Mitsui Ocean Cruises’ Second Ship Enters Service Today

Mitsui Ocean Cruises celebrated dual milestones this week when they officially named their second luxury cruise ship, Mitsui Ocean Sakura. Not only was the ship named in a ceremony three days ago, but the vessel will depart on its maiden voyage with the cruise line today.

Held at the Ocean Stage onboard Mitsui Ocean Sakura at the Yokohama Hammerhead cruise terminal, the naming ceremony honored the people behind the ship, with crew members and employees collectively serving as namers.

Captain Ninomiya also reflected on Mitsui’s long maritime history, including a lineage of passenger ships that have connected Japan with destinations around the world, including Argentina Maru and the Brazil Maru, which connected Japan and South America; the first Nippon Maru and Sakura Maru-Shin Sakura Maru during Japan’s high-growth period; and, since the Heisei era, Fuji Maru and Nippon Maru, and most recently introduced Mitsui Ocean Fiji.

The ship will depart at 5 pm today from Yokohama Pier. Prior to departure, the City of Yokohama will host a ceremony onboard to celebrate the ship’s launch, including a traditional plaque exchange between the ship and Yokohama Port.

The 32,477-ton, 458-guest Mitsui Ocean Sakura is an intimate, all-suite luxury ship. At 650 feet long, her compact size allows access to a diverse range of ports throughout Japan, including smaller destinations and ports located within easy reach of city centers.

As a Japanese-registered ship, Mitsui Ocean Sakura will initially focus on short- and medium-length domestic voyages.

The ship is scheduled to operate 29 cruises during her first three months through December 2026, including one- to three-night Autumn Scenic, Christmas and New Year cruises.

A total of 61 cruises have been announced through September 2027, offering travelers a variety of opportunities to explore destinations throughout Japan.

Guests who sail on the ship will enjoy an inclusive onboard experience featuring accommodations, dining, more than 200 alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment, Wi-Fi, select onboard activities, and half-day shore excursions in most ports.

Mitsui Ocean Sakura joins Mitsui Ocean Fiji, expanding the Japan-based luxury cruise line to a two-ship fleet.

Tsunemichi Mukai, President of Mitsui Ocean Cruises, gave the following statement:

“Mitsui Ocean Sakura carries on the legacy of our cruise business while embarking on a new era. With thoughtful time spent onboard, the scenery and culture encountered in ports of call, and the connections made along the way, we hope to provide special experiences that remain with our guests throughout their lives. We will continue moving forward as a Japanese cruise brand that shares beautiful Japanese cruising with the world. Together with Mitsui Ocean Fiji, we will do our utmost to make Mitsui Ocean Sakura a ship loved by many guests.”

The post Mitsui Ocean Cruises’ Second Ship Enters Service Today appeared first on Cruise Fever.

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