Mitsui Ocean Cruises Expands Fleet with Acquisition of Seabourn Sojourn Ship

Mitsui Ocean Cruises is expanding its presence in the high-end cruise market with the acquisition of the Seabourn Sojourn from Carnival Corporation. This transaction represents Mitsui’s second purchase from Seabourn, with the first being the Seabourn Odyssey, which has been renamed Mitsui Ocean Fuji.

The Seabourn Sojourn is set to undergo significant refurbishment tailored to the Japanese market before entering service. Despite the ownership change, Seabourn will continue to utilize the Sojourn under its brand through a charter agreement until May 2026, allowing for a transition period during which Mitsui can prepare the ship for future operations.

After fulfilling its charter commitments, the Seabourn Sojourn will return to Mitsui Ocean Cruises, where it is planned to operate luxury cruises specifically targeting the Japanese market. This strategy follows the successful introduction of Mitsui Ocean Fuji in 2023, showcasing Mitsui’s growing experience in this sector.

Mitsui’s expansion is part of a broader trend within Japan’s cruise industry, with other companies like NYK Line and Ryobi Holdings also entering the premium segment. NYK Line is set to launch Asuka III in July 2025, while Ryobi Holdings plans to debut a luxury yacht-style cruise vessel in 2027, indicating a promising future for Japan’s cruise market.

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