Introducing MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA: The Next Exciting Addition to MOL Cruises’ Fleet

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has announced that its subsidiary, MOL Cruises, Ltd., will launch a new cruise ship named MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA in late 2026. The vessel, which previously operated as the Seabourn Sojourn, will be registered under the Japanese flag and will primarily serve domestic itineraries.

Satoshi Ninomiya, who was the master of the Nippon Maru, has been appointed as one of the inaugural captains. Katsutoshi Nakayama, also a former member of the Nippon Maru crew, will take on the role of executive chef. With a gross tonnage of about 32,000 and a length under 200 meters, the MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA is designed to access both major ports and smaller destinations, including remote islands such as Okinawa and Hokkaido. The cruise program is set to feature one-night trips in addition to themed cruises celebrating local festivals, fireworks, music, and regional cuisine.

MOL Cruises plans to maintain its tradition of Japanese hospitality, or omotenashi, which has been a hallmark of its earlier vessels like the Nippon Maru. The new ship will focus on fostering regional engagement and providing unique cultural experiences and dining options that mix traditional and modern influences. Comprehensive details regarding the MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA’s first cruises will be released after winter 2025.

This initiative is part of MOL Group’s BLUE ACTION 2035 management strategy, which aims to diversify the company’s portfolio beyond its core shipping operations and establish a more stable revenue stream through cruise services that are less susceptible to fluctuations in the shipping market. The MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA will complement the MITSUI OCEAN FUJI, which began service in 2024, thereby enhancing MOL Cruises’ footprint in Japan’s expanding domestic cruise sector.

For more details about MOL Cruises, visit MOL Cruises, Ltd..

Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.