Joe Maloney Appointed Head of Sales for MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES' North America General Sales Agent

Most beverages are included — specialty coffees, wine, beer and cocktails. Bars and lounges feature a Japanese craft gin cart, whiskey and sake sourced from various prefectures. Observation Bar 36 (named for Hokusai's 'Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji') serves seasonal cocktails and the Tamatebako afternoon tea (paid, by reservation); Ocean Club & Bar mixes gin and tonics and martinis to your preference; and on Sakura, BAR UMI offers panoramic bow views with morning pastries and evening cocktails. Some premium beverages carry an additional charge.

Yes — the philosophy is 'enjoy daytime in free clothing and evening social time as adults.' Each cruise's dress code (Casual, Semi-Formal, Formal, or Japanese attire nights) is announced in your Boarding Information. Casual means chic, not-too-casual resort wear with collared shirts and long pants or skirts; Semi-Formal suggests what you would wear to an upscale restaurant; Formal welcomes tuxedos, dark suits with tie, or evening/cocktail dresses. Some sailings feature yukata or theme nights. In the dining room, please avoid hats, T-shirts, tank tops, shorts and athletic shoes even on casual nights.

Evenings bring contemporary Broadway-style production shows with exquisite choreography and live musicians and vocalists on the OCEAN STAGE (Deck 6), designed with state-of-the-art acoustics and lighting. Japanese traditions include Rakugo comic storytelling, craft making, a curated Japanese book collection, and special lectures on Japanese culture. Ocean Club & Bar (Deck 5) hosts cultural programs by day and intimate live music by night, and the daily onboard newspaper 'PORT & STARBOARD' lists each day's events.