Mitsui Ocean Cruises
TOKYO (September 17, 2026)
MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES, Japan's premier luxury cruise line, celebrated the naming of its newest luxury ship, MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA, during a traditional ceremony in Yokohama on September 16, ahead of the ship's highly anticipated debut voyage from Yokohama Port on September 19, 2026.
The arrival of MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA marks an important milestone for MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES, expanding the Japan-based luxury cruise line to a two-ship fleet alongside MITSUI OCEAN FUJI, which debuted in December 2024. Together, the ships carry forward more than 140 years of Japanese seafaring heritage while introducing travelers to the country through authentic cuisine, culture, warm hospitality and access to both marquee and off-the-beaten path ports throughout Japan.
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 MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES crew members and employees collectively serving as namers.
Captain Satoshi Ninomiya, the ship's inaugural captain, represented the crew and employees in officially naming the vessel: "With this ship, we pledge to travel around beautiful Japan and the world for many years to come, connecting hearts and sailing safely," said Ninomiya during the ceremony. In keeping with maritime tradition, the ceremony included the bottle breaking to wish MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA safe voyages and good fortune for the many guests and crew who will sail aboard her in the years ahead.
Captain Ninomiya also reflected on the company'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 FUJI.
"Throughout our long history, what we have inherited is truly service from the heart," added Captain Ninomiya. "This spirit and tradition will be proudly passed on to MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA."
A Name Rooted in Japan — Few symbols are as closely associated with Japan as the Sakura, or cherry blossom, celebrated for its beauty and place in Japanese culture. The Sakura name also holds special significance in the company's maritime history, having previously been carried by the passenger ships Sakura Maru and Shin Sakura Maru.
The name MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA honors both the enduring beauty of Japan and the heritage of passenger ships that have been loved by generations of travelers.
"MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA carries on the legacy of our cruise business while embarking on a new era," said Tsunemichi Mukai, President of MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES. "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 FUJI, we will do our utmost to make MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA a ship loved by many guests."
MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA Sets Sail September 19 — MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA will officially enter service on Saturday, September 19, departing Yokohama Port at 5 p.m. on her inaugural cruise. 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 with ocean views from every suite. 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.
A Distinctly Japanese Experience at Sea — MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA brings MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES' signature FUNATABI – Beautiful Encounters with Japan to life through cuisine, hospitality, entertainment and destination experiences inspired by Japan.
Among the ship's new culinary experiences is Sushi Bar Shiosai, an intimate specialty restaurant on Deck 5 featuring counter and table seating. Guests can enjoy carefully curated multi-course menus featuring sushi, seasonal small dishes and sake, showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail at the heart of Japanese cuisine.
The ship's Grand Pool on Deck 8 offers another distinctly Japanese touch: an open-air footbath where guests can relax while remaining comfortably dressed, providing a restorative retreat between sightseeing and onboard activities.
Guests also enjoy an inclusive onboard experience featuring suite accommodations, dining, more than 200 alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment, Wi-Fi, select onboard activities and half-day shore excursions in most ports.
With the debut of MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA, MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES will operate two intimate luxury ships – MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA and MITSUI OCEAN FUJI – offering short, medium and longer voyages from ports throughout Japan. The expanded fleet will provide travelers from around the world with more opportunities to experience Japan through the eyes of the people who know it best, combining authentic cultural encounters, exceptional cuisine, distinctive destinations and the heartfelt Japanese hospitality that has defined the company's passenger shipping heritage for more than 140 years.
For more information, including MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA cruises available for booking in North America, call (866) 338-9579 or visit MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES at www.mitsuioceancruises.us.
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About MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES
Rooted in Japanese heritage, nature and traditions, from the blue sea, MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES connects people with the wonders of nature and Japanese culture to enrich people's lives and secure a happier and more sustainable future. MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES is the brand of the MOL Cruises, Ltd, and is part of the Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. Ltd. (MOL) group of companies. It operates MITSUI OCEAN FUJI and MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA.