THE CARNIVAL GROUP’s ultra-luxury brand Seabourn Cruise Lines has sold a second vessel to Japan’s Mitsui Ocean Cruises.
The 2010-built, 32,477 GT, 458-pax Seabourn Sojourn, a regular in the seasonal Australasian/South Pacific market, has been acquired by MOC’s parent Mitsui OSK Lines and will join earlier sister Seabourn Odyssey, now Mitsui Ocean Fuji in the Japanese domestic market in late 2026.
Until the handover Seabourn Sojourn will be chartered back to SCL enabling the completion of its current programmed voyages.
MOL previously announced it is positioning its cruise business as a new growth field and says the successful debut of Mitsui Ocean Fuji enabled the cruise line to advance expansion ahead of newbuild vessels in the future.
“We launched Mitsui Ocean Fuji in December 2024 and are very pleased with the guest reaction to the ship and onboard product,” said Tsunemichi Mukai, MOC president. “The ship’s spacious suites, delicious food and exciting entertainment are receiving very positive reviews. While all new cruise ships take a little time to settle in, the experience on Mitsui Ocean Fuji is continuously improving, and we are now extremely confident these two ships are the most suitable vessels to expand our cruise business and offer ‘FUNATABI – Beautiful encounters with Japan’, in a way only MOC can offer.”
Before entering passenger service, the new vessel will undergo a significant refurbishment in drydock and will be re-registered and launched as a Japanese flagged ship. The new vessel will offer a variety of short, domestic itineraries in and around the Sea of Japan that are easy for guests to enjoy, MOC says.
“Like Nippon Maru and Mitsui Ocean Fuji, this smaller sized ship will take its guests to exciting ports of call, enabling everyone to enjoy the local culture and traditions of Japan, without the crowds of larger ships. Details of the ship’s new name, drydock improvements and itineraries will be forthcoming. The itineraries already announced for Mitsui Ocean Fuji and Nippon Maru will remain unaffected by this purchase.”
Seabourn president Mark Tamis said: “With this transition, Seabourn will have one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the business, perfectly suited to offer the private yacht-like experience that makes us one of the world’s most popular choices in ultra-luxury cruising.
“Our award-winning ocean ships combined with our two recently launched expedition ships give us the right mix to serve these important categories in the ultra-luxury travel market,
“We are proud that after 16 years in the fleet, Seabourn Sojourn will continue her journeys with Mitsui Ocean Cruises. In the coming year, we will find special ways to celebrate Sojourn’s legacy with guests and crew,” Mr Tamis said.
