Mitsui Ocean Cruises has christened and launched its second ship, Mitsui Ocean Sakura, expanding the Japanese cruise line to a two ship fleet alongside Mitsui Ocean Fuji.
The 458-guest, all-suite ship was officially named in Yokohama before beginning its first voyage on September 19.
Formerly Seabourn Sojourn, the vessel has been reworked for the Japanese market, with ocean views from every suite and access to a range of smaller ports around Japan.
Captain Satoshi Ninomiya represented crew and employees during the naming ceremony.
“With this ship, we pledge to travel around beautiful Japan and the world for many years to come, connecting hearts and sailing safely,” Captain Ninomiya said.
New onboard features include Sushi Bar Shiosai, an intimate restaurant serving multi-course sushi menus, seasonal dishes and sake, along with an open-air footbath beside the Grand Pool.
The onboard experience also includes all suite accommodation, dining, more than 200 alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment, Wi-Fi, selected activities and half-day shore excursions in most ports.
To mark the launch, Cruise Traveller has released five fly free packages for April and September 2027 aboard Mitsui Ocean Sakura and Mitsui Ocean Fuji.
The packages include return flights to Tokyo from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane and range from seven to 12 nights, with prices from $8,799 per person twin share in a Veranda Suite.
A nine-night round-trip voyage from Yokohama departing September 17, 2027, aboard Mitsui Ocean Sakura visits smaller ports including Senzaki, Tottori, Nanao, Kuji and Oarai, with prices from $11,299 per person twin share.
Bookings made through Cruise Traveller by November 30 qualify for the free return flight offer.
