Mitsui Ocean Cruises Expands Fleet with Acquisition of Seabourn Sojourn Ship

Mitsui Ocean Cruises is enhancing its foothold in the luxury cruise market with the purchase of the Seabourn Sojourn from Carnival Corporation. This acquisition represents the company’s second purchase from Seabourn, following the Seabourn Odyssey, which was acquired in 2023 and rebranded as Mitsui Ocean Fuji. The Seabourn Sojourn will be refurbished extensively prior to its launch aimed at the Japanese market.

While ownership has transferred, the Seabourn Sojourn will remain under the Seabourn brand for the foreseeable future. Mitsui Ocean Cruises took possession of the ship on February 28, 2025, but has reached a charter agreement with Seabourn, allowing it to retain the vessel for its scheduled voyages, including a world cruise set to end in May 2026. This arrangement allows Seabourn to maintain operational continuity while Mitsui prepares for the ship’s transition.

After fulfilling its charter commitments, the Seabourn Sojourn will undergo significant renovations before entering service with Mitsui Ocean Cruises, focusing on short to mid-length luxury cruises specifically for the Japanese market. Building on the success of Mitsui Ocean Fuji, the company is poised to leverage its growing expertise with this latest acquisition.

Mitsui Ocean Cruises isn’t the only company expanding its luxury cruise offerings in Japan. NYK Line is set to launch Asuka III in July 2025, and Ryobi Holdings plans to introduce a luxury yacht-style cruise vessel by 2027. With an increase in investment, Japan’s cruise industry is gearing up for substantial growth, promising refined maritime experiences tailored to domestic travelers.

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