard food and beverage program ahead of the company’s upcoming Asia and Japan sailings. According to the company, the additions include Makoto Ocean, a Japanese-inspired sushi restaurant, and Crown Grill, its long-standing steakhouse concept.
The two venues are now open for reservations on all Diamond Princess itineraries. Both restaurants are priced at $55 per person and are included with the Princess Premier package for guests. The move reflects the cruise line’s broader strategy to elevate dining as a core differentiator in the highly competitive premium cruise segment.
Dining venues support the Asia and Japan expansion strategy
Makoto Ocean previously debuted on the Sun Princess and Star Princess ships. The venue brings Chef Makoto Okuwa’s Edomae-style sushi concept to Diamond Princess. Located on Deck 7, the restaurant offers menu items such as truffle salmon, snow crab temaki, and toro tartare. The beverage menu includes cocktails inspired by Japanese flavors. Some drinks feature ingredients such as yuzu and sake.
Crown Grill, Princess Cruises’ signature steakhouse, has also launched aboard Diamond Princess. The restaurant replaces the former Savoy Dining Room on Deck 5.
The venue focuses on aged beef, chops, and fresh seafood. It has been recognized by cruise industry publications as one of the top steakhouses at sea.
According to Sami Kohen, vice president of food and beverage for Princess Cruises, the additions align with the company’s long-term expansion in Asia. He said the dining upgrades support the brand’s plans for increased sailings in the region and a larger Japan-focused cruise season in 2027.
Diamond Princess and its sister ship, Sapphire Princess, were both built in Japan. The company highlights this as part of its long-standing connection to the region.
The ship is currently sailing roundtrip itineraries from Singapore. Its routes include stops in Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The vessel is scheduled to return to Japan later in the season.
Princess Cruises has announced that its 2027 Japan program will be its largest ever, featuring 78 departures across 50 itineraries ranging from seven to 28 days, running from March through December 2027.
Industry context
Cruise operators across the industry are investing heavily in premium dining concepts to drive onboard revenue. These offerings also help differentiate their ships from competitors. Specialty restaurants now feature celebrity chefs, regional cuisines, and curated beverage programs. These concepts have become central to cruise marketing strategies. This is especially true for Asia-bound itineraries, where food culture plays a major role in shaping the guest experience.
At the same time, rising operational costs and premium pricing models have made specialty dining a key profit center rather than a complementary amenity.
Why it matters
Princess Cruises’ expansion of Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill reflects a broader trend in travel and hospitality toward experience-driven dining and regional authenticity. By pairing Japanese-inspired cuisine with expanded Asia itineraries, the company is aligning its food strategy with destination marketing.
The move also signals how cruise lines are treating food programs as strategic assets rather than secondary amenities. Premium dining packages, chef-driven concepts, and beverage innovation now function as both revenue drivers and brand positioning tools in a crowded market where travelers increasingly compare ships based on culinary offerings.
Editor’s note: Source86 perspective
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FAQs
Princess Cruises has introduced Makoto Ocean, a Japanese-style sushi restaurant, and Crown Grill, its signature steakhouse concept.
Both restaurants are priced at $55 per person and are included for guests who purchase the Princess Premier package.
Reservations are currently open for all Diamond Princess sailings beginning in 2026.
The dining upgrades align with the company’s expanded 2027 Japan season, which will feature 78 departures across 50 itineraries from March through December 2027.
External source: Diamond Princess Introduces New Specialty Dining Experiences
