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Japan-Based MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES Launches First-Ever Sales in North America
- albert883
- Feb 17, 2025
- 5 min read
Architects of Travel Named General Sales Agent as Japan’s Celebrated Cruise Line Begins International Expansion
[February 18, 2025, Tokyo, Japan] – For the first time ever, Japanese cruise line MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES, with a 140-year legacy and part of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, is open for sale in North America. This luxury Japanese cruise product is completely different than any other cruise product by offering “FUNATABI - Beautiful Encounters with Japan,” enabling guests to connect with the people, natural wonders and treasured traditions of Japan.
Architects of Travel will support the sales expansion of the cruise line’s new ship, MITSUI OCEAN FUJI, with a targeted sales and marketing campaign in the United States and Canada aimed to increase awareness among travel agents of the newest and most unique product available in the cruise market today.
The 458-guest, 32,477-ton MITSUI OCEAN FUJI, formerly Seabourn Odyssey, officially launched in December 2024, as Japan’s most luxurious all-suite cruise ship. With spacious guest venues, traditional and heartfelt omotenashi service, delicately flavored and beautifully presented cuisine, lively entertainment and exciting ports of call, MITSUI OCEAN FUJI sails inspiring voyages celebrating Japan’s culture and awesome natural beauty.
“With Japan being a top destination to visit from the U.S. and Canada, we’re in a unique position to offer a one-of-a-kind cruise vacation which represents true Japanese experiences that only a Japanese company can provide, sailing with Japanese guests and crew, and organically feeling the culture in a way that is genuine to how the locals enjoy leisure travel,” said Anthony Kaufman, Head of Commercial Strategies, MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES. “Partnering with the experts of Architects of Travel is an important step to making this unique travel opportunity available to a small number of guests from North America. MITSUI OCEAN FUJI is the best way to visit Japan, with guests seamlessly experiencing Japan on and off the ship.”
MITSUI OCEAN FUJI cruises are inclusive of most beverages such as specialty coffees, wine, beer and cocktails, Wi-Fi, gratuities and one half-day shore excursion in every port with English speaking guides. Ship highlights include:
Luxurious oceanfront, veranda and penthouse suite accommodations featuring Japanese amenities such as kettles, plush robes and slippers, with full bathtubs, separate showers and Japanese bidet-style toilets. Penthouse suites include butler service, specialty dining at HOKUSAI Fine Dining and more.
Four dining venues, serving an omakase sushi dinner, a variety of Japanese local dishes and globally inspired cuisine, including an exclusive cruise line partnership with internationally acclaimed Chef Kiyomi Mikuni, celebrated for his unique culinary style, “JAPONISÉE,” which masterfully blends Japanese flavors with traditional French cuisine.
Several bars and lounges featuring a Japanese gin cart, whiskey and sake sourced from various regions of Japan. Observation Bar 36 offers stunning views, seasonal cocktails and a one-of-a-kind tea-time service featuring three special teas, grown and harvested at the foothills of Mount Fuji. A mysterious Tamatebako box, holding a bounty of Japanese culinary delicacies compliments the hot and cold teas and immerses guests in the classic Japanese folk tale of Urashima Taro.
Entertainment venues with live musicians, vocalists and contemporary Broadway-style production shows filled with exquisite choreography, dazzling costumes and unforgettable musical scores. Japanese traditions include Rakugo, the art of Japanese comic storytelling, craft making, a curated Japanese book collection and special lectures on Japanese culture, tradition and lifestyle.
Spa & Wellness KODAMA, allowing time and space to rejuvenate and restore; Motion and Fitness Studios, two swimming pools, four whirlpools and a recreation area.
A thoughtful shore excursion program to enjoy time ashore, often in smaller ports with fewer tourists, exploring the best that the destinations offer with authentic and exclusive experiences created in partnership with the expertise of local Sensei and tourism boards.
On sale now, MITSUI OCEAN FUJI cruises departing from Japan include Spring and Golden Week Cruises (April-May 2025); a 19-day Grand Asia Cruise (May-July 2025) and Japan Summer Festival Cruises (July-September 2025). Available itineraries:
Blossoms & Cultural Treasures - April 10-17, 2025 (8 days): Roundtrip Yokohama visiting Yeosu (South Korea), Nagasaki and Ibusuki.
Blossoms & Coastal Wonders - April 17-24, 2025 (8 days): Roundtrip Yokohama with Jeju Island (South Korea), Hakata and Sukumo.
Golden Week - April 24-May 5, 2025 (12 days): Roundtrip Yokohama with port stops in Ofunato, Hakodate, Aomori, Miyazu, Hamada and Busan (South Korea).
Seas & Traditions - May 5-13, 2025 (9 days): Roundtrip Yokohama visiting Hofu, Sasebo, Yeosu (South Korea), Shimonoseki and Toba.
Grand Asia - May 21-June 8, 2025 (19 days): Hong Kong (overnight), to Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh (overnight), Sihanoukville - Laem Chabang (overnight) and disembarking in Singapore after an overnight stay.
Summer of Sparkles with Fireworks Festivals - July 17-26, 2025 (10 days): Roundtrip Yokohama to Noshiro, Sadogoshima, Kanazawa, Jeju Island (South Korea).
Festival of Lights - July 26-August 7, 2025 (13 days): Yokohama to Kobe, Busan (South Korea), Sakaiminato, Maizuru, Naoetsu, Sakata, Akita, Aomori and departing in Tokyo.
Rhythm of the Waves with Awa Dance Festival - August 7-16, 2025 (10 days): Roundtrip Tokyo to Kobe, Busan (South Korea), Kochi, Sukumo, Tanegashima and Komatsushima (for Awa Dance Festival)
Fireworks at Sea - August 16-24, 2025 (9 days): From Tokyo with visits to Kumano (for Fireworks Festival), Kochi, Aburatsu, Sasebo, Yeosu (South Korea), Kobe, disembarking in Yokohama.
Sea of Art - August 24-September 2, 2025 (10 days): Roundtrip from Yokohama to Takamatsu, Shodoshima, Nagasaki, Jeju Island (South Korea) and Kobe.
Architects of Travel Executive Suzy Fragnoli added, “We’re thrilled to be working with MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES, and the luxurious MITSUI OCEAN FUJI, delivering a ‘travel like a local’ experience while sharing Japan’s time-honored hospitality to our North American cruise customers. MITSUI OCEAN FUJI will resonate with travelers who wish to explore the most unique aspects of cruising, while uncovering the traditions and hidden gems across both modern and ancient Japan.”
New July 2025-June 2026 itineraries will be announced soon and on sale in early March. More information about MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES and booking details can be found here: https://www.aotcruisejapan.com/itineraries
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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, with a 140-year legacy in Japan and is part of the Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. Ltd. (MOL) group of companies. It operates a fleet of two cruise ships - NIPPON MARU and the newest luxury cruise ship, MITSUI OCEAN FUJI.
About Architects of Travel:
A full-service hospitality sales and marketing firm, Architects of Travel was founded by long-time industry executives Suzy Fragnoli and Albert Hartigan. They bring more than 60 years of experience across the global hospitality space, holding senior management positions at both the supplier and with media partners including best-in-class cruise lines, destinations, tour companies, affinity, consortia and in the business to consumer and business to business travel space. More details are available here: https://www.aotcruisejapan.com/
Contact Information:
MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES:
Karen Candy
+1 661-644-3999
Architects of Travel:
Suzy Fragnoli:
Albert Hartigan:
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