Embarkation at Daikoku Pier

2023 Spring Asia Cruises II - 9-Day Kyushu Cruise, Roundtrip Yokohama, Japan

March 15, 2023 (Wednesday) - Yokohama, Japan

This is the first time we have to use the Daikoku Pier in Yokohama. We have boarded and debarked from the Osanbashi Pier that is right in town many times in the past. For some reason, Diamond Princess had us use this new terminal that is on the man-made island across on the other side of the Bay Bridge. We were not aware of the complimentary shuttles provided until after the fact. Wish Princess would let us know of that valuable information ahead of time. Our trip over from our hotel cost quite a bit, I believe it was like $40 USD each (we had to have two taxis for the 5 of us with luggage.) Ouch!

Daikoku Pier is a huge dock for mainly cargo ships but they do have two tent-like terminals that cruise ships can utilize. Once we arrived, our luggage were taken and we were in line for check-in. Very efficient and before we knew, we were on board the ship.

Inside the tent-like terminal.

Ready to get on the ship!

Our cabin (ocean view) was ready and waiting. 

We really depend on this tea kettle in the cabin.

Love this open wardrobe on Princess.

with plenty of cupboard spaces

Bathrobes and slippers provided.

Key-less Medallion.

After putting our things down, we head over for some lunch. I have mentioned before that we usually try to avoid the chaotic buffet on embarkation day and prefer a quiet and leisure lunch on embarkation. This was what we did on this day. The main dining room was quite empty with just a few tables occupied, making it a serene setting for an enjoyable lunch. Servers were courteous and they were around to talk and answered some of our questions, like why the ship docked here instead of Osanbashi. We were told that because of the new Medallion equipment making the ship taller than before, it won't fit under the Bay Bridge causing it to dock here instead. Later on, we found out that other Diamond Princess sailings were able to dock at Osanbashi. Probably depending on the tide situation, I guess.

First lunch on Diamond Princess.

Very quiet dining room.

Not too many choices but good enough for us.

After the delicious lunch, we rest, unpacked and then went out on deck to see the sail-away.

Our obstructed ocean view cabin which was not too bad, really. We had done some research on line and picked the least obstructed cabins that we could find. These cabins are only a little more than the inside cabins. Well-worth the few dollars more!

Princess sail-away is not as energetic or rowdy as Carnival. It's more of a controlled-type of excitement which I enjoy. 

Cruise directors and entertainment crew leading the activities.

With the skyline of Yokohama in the background.

Daikoku Cruise Terminal

Indoor pool of Diamond Princess.

Ready to sail out.

Daikoku Pier across from downtown of Yokohama.

Beautiful sunset in Yokohama.

As the ship sailed out, it was time for us to go to dinner at the main dining room. We had the traditional set dining time for early dinner which we like. We also have friends joining us on this cruise, making it a table for 8 on this trip.

Prime Rib

Tonkatsu

After dinner, we felt we had enough for the day and went back to our cabin for a quiet evening. Our cabin is quite close to the theater entrance but it did not bother us a big. People are usually quiet and respectful, so all is well.

For video on this day, please click here.
 

"Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other."   -- Mark 9:50