Diamond Princess Adds Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill in Asia
As competition for Japan-bound cruisers heats up, Princess is betting that destination-driven dining can set its ships apart and lift onboard spending in Asia.
Princess Cruises has expanded the specialty dining lineup on Diamond Princess with two new venues, Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill, both now open to guests as the 2,670-passenger ship continues sailing in Asia.
The cruise line said reservations are available for the new restaurants on all Diamond Princess sailings, positioning the additions as part of its broader push for “elevated and globally inspired dining experiences” onboard.
Two new venues roll out after a 2025 announcement
Princess has been introducing both concepts across parts of its fleet, and Diamond Princess is the latest ship to receive the pair after the company previously announced plans in August 2025 to add Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill to the vessel.
Sami Kohen, Princess Cruises Vice President of Food and Beverage, linked the openings to the ship’s current deployment and the line’s upcoming Japan plans, saying, “We’re proud to enhance the guest experience as Diamond Princess sails across Asia ... as we look ahead to our dual-ship Japan season in 2027.”
Makoto Ocean replaces Kai Sushi on Deck 7
Makoto Ocean was developed in partnership with celebrity Chef Makoto Okuwa and centers on Edomae-style sushi. Princess said the venue debuted on Sun Princess and Star Princess in 2024 and 2025 before being added to Diamond Princess, and it has also been introduced on Sapphire Princess.
On Diamond Princess, Makoto Ocean takes over the former Kai Sushi space on Deck 7. Princess highlighted signature menu items such as truffle salmon, toro tartare, and snow crab temaki, along with additional offerings that can vary by sailing menu, including miso sea bass and yellowtail sashimi.
The venue’s drink list is also influenced by Japanese flavors, including the Genmai Negroni and Kodai No Hana, which Princess said blends yuzu juice with Doburoku sake. The cruise line described the concept as aligning dining with the regions its ships visit, noting Diamond Princess’ year-round deployment in East Asia and a passenger base that is predominantly from the region.
Crown Grill opens in the former Savoy Dining Room on Deck 5
Crown Grill, Princess’ signature steakhouse concept, has opened on Diamond Princess in the former Savoy Dining Room on Deck 5. The restaurant first launched on Royal Princess in 2013, and Princess has long positioned it as a guest favorite across the fleet.
Princess described Crown Grill as focused on premium cuts of aged beef, chops, and seafood, paired with an upscale dining room atmosphere and attentive service. Menu items highlighted by the line include rib-eye steaks, filet mignon, and additional chicken and seafood selections.
Pricing and the Princess Premier package
Princess set the cover charge for both Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill at $55 per person, per venue. The restaurants are also included for guests who purchase the Princess Premier package, which is priced at $129 per person, per day.
Along with unlimited specialty dining, Princess said the Princess Premier package includes:
- Unlimited beverages, bundled as part of the package’s onboard inclusions.
- Wi-Fi service, provided for guests who opt into the Premier tier.
- Room service delivery, included within the package benefits.
- Shore excursion credits of up to $300 per person, applied as part of the bundle.
How the new dining options fit into Diamond Princess’ Asia and Japan plans
Diamond Princess is currently sailing roundtrip itineraries from Singapore, with calls in destinations including Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Princess framed the ship as a key part of its Asia program, supported by onboard offerings tailored to regional demand.
Beginning in February 2026, the ship is scheduled to reposition to Yokohama for a series of roundtrip voyages. Princess has highlighted a 10-night Japan Explorer itinerary that includes stops in Toba, Osaka, Kochi, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Shimizu, along with a call in Busan, South Korea.
Dual-ship Japan season planned for 2027
Princess is also planning a major Japan program in 2027 built around both Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess. The cruise line said the season will feature 78 departures across 50 itineraries ranging from seven to 28 days, with sailings timed to seasonal travel periods such as spring cherry blossoms and Japan’s summer festivals.
Princess described the 2027 deployment as its most expansive Japan offering to date and said it will mark the first time the two Japanese-built Gem-class sister ships operate together in the Asia market, sailing from the Tokyo region throughout the season and visiting Japan’s four largest islands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the new dining venues aboard Diamond Princess?
Princess Cruises added two specialty dining venues: Makoto Ocean, an Edomae-style sushi concept created with Chef Makoto Okuwa, and Crown Grill, the line’s signature steakhouse.
Where are Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill located on the ship?
Makoto Ocean is on Deck 7, replacing the former Kai Sushi venue. Crown Grill is on Deck 5 in the space previously used as the Savoy Dining Room.
How much does it cost to dine at Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill?
Both venues are priced at $55 per person, per venue. Princess also said the restaurants are included for guests who book the Princess Premier package, which is priced at $129 per person, per day.
When can guests make reservations for the new venues?
Princess said reservations are now open for Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill on all Diamond Princess sailings.
When will Diamond Princess sail from Japan, and what is planned for 2027?
Princess said Diamond Princess will reposition to Yokohama in February 2026 for a series of roundtrip voyages, including a 10-night Japan Explorer itinerary calling in ports such as Toba, Osaka, Kochi, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Shimizu, plus Busan in South Korea. In 2027, Princess plans a dual-ship Japan season with Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess featuring 78 departures across 50 itineraries ranging from seven to 28 days.
With the two new restaurants now taking bookings, Princess is pairing the onboard dining updates with Diamond Princess’ continued Asia itineraries from Singapore, its scheduled repositioning to Yokohama in early 2026, and the line’s expanded dual-ship Japan deployment planned for 2027.