Renewed Celebrity Solstice to sail full Japan cruise season
Celebrity Cruises just released new Japan cruise itineraries, and the newly reimagined Celebrity Solstice will lead the way through the Land of the Rising Sun in 2028.
The expansive season offers opportunities to sail through the region during its famous cherry blossom bloom, summer festivals, and autumn's transformation, with sailings running from February through October.
Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.
Japan's popularity as a travel destination continues to rise
Committing a renewed ship to Japan for the better part of a year is a bold bet, but the numbers back it up.
Japan welcomed a record 42.7 million international visitors in 2025, and American arrivals climbed 21.4% to 3.3 million, according to Nippon.com. The World Travel Index ranked Japan the top destination for global tourism in 2025 and 2026, based on data covering pricing, safety, activities, and infrastructure. That data even showed that Japan's ability to deliver a "complete, high-quality travel experience" rose to new heights for 2026.
"This isn't just a case of holding the top spot - the data shows that the gap between Japan and the other top contenders is actually widening," World Travel Index Director Tom Abraham told The Japan Times.
Related: Celebrity Cruises elevates cruise experiences in Europe, Alaska
Anyone who's tried to book a Tokyo hotel room during cherry blossom season already knows: demand for Japan travel isn't cooling off, nor is demand for a cabin on a premium cruise ship sailing to Japan's sought-after destinations for breathtaking nature and meaningful cultural experiences.
That's exactly why now is the time to book a 2028 Japan cruise. Two years feels like a lot of runway, but Japan sailings - especially the ones with overnight port stays - tend to sell out far in advance.
Why a cruise is an ideal way to see Japan
Japan rewards slow travel: the quiet shrine you find when you slow down and wander off the busy path is often the one you remember most. But planning a multi-city land itinerary with trains, multiple hotels, and luggage logistics can be a hassle. A cruise solves that, allowing you to unpack once and rest while the ship moves between cities.
Celebrity's Japan itineraries lean into that advantage with longer sailings of 10 to 14 nights. Itineraries feature overnight stays in Kyoto, Aomori, and Kobe, so passengers can spend more time experiencing destinations and less time worrying about making it back to the ship on time. That extra time ashore means room for dinner at a yakitori counter, a night market stroll, or an early shrine visit before the crowds arrive.
Related: Planning a Japan trip? Go at this time
Most of Celebrity's Japan cruises sail round-trip from Tokyo, making it easy for travelers to extend their trip to explore the city center before or after their cruise. Spring departures are sure to be a hot ticket as travelers flock to Japan to enjoy hanami under the pink cherry blossoms in places like Tokyo's Ueno Park and Osaka Castle Park.
Other itineraries are timed to hydrangea season and summer celebrations like the Nebuta Festival and Gion Festival.
Should you book a Japan cruise now for 2028?
If Japan has been on your list, the smart move is booking early before the most desirable cabins and itineraries sell out and prices rise with demand. If you're not sure which itinerary or cabin is right for you, a travel agent specializing in cruises can help.
"We recommend planning early for the best availability and pricing," said Postcard Travel Planning co-owner Dennis Post, who sails on Celebrity Cruises ships often with his wife and business partner, Amy. "If you see an itinerary you want, it's smart to put a deposit down to lock in your sailing and price."
Related: What your travel agent needs to know to book your cruise
That advice may matter even more for 2028, since the reimagined Solstice is likely to draw extra interest in Celebrity's Japan itineraries.
On clear days, travelers sailing Japan on Celebrity Solstice will be able to take in views of Mt. Fuji from Sunset Park, the ship's new top-deck social space. Solstice also features refreshed cabins and new stateroom categories, as well as new-to-fleet specialty restaurant Trattoria Rossa and new venues like The Parlor, an elevated sports and gaming lounge.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published July 18, 2026 at 9:18 AM.