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The former Seabourn Sojourn recently arrived in Japan ahead of its maiden cruise for MOL Group's Mitsui Ocean Cruises.
Having completed its final cruise for the luxury brand last month in Vancouver, the Mitsui Ocean Sakura crossed the Pacific in late May.
Set to launch service for the Japanese company in September, the 2010-built ship is now being prepared for its maiden season.
After initially docking at the port of Yokohama on May 30, 2026, the ship entered drydock in Nagasaki in early June.
The 450-passenger vessel will now be adapted to offer Mitsui's locally inspired product, which was created to embody FUNATABI.
According to the company, the concept promotes "beautiful encounters with Japan," creating a "one-of-a-kind luxury experience that is authentically Japanese and unique to the cruise industry."
The vessel will be adapted to reflect "the traditions and spirit" of MOL Group's past passenger ships, Mitsui said.
Highlights of the onboard offerings include the Sushi Bar Shiosai, which will serve freshly prepared sushi, small dishes and sake.
The Sakura is also expected to be reflagged before entering service, and will introduce the Japanese flag.
For its first sailing, the 32,346-ton vessel is set to offer a five-night cruise from Yokohama that will feature visits to Toba and Hidaka.
The ship will continue to offer short cruises across Japan during its maiden season, with itineraries also departing from Tokyo, Kobe, Hakata, Kanazawa, Niigata, Nagoya and Hiroshima.
After retiring the Nippon Maru earlier this year, Mitsui's fleet currently includes a single ship: the Mitsui Ocean Fuji.
A sister to the Mitsui Ocean Sakura, the vessel was originally built for Seabourn before being acquired by the Japanese cruise line in 2024.
Sailing under the flag of Bahamas, the 2009-built ship is currently offering a series of summer cruises in Japan from Kobe, Yokohama and Tokyo.
Fuente: cruise industry news
