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MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES Announces Retirement of Nippon Maru in May 2026

MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES announced its 422-guest ship Nippon Maru will retire May 10, 2026 in Yokohama after 35 years of service. Launched in 1990, the vessel traveled approximately 2.88 million nautical miles across 2,000+ voyages, carrying over 600,000 passengers to 400+ ports, wit...

June 5, 2025

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Mitsui Ocean Cruises

MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES announced its 422-guest ship Nippon Maru will retire May 10, 2026 in Yokohama after 35 years of service. Launched in 1990, the vessel traveled approximately 2.88 million nautical miles across 2,000+ voyages, carrying over 600,000 passengers to 400+ ports, with a focus on smaller Japanese ports and cultural enrichment cruises. President Tsunemichi Mukai called it 'a difficult decision' made for operational and economic reasons, noting the legacy continues via MITSUI OCEAN FUJI and a second newly acquired ship launching late 2026. Highlights include nine world cruises and extended voyages to Hawaii/Caribbean; major renovations occurred in 2010 and 2020. Final season runs February-May 2026 with farewell events, commemorative gifts, and special menus; itinerary details to follow. Note: page shows an update date of September 10, 2025.