Key Aspects
- The Japan-inspired specialty dining venue Makoto Ocean will soon expand to Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess.
- Both ships are slated to sail a long season in the Tokyo region in 2027.
- The line’s new-build, Star Princess, due to launch in October 2025, also will feature the restaurant.
Truffle salmon, snow crab temaki, and toro tartare are just a few of the Edomae-style sushi dishes Princess Cruises’ guests can look forward to enjoying on two more of the line’s ships, Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess.
The acclaimed sushi venue Makoto Ocean debuted onboard the line’s new-build Sun Princess in 2024 and will be a venue aboard Star Princess, entering service in October 2025.
On August 8, 2025, Princess Cruises revealed the dining option will soon expand to the additional two ships — both of which are destined to sail East Asia in 2027, marking the line’s biggest-ever Japan deployment.
The venue is a partnership between Princess Cruises and celebrity Chef Makoto Okuwa, who is famous for his Edomae-style sushi and owns six restaurants in the US, Brazil, Spain, and Panama.
“It’s a true honor to bring Makoto Ocean to Diamond and Sapphire Princess as they sail through the waters of my homeland and beyond,” said Chef Makoto Okuwa.
“Sharing the spirit, tradition, and flavors of Japan with Princess guests is a deeply personal and meaningful opportunity for me,” Okuwa added.
Edomae-style sushi dates back to 1820s Tokyo, and blends various fish with vinegared rice. Makoto Ocean has emerged as a guest favorite on Sun Princess, which began sailing in April 2024 following her christening in Barcelona.
Makoto Ocean will open on Diamond Princess, replacing the Kai Sushi venue, and Sapphire Princess in fall 2025.
Princess Cruises just days ago announced that it would double its capacity in East Asia in 2027 with the deployment of Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess to the Tokyo region.
Diamond Princess has been a fixture in the Japan market for years, and now the two ships will offer a combined 78 cruise departures between March and December 2027.
Itineraries will attract passengers from Japan and other East Asia countries, along with guests from farther afield. The ships each accommodate 2,670 guests and together will sail 50 unique itineraries, some of which will feature Japan’s summer festivals.
Also, several “Cherry Blossom Voyages” that follow the blooming season will visit Japan’s four largest islands.
Guests can dine at Makoto Ocean while experiencing explorations of several UNESCO World Heritage sites on the 2027 cruises, including Mount Fuji, the Itsukushima Shrine & Hiroshima Peace Memorial, the Ancient Kyoto Monuments, and the Jomon Prehistoric Sites.
Makoto Ocean Is a Featured Specialty Venue on Star Princess
It isn’t just guests sailing in East Asia who will be able to enjoy the new Japanese venue.
Star Princess, the line’s second Sphere-class ship due to launch in October 2025, will also feature Makoto Ocean. She is slated to operate a short series of Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona before deploying to Fort Lauderdale in November 2025 and beginning a winter series of Caribbean voyages.
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“The expansion of Makoto Ocean is exceptionally meaningful as we bring a guest favorite to those sailing to other regions around the world,” said Sami Kohen, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Princess Cruises.
Along with Makoto’s special brand of Edomae-style sushi, the venue will serve Japan-inspired cocktails such as Genmai Negroni, made from Japanese ingredients, and Kodai No Hana, featuring a traditional sake.
The Makoto Ocean venue is a specialty restaurant and carries an up-charge of $60 per person. The venue will accommodate 80 guests. Passengers who purchase the Princess Cruises’ Premier Package receive complimentary admission to all specialty venues.
