[Tokyo, Japan – September 11, 2025] – MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES today announced the appointment of seasoned travel executive Joe Maloney as the of head of sales for its general sales agent partner in North America, a strategic leadership role as the Japanese Cruise Line continues its growth in the U.S. and Canadian markets.

MOL Cruises, Ltd. [Tsunemichi Mukai – President]: MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES, the time-honored cruise line in Japan and operated by MOL Cruises, has announced its new cruise ship will be named "MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA," and begin operating as a Japanese-flagged ship in late 2026. Former Nippon Maru Captain Satoshi Ninomiya has been appointed one of the ship’s Masters, and Executive Chef Katsutoshi Nakayama, also from Nippon Maru, will lead the culinary team.

MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES today announced the upcoming retirement of the cruise line’s 422-guest NIPPON MARU. The beloved cruise ship will officially retire from the fleet on May 10, 2026, in Yokohama.