Why this route stands out

A closer look at the journey

Tokyo

One of the places included in this itinerary.

Nagoya

Home to Toyota, Lexus and Mitsubishi among many other, Nagoya is one of Japan’s industrial powerhouses. A veritable economic tour de force, the city is the fourth largest in the country, and boasts multiple excellent museums, significant temples and, unsurprisingly, excellent shopping. Located on the Pacific coast, the city is often overlooked as a travel destination. View less Sandwiched between the neon lights of Tokyo 350 km to the east and the history laden walls of Kyoto just 120 km to the west, Nagoya has been dubbed – by the country’s Prime Minister no less – as “the most boring city in Japan.” However, that view might be subjective. Beginning with Nagoya’s cuisine, the city offers much in the way of tasty treats. Many traditional dishes that originate here, such as the popular rice dish Hitsumabushi and the chicken based Tebasaki. The city’s many shrines and castles are not only among the oldest in Japan but are also some of the country’s National Treasures. The aforementioned museums offer fine examples of the city’s history dating all the way back to the 17th century Tokugawa period (the city’s castle is from the same period) while the brand new aquarium is touted as being one of the best in Japan. The Port Tower offers spectacular views of the city both day and night. The 2,000-year-old Atsuta Shrine, the second-most revered shrine in Japan, hosts over 4,400 artefacts. The sprawling city is also home to beautifully laid out gardens and parks, which offer a welcome respite from Nagoya’s urban buzz.

Osaka

The third largest city in Japan, Osaka was founded on the mouth of the Yamato and Yodo rivers, on the island of Honshu. On a MSC cruise you can discover this metropolis, once the trading capital of Japan. Famous for its modernity and its nightlife, Osaka has a surprisingly rich historical and artistic heritage. With an excursion you may reach the ancient Castle. It was built from 1583 onwards on the former site of the Ishiyama Honganji temple, which had been commissioned by the samurai and daimyo, Hideyoshi, one of the great unifiers of Japan and destroyed thirteen years earlier by Oda Nobunaga. This imposing building, from the tower of which you can admire the splendid view of Osaka, is surrounded by a wonderful park of 6 hectares: an authentic poetic vision when the cherry blossoms bloom in Spring. Along the canal, near the Castle, you'll find the quarter of Dotonbori, an explosion of colourful signposts indicating night clubs, restaurants and izakayas, a sort of Japanese cafè. Along the main road, the Ebisubashi bridge links the Shinsaibashi-suji and Ebisubashi-suji quarters, renowned for their shops. If Dotonbori is the place to go for modernity, Shinsekai is the quarter that represents the old town of Osaka. Developed before the Second World War, it has been neglected over the years. In the centre of this urban area you may find the Tsutenkaku Tower. This landmark of Shinsekai bears some resemblance to the Parisian Eiffel Tower and was the focal point of the permanent fun fair set up around it. On an excursion get a great view of the whole city from a height of 173 metres above sea level. In fact, you can climb to the fortieth floor of the Umeda Sky Building, designed by the architect Hiroshi Hara. The skyscraper is made up of two identical towers, connected between them by several bridges and on the highest part, by the Floating Garden Observatory, the hanging gardens from which you may admire Osaka. For those who enjoy shopping, you can walk along the Tenjinbashi Arcade. This indoor arcade extends for about two kilometres, from the underground station of Tenjimbashi-suji Rokuchome to the Tenjinbashi bridge: the shops sell all sorts, from shoes to books, from clothing to medicine.

Price tracking

Today’s fare, in context

Price history

Cheaper than 78%

30 days

Fare details

Price history by cabin type
Cabin	Current	Lowest	Highest
Inside	$2,307	$1,735 on Apr 17	$2,385 on Jul 31
Oceanview	$2,735	$2,150 on Apr 6	$2,813 on Aug 20
Balcony	$3,972	$3,265 on Apr 17	$4,075 on Aug 20
Suite	$4,922	$3,605 on Apr 17	$5,050 on Aug 20

○ = last seen (sold out or delisted). · Verified 1 hour ago.

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Cabin grades

Lines step when the price changed; a gap means sold out or no public fare that day. Plot up to 6 at once.

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

from $2,357

$214 / night

Fare rows

Interior Two Lower Beds

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,357

$214 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Oceanview

from $2,785

$253 / night

Fare rows

Oceanview Two Lower Beds (Obstructed View)

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,785

$253 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Balcony

from $4,047

$367 / night

Fare rows

Balcony Two Lower Beds

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,047

$367 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Suite

from $5,022

$456 / night

Fare rows

Mini Suite with Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,022

$456 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Prices verified Sep 1, 2026

The journey

11 nights, in order

Day by day

The full itinerary

12 scheduled calls

Your ship

Sapphire Princess

As you set your sights on the wonders of the world, let Sapphire Princess indulge your every whim. Over 700 balconies, world-class gourmet dining and dazzling entertainment options are just the beginning of your sea-going adventure. Dance the night away, enjoy casino gaming or relax and rejuvenate body and mind at the Lotus Spa.

5★ 115,875 GT 2,670 Passengers Built 2004

Sapphire Princess