Princess Cruises Signs Partnership Agreement for International Exchange and Regional Collaboration Education Utilizing Cruise Ships

Carnival Japan Inc., the Japan office of Princess Cruises, signed a partnership agreement with Hakodate City (Mayor: Mr. Jun Oizumi) and Hokkaido University of Education Hakodate Campus (Campus Director: Ms. Ikue Kimura) to promote international exchange education, multicultural understanding education, and regional collaboration education utilizing cruise ships. The signing ceremony took place on April 16, 2026 (Thursday), onboard the Diamond Princess, which was docked in Hakodate.

The purpose of this partnership is to utilize the cruise ships operated by Princess Cruises as an educational venue and to further develop the practical educational curriculum offered by Hokkaido University of Education Hakodate Campus. Specifically, it will provide opportunities for educational and research activities that leverage the international environment of cruise ships in courses focused on international exchange, multicultural understanding, and regional problem-solving, such as "Cruise Ship International Exchange and Support Training" and "Cruise Ship Regional Tourism Support Training." Princess Cruises, with necessary support from Hakodate City, will also collaborate with the region and students to strengthen a sustainable three-party partnership.

Princess Cruises began operating Japan-based cruises in 2013, and 2026 marks its 14th year of service. Furthermore, the Diamond Princess, which operates Japan-based cruises, reached its 51st call to Hakodate Port with its visit on April 16, 2026 (Thursday), setting a new record for foreign cruise ships calling at the port. Princess Cruises has deepened various exchanges with the local community at Hakodate Port, including hospitality by local high school students upon arrival and activities by interpreter volunteers. Building on a long-standing relationship of trust, in-ship classes on the Diamond Princess have been conducted since fiscal year 2025 in collaboration with Hokkaido University of Education Hakodate Campus, aiming to promote international exchange, multicultural understanding, and showcase the charms of the Southern Hokkaido region. This partnership agreement marks a new step towards further development of the region, education, and the cruise industry, prompted by the milestone of over 50 port calls.

Regarding this partnership agreement, Satoru Horikawa, President of Carnival Japan Inc., the Japan office of Princess Cruises, stated:

"Princess Cruises has continuously operated regular Japan-based cruises as a foreign cruise ship since 2013. We believe that collaboration with port cities is extremely important for operating Japan-based cruises over many years. In particular, collaboration with local students is a valuable initiative that not only expands cruise awareness among younger generations but also contributes to the career development of students who will lead the next generation. We are very pleased to have our internationally diverse Princess Cruises ships utilized for education, and we will continue to strive to strengthen our relationship with the region through this partnership."

Future initiatives by the three parties are as follows:

Future Collaboration Details

- Continuous implementation of onboard classes utilizing cruise ships

- Further enrichment of educational programs in collaboration with the region

Main Annual Schedule

- April-May: Special lectures by Hakodate City and Carnival Japan Inc.

- May-August: Ship tours and passenger interviews during Diamond Princess calls to Hakodate Port

- September: Onboard training (disseminating information about the Southern Hokkaido region, conducting workshops for passengers)

About Princess Cruises

Known as the "Love Boat" after a US drama, Princess Cruises is one of the world's most iconic cruise brands. It delivers dream vacations to millions of guests annually to the most popular destinations, offering the services characteristic of large ships combined with the meticulous attention to guest needs found on smaller vessels. With well-appointed staterooms, world-class dining, spectacular performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences, numerous activities, and the integration of MedallionClass, Princess Cruises creates unforgettable moments with loved ones in stunning environments worldwide, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The latest and most innovative ship, "Star Princess," will debut in October 2025, and its sister ship, "Sun Princess," has been named the "#1 Mega-Ship" by Condé Nast Traveler, a major US travel magazine, for two consecutive years. Princess Cruises is a company under Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).